Asterius

Least Concern The European Swallowtail is present throughout the entire Palearctic region, ranging from Russia to China and Japan, (including the Himalayas and Taiwan), and across into Alaska, Canada, and the United States, and thus, is not restricted to the Old World, despite the common name. As it is widespread throughout Eurasia and often common, it is not threatened as a species, however It is listed as "vulnerable" in South Korea and Austria, and the former Soviet Union. In some countries, P. machaon and its subspecies are protected by law. This species frequents alpine meadows and hillsides, and males are fond of 'hilltopping', congregating near summits to compete for passing females.

Fun Fact: The caterpillar spends the first part of its life with the appearance of a bird dropping, an effective defense against predators. As the caterpillar grows larger, it becomes green with black and orange markings. It has a defense against predators in the form of an "osmeterium," which consists of retractable, fleshy projections behind its head that can release a foul smell if disturbed, which deters insects, but not birds.


Asterius has been a resident of Owl Wood since March, 2016. Originally named SirGallant for his attitude of bravery, high spirits, noble-mind, and chivalry, when he arrived in Owl Wood, Asterius chose a new name for himself, as is the custom in our clan). Not only is he named for a regal butterfly, but his name also means “Star,” which is particularly fitting in multiple ways. Not long after his arrival, he took over the ambassadorship from Light Flight, as our previous ambassador, Anders, decided it was time for him to take his life in a new direction.

Asterius settled in quickly, here, He is a quiet sort, not one to draw a lot of attention to himself, but his gleaming scales and natural charisma made him a magnet for other dragons, and he’d soon made friends among the others in our clan.

One of the legacies of his Lightgem heritage is a near-perfect memory, which serves him well in his duties as ambassador. He also has an uncanny ability to tell truth from lies, so he is always on hand when visitors arrive in Owl Wood, just to make certain they are sincere about their stated reasons for being here. When he’s not occupied by his official duties, he spends a great deal of time near the peak of one of the mountains at the edge of Owl Wood territory. From below, when the sun is shining and Asterius stretches to his full length, the mountain looks like it has a shiny dusting of golden snow.

Light Sprite

Familiar

Entourage of the Lightweaver. (Brightshine Jubilee Holiday Familiar 2013.)

0

Soft Lightweaver Idol

Trinkets

A crudely-fashioned stuffed doll that resembles the Lightweaver. The stitching is finely threaded and the fabric is shiny silk.

1000

Consorts Box

Chests

This chest glows with a steady light until you touch it.

0

Light Runestone

Dragonmade

An ancient stone bearing the ancestral rune of the Lightweaver. Such a find should be kept as a prized possession.

110

Sunkernel

Plant

Sunkernels are the smallest type of acorn, and are commonly harvested and eaten in handfuls rather than individually.

55

5

Reedcleft Sparkler

Insect

Though it likes to hide amongst the reeds, the Reedcleft Sparkler can't resist lighting up for long.

75

5

Sun Flecked Fieldmouse

Meat

Named for the way it sparkles in sunlight, this strange rodent can leap great distances and has a tendency to brood.

20

2

Cliff Lion

Plant

Saying you're hunting Cliff Lions sounds much more exciting than it really is.

20

2

Petalwing Matriarch

Insect

This high-class insect only makes its home in the most beautiful of rainforest gardens. You won't ever catch it anywhere near a bush or a tree.

38

4

Daffodil

Plant

Boil it, mash it, maybe stick it in a stew. (Special thanks to Falwater.)

65

7

White Cabbage Butterfly

Insect

Caution: Excessive consumption of this butterfly may cause cabbage farts. Think of your den mates.

25

3

Autumn Pennant

Insect

This scarce species of dragonfly only appears when autumn is on its way out. Somehow, the name Almost-Winter Pennant just doesn't flow off the tongue as well.

100

9

Lightgems are among the most flashy of all Light subspecies, immediately identified by their pale faceted wings and the golden highlights that mark their bodies. The ancestors of these dragons were a phenomenon unique to Light Flight territory. Legends speak of great orators and clan leaders who drew on the magic of the fractured Pillar to discern truths from lies. Still others were said to possess near perfect memories and to have passed down the first oral histories.

The reality behind the legend is that the delicate golden tracery and faceted wings act as a biological extension of the Lightgem nervous system. What other subspecies might use for camouflage or display has been adapted to an extraordinary degree in these dragons as a secondary electrical network used in the creation and maintenance of learned knowledge or behavior. The facets of the wing surface, connected to the rest of the body via sensory channels which manifest as characteristic golden highlights in the limbs and digits, reinforce muscle movement and lower the time it takes for these dragons to master any given skill. Tough crystalline skin and wing membranes protect these highly developed neural pathways from damage or exposure to the elements.

Dragons that are born without the requisite crystalline support structures in either wings or body cannot access the native talents of their subspecies.

Modern Lightgems are as varied in interests as their primary hues. “True” Lightgems, with crystal hides in gold and white shades, maintain a strong connection to Light Flight heritage and culture and are often talented writers, artists, philosophers, and clan diplomats. A Lightgem who chooses an area of specialty often becomes a clan authority on the subject.