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The Propaganda Drake of The Word of the Dragon.
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Lair of the Dragon | Clans
| | | Mention the phrase "Papa Jotun says pay me" to the Silver Dragon for 1000 Gold Coins. Redeemable once per kobold.
» The Clans of the Lair «
In an effort to promote competition and generate more treasures by encouraging one-uppance, the Silver Dragon instituted that all Kobolds would be sorted into a clan upon joining the Lair. The Kobolds do get to have a preference taken into consideration, and they are mercifully not required to physically alter their scales to match the name of the clan they join. As more history and personality of each clan becomes apparent, it will be recorded here. Below are the clans Kobolds may join.
» The Metallic Clan «
The Metallic Clan are dedicated, avaricious, and persistent. There are many types of scales a Metallic Clan dragon may bear, but the five most notable scale types are Bronze, Copper, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The color of a dragons scales do not determine a dragon's status, however the size of their hoard can determine the “Shininess” of their scales. The members of this clan shower those who walk the Hoarding path with glory and Prestige - especially to those with heaps of gold coins. With a large hoard, even a Bronze Dragon's scales can glitter like the purest Platinum! The more gold you have to roll around in, the better!
The chart below shows the hoard size needed to be granted a Clan Scales Title, and the accompanying badge that comes with it for the five most notable metallic scales colors.
The mountain range that makes up the “tail” of the land is filled with volcanoes. While most are extinct a handful have remained dormant, with only one major eruption within the last few years. Underwater volcanoes are also fairly common. They are typically more active, having contributed to the slow growth of these islands. Many beaches and coastlines are covered in deep black sand as a result of this volcanic activity.
Mount Dragonstone is the largest of the volcanoes, reaching 2,537 meters (about 8,323 feet). While it is currently dormant, the lava inside still churns and scholars theorize that there is a possibility for it to erupt again. Mount Dragonstone is located along the Northern border of the lands.
Drachenwood
Filled with spruce and fir trees, the sky here sometimes feels as though it is blotted out by these evergreen giants. my brain can't think anymore so this is also W.I.P
Obsidian Expanse
As the name suggests, the Obsidian Expanse is named for the abundance of glossy black obsidian littering the region. It is an honored tradition for kobolds of the clan to search out a node of this volcanic glass to make their first blade from.
The soil here is extremely rich from the years of volcanic activity, and plants flourish here even with the lack of rain due to the excellent water retention the ashen soil has. Juniper trees are the most abundant, with waxy pale blue berries and large root systems to help it withstand periods of drought. Several different species of agave are also present throughout most of the region. Closer to the coastline wild grapevines thrive, waiting to be turned into fine wines.
It is also the home of Mount Dragonstone and Ironhall, the Metallic Clan’s only settlement.
Sanguine Isles
Sitting between the Metallic and Chromatic lands lies the Sanguine Isles. Most of these islands are a mix between heath shrublands and thorn forest shrublands. Unfortunately they are not capable of supporting large wildlife, so birds, reptiles, and small mammals dominate the ecosystem.
A unique natural phenomenon called the red tide happens often here. The blooming of several species of algae in the ocean causes the water to take on a red to reddish-orange hue similar to rust. These algal blooms may last anywhere from a few days to several months. So far this strange occurrence has not had an effect on the environment.
The Frontier
The Frontier is the name given inner “tail” region of the Lair’s lands. Sandstorms are frequent within this untamable desert. The temperature hits both extreme heat during the day and extreme cold when night falls. While there may seem to be little reason to traverse this land, the caves below are rich in minerals that are vital resources for the Lair. Gold and silver are the most common metals present here. Copper and iron can be found as well but in much smaller deposits.
Some of the larger cave systems are connected by round, lengthy tunnels. There is much speculation as to the origin of these tunnels. The most common theories seem to believe that Behirs or Linnorms once used the tunnels to patrol their territory, though no skeletons or other traces prove that either species had ever existed here.
Settlements
Ironhall
With much of the land being inhospitable and difficult to traverse, there is only one established settlement present. Nestled deep within the mountains not far from Mount Dragonstone sits Ironhall, which was built underground to protect it from volcanic eruptions. There is no road that leads here; senior clan members must show young hatchlings the path should they wish to gain access to the esteemed hall.
The main hall is quite spacious yet sparsely decorated. Lit by bronze braziers that hang from the wooden beams, the few wooden tables and chairs serve for little more than a gathering room. Speckled along the cavern floor is flecks of ore that have fallen off during transportation or polishing. A sharp eye may notice a scale or two can be hiding among the rest, as some Dragonkin hire kobolds to polish their scales for them.
Numerous tunnels shoot off from the hall that lead deeper into the mountainside. These winding tunnels sometimes seem unending to those unfamiliar with the layout of the town. Several kobolds have reported that it feels like a life-sized anthill. A forge and a vault for precious metals, ores, and the odd gemstone or two remains well stocked in one of the deeper chambers; should the forge within the Lair ever come under attack or its supplies stolen production may continue here without interference. Donations are accepted from all members of the Lair.
Homes are located in the upper layers of Ironhall. Digging out a home for oneself is an honored tradition, though occasionally clan members may stop by to assist new kobolds. Stone furniture is not an uncommon sight, but to brighten the otherwise dull atmosphere rooms are decorated by polished ores and gleaming jewelry or equipment forged by Metallic Dragonkin. Some even collect their own scales that fall out to use as unique art pieces.
Ruins
W.I.P
» The Chromatic Clan «
The Chromatic Clan are zealous, energetic, and passionate. They are known for pursuing victory at any cost, gamble big on risky propositions, and are not above bribes and skullduggery to achieve their goals. The two halves of the Chromatic clan work in harmony to elevate the Lair as a whole, using both sound and sight to bedazzle in their efforts of carrying out the will of The Silver Dragon.
Long ago I heard a tale
About a clan split in two
One part day, and one part night
Complementing the other
One by night, majestic dragons of Sound
Listening, creating, making wonderful noise
All to praise the Silver One
Sleep by day and awaken by night
The other by day, beautiful dragons of Color
They shine and glisten, loving the light
Their scales iridescent, sparking stones
Sleep by night and awaken by day
The two parts of one tribe
Together in harmony
One making praises
The other carrying them out
If one were to go, the whole tribe would fall
For in dark there is light
And in light there is dark
For balance, for peace, for everyone's strength.
The Chromatic Clan at this time does not consist of a clear hierarchy outside of the clan leader. Instead members are categorized into two groups, color and sound. Each group has six facets, for a total of twelve facets across the entire clan. This represents the clan’s diversity and many strengths and no one facet is considered to be better than another.
The color of one's scales do not determine which color facet of the Chromatic Clan they are a part of; a dragon with green scales could choose to be a part of the red facet if they desired. Likewise, the sound of a dragon’s voice does not determine which sound facet they are a part of. In fact one dragon could embody several facets at the same time or belong to none of them.
Color Facets
Red - Dragons that wish to bring prestige to the Lair by fighting enemies. These members are often found following the Wing Path or are members of the Coatlicue.
Orange - Dragons who seek artwork (cards) from all across the realm. They also have a fondness for statues and other types of tangible fine arts.
Yellow - Dragons who will go out of their way to collect gold, silver, and artifacts for the Lair (or themselves) by any means.
Green - Dragons that wish to help facilitate trade between the Lair and the world. If a region is particularly stubborn regarding trade, they may call upon help from the Tenor facet to smooth out any issues.
Blue - Dragons dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, they take it upon themselves to learn as much as they can about a number of subjects. They work closely with the Mezzo-Soprano facet.
Purple - Dragons who wish to rule over as many realms and people as possible. In turn this strengthens the reach of the Lair and provides numerous assets as well as supplies.
Sound Facets
Baritone - Dragons who chant war songs/cries to bolster the hearts of their allies before and during combat. They are often seen hanging around the Red facet as a result.
Bass - Dragons who sing the praises of the Lair to far off lands. They take tales the Soprano facet creates and ensure the world hears of the Lair’s numerous deeds.
Soprano - Dragons who come up with grand tales (songs, books, artwork) regarding the Lair and its residents, some even take it upon themselves to create propaganda in favor of the Lair.
Mezzo-Soprano - Dragons who help educate their fellow Lair members in various ways, they are often found working together with Blue facet dragons to transcribe knowledge to be passed down.
Contralto - Dragons that boost the morale of the Lair with their songs, they are friendly and bright. Some even create dances to go along with songs to help entertain the Lair.
Tenor - Dragons who seek both friendship and diplomacy across foreign realms. Many are seen serving as regional ambassadors. They sometimes work together with Green facet dragons to ensure trade flows seamlessly.
Read dispatchThe land owned by the Chromatic Clan encompasses most of the area Southeast of the Lair, or essentially the left "wing" of the continent. Just like the members of the clan, the lands they claim as their own are rather diverse. It is made up of three distinct biomes: a temperate forest, a tropical forest, and the grasslands. Settlements are few and far between, as the wild undergrowth has proven hard to tame. Places of interest include the luminescent Stellar Reef and the Lairport, which is the largest settlement in the region.The westernmost region is a thick temperate forest with jagged cliffs called the Windsong Woods. Here the forest floor is covered in a blanket of moss, one of the few things that can grow underneath the towering maple and oak trees. The dolomite cliffs in the region almost seem to glow a faint rainbow hue in the light from time to time. Many say the stars themselves descended from the heavens to bless the stone. Temperatures here are more chilly compared to other biomes, and it is the only region that sees snow during late Autumn and Winter.
The cliffs also make the perfect home for the griffons that inhabit the area. Preying on deer that dart between the bushes, the griffons here come in a variety of colors. Found in a range of white to reddish-browns, their feathers change color with the seasons. When the first snow arrives all griffons begin to take on colors similar to that of a snowy owl to blend in with the pristine white cliffs. Griffons nest inside of caves on the steep cliffsides to protect hatchlings from anything that might dare to make a snack out of them.
Shimmering JungleThe central region consists of a lush tropical forest, teeming with all sorts of wildlife. To those unfamiliar with the region, the dense foliage makes it easy to get lost, and more than one ill-equipped adventurer has wandered in only to never find their way out again. Not all of the flora here is exactly… friendly. Though rooted in place, all manner of carnivorous plants have adapted to consume larger prey. The beautiful flower grown by a certain species of fly trap is known to fetch a hefty sum. Unfortunately it boasts a quicker reaction time than its smaller kin, quickly squeezing around anything unfortunate enough to get caught in its grasp.
Despite the dangers of the jungle it is an extremely popular destination to visit. The pristine cerulean lakes that dot the area seem to be void of monsters. Filled with gorgeous white sand that gets its color from large quartz crystal deposits in the caves underneath the lakes. Shards of the crystals themselves are a common find; green, white and pink quartz varieties are the most common. Occasionally blue, purple, orange, or smoky quartz wash ashore.
Among the giant kapok trees in the region sits a hidden treehouse village. Here, high above the jungle ground, is where Chromatic Clan members gather for various events, soaking the warm sunlight in when they are not visiting the main lair. A trip here seems to brighten the scales and ease the woes of Dragonkin.
Cottonwood PrairieNamed for the only tree present throughout the region, the Cottonwood Prairie takes up much of the Southeastern coast. Mainly used for farming due to its mild temperatures and moisture, one can find grand expanses of wheat and lavender fields, as well as orchards brimming with fruit. The grasslands themselves are actually quite peaceful thanks to the effort of the townsfolk. Cottonwood trees are the only major flora that grow in the central area of the grasslands, as the coastline provides just enough moisture for them to thrive. Storms are fairly common here as well, and the threat of wildfires is ever imminent.
While there are no other settlements in this region aside from the Lairport, many homesteaders will offer an empty room or barn loft to weary travelers passing through in exchange for a little help on the farm.
Stellar ReefNot far from the Lairport lies the Stellar Reef. The waves within this atoll always seem gentle no matter the weather, making it a popular fishing location. During the day the reef seems as average as any, but at night it truly comes to life. The corals and fish here exhibit brilliant bioluminescence. Most fauna and flora glow in shades of turquoise, indigo, and azure. A select few give off a unique cerise-like color.
Alongside the inner coast of the islands, the seafloor is about 25 feet (7.6 meters) with a gradual slope down to 40 feet (12.2 meters)The center of the atoll is a steep drop in depth, and stands mostly unexplored as a result. It is estimated that it reaches a depth of about 350 feet (106 meters). Current knowledge about the area has been compiled with the help of Merfolk who frequent the Stellar Reef to gather shells and fish.
Too small to be considered an official settlement, there is a tiny hamlet that has popped up alongside the Northern shores of the reef. Residents consider it to be a growing center for fine arts. They have even given it the name Idyllwyrm. Originally the area was simply home to an opera house that sat close to the beach; a place where Merfolk and other humanoid races can come together to create plays of their own to entertain residents of the Lairport. Named for the region itself, the opera house is affectionately called Astralis.
SettlementsThe Lairport
The Lairport is the only major settlement in this land at this time. A bustling city that most of the land’s trade flows through, it is filled with more merchant stalls and shops than one could possibly imagine. One can undoubtedly find almost any type of item they could dream of here. A few of the more ambitious Dragonkin often lurk around the city, perhaps to strike a few lucrative deals of their own. The Lairport is also famous for its Adventurer's Guild: The Scales of the Dragon. Those who serve as ambassadors to the Lair call these quaint halls home in between their visits.
Even Merfolk come up to the surface here to trade for shiny baubles and weapons. Their favorite thing to for trade are stories; they love to hear grand tales about the surface. If a Merfolk finds a story fascinating enough they will bestow a gift to their storyteller. Typical gifts are pearls, jewelry, or other items salvaged from shipwrecks at the seafloor. Some will trade a story of their own in return.
Another place of interest here is the prestigious Harborview Library. Aside from being one of the oldest buildings within the Lairport, its well kept mahogany shelves carry an extensive collection of books. Many of the city clubs host weekly meetings on upper floors of the library.
Ayane
Sitting high up in the kapok trees filled with songbirds, Ayane is a home away from home for the Chromatic Clan. While other members of the Lair are welcomed here, they are only allowed access to some areas of the town. Non-Dragonkin are strictly forbidden from entering. Each Dragonkin has their own unique way of ascending to the canopy depending upon their unique forms. For ease of access to those who have no means of getting up, there is a spiral staircase that leads up into the center of Ayane. The town square, or circle in this case, is a rounded wooden platform. Tassels of all colors hang alongside lanterns from the treetop here and hammocks made of woven vine hang between trees.
Thick vine bridges connect one tree to another, and smaller individual trees are usually the spot of homes for clan members. The typical house takes the shape of a circle and is built upon a wooden platform. The walls of the house itself are typically closer to the center of the platform (some Dragonkin like to have a porch as a dedicated outdoor seating area). Roofs are made of woven thatch or giant tree leaves that are sewn together. While interior decoration varies between each home, there is enough space inside for several different rooms.
The most sunny locations are community spaces where Dragonkin can sunbathe. A few gardens also exist, though garden is a loose term here. In reality these are just sections of Ayane where fruit often grows from the trees. The addition of new buildings is a clan effort; all who are able-bodied are encouraged to pitch in.
Sanctum
On the southernmost island of the Stellar Reef sits a ruin plainly known as Sanctum. The name refers to the temple that sits upon the very center of the decayed town that once thrived around it. Any records regarding the town seemingly do not exist, only the name which is carved across the sides of the temple remains. Many adventurers claim to hear or see a number of mysterious occurrences when staying overnight here: ghosts, eerie wails, and dozens more reported having vivid nightmares or hallucinations. Yet what drives them to visit a place that gives them such horrors? Hidden within the Sanctum's labyrinthine crypts is rumored to be the town's vault, which has sat untouched for years.
The crypt itself is rather plain, decorated only by dusty red carpets and unlit metal braziers. Any corpses have left behind only their skeletons which have begun to decompose into dust. A fair amount of the jewelry that rest alongside them has already been taken by ambitious crypt-divers. Though many visit Sanctum, none have truly delved far enough inside to unlock its secrets.
» The Crystalline Clan «
The Crystalline Clan are serene, adventurous, and sly.
To the northeast of the great Lair of the Dragon lies the Crystalline Lands covered by a petrified forest. Below its many islands runs a network of caverns that connect all the islands. Hamlets and villages are scattered throughout, but the most noteworthy is the Gemfarm Village located in the center of the main landmass. In the northeast lies the Inverted Tower and in the cavernous depths the Crystal Vaults can be found.
The Northern Suboceanic Labyrinth
An immense subterranean cavern that connects all the northeastern islands. Rumor has it that there is also a passageway to a western cavern system. But no kobold, townfolk or adventurer has been brave enough to venture deep enough to ascertain any truth to it. The labyrinth is only a problem for non-natives of the Crystalline Lands. Every island has at least one obvious and stable entrance that even a large sized dragon may enter with ease. Main passageways and thuroughfairs are lit by luminous moss and mushrooms farmed by the kobolds and other townsfolk. It has been described by some curious adventerers as an underground highway connecting huge caverns that are large enough to have thier own atmousphere and unique biomes. There is no official map and non-natives have often relied exclusively on verbal directions to navigete. Some swear that even taking multiple trips between two points of interest, they never took the same path twice. It could just be that many passages look the same and none are marked by a universal system of symbols.
Nevertheless, the Suboceanic Labyrinth is as alive with commerce, travel, and culture as the lands on the surface; if not more so. Although, if you wish to know of the individual villages, trade hubs and vacation spots within the Labyrinth, you will need to ask a local or avid adventurer sure of their memory and sense of direction. As a side note, if you, dear reader, intend to buy a map of the caverns before a visit beware the many fake or incomplete maps available. If is speculated that there are enchantments in place to prevent proper mapping of the area, but it has never been confirmed.
Crystal Vaults
Deep within the Northern Suboceaanic Labyrinth lies the vaults of the Crystilline Clan. Only the best and brightest faceted gems are kept here, although, some younger kobolds whisper of a nearly complete rock collection that they claim to have contributed to. The gems come from many foreign lands; some aquired by honest trade, others gained by plundering. Regardless the Clan leader values any and all contributions to the Crystal Vaults. There is but one singular goal, to fill them to the brim and become the greatest gem hoard that anyone has ever heard of or seen.
The Inverted Tower
It has not been reliably recorded in the Lair of the Dragon's history on who exactly built the Inverted Tower. The only resident confirmed is an ancient wizard who abandoned it centuries ago to bugger off to who knows where. Perhaps the wizard died, records do not say. A popular theory is that the wizard just summoned it overnight after a flight of fancy. Another goes that the wizard's late master painstakingly constructed it through the use of golems, air elementals, and an assortment of charms. The locals say that no one constructed it, that since its always been there it is as natural as the surrounding landscape. The truth is that theories emerge all the time and get progressively stranger, but still not as strange as the tower itself. Who would want to live in an inverted tower? It is needle thin at the base and rises up 15 stories with its biggest floor being at the top. The foundation spire hovers just above an inlet on the island. One needs waterwalk or levitation or the ability to fly to reach it. There is not much left in the rooms of the tower, anything grand has long since been added to the Silver Dragon's hoard. Still, it inspires awe in any that espy it.
Gemfarm Village
A quant village on the main landmass of the Crystilline Lands. It can be found deep inland after travel through rough roads and total wilderness. The reason that this village can survive deed within? In short, dragons. Well, more specifically, crystalline clan dragons that make regular trips there. They come for the gems that are grown and stay for the quiet springs that burble up gently from the earth. Many a traveler is delighted to find that this is not some farce just to have exorbitant prices for travel packages to this region. Gems truly can be farmed if one has the right know how. It really can be done anywhere, at least if you are an alchemist or a wizard. This special group of kobolds claim to have learned thier craft from the wizard that resided in the now abandoned Inverted Tower far to the northwest. Details on how to grow the gems are kept a trade secret though. One of the many reasons visitors still come to gawk at the farms found both on the surface and in select caverns in the area. It is unknown whether the gemfarm caverns connect to the Northern Suboceanic Labyrinth.
Petrified Forest
A vast petrified forest streatches accross the expanse of the Crystilline Lands. Don't think that the trees are fossilized. They still live and grow. They are simply as hard as stone. Quite a few varieties grow within this everblue forest. Yes, everblue. The leaves have a noticable blue tinge to them lacking true chlorophil. The food of these trees is made by chemical means within the roots of the trees, bacteria, fungi and insects work hard to provide nutrients for these living fossils. Some varieties of moss also provide water from the air, so this forest is not limited to ground water in order to survive. Smaller normal shrubs and plant varieties manage to survive in this unique biome. Snarky travelers joke that the ancient wizard of the Inverted Tower must be responsible for this to, but the locals usually just carry on with thier foraging. To them, this place is perfectly natural and it is oaks and willows that are strange and mysterious.
» The Elemental Clan «
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The Elemental Clan are adaptable, impulsive, and tumultuous. Elemental dragons are formed from entropy; the rapid changes in the world that leave a gentle or violent swirl of energy create the majestic elemental creatures.
The Primary Elements:
Water
Formation Events: Floods, Tsunamis, Storms
Minor Formation Events: Rising Tides, Rain
Earth
Formation Events: Earthquakes, Landslides
Minor Formation Events: Erosion, Pressure
Fire
Formation Events: Wildfires, Volcanoes
Minor Formation Events: Bonfires, Kitchen Stoves
Air
Formation Events: Tornadoes, Hurricanes
Minor Formation Events: High Winds, Dust Devils
The Secondary Elements:
Ice
Formation Events: Blizzards, Icebergs
Minor Formation Events: Snow Storm, Surface Freeze
Nature
Formation Events: Ruined Cities, Old Forests
Minor Formation Events: Abandoned Gardens, Weed Overgrowth
Lava
Formation Events: Volcanoes, Forges
Minor Formation Events: deserts, oil spills
Lightning
Formation Events: Lightning Storm, Plasma Creation
Minor Formation Events: Static, Power Surge
LotD
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