tired 1am idea: skywing antis, running with this until i complete it or hate it
placeholder name CliffWings
Rules[]
- Regular and hybrid CliffWings are free to create- just make sure you have permission if the other tribe requires it.
- Royalty, advisors, and animus require permission to create. Provide at least a name, description, powers (if applicable) and backstory.
Description[]
CliffWings are a smaller species with dense muscle, made for shorter bursts of speed. Their wings are average in proportion to their body. Their arms and legs can seem small compared to the rest of them. Their tails are quite rigid when resting, but have a normal range of motion.
It is common to see a CliffWing with teeth protruding out of the mouth. Horn color, shape, and quantity vary greatly among tribe members, though usually resemble family's horns.
CliffWings are mostly cool colored. Blues, greens, white, grey, and black are common. They can also have different colored accents, especially if they have hybrid ancestors. The eyes are usually grey, black, or a very muted/pale color.
Abilities[]
Muscularity[]
CliffWings are stronger than the average tribe, but built more for short intense uses of strength rather than extended muscle use.
Firebreath[]
When warm enough, CliffWings can breathe fire. They have a greater temperature range than MudWings.
Territory[]
The CliffWing territory, true to the tribe's name, consists of cliffs and mountains with rivers towards the coast.
Mountains[]
The mountainous territory is closer to the tribe's SkyWing neighbors. It is stunning, with snow-capped peaks plunging into forested oases and glass-like lakes.
River Flats[]
The rivers provide a small bit of flatter territory, where plenty of grass and sparse trees flourish. These are prime spots for hunting, watching wildlife, gathering crisp mountain water, or relaxing in the sun.
Cliffed Coasts[]
The cliffed coasts are a wonder to behold. The tall rocks being eroded by the sea create stunning and almost impossible shapes, and tall islands seemingly broken from the rest of the mainland. The most marvelous, according to the CliffWings, is around the royal palace, where the rocks are white and erosion creates the most bizarre assortment of islands and cliffsides.
Architecture[]
Because of this challenging terrain, CliffWings typically construct their houses inside cliff faces. Many, but not all, of these houses are only accessible only by flight or a difficult climb.
There are some exceptions, such as houses constructed lower to the ground or in valleys, and the royal palace.
Locations[]
Centerstone[]
Centerstone is one of the largest cliffside cities, and is just across the river from another major civilization. Here, the mountains reach their tallest and almost every inch of space is utilized efficiently. Homes are carved into the sides of mountains, decorating the simple entrances with ornate carvings occasionally inlaid with precious materials.
These residents typically (but not always) work in manufacturing, assembly and processing of items, or development of the arts.
Riverbank[]
Riverbank is separated from Centerstone by the Diamond Spray River. Riverside is located in an exceptionally large riverside flatland, surrounded by walls to protect the town from flooding. The houses are mud brick with simple plant-based roofs, great for insulation and waterproofing.
These residents usually work with livestock, crops, and gathering raw materials.
Seaside[]
Seaside is a small but important city, and one of the most impressive. The royal palace is (technically) in Seaside. Seaside sits on the edge of cliffs and scattered across broken coast islands. The buildings are made of stone, made for both practicality and beauty. A building may have stunning carvings through the walls that also provide natural light and breeze.
These residents most often are officials and lawmakers, or wealthy individuals.
Royal Palace[]
The palace sits on its own island, and stretches high into the sky. It is the home of the royal family, advisors, and is where all trials are held. The island's base was eroded by the sea, so much that it was in danger of falling into the water. It was saved by animus magic, and now is floating above the ocean.
Culture[]
Religion[]
According to CliffWing religious history, there was one god at the beginning of time. Their name was Zeiat. Zeiat created two beings of equal power to be their children. The twins' power soon outgrew Zeiat's, and in a brief fight for power, Zeiat and the twins all ended up fatally wounded. Using the last of their power, Zeiat combined the twins into a two-headed being, Doua.
Doua used Zeiat's body to create the heavens, world, and their inhabitants. Despite the twins' arguments, they manage to work together and watch over the dragons' universe.
Zeiat is typically portrayed as a dragon with mostly Pyrrhian traits, though some ancient depictions show some subtle Pantalan traits. Doua is portrayed as a two-headed dragon, half black and half white, with varying combinations of tribal traits. Doua is also shown surrounded by dragons of varying tribes, usually with odd features. For example, a Pyrrhian dragon with extra sets of wings or a Pantalan dragon with extra sets of limbs. These are his workers, similar to angels, called "Ajutors."
Doua is the only worshipped god, as they are the only living one. The Ajutors are not gods, rather workers to assist managing the mortal plane.
It is important to note that not all CliffWings are religious or subscribe to the same religion, this is just the religion that originated with the tribe and subsequently the most common.
Traditions[]
The CliffWings have a few common traditions.
Weddings, should dragons decide to have one, are typically small and uneventful. The attendees are usually limited to the marrying dragons, a mediator, and extremely close relatives and friends. A group of fifteen guests would be considered large and extravagant. Larger weddings are not frowned upon, just seen as unnecessary and are less common.
Gift giving for any occasion (or even no occasion) is common, usually being useful items such as tools or food. Usually between friends and family, dragons will gift small decorative items like jewelry or accessories. In fancier occasions, ornate decorative gifts will be given, usually handmade.
The most common language in the CliffWing territory is draconic. The CliffWings' native language has evolved to be extremely similar, but does have its grammatical and written quirks. The script is blocky due to its origins of being carved in rock, but does have an elegant cursive form that is very popular.
Hybrids are widely accepted, even if they have a parent from an enemy tribe. The children are not responsible for their own existence, after all. If the dragonet hatches in the kingdom or in an ally kingdom, they are welcomed as a citizen. If the dragonet hatches in an enemy or neutral kingdom, they are not considered citizens, but are not pushed away.
While the animus gene is extremely repressed, those born with powers (both in and out of the tribe) are both respected and feared. The CliffWings are aware of the vast potential of animus dragons, for both good and evil. Most animus dragons with CliffWing heritage have strong hybrid ancestry.
Names are typically nature-themed, but there is no limit to what a CliffWing can be named.
Festivals[]
Turning of the Seasons[]
This festival occurs twice a year, celebrating both the return of warmer seasons and their eventual departure. The festival is filled with games and vendors selling the last of in-season items. It reminds the tribe of the good parts of the year, despite each season's unique hardships.
Doua's Day[]
This day is celebrated by many CliffWings, religious and not. It is in the middle of the cold seasons, celebrated by gift giving and helping out loved ones. Religious dragons also dedicate the holiday to Doua in their own ways.
Government[]
Winning the Throne[]
The throne is typically taken over when a ruler dies. Before death, a monarch will ideally pick one of their offspring to rule. If the ruler dies unexpectedly, the eldest takes the throne.
If there is ever a disagreement between heirs, they can settle it by presenting their cases to the advisors and other siblings, if they have any. Usually, this requires a convincing speech and rigorous questioning. The ruler is voted in after all parties have given their final speech.
Monarch[]
The ruler of the CliffWings is mainly a figurehead, though they do have quite a bit of power. The original royal family has died out, but the current bloodline has continued unbroken.
The rulers and heirs aren't actively pressured into marrying and having dragonets, but it is somewhat expected for at least one to continue the family.
Advisors[]
Advisors provide a citizen's perspective for the monarch. There are seven, all elected by the population. They serve as judges for minor cases as well.
Advisors can be dispelled by a new ruler, but cannot be appointed by a ruler. Typically, a new monarch will also call for new advisors so they can have the best representation possible.
Technically, there aren't term limits to being an advisor, but they are changed out so often there hasn't been a need for one to be determined.
Law[]
The core laws are listed on the walls of the palace throne room. They read:
- No dragon is above the law.
- Harm to another dragon, done without reason, is the highest offense.
- Every dragon will have a fair and unbiased trial to determine their innocence or guilt. No verdict will be assumed until all evidence has been presented.
- The ruler and advisors are the authorities in court.
- The punishment must match the crime to ensure equal justice.
- Torture of prisoners is equal to unnecessary harm and will meet the same punishment
- All dragons in court will be treated with respect, regardless of allegiance.
These are not the complete legal texts. Those are kept secure and consistently updated, with more specifics and acceptable punishments for crimes listed.
History[]
Pre-Scorching[]
The CliffWings are believed to share ancestry with MudWings and SkyWings. They were able to domesticate crops and livestock rather quickly, compared to other tribes. CliffWings were the first to begin domesticating non-food animals like cats and wolves, introducing the concept to other neighboring tribes.
Scorching[]
The CliffWings were fairly unified during the Scorching, likely what ensured their survival. After they secured their territory from the scavengers and other tribes, they appointed their first queen, Rockslide.
Soul's Rule[]
Several generations after Rockslide's passing, a new king was chosen. His name was Soul, the first royal animus. His first official action as king was to begin construction of a grand royal palace. He assisted with his magic, despite the warnings of his advisors. Close to the end of the palace's construction, the island became unstable. Using his power, Soul saved the island, enchanting it to float in place. Unfortunately, this was the spell that pushed him to the limit.
The strain of the magic caused his health to decline, both physically and mentally. He became more selfish, eventually hiding in his room with a hoard of precious items. He completely neglected his duties as ruler.
Revolution[]
The CliffWings quickly were fed up with Soul. A group of farmers, led by one named Hawthorn, left their homes to take the throne. There wasn't much of a fight expected, considering Soul's significantly declined state. A few were killed by Soul's magic, but the farmers did triumph.
Hawthorn was declared the new ruler, and they began the current royal bloodline.
SandWing War[]
The CliffWings were devastated by Queen Oasis's death. They allied with Burn and their SkyWing neighbors, as well as the MudWings. They were intimidated by the SkyWings' military might, and figured they'd rather be with the army than on the receiving end of Burn and Scarlet's fury. The MudWings had been longtime allies of the CliffWings, and naturally the tribe gravitated towards an alliance with them.
At the conclusion of the war, they weren't upset with Thorn becoming the new queen. They were primarily relieved that the war was over.
Post-War[]
The CliffWings have been enjoying an era of relative peace since the SandWing war. They have recently learned of Pantala and recently launched an expedition to begin building alliances with the tribes on the island.
Important Figures[]
Rulers[]
Queen Rockslide (historical
King Soul (historical)
Queen Wolfstooth (current)
Heirs[]
Prince Mist-Rain
Prince Leaf
Advisors[]
- Redsky
- open
- open
- open
- open
- open
- open
Tribal Relations[]
IceWings: They haven't had much contact with the IceWings, and have a neutral opinion of them.
MudWings: They are extremely close allies, and have been for a long time.
NightWings: They're cautious of the tribe, but believe they can have a better future. They want to build an alliance with them.
RainWings: They have a high opinion of them, even more so since they began helping the NightWings. They are new allies.
SandWings: They do not interact much with the SandWings and are completely neutral towards them.
SeaWings: They have a bit of remaining hostility from the war, and do not interact much. There is hope for building an alliance, but this has yet to start.
SkyWings: They are allies, though not as close as the MudWings.
HiveWings: They do not know much of the HiveWings, but strongly dislike their governing style.
LeafWings: They get along with the LeafWings, and are working on an alliance.
SilkWings: They also want to build an alliance with the SilkWings, but want the tribe to solidify their government first.
AviWings: text
DeathWings: text
DriftWings: text
LightWings: text
TempestWings: text
CentiWings: text