The Residents
Those who live within the walls value beauty, culture, nature, art, music and virtue.
Any manner of beastclan or sapient creature is allowed to live within the walls, they have the same entry requirements as dragons. Dragons live among centaurs, satyrs, nymphs, fairies, maren, kitsunes, and many other magical creatures who make up the bulk of the kingdom’s population.
The dragons living together within still carry the traditional name of “clan.” While not all of them are very close to each other, everyone still lives for each other. They work, hunt, farm, create, all for the benefit of the clan. They understand that that is how their kingdom stays prosperous. There is a large amount of space within the walls so if one wants to keep to oneself that is always an option, but they are still tight knit as a whole.
Leadership
Ciel is the beloved and benevolent king of this land. He may not be light-born but he is a chosen child of the Lightweaver nonetheless. Quiet, yet cocky. Commanding, yet kind. With a voice that drips like honey, sometimes obnoxiously so, but he is always well meaning. Ciel is gentle and loving to his Queen and his people.
Before becoming king, he was a Lantern Light. Even though he was usually caught slacking off, he loved the kingdom and its people. Ciel used his incredible physical strength and dexterity to drive off invaders and monsters alike.
When the crown needed a new head to rest on, the Light summoned Ciel. It somehow made sense in his mind, like this was something he was always meant to do, even if he was afraid. Heavy is the crown, they say. And what if he wasn't ready, but he had no choice.
In a large clearing in the kingdom held a ritual site. With seats surrounding a massive shallow basin of water, unobstructed was the sun above. Ciel was wearing sheer white ritual silks, looking radiant under the Light’s glory. He stepped into the basin and walked to its center, water covering his feet. At that moment a beam of light struck him.
Everything from that moment was different. The sound of pounding drums filled his ears as agony ripped through his body. Pure light and power filled his vessel, a power that would kill the unworthy in an instant.
And then, just as soon as it began, it was over. Graced with angelic magic, Ciel's wings sprouted delicate feathers. He had looked into the eyes of the Light that day. He had ascended.
~
Hydrangea, otherwise known as the Dreaming Queen, maintains the Eterna Planes. Where Ciel is the physical leader, she is the mind and magic of the kingdom. In the dreaming realm she shows an unmatched wisdom and ferocity. In the waking world she exists in a relaxed, almost sedated state. Her voice and demeanor are gentle.
Hydrangea, in her youth, decided to be a Planeskeeper. At that time, there were very few Planeskeepers left. It was a dying tradition and the kingdom’s residents could have lost contact with the dreaming realm forever. The job was dangerous, and required an incredibly strong will. At the time, when medicine wasn’t helping her, she decided to search for magical ways to control her Tourette syndrome. She does not tic in her sleep, and she found that dream magic could help pacify her in the waking world. Her connection to the Everbloom became incredibly strong with time.
She found herself drawn to Ciel. He was handsome and kind, even if his ego got in the way sometimes. She felt she was the only one who truly knew him. They were married once they were adults, and when Ciel rose to power, she accepted her role as queen. Her first night as monarch, she dreamed of speaking to the Everbloom. It accepted her as its guiding hand. She would become more than a Planeskeeper. Her magic would shape the very Planes themselves.
~
Throughout all of Lucernia’s history, two monarch’s reigned. There is an old legend that Lady Light felt that only those two souls, her champions, were fit to rule her favored kingdom. When they pass on, it is said that they are born again, and will seek each other out. For even if the new mind does not remember their past, the intense feelings of love can never be forgotten. One soul will be born with a talent for magic, and a deep love for the Everbloom. This dragon will find themselves a skilled Planeskeeper. The other soul is fiery and strong, with a love for their fellow clan-family. After claiming the throne, one takes over the Eterna Planes while the other is reborn as an angel to rule the waking world. Perhaps there is truth to legends, somehow.
Lantern Lights
The peacekeepers. The warriors. The brave and valiant ones amongst the clan who chose to take the role as guardians. Lantern Lights are recognized by their decorative rapiers worn at the hip as a symbol of protection.
These soldiers incorporate a variety of talents and undergo many different forms of training. Some rely on their physical strength and attributes, others have chosen mastery of weapons. Many among the ranks are also talented healers and powerful mages.
If the kingdom were to ever see war, these soldiers would be on the front lines. But nothing like that has seen the valley in ages, so they carry on with typical guard duties. Patrolling the enchanted woods, keeping watch on the wall, helping those who are lost. Some elite and exceptionally talented Lantern Lights are high ranking enough to guard the royal family.
Certain specialized Lantern Lights are known as Sentinels. They are highly trained wall guards, and specialize in warding magic. Sentinels are often posted at the top of the walls to stop any non-resident from flying in. Should a huge disaster, natural or otherwise, ever approach Lucernia, they could use their combined magic to create an impenetrable bubble around the entirety of the kingdom.
Crime is very rare in the city, and is mostly seen from outsiders, but the Lantern Lights would be the ones to deal with these problems themselves. It is taken very personally when a crime is committed by a clan member, as all who are part of Lucernia are considered family to each other. Turning on one's clan-family is a great betrayal and the Lantern Lights take no pleasure in being the ones responsible for it. It is a heavy burden.
Wardens
Among the high-ranking members of the Light’s clergy are wardens. These dedicated servants of the Light serve single masters for their lives. Whether an angel, holy beast, or nymph, a warden will pray to, leave offerings, and otherwise serve revered beings of the church. This is a highly dedicated job and an incredible honor to take.
Familiars
A dragon’s life-companion, also known as their familiar, is a soulbound non-dragon entity. All dragons, at some point in their life, will come across one being and feel a strong connection to them. The magical link is so strong that the non-dragon creature will feel it too. Once contact is made, the two become soulbound and both gain new abilities. A soulbound entity can be any manner of creature, from a small mouse to a highly sapient being.
A dragon can find a familiar at any point in their lifespan, from a hatchling to a grown adult. But one thing is certain, it is destiny that they meet their familiar at some point in their lives.
Once a dragon and their familiar have bonded, new powers awaken in both of them. And the longer they are together, the stronger their abilities become. They can see through the other’s eyes, sense when they’re in danger, and can communicate across long distances. Familiars possess some of their dragon’s magic as well. Having a small animal as a companion can be advantageous in spying, while having a beastclan familiar can be a friend to talk to or a soldier to fight with. A familiar could just be a sweet animal one enjoys lounging with. Others may favor large beasts that can defend them. Those with sapient familiars may even find themselves forming romantic connections.
The Exalted
Craftsmen, laborers, soldiers, and anyone else wishing to hone their skills for the service of the Light will stop in the kingdom on their pilgrimage.
It is an incredible honor to be exalted and serve one's deity. Some Lucernia inhabitants see the chance to train those who are worthy and a form of worship, offering their skills to benefit war efforts far outside the reach of the Kingdom. Others see it opportunistically, a chance to provide food and lodging and training to those who need it. There is always a profit to be made.