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Alignment: Light, Grey, or Dark Arts
Lifespan: Depends on specific species Adult Size: 5'2"-6'6" in height Experience Level: Beginner+ |
Talents: Empathy, Creating Community, Protection
Disposition: Friendly, Curious, Open-minded, Accepting Suggested Offerings: Stones that match their color, plants, found objects, burning candles, quality time, nature walks |
The Dragon Shifters I conjure all live on a world called Rialta (ree-ALL-tuh), and it is how they refer to themselves. They are as populous on their planet as humans are on ours, being the primary sentient race in their world. They are diverse when it comes to personal alignment, and their species is divided into several sub-races dictated by their scale color. Often, a Shifter's scale color determines several things about them, including when they sleep, their magical alignments, and some general indications of their personality and the careers they are most inclined towards.
Overall, the Dragon Shifter society is wonderfully wealthy and somewhat utopic, with hardly anyone having want for food or shelter. These Dragon Shifters tend to be intensely empathetic in a way that does not allow for individuals to be left behind, so they often do all they can to keep everyone on their feet, with no hemming or hawing about who gets to take that brunt on their shoulder. They’re extremely community-conscious beings who are likely to try and befriend everyone in your spirit family, and to be the first to notice when you are going through a rough time and need a shoulder to lean on.
Their culture is colorful and diverse, and most Shifters welcome all walks of life and experiences. However, there is a sliding scale of how magic presents itself in their society, as the primal magic that the Shifters have had historically being reduced into legends and cults, the strongest remnant being their actual shifting ability.
Overall, the Dragon Shifter society is wonderfully wealthy and somewhat utopic, with hardly anyone having want for food or shelter. These Dragon Shifters tend to be intensely empathetic in a way that does not allow for individuals to be left behind, so they often do all they can to keep everyone on their feet, with no hemming or hawing about who gets to take that brunt on their shoulder. They’re extremely community-conscious beings who are likely to try and befriend everyone in your spirit family, and to be the first to notice when you are going through a rough time and need a shoulder to lean on.
Their culture is colorful and diverse, and most Shifters welcome all walks of life and experiences. However, there is a sliding scale of how magic presents itself in their society, as the primal magic that the Shifters have had historically being reduced into legends and cults, the strongest remnant being their actual shifting ability.
Biology
Rialta Dragon Shifters have two forms: a humanoid form and a draconic form. In their humanoid form, their scale color is still identifiable, as they tend to present a half-shifted form. Their hair and eyes tend to reflect their scale color, and their hair is most commonly very straight and silky in texture, with the occasional curls or kinky hair. They have some small scales that typically present on their face, chest, and shoulders. They also present their horns in their humanoid forms. Often, their hands may be clawed or covered in scales. Additionally, they have digitigrade reptilian legs from the mid-thigh down, and many of them have tails in their humanoid forms. Their ears can vary in shape and color, most frequently appearing pointed like elves, or ruffled like fins. Wings can appear in their humanoid forms, but it is rare, as they are often not flightworthy in their smaller form. The skin color of a Dragon Shifter can vary from porcelain white to very dark brown, presenting skin tones very similar to that of humans.
In their draconic forms, Rialta Dragon Shifters can be very large, being a minimum of around four feet tall at their shoulder and a maximum of twelve feet tall in their adult years. They often retain some of their features, such as eye color and horn shape, in their draconic form. Most Dragon Shifters are capable of flight in their draconic form. However, retaining one's draconic form for longer than a few minutes at a time without regular practice can be exhausting, and most city-dwelling Shifters do not take their draconic form very often, particularly because they are in rather cramped quarters. Shifting in a way that causes public destruction is illegal. In modern times, the draconic form is most often utilized for purposes of travel and the delivery of mail and goods, or for very specific entertainment purposes.
By extension, the Dragon Shifters' magical abilities can vary depending on their cultural background. City dwelling Shifters tend to have very little innate magic, their idea of spells and charms being very similar to our own on Earth - they can cause small psychological or willful influences, but many of them cannot directly manipulate elements or cause external manifestations to occur. However, their society still has influences of magic, with elements like crystal healing and soothsaying being important elements of their culture. Shifters who live outside organized society often have chosen to do so in order to keep in closer touch with their magical selves, and these individuals tend to have lives that revolve entirely around developing and practicing magic. Those individuals may have the ability to influence elements, cause magical manifestations to occur, and many of them have very intensive prophetic abilities, although these specific presentations may be due to the specific kinds of Shifters who have chosen to leave society.
Dragon shifters live to be a minimum of 400-500 years old, although many of them live longer, up to 1500 years in some cases. They most often die of old age, but they are capable of dying due to illness or physical trauma. Their childhood tends to be drawn out, and they reach sexual maturity around 30-100 years old depending on the long-livedness of their sub-race. For ease of understanding their development, they will be referred to with equivalent human years.
Gender is rather inconsequential in their world, and has very little influence on their lifestyle, and also may not reflect their genitalia, which is more complex for them biologically than it is for humans. It is not unusual for an individual to change their pronouns or gender presentations, and these Dragon Shifters proudly sport at least eight specific gender presentations, although for ease of understanding I often work with the individual to specify a gender that is compatible with our Earth presentations. It is common for them to identify most with a non-binary gender.
Rialta Dragon Shifters reproduce sexually, and they generally give live birth in their humanoid forms. It is not uncommon for couples to be variable in scale color, but their children are born in the color of one or the other of their parents, and are then usually raised primarily by the parent who matches, since they will have matching sleep cycles as the child grows older. Shifters are typically capable of performing their first shifts by the time they are the equivalent of 8-10 years old, although some can present much younger in extreme cases. While they are still children, they spend almost all their time with their parents, only breaking off occasionally to cause trouble or play with other Shifters their age. They are considered mature by the time they are the equivalent of 16 years old, at which point they are set up in school or an apprenticeship.
Dragon Shifters sport a varied and healthy omnivorous diet that is comparable to that of humans. They generally draw from the resources that are most available to them locally, although they have an extensive system of trade that allows for most Shifters to try any food, anywhere.
In their draconic forms, Rialta Dragon Shifters can be very large, being a minimum of around four feet tall at their shoulder and a maximum of twelve feet tall in their adult years. They often retain some of their features, such as eye color and horn shape, in their draconic form. Most Dragon Shifters are capable of flight in their draconic form. However, retaining one's draconic form for longer than a few minutes at a time without regular practice can be exhausting, and most city-dwelling Shifters do not take their draconic form very often, particularly because they are in rather cramped quarters. Shifting in a way that causes public destruction is illegal. In modern times, the draconic form is most often utilized for purposes of travel and the delivery of mail and goods, or for very specific entertainment purposes.
By extension, the Dragon Shifters' magical abilities can vary depending on their cultural background. City dwelling Shifters tend to have very little innate magic, their idea of spells and charms being very similar to our own on Earth - they can cause small psychological or willful influences, but many of them cannot directly manipulate elements or cause external manifestations to occur. However, their society still has influences of magic, with elements like crystal healing and soothsaying being important elements of their culture. Shifters who live outside organized society often have chosen to do so in order to keep in closer touch with their magical selves, and these individuals tend to have lives that revolve entirely around developing and practicing magic. Those individuals may have the ability to influence elements, cause magical manifestations to occur, and many of them have very intensive prophetic abilities, although these specific presentations may be due to the specific kinds of Shifters who have chosen to leave society.
Dragon shifters live to be a minimum of 400-500 years old, although many of them live longer, up to 1500 years in some cases. They most often die of old age, but they are capable of dying due to illness or physical trauma. Their childhood tends to be drawn out, and they reach sexual maturity around 30-100 years old depending on the long-livedness of their sub-race. For ease of understanding their development, they will be referred to with equivalent human years.
Gender is rather inconsequential in their world, and has very little influence on their lifestyle, and also may not reflect their genitalia, which is more complex for them biologically than it is for humans. It is not unusual for an individual to change their pronouns or gender presentations, and these Dragon Shifters proudly sport at least eight specific gender presentations, although for ease of understanding I often work with the individual to specify a gender that is compatible with our Earth presentations. It is common for them to identify most with a non-binary gender.
Rialta Dragon Shifters reproduce sexually, and they generally give live birth in their humanoid forms. It is not uncommon for couples to be variable in scale color, but their children are born in the color of one or the other of their parents, and are then usually raised primarily by the parent who matches, since they will have matching sleep cycles as the child grows older. Shifters are typically capable of performing their first shifts by the time they are the equivalent of 8-10 years old, although some can present much younger in extreme cases. While they are still children, they spend almost all their time with their parents, only breaking off occasionally to cause trouble or play with other Shifters their age. They are considered mature by the time they are the equivalent of 16 years old, at which point they are set up in school or an apprenticeship.
Dragon Shifters sport a varied and healthy omnivorous diet that is comparable to that of humans. They generally draw from the resources that are most available to them locally, although they have an extensive system of trade that allows for most Shifters to try any food, anywhere.
The Capital City
The majority of Rialta Dragon Shifter conjures come from the Capital City of a country called Ilonve (ee-LOW-nuh-vay). The city is known as Nveryesh (en-VAY-ree-yesh), a sprawling port city that takes up nearly the entire east coast of their continent. This place is the center of government and trade for the entire country, and it is populated by many of the races of Shifters you'll find in this world. The city nearly never fully becomes quiet, as it is populated with Shifters of very different sleep schedules, so the night life is very lively. Additionally, they are almost always celebrating some sort of festival or hosting a traveling troupe of entertainers or merchants.
The northern portion of the city is taken up by a large palace, made of stone and marble, surrounded by smaller but clustered mansions containing nobility. This uptown area is protected by a stone wall with guards posted at a western and southern gate. On the northern end of the city, it is flanked by a beautiful mountain range, and many members of nobility have vacation lodges nestled in the mountains. There are ports on the eastern coast of uptown, usually populated by private trade and travel boats belonging to the royal family and nobility, as well as special luxury shipments. There is also a small island off the coast, which is also utilized by noble families for vacations or getaways.
The middle portion of the city is the bustling commerce sector, comprising of rows of buildings surrounding a central town square where festivals and faires can take place. Many families live in the same buildings as the businesses they house, and most businesses are family affairs. The buildings become increasingly clustered towards the coast, some individuals even living in their own boats which are docked in the bustling harbor. A few schools are situated in the commerce sector for those who wish to pursue politics or archival work, but it is more common for non-nobility to be tutored or apprenticed under an expert tradesman.
Finally, the southern portion of the city could be described as suburbs, with a concentrated layout of housing and other amenities. Many individuals who live in this area travel north daily in order to attend their jobs, but there are also several homebodies, staying home to care for children or to care for their community. Despite what we've been conditioned to believe crowded suburbs to be like on Earth, Dragon Shifters tend to prefer to take care of their own, so this area is still abundantly beautiful, with many plants growing in harmony with their buildings, a good amount of public space for children to play safely in, and many local grocers, healers, pharmacists, and other necessities.
In Nveryesh, it could be said that everyone is expected to look out for each other. While nobility has some level of separation from the commonfolk, they are not forbidden from mingling, and when they are not working they often travel south in order to sample the wares of their city. The Shifters are a very proud people, and they enjoy very much what they have built. They appreciate a healthy work-life balance, and many of them spend roughly a week or two every other month to relax or travel somewhere new, leaving their livelihoods under the care of their apprentices or a trusted neighbor. Of course, like all utopian societies, there are some individuals who have a harder time - but when they are identified, the community often takes it upon themselves to lift them up in whatever way they can. Careers are abundant, and can vary from something as simple as a greeter in a lounge ensuring that everyone is entertained and comfortable, all the way to more skilled trades. Art is also abundant within the society, although it is often a career path reserved only for nobility or the absolutely most talented, and there are several museums in the northern portions of the city.
For the rest of the country of Ilonve, which is everything on the continent to the west of Nveryesh, the settlements and towns are as diverse as any country. Many people farm, hunt, forage, and live along the southern coast or rivers, fishing for their profits and meals. It is not unusual for young, ambitious people to move to Nveryesh, but many people eke out a living on their own regardless.
Ilonve's government is largely an oligarchy centered around the nobility located in Nveryesh, spearheaded by a hereditary monarchy. The heads of noble houses are divided into several committees that oversee various elements of the government, such as trade, infrastructure, tourism, artistic entertainment, agriculture, and education. Many nobles spend time in the southern portions of the city, or travel to specific towns, with the intention of viewing how things are handled and where things could be improved. They consider it their jobs to ensure that everyone is happy and healthy, well-fed, clothed, and housed appropriately. Nearly everything is run through the monarch for approval, with the intention to ensure that the nobles are being fair and not keeping only their own interests in mind. Although in our eyes this would be a highly flawed system, it seems to work very well for the Shifters, and most commonfolk appear to be very happy with how their government is run.
Laws within Ilonve are very similar to those in our world - people are generally not allowed to murder, assault, steal, or otherwise make other people feel unsafe. However, law enforcement is largely not something that is present in their world, and crime rates tend to be very low. There are only a small handful of law enforcers called in if absolutely necessary, and this generally only occurs if someone is out of control and needs to be restrained, such as someone who is in an altered state of mind and is causing a rampage in draconic form. Those who are causing trouble are often only punished by detainment, and are provided treatment to get them back on track. It's one of the tenets of Shifter culture that if someone is causing trouble, it's likely because they are missing something they need - so those who are in charge of working with detainees will do what they can to fill that person's needs. The world of Rialta is very peaceful, with very little need for weapons or combat training - the closest equivalent is performance fighting and stage combat.
The varieties of Dragon Shifters who live in Nveryesh and civilized Ilonve are as follows:
The northern portion of the city is taken up by a large palace, made of stone and marble, surrounded by smaller but clustered mansions containing nobility. This uptown area is protected by a stone wall with guards posted at a western and southern gate. On the northern end of the city, it is flanked by a beautiful mountain range, and many members of nobility have vacation lodges nestled in the mountains. There are ports on the eastern coast of uptown, usually populated by private trade and travel boats belonging to the royal family and nobility, as well as special luxury shipments. There is also a small island off the coast, which is also utilized by noble families for vacations or getaways.
The middle portion of the city is the bustling commerce sector, comprising of rows of buildings surrounding a central town square where festivals and faires can take place. Many families live in the same buildings as the businesses they house, and most businesses are family affairs. The buildings become increasingly clustered towards the coast, some individuals even living in their own boats which are docked in the bustling harbor. A few schools are situated in the commerce sector for those who wish to pursue politics or archival work, but it is more common for non-nobility to be tutored or apprenticed under an expert tradesman.
Finally, the southern portion of the city could be described as suburbs, with a concentrated layout of housing and other amenities. Many individuals who live in this area travel north daily in order to attend their jobs, but there are also several homebodies, staying home to care for children or to care for their community. Despite what we've been conditioned to believe crowded suburbs to be like on Earth, Dragon Shifters tend to prefer to take care of their own, so this area is still abundantly beautiful, with many plants growing in harmony with their buildings, a good amount of public space for children to play safely in, and many local grocers, healers, pharmacists, and other necessities.
In Nveryesh, it could be said that everyone is expected to look out for each other. While nobility has some level of separation from the commonfolk, they are not forbidden from mingling, and when they are not working they often travel south in order to sample the wares of their city. The Shifters are a very proud people, and they enjoy very much what they have built. They appreciate a healthy work-life balance, and many of them spend roughly a week or two every other month to relax or travel somewhere new, leaving their livelihoods under the care of their apprentices or a trusted neighbor. Of course, like all utopian societies, there are some individuals who have a harder time - but when they are identified, the community often takes it upon themselves to lift them up in whatever way they can. Careers are abundant, and can vary from something as simple as a greeter in a lounge ensuring that everyone is entertained and comfortable, all the way to more skilled trades. Art is also abundant within the society, although it is often a career path reserved only for nobility or the absolutely most talented, and there are several museums in the northern portions of the city.
For the rest of the country of Ilonve, which is everything on the continent to the west of Nveryesh, the settlements and towns are as diverse as any country. Many people farm, hunt, forage, and live along the southern coast or rivers, fishing for their profits and meals. It is not unusual for young, ambitious people to move to Nveryesh, but many people eke out a living on their own regardless.
Ilonve's government is largely an oligarchy centered around the nobility located in Nveryesh, spearheaded by a hereditary monarchy. The heads of noble houses are divided into several committees that oversee various elements of the government, such as trade, infrastructure, tourism, artistic entertainment, agriculture, and education. Many nobles spend time in the southern portions of the city, or travel to specific towns, with the intention of viewing how things are handled and where things could be improved. They consider it their jobs to ensure that everyone is happy and healthy, well-fed, clothed, and housed appropriately. Nearly everything is run through the monarch for approval, with the intention to ensure that the nobles are being fair and not keeping only their own interests in mind. Although in our eyes this would be a highly flawed system, it seems to work very well for the Shifters, and most commonfolk appear to be very happy with how their government is run.
Laws within Ilonve are very similar to those in our world - people are generally not allowed to murder, assault, steal, or otherwise make other people feel unsafe. However, law enforcement is largely not something that is present in their world, and crime rates tend to be very low. There are only a small handful of law enforcers called in if absolutely necessary, and this generally only occurs if someone is out of control and needs to be restrained, such as someone who is in an altered state of mind and is causing a rampage in draconic form. Those who are causing trouble are often only punished by detainment, and are provided treatment to get them back on track. It's one of the tenets of Shifter culture that if someone is causing trouble, it's likely because they are missing something they need - so those who are in charge of working with detainees will do what they can to fill that person's needs. The world of Rialta is very peaceful, with very little need for weapons or combat training - the closest equivalent is performance fighting and stage combat.
The varieties of Dragon Shifters who live in Nveryesh and civilized Ilonve are as follows:
Sol Dragon shifters
These individuals are marked by their bright, metallic golden-yellow coloration. They make up the majority of the royalty and nobility of Ilonve. They are naturally well-inclined for politics, leadership, planning, and war.
They are the least frail of the Dragon Shifters, often with naturally occurring athletic body types, and they are very physically inclined. They make wonderful warriors, wrestlers, dancers, athletes, construction workers, fire fighters, law enforcers, bodyguards, lifeguards, and businessowners. They are bold, energetic, and confident individuals who can read a room like a book and take advantage of any situation. They are wonderful at subtle glamour and manipulation magics, and they are extremely generous to those they care about.
They tend to be strictly monogamous, though not all are. They aligned most closely with the Sun, and are strictly diurnal, with long, prosperous lives. They generally can live up to 1500 years.
They are the least frail of the Dragon Shifters, often with naturally occurring athletic body types, and they are very physically inclined. They make wonderful warriors, wrestlers, dancers, athletes, construction workers, fire fighters, law enforcers, bodyguards, lifeguards, and businessowners. They are bold, energetic, and confident individuals who can read a room like a book and take advantage of any situation. They are wonderful at subtle glamour and manipulation magics, and they are extremely generous to those they care about.
They tend to be strictly monogamous, though not all are. They aligned most closely with the Sun, and are strictly diurnal, with long, prosperous lives. They generally can live up to 1500 years.
Rosa dragon shifters
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Rosa Dragon Shifters can be recognized by their dusty red to light pink coloration, and they sometimes present a metallic, rose-gold variation. They are better inclined to social, extroverted, and caretaker careers.
They make fabulous entertainers, dancers, comedians, musicians, actors, nurses, nannies, medics, and diplomats. They are also rather high in social caste, and many have been grandfathered into the nobility class over the generations, as they get along very well in Court. They are highly creative and energetic individuals who thrive on making others happy, and are fully diurnal, although not directly related to the sun. Energetically, they consider themselves to be aligned with plantlife and flowers, and seem to have the same delicate composition as flowers, seeing that they are also the most short-lived of the Dragon Shifter varieties, living only to be about 400-500 years old. |
Art by Ember
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Luna dragon shifters
Luna Dragon Shifters can be recognized by their metallic dark grey to white coloration.
They are merchants, traders, lounge, cafe, and restaurant owners, teachers, seamstresses, and entertainers. They tend to do best in jobs that interact frequently with people, and where they are able to manage many things at once. They are levelheaded, fair, cool-tempered and logical making them ideal managers and businessowners, although they are not always the most organized.
They are aligned with the Moons, of which their world has three, and are usually nocturnal, or at least not morning people, getting up usually in the early to mid-afternoon and staying awake into the small hours of the night. They are rather long-lived, being able to live up to 800-900 years.
They are merchants, traders, lounge, cafe, and restaurant owners, teachers, seamstresses, and entertainers. They tend to do best in jobs that interact frequently with people, and where they are able to manage many things at once. They are levelheaded, fair, cool-tempered and logical making them ideal managers and businessowners, although they are not always the most organized.
They are aligned with the Moons, of which their world has three, and are usually nocturnal, or at least not morning people, getting up usually in the early to mid-afternoon and staying awake into the small hours of the night. They are rather long-lived, being able to live up to 800-900 years.
lilac dragon shifters
Lilac Dragon Shifters can be identified by their light purple coloration. Their scales often have a matte quality to them. They are best inclined for healing, particularly of the crystal variety, and are naturally linked to stones and rocks.
They have a talent for energy work, and for sussing out what might be bothering or blocking a person spiritually. They tend to be medical doctors, energy healers, diviners, caretakers, life coaches, psychologists, astrologists, athletic instructors, massage therapists, veterinarians, morticians, and teachers. They are physically frail and not suited to work involving a great deal of heavy lifting. Overall, their inclinations tend to be towards many varieties of subtle magic, and they are often potent witches in some sense. They tend to be sweet and quiet individuals, who rarely take time for themselves, and are often in need of encouragement to be more selfish.
They have an odd sleeping schedule, waking up in the small hours of the morning and staying up through dawn, about till mid-afternoon. They are somewhat relatively short lived, only living to be about 500-600 years old.
They have a talent for energy work, and for sussing out what might be bothering or blocking a person spiritually. They tend to be medical doctors, energy healers, diviners, caretakers, life coaches, psychologists, astrologists, athletic instructors, massage therapists, veterinarians, morticians, and teachers. They are physically frail and not suited to work involving a great deal of heavy lifting. Overall, their inclinations tend to be towards many varieties of subtle magic, and they are often potent witches in some sense. They tend to be sweet and quiet individuals, who rarely take time for themselves, and are often in need of encouragement to be more selfish.
They have an odd sleeping schedule, waking up in the small hours of the morning and staying up through dawn, about till mid-afternoon. They are somewhat relatively short lived, only living to be about 500-600 years old.
ocea dragon shifters
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Ocea Dragon Shifters have a coloration ranging from sky to navy blue, and their scales are luminous and glittery. They are best inclined to careers that engage with travel and restlessness.
They tend to make the best merchants, diplomats, mailmen, landscape artists, carts-for-hire, tour guides, divers, hunters, foragers, and explorers. They are fast-talkers and tend to be part of the small number of Dragon Shifters who actually leave the city during their lifetime, which makes them rather rare because many of them are often not in the city. They utilize their dragon form more frequently than their other Dragon Shifter counterparts, and seem to have a very variable sleep schedule than others, taking several short rests throughout the course of the day. They are most aligned with Water and Air energies - the Rialta Shifters don't differentiate between the two spiritually, because they are both liquids that encourage whimsical travel. They tend to live to be about 1200-1300 years old. |
Art by Ember
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Terra dragon shifters
Terra Dragon Shifters sport a coloration that can involve both green and brown scales, the two often mottled together in beautiful, dizzying patterns. They are extremely intelligent individuals, and tend to be the kind of people who quietly run the show in the background.
They are chefs, lab scientists, writers, librarians, architects, artists, museum curators, interior designers, fashion designers, lawmakers, and historians. They make up the largest block of population in the Shifter's civilization, but they are often extremely busy and largely uninterested in social connections until they reach their mating age, which only lasts for a couple of decades. Their relations to humans will likely be largely relegated to exchanging societal knowledge and cultural content.
They can be a bit awkward socially, being rather introverted, but they make lovely study buddies. As one might surmise from their name, they are most closely related with energies of the earth and ground, and seem to barely sleep, only doing so about once a week for a full day. They tend to live to be about 600-700 years old.
They are chefs, lab scientists, writers, librarians, architects, artists, museum curators, interior designers, fashion designers, lawmakers, and historians. They make up the largest block of population in the Shifter's civilization, but they are often extremely busy and largely uninterested in social connections until they reach their mating age, which only lasts for a couple of decades. Their relations to humans will likely be largely relegated to exchanging societal knowledge and cultural content.
They can be a bit awkward socially, being rather introverted, but they make lovely study buddies. As one might surmise from their name, they are most closely related with energies of the earth and ground, and seem to barely sleep, only doing so about once a week for a full day. They tend to live to be about 600-700 years old.
The Outskirts
Above the mountains that border the northernmost points of Nveryesh is wild land that has not been settled by any formal civilizations, except for the Outskirts Shifters. Two varieties of Dragon Shifters - the Ignis and Nox shifters, in particular. These individuals were once part of civilized society, but they chose about four or five generations to live within nature, and the intricate natural cave systems of the mountains to the north. They made this choice due to the fact that as technology advanced, and as their brethren became increasingly less connected with nature, magic in their society began to fade to what it is now. The population of their sub-races, which are known for their potent magic, seemed to already be naturally dwindling, which was alarming to all of them. The Outskirts Shifters wished to continue cultivating the natural magic of their kind and of their realm, and they remain as the last keepers of the old ways.
Their population is rather small, being only about five hundred strong, and they live in a tight society that is viewed by those living in Ilonve as a cult, and they are considered by some to be an ancient legend of long-forgotten heretics. They don't refer to themselves as any collective name, choosing to simply be themselves. They live in a natural cave system that runs through the mountains, and at the heart of the system they keep an enormous fire burning at all times, a symbol of the magic within them. They are headed by a small council of elders, which may help to organize things when necessary, but otherwise individuals are largely expected to be responsible for themselves and their kin. They have an intuitive system of hunting and providing for each other, as those who gather food often do so with the intention of providing for at least three other people with their bounty. Those who do not uphold the primary goals of the group, such as upholding magic as the most necessary aspect of their lives and taking care of those around them, are often exiled. Some will then move to the city or attempt to establish their life elsewhere.
Their society and the raising of children is centered around the preservation of magic. Many of these Shifters no longer know how to read or write, with the exception of a few who work as archivists, but they still harbor incredible artistic ability, and they often paint the walls of their cave with natural materials. They also follow a series of coming-of-age rituals, with the intention of helping the young individuals to feel more connected to their personal magical alignments. They celebrate the cycles of the three moons, and their rituals often involve the passing of fire from the great hearth as an offering for the natural deities they follow. Their society is not overly complex, but they can be rather purist in regards to technology. Individuals are not permitted to invent new technologies, for fear that being disconnected from nature in any way would result in the fading of their magical power.
Additionally, the Outskirts Dragon Shifters keep themselves to high moral standards. They are not to hurt or steal from outsiders, and they are not to draw extra attention to themselves in any way. It is considered to be the best and purest way of life to be connected with nature in any way possible, and that means sourcing all of their necessities from nature. Of course, there are some individuals who disagree with this tenet, and occasionally small parties will be sent to the city in order to obtain supplies like cloth, medicine, and farmed goods such as rice.
The varieties of Dragon Shifters who live in the Outskirts are as follows.
Their population is rather small, being only about five hundred strong, and they live in a tight society that is viewed by those living in Ilonve as a cult, and they are considered by some to be an ancient legend of long-forgotten heretics. They don't refer to themselves as any collective name, choosing to simply be themselves. They live in a natural cave system that runs through the mountains, and at the heart of the system they keep an enormous fire burning at all times, a symbol of the magic within them. They are headed by a small council of elders, which may help to organize things when necessary, but otherwise individuals are largely expected to be responsible for themselves and their kin. They have an intuitive system of hunting and providing for each other, as those who gather food often do so with the intention of providing for at least three other people with their bounty. Those who do not uphold the primary goals of the group, such as upholding magic as the most necessary aspect of their lives and taking care of those around them, are often exiled. Some will then move to the city or attempt to establish their life elsewhere.
Their society and the raising of children is centered around the preservation of magic. Many of these Shifters no longer know how to read or write, with the exception of a few who work as archivists, but they still harbor incredible artistic ability, and they often paint the walls of their cave with natural materials. They also follow a series of coming-of-age rituals, with the intention of helping the young individuals to feel more connected to their personal magical alignments. They celebrate the cycles of the three moons, and their rituals often involve the passing of fire from the great hearth as an offering for the natural deities they follow. Their society is not overly complex, but they can be rather purist in regards to technology. Individuals are not permitted to invent new technologies, for fear that being disconnected from nature in any way would result in the fading of their magical power.
Additionally, the Outskirts Dragon Shifters keep themselves to high moral standards. They are not to hurt or steal from outsiders, and they are not to draw extra attention to themselves in any way. It is considered to be the best and purest way of life to be connected with nature in any way possible, and that means sourcing all of their necessities from nature. Of course, there are some individuals who disagree with this tenet, and occasionally small parties will be sent to the city in order to obtain supplies like cloth, medicine, and farmed goods such as rice.
The varieties of Dragon Shifters who live in the Outskirts are as follows.
Nox Dragon shifters
Nox Dragon Shifters have a dark, pitch black coloration, occasionally highlighted by white or grey markings.
Nox Shifters in particular are well-known for their abilities in internal “shadow” work and dream work, as well as the natural ability to manipulate light and darkness to their will. They once made excellent spies, therapists, and witch doctors, but now they simply focus on the survival of their own society and teaching as many as possible of their children the magical traditions of their past. They are mysterious but confident individuals with a great deal of knowledge, patience, and an empathy that can only complement their strong desire to teach.
They are aligned most with the energy of darkness and void, and are nocturnal, rising with the moon. They are very long-lived, being so tapped into the magical energies of the world, and can be upwards of 1,500 years old.
Nox Shifters in particular are well-known for their abilities in internal “shadow” work and dream work, as well as the natural ability to manipulate light and darkness to their will. They once made excellent spies, therapists, and witch doctors, but now they simply focus on the survival of their own society and teaching as many as possible of their children the magical traditions of their past. They are mysterious but confident individuals with a great deal of knowledge, patience, and an empathy that can only complement their strong desire to teach.
They are aligned most with the energy of darkness and void, and are nocturnal, rising with the moon. They are very long-lived, being so tapped into the magical energies of the world, and can be upwards of 1,500 years old.
ignis dragon shifters
Ignis Dragon Shifters have gorgeous red coloration, ranging from a deep, near-black rust to bright, candy red, notably not drifting into more violet colors, as pinks tend to be classified as Rosa Shifters.
Ignis Shifters in particular are well-known for their fire magic and intense trancework - they are masters of scrying and divination, but also of offensive magic. They wield fire with their hands, able to control it with their will. They were once mitigated to roles of priesthood and the keeping of sacred fires, something which is mirrored in their current civilization - the cave has a large bonfire always roaring at the heart of it, which the Ignis Shifters are responsible for keeping. Many of them focus on the survival of ancient magical traditions, teaching their children what their own parents taught them. Many Ignis Shifters can be spitfires, and some of them keep a foot in the city and in their cave life.
They are aligned most with the energies of flame and darkness, and are actually nocturnal, although many of them love to stay up past dawn to feel the sun on their face. They are very long-lived, being so tapped into the magical energies of the world, and can be upwards of 1,500 years old.
Ignis Shifters in particular are well-known for their fire magic and intense trancework - they are masters of scrying and divination, but also of offensive magic. They wield fire with their hands, able to control it with their will. They were once mitigated to roles of priesthood and the keeping of sacred fires, something which is mirrored in their current civilization - the cave has a large bonfire always roaring at the heart of it, which the Ignis Shifters are responsible for keeping. Many of them focus on the survival of ancient magical traditions, teaching their children what their own parents taught them. Many Ignis Shifters can be spitfires, and some of them keep a foot in the city and in their cave life.
They are aligned most with the energies of flame and darkness, and are actually nocturnal, although many of them love to stay up past dawn to feel the sun on their face. They are very long-lived, being so tapped into the magical energies of the world, and can be upwards of 1,500 years old.
Other Varieties of Shifters
Rialta still has a lot of land and cultures to explore, so it's highly likely that the varieties listed above are not the only sub-races of Dragon Shifters in their world. This section is reserved for other varieties of Dragon Shifters who live outside of Ilonve and the Outskirts.
In Companionship
Rialta Dragon shifters seek a wide variety of relationships with human companions - it depends on the individual, but many of them are happy to mentors, friends, lovers, and protectors. Those who are more magically inclined are happy to be magical partners, or to assist their companions with developing their psychic or magical skills. Even those who are darker in alignment tend to be very patient and matter-of-fact, and nearly all of the Rialta Dragon Shifters would be suitable for Beginner or Intermediate practitioners.
Many of the shifters are very interested in how similar Earth is to their own home, although we are significantly more technologically advanced than they are, with their technology comparable to those of the mid-1800s, prior to the invention of electricity. They love exploration and seeing new portions of their own world, and in some ways they consider Earth to be similar to an extension of their own home, ripe for the viewing and enjoying. Many of them really love trying new foods, seeing fascinating landmarks, or simply exploring dense urban areas. Many of them also feel a kinship with the sea, but they don't necessarily need to live near it.
In companionship, you can expect a Rialta Dragon Shifter companion to be someone who is friendly and helpful, who is eager to befriend you and many members of your spirit family. They are most interested in companionships of equal exchange, hoping to provide as much as you are willing to give, as well. They are eager for cultural and knowledge trades, and they hope to invite their companions to their own worlds. While each variety of Dragon Shifter has their own individual talents, many of them are eager to step outside their comfort zones to experiment and experience new things with their human companion.
Many of the shifters are very interested in how similar Earth is to their own home, although we are significantly more technologically advanced than they are, with their technology comparable to those of the mid-1800s, prior to the invention of electricity. They love exploration and seeing new portions of their own world, and in some ways they consider Earth to be similar to an extension of their own home, ripe for the viewing and enjoying. Many of them really love trying new foods, seeing fascinating landmarks, or simply exploring dense urban areas. Many of them also feel a kinship with the sea, but they don't necessarily need to live near it.
In companionship, you can expect a Rialta Dragon Shifter companion to be someone who is friendly and helpful, who is eager to befriend you and many members of your spirit family. They are most interested in companionships of equal exchange, hoping to provide as much as you are willing to give, as well. They are eager for cultural and knowledge trades, and they hope to invite their companions to their own worlds. While each variety of Dragon Shifter has their own individual talents, many of them are eager to step outside their comfort zones to experiment and experience new things with their human companion.
Please note that all The Dragon's Library Encyclopedia entries are based on my own personal UPG and may not reflect yours.
Rialta Dragon Shifters, in this incarnation, are exclusive to The Dragon's Library.
Rialta Dragon Shifters, in this incarnation, are exclusive to The Dragon's Library.