Creative Corner

1782

October 12, 2016 19:28:45

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The Cord of Houses
Tangled bloodlines, woven lineages

If you travel far enough through the vast white expanses of the Southern Icefield, you may find a bizarre patch of land that defies the natural order. Cloaked in the icy mists lies a warm, lush glade - thriving, as if the snow swirling outside its reaches was merely the last gasp of winter in early spring.

While this land would seem to be a natural safe haven from the harsh climate, an enormous down side has deterred many potential settlers: Magic as it is known simply does not function within the region. Most were not willing to surrender their innate power... But those who took that risk would eventually found the Cord of Houses.

Looking for info on Veil Bog or Moorsedge Manor? Info on my inactive factions can be found here.

Last edited on Jan 14, 2017 13:35:28 by Chee

[center][color=#450045][size=7][font=Constantia]Overview[/font][/size][/color][/center] For ages, very few dragons ventured into the glade, and those who did only stayed briefly. The surrounding areas are very vast and uninhabitable, making it a trial just to reach the glade's outskirts. The magic void within the area posed a threat to many dragons whose innate magics enable their survival. For those who could survive without it, the lack of magic would still haunt visitors with an aching hollowness. It was a long time before any committed to stay within the glade. Its first residents were mostly exiles, runaways, or merchant suppliers seeking out rare herbs. Settlements did not arise until an era of disaster that scattered clans all around the continent, forcing remnants to seek refuge wherever they could. The new home in the glade was, for most, begrudgingly accepted. While a great many continued to treat the place as a temporary home, early innovators were not content to stew in the discomfort of a magic-free zone. It took generations of researchers to develop the first functional magic, in the form of simple alchemy. While this form of magic developed into a complex system with abundant possibilities, throughout the ages it would still follow a format much like traditional alchemy. It did not take long for this new magic to be a point of contention among the glade residents. Spell designers started to protect their spells from replication by purposely making them over complex. More aggressive designers may design in sabotaging elements that would trigger if the spell was not flawlessly replicated. While efforts were made by some groups to encourage accessible spells, they never gained enough sway. Eventually, spell protections became so advanced that the majority of spells became exclusive to individuals and their kin. At present, all but the most basic of spells are designed in such a way that only certain families can cast them. These bloodline spells became the cornerstone by which society was built upon. Various family units, called Houses, make up the ruling parties of the territory. [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [center][color=#450045][size=7][font=Constantia]Glossary[/font][/size][/color][/center] [b]The glade:[/b] An unusually lush territory that serves as the setting for my lore. Its early residents never intended to stay permanently, and therefore never bothered to give it a proper name. After generations of denizens stubbornly refusing to name the place, the consensus seemed to be that the place just didn't need a name anyway. [b]Houses:[/b] Family units that possess at least one bloodline spell [Defined below]. Often vassals and servants are included as members of the House, but may not have access to the family's spells. [b]Head of House:[/b] The leader(s) of the house. Typically just an individual, though circumstances may place two or more dragons in this position. There are many rules and practices of maintaining this hierarchy. [b]Heir:[/b] Any direct descendant of the current head of house. [b]Heir Apparent / Presumptive:[/b] The specific family member that will become the next head of house when the current one dies or retires. [b]Vassal:[/b] An important person loyal to the House, but they are not blood related or too distantly related to have direct access to bloodline spells. Many houses allow officially appointed vassals to have access to lower forms of bloodline spells. They are usually given positions of great importance within management of the House, such as advisers or guard captains. [b]Servant:[/b] When speaking of a person's position within a house, a servant of a house is not always a literal servant. Instead, this is a general term for any person who works exclusively for a specific house. [b]Threads[/b]: A term generally used by Housefolk to refer to commonfolk that do not belong to a House. Only used to refer to commonfolk in general or as an adjective to describe such things. It is also sometimes used to describe villages where such commonfolk live. [i]"There's a thread village just outside of our territory" "I don't know how the threads get by without a House of their own"[/i] would be valid examples. It generally is not used to identify an individual- "A thread woman purchased a spell scroll today" would be an strange usage of the terminology. [size=5][b]Magic Terminology: [/b][/size] [b]Traditional / Natural Magic:[/b] Refers to the normal kinds of magic dragons typically have access to innately. Such magic does not function within the glade. [b]Bloodline Spell:[/b] A spell that can only be cast by members of a specific House. Traditionally they were exclusive to true family members only, but more recent generations have widened the scope of them to sometimes include vassals as well. [b]Spell Patent / Protection:[/b] Parts of a spell that prevent it from being replicated easily or prevent the spell from being used in an unauthorized way. Typically a self-sabotaging function is triggered when the spell is used improperly. [b]Spell Key:[/b] An insignia typically printed on a ring, amulet, or tattooed on the palm. Houses can create and distribute them to allow people outside of their bloodline to activate a bloodline spell. They are uniquely paired to individual instance of a spell, much like a real key working for only one lock.

Chee

1782

October 12, 2016 19:29:02

Overview

For ages, very few dragons ventured into the glade, and those who did only stayed briefly. The surrounding areas are very vast and uninhabitable, making it a trial just to reach the glade's outskirts. The magic void within the area posed a threat to many dragons whose innate magics enable their survival. For those who could survive without it, the lack of magic would still haunt visitors with an aching hollowness.

It was a long time before any committed to stay within the glade. Its first residents were mostly exiles, runaways, or merchant suppliers seeking out rare herbs. Settlements did not arise until an era of disaster that scattered clans all around the continent, forcing remnants to seek refuge wherever they could.

The new home in the glade was, for most, begrudgingly accepted. While a great many continued to treat the place as a temporary home, early innovators were not content to stew in the discomfort of a magic-free zone.

It took generations of researchers to develop the first functional magic, in the form of simple alchemy. While this form of magic developed into a complex system with abundant possibilities, throughout the ages it would still follow a format much like traditional alchemy.

It did not take long for this new magic to be a point of contention among the glade residents. Spell designers started to protect their spells from replication by purposely making them over complex. More aggressive designers may design in sabotaging elements that would trigger if the spell was not flawlessly replicated. While efforts were made by some groups to encourage accessible spells, they never gained enough sway. Eventually, spell protections became so advanced that the majority of spells became exclusive to individuals and their kin.

At present, all but the most basic of spells are designed in such a way that only certain families can cast them. These bloodline spells became the cornerstone by which society was built upon. Various family units, called Houses, make up the ruling parties of the territory.

Glossary

The glade: An unusually lush territory that serves as the setting for my lore. Its early residents never intended to stay permanently, and therefore never bothered to give it a proper name. After generations of denizens stubbornly refusing to name the place, the consensus seemed to be that the place just didn't need a name anyway.

Houses: Family units that possess at least one bloodline spell [Defined below]. Often vassals and servants are included as members of the House, but may not have access to the family's spells.

Head of House: The leader(s) of the house. Typically just an individual, though circumstances may place two or more dragons in this position. There are many rules and practices of maintaining this hierarchy.

Heir: Any direct descendant of the current head of house.

Heir Apparent / Presumptive: The specific family member that will become the next head of house when the current one dies or retires.

Vassal: An important person loyal to the House, but they are not blood related or too distantly related to have direct access to bloodline spells. Many houses allow officially appointed vassals to have access to lower forms of bloodline spells. They are usually given positions of great importance within management of the House, such as advisers or guard captains.

Servant: When speaking of a person's position within a house, a servant of a house is not always a literal servant. Instead, this is a general term for any person who works exclusively for a specific house.

Threads: A term generally used by Housefolk to refer to commonfolk that do not belong to a House.
Only used to refer to commonfolk in general or as an adjective to describe such things. It is also sometimes used to describe villages where such commonfolk live. "There's a thread village just outside of our territory" "I don't know how the threads get by without a House of their own" would be valid examples. It generally is not used to identify an individual- "A thread woman purchased a spell scroll today" would be an strange usage of the terminology.

Magic Terminology:

Traditional / Natural Magic: Refers to the normal kinds of magic dragons typically have access to innately. Such magic does not function within the glade.

Bloodline Spell: A spell that can only be cast by members of a specific House. Traditionally they were exclusive to true family members only, but more recent generations have widened the scope of them to sometimes include vassals as well.

Spell Patent / Protection: Parts of a spell that prevent it from being replicated easily or prevent the spell from being used in an unauthorized way. Typically a self-sabotaging function is triggered when the spell is used improperly.

Spell Key: An insignia typically printed on a ring, amulet, or tattooed on the palm. Houses can create and distribute them to allow people outside of their bloodline to activate a bloodline spell. They are uniquely paired to individual instance of a spell, much like a real key working for only one lock.

Last edited on Jul 15, 2017 09:00:03 by Chee

Glade Magic: A Primer

Spells within the glade require a few pieces and procedures.

Spell Inscription: Spells must start with a written or illustrated piece that outlines its function. Think of the inscription much like the raw code of a program.
Spell Vector: Whatever the spell inscription is written on. Often this means parchment for single use spells, wood that can be carved for more permanent spells, even the body can be marked to be a spell vector.
Mana: Any processed resource that is capable of powering any kind of spell. Various kinds of resources can create it, though usually it's made into a liquid form. Plant based materials are the most common mana sources. Mana can be consumed by the spell caster or applied to the spell inscription (directly, or put into a basin connected to the spell vector.)
Spell Components: Additional materials needed for the spell to function. Only more complex spells require such materials. For example, a spell that involves scrying may require a reflective surface like a mirror or basin of water to display the scryed image.

More specific spell types:

Spell Circles: Often spells that are continuously active. Writing the inscription into a loop allows it to repeat parts or simply make relevant directives go on infinitely. Despite the name, a spell "circle" can be any closed shape, not just a circle. The circle must be constructed with mana-dense materials OR it must be periodically refueled in order to ensure continuous operation.
Spell Markings: A spell inscription put directly on the body of a dragon. Tattoos of useful spells are very common, though body paint is sometimes used for short-term usage. Spell markings are most often placed on the arms and hands. More complex spells will be inscribed on the back or chest. Mana is used most often through the wielder consuming it. Holding the mana source will work, though consumable mana sources are preferred for these types of spells, to allow the hands to be free to wield the magic.
Spell Scrolls: Most often, a single use version of a spell that self destructs (usually harmlessly) after the spell is resolved. Historically, early spells were almost exclusively inscribed on very long scrolls, as other methods had yet to be discovered and inscriptions were long and inefficient. Antique spell scrolls are reusable, but modern ones are not.
Enchantment: A general term for any kind of spell that enhances a non-magical item in some way. Spell circles are typical applications since they are continuous, but are not the only method of enchanting things. Example: A floor may have an enchantment (in the form of a spell circle) to repel dust. A door may have an enchantment (as a simpler inscription) that locks itself whenever the house owner leaves.

Bloodline Spells
While family units can be organized in a variety of ways, bloodline magic has a very specific set of laws ruling it. While culture surrounding families and houses may change over the generations, these rules have remained steadfast and very difficult to alter. Very few loopholes have been discovered over the ages.

Bloodline spells are accessible, first and most obviously, by members within the House's primary bloodline(s). For most Houses, there is just one ruling family, though there are a few Houses who have resulted from merged families.

The Head of House is an important point of comparison for determining how close an individual is to the core bloodline. Bloodline magic accessibility can really be shaken up when a new Head of House is appointed after the previous one retires or dies. Accessibility is secure for the Head of Houses's descendants up to their great-grandchildren. More distant relatives may not have access if the House has more restrictive spell protections.

Marriage is another method of accessing bloodline spells. Though technically not of the bloodline, marriage partners and their immediate family gain access to their spouse's bloodline spells for the duration of the marriage. If the marriage produces offspring, this access becomes permanent. Therefore, a pair of Houses interested in brief alliance may marry two individuals who are unable to procreate - The bloodline spells will only be shared while both of those individuals live.

Example 1 House Red specializes in fire spells. House Blue specializes in household enchantments. During a particularly harsh season, the two houses come together to create profitable enchantments to stave off the cold. By marrying the houses together, both houses are able to use a combination of bloodline magics to create enchanted fireplaces that keep houses thoroughly warm with very little maintenance. As they don't anticipate this combination to be a permanent need, the selected marriage candidates are ones that aren't able to produce offspring. The two families enjoy decades of alliance.

Chee

1782

October 12, 2016 19:29:23

Glade Magic: A Primer

Spells within the glade require a few pieces and procedures.

Spell Inscription: Spells must start with a written or illustrated piece that outlines its function. Think of the inscription much like the raw code of a program.
Spell Vector: Whatever the spell inscription is written on. Often this means parchment for single use spells, wood that can be carved for more permanent spells, even the body can be marked to be a spell vector.
Mana: Any processed resource that is capable of powering any kind of spell. Various kinds of resources can create it, though usually it's made into a liquid form. Plant based materials are the most common mana sources. Mana can be consumed by the spell caster or applied to the spell inscription (directly, or put into a basin connected to the spell vector.)
Spell Components: Additional materials needed for the spell to function. Only more complex spells require such materials. For example, a spell that involves scrying may require a reflective surface like a mirror or basin of water to display the scryed image.

More specific spell types:

Spell Circles: Often spells that are continuously active. Writing the inscription into a loop allows it to repeat parts or simply make relevant directives go on infinitely. Despite the name, a spell "circle" can be any closed shape, not just a circle. The circle must be constructed with mana-dense materials OR it must be periodically refueled in order to ensure continuous operation.
Spell Markings: A spell inscription put directly on the body of a dragon. Tattoos of useful spells are very common, though body paint is sometimes used for short-term usage. Spell markings are most often placed on the arms and hands. More complex spells will be inscribed on the back or chest. Mana is used most often through the wielder consuming it. Holding the mana source will work, though consumable mana sources are preferred for these types of spells, to allow the hands to be free to wield the magic.
Spell Scrolls: Most often, a single use version of a spell that self destructs (usually harmlessly) after the spell is resolved. Historically, early spells were almost exclusively inscribed on very long scrolls, as other methods had yet to be discovered and inscriptions were long and inefficient. Antique spell scrolls are reusable, but modern ones are not.
Enchantment: A general term for any kind of spell that enhances a non-magical item in some way. Spell circles are typical applications since they are continuous, but are not the only method of enchanting things. Example: A floor may have an enchantment (in the form of a spell circle) to repel dust. A door may have an enchantment (as a simpler inscription) that locks itself whenever the house owner leaves.

Bloodline Spells
While family units can be organized in a variety of ways, bloodline magic has a very specific set of laws ruling it. While culture surrounding families and houses may change over the generations, these rules have remained steadfast and very difficult to alter. Very few loopholes have been discovered over the ages.

Bloodline spells are accessible, first and most obviously, by members within the House's primary bloodline(s). For most Houses, there is just one ruling family, though there are a few Houses who have resulted from merged families.

The Head of House is an important point of comparison for determining how close an individual is to the core bloodline. Bloodline magic accessibility can really be shaken up when a new Head of House is appointed after the previous one retires or dies. Accessibility is secure for the Head of Houses's descendants up to their great-grandchildren. More distant relatives may not have access if the House has more restrictive spell protections.

Marriage is another method of accessing bloodline spells. Though technically not of the bloodline, marriage partners and their immediate family gain access to their spouse's bloodline spells for the duration of the marriage. If the marriage produces offspring, this access becomes permanent. Therefore, a pair of Houses interested in brief alliance may marry two individuals who are unable to procreate - The bloodline spells will only be shared while both of those individuals live.

Example 1 House Red specializes in fire spells. House Blue specializes in household enchantments. During a particularly harsh season, the two houses come together to create profitable enchantments to stave off the cold. By marrying the houses together, both houses are able to use a combination of bloodline magics to create enchanted fireplaces that keep houses thoroughly warm with very little maintenance. As they don't anticipate this combination to be a permanent need, the selected marriage candidates are ones that aren't able to produce offspring. The two families enjoy decades of alliance.

Last edited on Mar 28, 2017 06:08:00 by Chee

[center][color=#450045][size=7][font=Constantia]Houses[/font][/size][/color][/center] [i]There are several dozen major Houses within the Cord and even more minor houses, but only a few will be represented. [/i] [columns][img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/4f0a280038e119671841dd5ff0999fe8/tumblr_inline_ofboh3i32Q1qdxu5r_540.png[/img][color=#EEEEEE]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Sinistra[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Weapon and armor enchantments, item conjuring[/color] An old family that always seems to rest comfortably among the upper class even in times of revolution and upheaval. While they have never been among the highest echelons of the Cord, they are always allied with Houses that are quickly moving to the top. While their reputation is mild, those who have gotten in their way truly know how underhanded and ruthless they can be. Head of House --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27493708][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/274938/27493708.png[/img][/url] Household --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24423300][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/244234/24423300p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28033511][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/280336/28033511p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26762574] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/267626/26762574p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24463666][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/244637/24463666p.png[/img][/url][/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/43e2a40765ea2c91e0dc1e6c5b9b0687/tumblr_ofhim7scKS1tcuk4xo1_250.png[/img][color=#EEEEEE]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Aresca[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Healing and protection[/color] A troubled house whose core lineage suffers from frail bodies and mangled, withered wings. But as a result, House Aresca has developed many spells to cope. House Aresca keeps a former servant of the Windsinger, Siroc, contained within their territory, though why he is there remains a secret. To protect both their ward and their feeble heirs, the House made their home a veritable fortress. Head of House --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28233985][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/282340/28233985.png[/img][/url] Household --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30239941][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/302400/30239941p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26715870][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/267159/26715870p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27802811] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/278029/27802811p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28160370][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/281604/28160370p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30239942][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/302400/30239942p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29460780][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/294608/29460780p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=33030436][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/330305/33030436p.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]http://68.media.tumblr.com/584f8b59675decacb1249aa6f60fba39/tumblr_inline_oh2rv14jQI1qdxu5r_250.png[/img][color=#EEEEEE]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Luzuri[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Divination and Astronomy[/color] House Luzuri is one that has found itself on the decline. It enjoyed prominence at the height of a fortune-telling fad, but failed to adapt when such things fell out of fashion. Their latest major effort in staying relevant involved the previous head of house selling rigged fortunes - making for a brief boost in business, but ruining their name when the nature of these spells were discovered. The house is currently barely surviving on their remaining wealth. They are a laughing stock among the Cord. Head of House --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31258858][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/312589/31258858.png[/img][/url] Household --- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24436674][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/244367/24436674p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=5754995][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/57550/5754995p.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]http://i.imgur.com/7tJSB7O.png[/img][color=#EEEEEE]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Talonclasp[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Transformation[/color] An extinct House that met its downfall due to its own greed. House Talonclasp was the first to create spells that allowed dragons to change form while within the glade. Previously, one would have to travel outside the glade to shapeshift. House Talonclasp became the wealthiest house by selling charms that contained their shapeshifting spells. Talonclasp Pendants were their most sought-after ones, as they were reusable unlike most other charms. House Talonclasp protected these spells ferociously, even going so far as to destroy the research of other Houses who were attempting to make their own versions. So desperate for the ability to transform, the other Houses were not content to allow House Talonclasp to keep it to themselves forever. Rioters stormed the Talonclasp manor, razing the place and sparing only a few members of the family and their spell notes. The remaining Talonclasps were held hostage until they could reverse-engineer the spell and make it accessible to all. The House never recovered from this destruction. [columns]Remaining Lineage [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27062234][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/270623/27062234.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]http://i.imgur.com/VTc9426.png[/img][color=#EEEEEE]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Cygnus[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Mana production, general spell utility[/color] An old house that prospered early from producing mana and spell vectors. Connections to the arcane flight allowed easy import of mana rich crystals. Over generations, those among the Cord would discover other mana sources and methods of creating spells, and House Cygnus's extreme wealth diminished. However, they are still sustaining comfortably by selling mana crystals as the most conveniently usable mana source. They are known for being quite eccentric and flippantly adding people into the family. Head of House [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27442518][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/274426/27442518.png[/img][/url] Household ———————————————— [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=23592743][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/235928/23592743p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26331743][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/263318/26331743p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28461455][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/284615/28461455p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28624532][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/286246/28624532p.png[/img][/url] [/columns]

Chee

1782

October 12, 2016 19:29:47

Houses

There are several dozen major Houses within the Cord and even more minor houses, but only a few will be represented.

||||

House Sinistra
Spell Specialty: Weapon and armor enchantments, item conjuring

An old family that always seems to rest comfortably among the upper class even in times of revolution and upheaval. While they have never been among the highest echelons of the Cord, they are always allied with Houses that are quickly moving to the top. While their reputation is mild, those who have gotten in their way truly know how underhanded and ruthless they can be.

Head of House ---

Household ---

||||

House Aresca
Spell Specialty: Healing and protection

A troubled house whose core lineage suffers from frail bodies and mangled, withered wings. But as a result, House Aresca has developed many spells to cope. House Aresca keeps a former servant of the Windsinger, Siroc, contained within their territory, though why he is there remains a secret. To protect both their ward and their feeble heirs, the House made their home a veritable fortress.

Head of House ---

Household ---

||||

House Luzuri
Spell Specialty: Divination and Astronomy

House Luzuri is one that has found itself on the decline. It enjoyed prominence at the height of a fortune-telling fad, but failed to adapt when such things fell out of fashion. Their latest major effort in staying relevant involved the previous head of house selling rigged fortunes - making for a brief boost in business, but ruining their name when the nature of these spells were discovered. The house is currently barely surviving on their remaining wealth. They are a laughing stock among the Cord.

Head of House ---

Household ---

||||

House Talonclasp
Spell Specialty: Transformation

An extinct House that met its downfall due to its own greed. House Talonclasp was the first to create spells that allowed dragons to change form while within the glade. Previously, one would have to travel outside the glade to shapeshift. House Talonclasp became the wealthiest house by selling charms that contained their shapeshifting spells. Talonclasp Pendants were their most sought-after ones, as they were reusable unlike most other charms. House Talonclasp protected these spells ferociously, even going so far as to destroy the research of other Houses who were attempting to make their own versions.
So desperate for the ability to transform, the other Houses were not content to allow House Talonclasp to keep it to themselves forever. Rioters stormed the Talonclasp manor, razing the place and sparing only a few members of the family and their spell notes. The remaining Talonclasps were held hostage until they could reverse-engineer the spell and make it accessible to all. The House never recovered from this destruction.

Remaining Lineage

||||

House Cygnus
Spell Specialty: Mana production, general spell utility

An old house that prospered early from producing mana and spell vectors. Connections to the arcane flight allowed easy import of mana rich crystals. Over generations, those among the Cord would discover other mana sources and methods of creating spells, and House Cygnus's extreme wealth diminished. However, they are still sustaining comfortably by selling mana crystals as the most conveniently usable mana source. They are known for being quite eccentric and flippantly adding people into the family.

Head of House

Household ————————————————

Last edited on Jul 15, 2017 13:18:47 by Chee

[columns][img]http://i.imgur.com/dPPlHM2.png[/img][color=#FFFFFF]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Sagini[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Travel[/color] It can be a challenge for water dragons to thrive in a land-locked territory, but House Sagini has adapted. The House gained a foothold among the Cord early on by developing spells to maintain aqueducts and wells. This was the bread and butter of the house - Sagini scholars were more passionate and experimental with spells that would aid in travel. House Sagini is probably the House with the least attachment to the land. Few of its members are permanent residents, instead opting to sail the outer sea. Recently, the previous Head of House has passed away. River is next in the line of succession, but is currently displaced from the family of her own will. Head of House ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29413940][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/294140/29413940.png[/img][/url] Household ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28974872][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/289749/28974872p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29508915] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/295090/29508915p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26281669][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/262817/26281669p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=29232395][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/292324/29232395p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=27012642][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/270127/27012642p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32889986][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/328900/32889986p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31331586][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/313316/31331586p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24354606][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/243547/24354606p.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]http://i.imgur.com/XyDW378.png[/img][color=#FFFFFF]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Atreas[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Anti-magic[/color] What House Atreas is depends on who you ask. Most among the Cord only refer to them as a House sarcastically, viewing them as mere upstart ruffians. Some treat them as cryptids, monsters of folklore - creatures that will nab children who don't behave or wander too far from home. In truth, House Atreas is not truly a House at all, but a collection of dissidents who forsake toothless and weak human forms and shape shift into monstrous humanoids. House Atreas seeks to undo the magic the Cord has created and return the natural order - complete magic nullification - to the glade. Head of House ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2964370][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/29644/2964370.png[/img][/url] Household ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=2964372][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/29644/2964372p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32991810][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/329919/32991810p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=26074761][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/260748/26074761p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=18274042][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/182741/18274042p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=19518791][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/195188/19518791p.png[/img][/url][url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30744647] [img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/307447/30744647p.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/9957ee63ca8ee3176380f8c7bf312840/tumblr_inline_oo0geph89w1qdxu5r_540.png[/img][color=#FFFFFF]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Phaerakesse[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b] Entertainment, Ceremony[/color] House Phaerakesse was long known for their lineage of peerless singers, actors, dancers, and all manner of entertainers. There was no party or event House Phaerakesse did not have a hand in. Recently, however, they have taken up the mantle as the royal family of the glade. The glade is not at all a monarchy, but the precarious nature of rulership can make connections to outside nations tenuous. To put on a mask of stability, House Phaerakesse was positioned as a puppet monarchy. They would be the face of the glade to the benefit of all other houses, and in exchange they wouldn't need to squabble for power. Head of House ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=31950147][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/319502/31950147.png[/img][/url] Household ---- [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24471246][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/244713/24471246p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30444846][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/304449/30444846p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30444847][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/304449/30444847p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32278805][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/322789/32278805p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=32754443][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/327545/32754443p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24129802][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/241299/24129802p.png[/img][/url] [/columns] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/165cfba6ba54947dbe55623f94072c42/tumblr_osmffafBzm1tcuk4xo1_1280.png[/img] [columns][img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/1f167136907953c98e8f25bfdb987b77/tumblr_oo0gqfowRk1tcuk4xo1_250.png[/img][color=#FFFFFF]||||[/color][nextcol][color=#445742][size=6][font=Constantia]House Undermoor[/font][/size] [b]Spell Specialty:[/b]Destruction[/color] wip [columns]Head of House[color=#FFFFFF]|||||[/color] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24471246][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/244713/24471246p.png[/img][/url][color=#EEEEEE]|||[/color] [nextcol]Household ———————————————— [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=28533568][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/285336/28533568p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30444846][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/304449/30444846p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=30444847][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/304449/30444847p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24309256][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/243093/24309256p.png[/img][/url] [url=http://flightrising.com/main.php?dragon=24129802][img]http://flightrising.com/rendern/portraits/241299/24129802p.png[/img][/url][/columns] [/columns]

Chee