Breeds lore
Written by wonderful @syrups based on official lore from the Encyclopedia
Fae dragons
The smallest of all known species, Fae dragons, originate from the Starwood Strand. They are active dragons who use their large, expressive crests for communication. Their reliance on their crests to convey intent combined with their monotone speech makes conversations between Fae and other species difficult. Their nests are spun from tree sap, which they cure with magic. Fae are highly attuned to the natural magic in their environment and can channel elemental energy to supplement their internal reserves, allowing them to cast destructive elemental spells.
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Tundra dragons
Tundra dragons are a hardy species hailing from the Snowsquall Tundra. They are covered in coat of thick fur that becomes especially dense and warm during winter. Though they may forget many details about dragons whom they have not seen in a while, their olfactory memory—of friends or foes—is excellent. Being natural burrowers, they dig elaborate, labyrinthine underground lairs. They form deep family bonds and will stand together to fend off attacks, using timed breath attacks to overwhelm foes.
Mirror dragons
The Mirror dragon species originates from The Abiding Boneyard but migrates to all regions as packs form or split up to find new hunting grounds. Unique to this species is their second set of eyes which allows them to track prey by its heat signature. They hunt on land in immense packs of their own kind, making lone Mirrors a rare sight. Favoring action over words, Mirror dragons fight to kill, utilizing the speed and strength of their pack to their advantage.
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Guardian dragons
The immense Guardian species has its origins in Fishspine Reef. On reaching adulthood, every Guardian departs its birth clan to begin a journey known as The Search, seeking out a charge they will protect for as long as they live. Only once they find something worth protecting are they seen as true adults to other Guardians—and an inability to protect their charge constitutes a dishonorable failure. Their enormous size, tough hide, and large wings make them durable protectors for smaller dragons during combat.
Bogsneak dragons
The elusive Bogsneak species is the result of an accidental synthetic genetic mutation discovered by Baldwin the alchemist. Once mutated, they can pass on the gene to their offspring. These robust dragons prefer to live alone and focus on self-preservation. When building a nest, they choose murky, swampy, dark, damp environments. Cunning and adept at sneaking about, Bogsneaks utilize the element of surprise to protect their nest, disappearing into the shadow after an attack.
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Coatl dragons
The Coatl species, originating from the Emberglow Hearth, is renowned for its vibrant plumage—so much so that grey or white Coatls are viewed as bad omens. They communicate by humming at varying pitches. Their attachment to their native home is stronger than that of other dragons: during the mating season, Coatls feel a nearly irresistible drive to migrate back to the Hearth. Rather than fighting, Coatls try to solve quarrels through gift-giving, although their fiery temper is not to be underestimated.
Nocturne dragons
The Nocturne species emerges from the Tangled Wood only for a short time around the Winter Solstice. During the day, they keep warm by wrapping their batlike wings around their bodies. They mimic those around them, taking on the habits and personalities of the species and individuals in their clan—between Nocturnes, this can create a feedback loop of individuals copying each other’s copying. Although they fare poorly in physical confrontations, they are masters of deceit when allowed to act away from the front lines.
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Imperial dragons
In the Beacon of the Radiant Eye, Imperials were created as the first of Light’s children. These enormous dragons are emotionally distant but devoted to perfecting the crafts of their clan. Though they and Pearlcatchers have a mutual disdain for each other, Imperials get along well with other species. However, they do not associate with many others of their own kind and their burial rites are a mystery—possibly because fallen Imperials may amalgam into powerful, mindless monstrosities known as Emperors.
Pearlcatcher dragons
The haughty Pearlcatcher species hails from the Sunbeam Ruins. Lovers of gossip, they consider themselves to be above other species. After hatching, newborns consume their eggshells and regurgitate a lustrous pearl, which they add to by secreting a black mucus. To these dragons, pearls represent the dragon’s experience and memory, making the loss of the pearl equal to a loss of identity. In battle, they are cowardly, offering gossip in exchange for safety or attacking with magic from afar—but only when they have an advantage.
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Ridgeback dragons
Cunning and imposing, the Ridgeback species originates from The Shifting Expanse. They derive their name from the spines which run down their backs and which are molted regularly as they grow. These spines make formidable weapons in close combat. They are infamous for their custom of borrowing, both from individuals and from neighboring territories. Borrowing items back and forth forms the foundation for relationships between Ridgebacks. They love to tunnel and constantly dig to expand their lair.
Snapper dragons
Snapper dragons are solid, landbound dragons that are perfectly adapted to life in their home on The Shattered Plain. They are a nomadic species who follow paths known only to their kind, gaining knowledge and wisdom as they travel. This makes them into living, breathing encyclopedias of even the most difficult-to-obtain information. While they do not seek out confrontation, they will use their powerful beaks or hefty bulk to attack, or they will defend themselves by lowering themselves to the ground, protecting their softer underbellies.
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Skydancer dragons
The Skydancer species originates from The Reedcleft Ascent. They are covered in fur and feathers, but their most extraordinary feature is the gem-like sphere on their forehead. This sphere and the antennae that frame it allow Skydancers to sense magical energy and the disposition of other creatures. Their ability to read others makes excellent mediators and scouts of this gentle species. They are highly social and will rotate the care for nests and hatchlings, allowing families to dedicate ample time to caring for their newborns.
Spiral dragons
The (hyper)active Spiral species hails from the Zephyr Steppes. As their name suggests, they use the extra wings on their arms and legs to help propel and steer their serpentine bodies through a spiraling flight pattern. Unfocused but excellent multitaskers, they teeter between bursts of activity and sudden naps. They burrow winding tunnels just wide enough to fit their bodies. Being so agile, they can cast spells in quick succession while avoiding attacks, but their reliance on all six wings is a major weak point.
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Wildclaw dragons
Though the Wildclaw species originates from the Shrieking Wilds, a deep hatred rages between this population and those who have migrated to The Wandering Contagion. Wildclaw society is one where might makes right, and an individual’s worth is tied to their strength and ability to provide for the clan. Those lower in the hierarchy may instead work to beautify the clan’s lairs. A large family tree is considered prestigious, and Wildclaws are careful to choose only the most suitable mates. When paired with a mate from another species, a Wildclaw will fight alone to keep their partner away from danger.
