ashotinthedark's Clan

Hello there! I was in the Air Force for 4 years. Been to Germany, Spain, San Antonio, TX, Biloxi, MS and Las Vegas, NV. Was able to take a road trip when I left to come back to NY.

My goal is to get to all the lower 48 states, with Alaska and Hawaii being optional (but desired). So far, I've been to NY (live here), PA, OH, IL, IN, IA, NE, AZ, UT, CO, NV, CA, MD, WV, VA, TX, LA, SD, WY, MT, ID and MS.

I have also been to Canada a couple of times.

I am a weather observer. Due to this, I work odd shifts because I work part time. Weekends in particular I definitely work. And holidays. I have 2 fuzz beasts! One is named Jiro and the other is Lou. Jiro's a sweet Shiba Inu and Lou is a cute Corgi/Shiba mix!!

Some clan stuff:

Clan Spiraling Tempest

The Main 3 are considered to be the founders of the clan. They are Yarekma, Joseff and Spira.

The clan's mission statement is to serve under the clan deity (aka Stormcatcher). However, many clan members are from different flights. As such, while they also work for the clan's benefit, they are still very much free to honor their patron deity and not worry about being ostracized.

Dragons that are very in tune with their magic and/or deity end up developing a sigil that appears on their forehead, signifying their devotion. There is one in the Clan that is focused on trying to overcome her element that she was born into and become another one. As a result, a weak sigil has indeed appeared on her forehead; however unlike the others that fit well into their element, she needs to constantly maintain what she does in order to keep that sigil. Most sigil owners are incredibly devoted to their deity and often serve as spiritual leaders and advisers for others in their element.

Crowns are for those that show leadership. They can be a fighter or a magic user. The point is that they have taken on the leadership role.

As far as the Beastclans go, they are treated like a rival dragon clan. If friendly, then they'll be left alone or aided. If hostile, negotiations will be used to avoid conflict. However, should they attack before negotiations can be done, then the clan will be defended at any cost.

Friendly Beastclan members are free to stay and enjoy protection by the clan. They are also free to practice their customs as they see fit, as long as said customs don't hurt other clan members. If they wish to be permanent members, then they are considered as part of the clan and are tasked with joining a particular branch that they wish.

The branches are as follows-Hunting/Gathering under Yarekma (Claws are given to each member to aid in hunting and cutting.), Clan Protection and Warfare Ethics under Joseff (Members have a sword to represent this.) and Magic/Diplomacy under Spira(Staves or bow and arrows are the favored weapons for most. Those that have sigils do not need to wear either but some choose to).

One subdivision is Mechanics. That is under Kastra. Basically anything involving that, including forging materials to use for the making of machines. It is considered both for hunting and gathering as well as defense, so Kastra has to answer to Yarekma and Joseff as to how things are going.

Another is Intel. This involves anything from spying to using manipulation during diplomacy to even interrogations. Vesper is the head of this subdivision and answers to Joseff and Spira.

Another one is Nest Watch. Terfel is the head here and it's a nursery. He as well as others watch over the nests and take care of any hatchlings. Here is where a lot of the Beastclan members that have become part of the clan often end up, teaching the hatchlings about their culture and languages. Terfel answers to the Main 3 on any issues or concerns in this area.

The newest subdivision is Culinary, with Kodiak and Gloriana as the head chefs and are charged with feeding the Clan. With help from the Mechanics subdivision, each den in the lair has a computer that connects to a computer in the kitchen where they can place their orders. They report to Yarekma.

As far as the AH and general selling goes-most familiars are sold to others. However when it comes to the Beastclans, the money from that comes from them as thanks for protection, quarters, food and other things. It is optional, but every Beastclan member has seen to making sure the clan is compensated for their aid. Sometimes they'll come back if they haven't yet found another place to stay.

I take a similar view with dragons. The money that goes to their original clan is from the dragon/hatchling's adventures while out trying to find themselves and where they fit in the world. Sometimes, they come back because they couldn't find another clan that they'd fit into.

There are 'half dragons' which were originally non dragon creatures that had been messed with by dragons; either in the egg or snatched while doing their daily stuff. An overwhelming portion of them have just enough magic for their dragon half to exist; however those that didn't have an elemental affiliation before end up with magic stores that the average dragon would have. It is not known why, but it's thought to be connected to a sudden change in alignment. Half dragons live longer than if they stayed what they would have been, but have shorted lives than dragons. How well they adjust depends on when they were changed-it's easier for those changed in the egg to adjust to dragon society than those that had existed as themselves prior to being captured.

Aloy, being a Seeker, is considered to represent all parts of the Clan rather than a specific part. Weaponry associated with a specific part doesn't apply to her.

While many members are well adjusted, there are those that have had to deal with prejudice, mental illness and others. Redemption, tolerance as well as coping with mental scars can be considered themes for some dragons. There are many that are well adjusted too; been trying to have a nuanced lair with dragons of different stripes.

Also, as I believe in giving credit where it is due, thanks to Snapdragon and Ariehenix for their templates. I mostly used Snapdragon's, but I did add in a few elements from Ariehenix. Also flags and icons are from the ever incredible osiem.