Dragons

In Caerwyn, long ago, there lived many Dragons. Beasts of fire and scale, wing and claw, they were a sight to behold. Along with krakens, Dragons were beings of pure magic given physical form. There were no other creatures. The lands were new and barren. In this new world, the Dragons were tasked with creating the Landforges - the great volcanos fueled by the fire of the Dragons - and the first storms, which carried water from the sea to the new continent, forming lakes and rivers.All was well, but the cunning of The One Chained in the Dark had been underestimated by the Gods. It sunk it's dark tendrils into the most susceptible of the Dragons, tainting their magic and driving them to attack their brothers and sisters. A great war was fought and the first blood was spilled in the new land.The battle raged for many years, the great clamor of magic forming the first mountains. Brother fought brother, sister killed sister and the land was filled with darkness. Many Dragons fell and where their bodies landed new life was created - forests, plants, fungus, and mushrooms.Over time, the Dragons were all were killed off or fled, retreating deep underground or to lands unknown. The Five learned the error of their ways - pure magic was too corruptable. The new races - Giants and Elves were not originally given the spark of magic, but that is for another story.Some say the Dragons still live at the edges of the world or in the long-forgotten places, though one hasn't been seen in thousands of years. We still remember them though. Some times we see the forests or get caught in a storm, we remember the great beasts of Ancient legend and the danger of what lies in the dark.
— Myth of Caerwyn, Chapter 4 - Dragon Tails, Aroarz Bulalslag

Dragons are an integral part of the lore of Caerwyn - the first creations of the gods, these great beasts ruled the air and land in the early days of the new world. Dragons were beasts of pure magical energy, deeply connected to The Song. It's said their fire first fueled the first volcanoes and their wingbeats gave rise to great storms that formed the rivers and lakes of the world. Equaled only by the Krakens, Dragons had free reign of Caerwyn - until the corruption of The One Chained in the Dark.

Though the Chained One's influence was lessened by its imprisonment in the dark demiplane, it could still be felt. Dragons were particularly susceptible to the Dark One's will. Those of weaker wills were slowly corrupted, turning on their kin and unleashing the War of Bone and Fire.

Most Dragons, from both sides, were killed in the fighting. It's said that where their bodies laid sprang great forests and beautiful fields of flowers, the magic of their bodies finding new life in the flora and fauna of the world.

Those Dragons that lived are thought to have fled or hidden. Rumors say that past the rim of the world there lies the Tír Dragan, the land of Dragons, where many of the uncorrupted Dragons settled after leaving the world of the Mortal Races. Some say that some Dragons lurk in The Delve and rumors of Draconic influence spring up from time to time. Some even say a rare few Dragons have learned to take Mortal form, passing through the world undetected, working their magic still to this day.

In Literature

Stories of dragons are quite popular in the world of Caer, primarily because no living record has ever been found. Some claim to have found the bones of dragons in various states, though no conclusive proof has ever been provided. Because of this, a vast amount has been written about dragons, all speculation. Most stories involve the heroes of legend, either doing battle with evil dragons or being grated boons from the wisest of the species.   It is likely that almost all of this is pure fiction. However, there are whispers that a secret collection of apocryphal draconic texts is held by the Oracle and the Acolyte's College. Of course, such information is hard to verify, but that hasn't prevented many scholars from trying to gain access to said tomes.

In Art

Draconic art is quite popular in certain regions of the Empire. The Orc Clans of the Northern Reaches in particular often adorn their personal effects with dragons. Pottery, weapons, shields, and more are covered with imagery of dragon heads, great wings, and knotted flame.   Many famous paintings of the world also depict the War of Bone and Fire and the aftermath of a world covered with flora.
Date of First Recording
11000
Date of Setting
5000

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