Khatari - Dragonkin
When the pantheon first arrived on Avaleenian soil, they came to a glade deep in the wilderness of Ala -- the small, untouched continent to the north of Oliria – which was imbued by their celestial power. Since their arrival, no elements can touch this glade. Wildfires fizzle and die on its borders, ice and snow cannot find purchase, and there is never a wind within. Such is the power of this mark upon the land.
But such power cannot remain contained. It seeped into the soil, tendrils seeking new avenues, spreading like roots and vines through both earth and air throughout the region. This is why it is called Elderglow, and that is where the Khatari were changed forever.
The Khatari are a dragonkin species whose origins date back to the first dragons and Qidis , the fallen Stormlord’s experimentations with them. The celestial fire mutated their DNA, causing children to be born incomplete. This is also why this species can be called “Ashlings of the First Flame.”
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Khatari are humanoid dragonkin, but not scaled or horned in the traditional sense.
Adolescent stage – the Scourling Form
They are born as spindly, soot-skinned beings with luminous blood and dormant dragonic traits. Their skin color ranges from gray to charcoal, and it is more or less cracked to reveal the blood vessels glowing like embers beneath. Each scourling has its own unique pattern which is as varied as fingerprints for mortal humans.
In this form, they are physically fragile, while containing a barely controlled internal fire from their dragonic ancestors that radiates an aura which can flicker or flare depending on their mood. And moody, they are. They are naturally resistant to fire and toxins.
Metamorphosis – the Rite of Flame
This Rite is performed each year at the peak of Mount Kharzal when the sun never sets and the magma pool is full. All eligible scourlings must enter the Moultfire Trial which takes place on a platform resting at the center of the pool, filled with holes where the magma flows up, covering the floor in a thin layer of molten rock. To get to the platform, the scourlings must cross on a narrow bridge, suspended by hot chains and brittle wood. If they endure the flame and the heat of the earth without breaking, they emerge reborn. The length of the Rite depends on the individual. The shortest length on record is fifteen minutes, the longest 21 hours.
Adult stage - the Eldborne Form
During the rite, the ashen form transforms into one of iridescent stone, with long tails and wings that can manifest during times of heightened adrenaline. Who they become depends on their bloodline, and whichever one of their parents’ bloodlines is the most dominant in the case of mixed heritage. It is unusual for an Eldborne to carry traits of more than one bloodline, but those who do are revered as special and extraordinary.
Obsidian Khatari are sharp-willed, precise and dangerously beautiful. In the Rite they are formed from a sudden explosive release turning their ashen form into volcanic glass. Their breath weapon is radiance filled with piercing shards and they are resistant to radiant and slashing damage because of it.
Basalt Khatari are steady, unyielding and ancient guardians of the molten way. They are formed in the Rite by slowly cooling lava, layered and unbreakable. Their breath is a molten cone of magma and they are resistant to fire and bludgeoning damage.
Pumice Khatari are airy and cunning, deceptive in many cases, and manipulative. Their form is porous, buoyant, and surprisingly light. Their breath is that of emberfilled ash which they can use to obscure an area, as well as harm. They are resistant to fire damage.
Andesite Khatari are usually balanced, adaptable, and drawn between light and shadow. In the Rite their skin becomes a grey rock and their breath is lightning with a crack of thunder. They are resistant to thunder and radiant damage.
Scoria Khatari are the rarest bloodline and they are a volatile sort, scarred and vengeful. In the Rite they are formed through violent outbursts which creates a brittle and vesicular form filled with glowing cracks. Their breath is fire or ice, and they are resistant to both fire and cold damage.
Tephran Wights
The Rite of Flame is a dangerous one, and every year there are adolescents that do not pass the test because their soul and/or form is too brittle or fearful. When they do fail, the Rite consumes them, turning them into Teephran Wights. Cracked rock forms animated by rage. These tragic figures are hunted even as they are grieved and pitied as failed souls.
Some believe their spirits linger within the volcano, and will one day be released when the world breaks.
Civilization and Culture
Culture and Cultural Heritage
The Khatari never name their young until after the Rite. They are known only by clan titles or birthmarks. Because of their metamorphic nature, the Khatari value strength of will over might, since brute force is seldom what makes one survive into adulthood.
Not all undergo the Rite either. Some choose to remain a scourling, forming the Gray Council that acts as spiritual advisors and scribes who preserve memories and stories for generations to come. Some have foresight and become seers, often predicting events that happen across the globe.
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