Lyra

Starwood guardians

If one were to stand in the Starwood Strand, they may never know the tree next to them wasn’t a tree at all, but in fact a Starwood Guardian, silently watching their every move. These dragons have scales that are thick and textured, and have a weathered look about them, dark in color and resembling greyish hued bark. Their sparkling wings with ever-shifting hues of purple and blue, mimic the Starwood blossoms and branches so well, that the Guardians simply have to stand still to nearly disappear into the landscape.

These Guardians are many centuries old, possibly ageless, but no one knows for certain. They have been here as long as the Starwood trees themselves. Some say they might actually be descendants of the trees, evolved into sentient beings, in order to fulfill the need of protection from dangerous outsiders.

Outsiders are welcome only in the outskirts of the Starwood Strand, and many who wander in eventually wander out…. But periodically they wander in too deep, and end up lost and confused. The Guardians are kind and helpful, guiding the lost ones out of the forest. They are friendly and benevolent on the surface, but in reality they are only offering their assistance to keep the Starwoods safe. Too many outsiders have attempted to cut the trees, hoping to harness their magic, or have accidentally damaged the trees while disoriented. If threatened or angered, they are formidable.

Because of their limited population, breeding can be difficult, but when eggs are produced they are celebrated and cherished. The hatchlings are rarely seen, as they are very protected by their parents. Hatchlings are kept high in the canopies of the trees, snuggled in the branches and blossoms, until they are old enough to come down to the ground. From a young age, the dragons are taught to love and revere the trees of their homeland.

Kodama