Creative Corner

[b] UPDATE 3/12/2023:[/b] I have exalted/rehomed all dragons once belonging to my original lair. I am restarting my lore, but have decided to keep the old parts of this thread intact for archival purposes. [rule] Yeeeeehaw let's get this hoedown started!!! If anyone has ANY comments, feel free to post em (especially regarding clan name and flora and fauna listed in the region). This first post will likely be formatted and made prettier as I figure my stuff out, but that sure as heck ain't now my friends! I think I'll start with........ [b]CLAN NAME:[/b] Oughh so I've been calling my clan Shady Grove but that's not fitting the vibe right now. It's gotta be something like... uhhhh... oh no... I don't even know what my clan does. Okay we'll start there. ALRIGHT! I think I've nailed down what my clan looks like and what I think my dragons do. I think my clan name should now reflect the bounty of food and decorative species found there... Shining Cliffs? Fig Rock? Rotala Run? Pebble Collector Urchin Point? Imperial's Bounty? Bountiful Bluff? Closer... I like bluff, but not "Bountiful"... Got it! Angelspine Bluff. So named after the dazzling and delicious (when cooked with plenty of herbs) urchins who make their home at the base of the bluff. The clan started to get a steady stream of funds by selling the spines harvested from these creatures, whose flesh was (and still is) consumed in large quantities by Xanna. [b]SETTING:[/b] [i]Environment[/i] The environment here is a mix of low maquis and tallgrass prairie. It has a mediterranean climate (hence the maquis biome). This means the climate is dry in the summer with mild, wet winters. [i]Clan Location and Appearance[/i] This clan sits on the side of a cliff on the southernmost edge of the Sunbeam Ruins overlooking the Shifting Expanse- specifically, the Highland Scrub region. It is about a day's walk away from the forest that encircles the Hewn City and a few hours to the east of the Tsunami Flats. The Moonportal is just a little farther to the east than the Tsunami flats are to the west of this clan. The center of the clan is hidden within a tallgrass field. Within the tallgrass, paths have been created so that dragons may walk about the clan and visit the stores at the center of town. The grass acts as a living curtain, clearly dividing the storefronts and hotels from each other, as well as providing ample privacy for the dragons that reside here. Farming is also done in this region, most notably seen in Egnaro's farm, which grows not only quinoa but olives and figs. As the grasses give way to shrubs and the occasional tree, the clan transitions from being primarily above-ground to underground, with most dens found beneath the surface. Livestock are reared here and many of the clan's aromatics are also found here. A brook which starts near the Moonportal trickles down through the center of this clan, providing a source of cool water and crayfish. [i]Primary income[/i] The various foodstuffs that naturally populate the area are a big source of income for the clan. However, with the revitalization of the Moonportal, it has received ample subsidies from the Lightweaver to act as temporary housing for her researchers. Now, the clan is primarily a waypoint for travelers and light flight officials. It places lots of its funding into travel and summer housing to entice dragons to stay a little longer. With how delicious the cuisine is and how mild the climate, it often doesn't take a lot to get lackadaisical dragons to stick around an extra day or two. A modest research lab has also been erected for use by researchers who need a simple test or two done. [i]Plants[/i] This clan grows almonds, olives and figs primarily for export and occasional celebratory use in the clan. Aromatic herbs are lesser exports, being primarily grown for the clan. Sunbeam rotala, oak trees and pampas grass naturally abound here and are the staple of the diet of the clan's herbivores. [item= luminous almonds] [item= sunbeam fig] [item= sunkernel] [item = treasure plant] [item= water mimosa] [item = wild mustard] [item = sunbeam rotala] [item = pampas grass][item=cindermint] [item=sour strawberry] [i]Animals[/i] Quail, hare and pheasant are the primary meat sources, with sheep slain for special occasions. Sea-salt brined cheeses are a local favorite, made unique by the special type of sheep that produce it as well as the environment it's aged in. Boar and fox also scour the area, keeping shepherds and farmers ever vigilant. [item= old world rabbit] [item= sheep] [item=valley quail] [item= sun flecked fieldmouse] [item= sweet songbird] [item=black orpington] [item= ashfall bat] [item= ferret] [item= grouse] This clan is also privy to a plethora of seafood, the most popular of which are its oysters, eels and urchins. Flying fish roe and salted shark are eaten year round, often as spreads on cheese boards. Citrus lionfish are a growing part of the staple diet, dragons slowly figuring out how to work around their toxic spikes. [item=angelspine] [item=citrus lionfish] [item=leopard needletooth] [item=deepsea cucumber] [item=lyretail puffer] [item= flying fish] [item=luminous shortfin] [item=luminous leaf sheep] [item=sparkling crayfish] [item=sun baked oysters] [item=yellow-frilled eel][item=pebble collector urchin][item= stubby squid] [item= wetland ghost] [item= white reaches crab] The primary sources of insects for dragons of this clan are crickets, grasshoppers, hardshells and mealworms. Nocturnal dragons may also snack on the moths that abound here or the occasional albino dasher. For celebrations, snails often feature alongside oysters in a delicious shellfish stew. [item=albino dasher] [item=boxer mantis] [item=catoptria grass moth][item=cricket][item=dark-bordered beauty] [item=fanned cockroach][item=garden snail][item=golden coa moth][item=grasshopper][item=leopard caterpillar][item=mealworm][item=tendrilback caterpillar][item=tinder bug][item=white cabbage butterfly][item=hardshell] Many animals that live here have bland meat but flashy appearances. These animals are often harvested and eaten by the locals, their scales and shells then sold for a much higher price. As such, aromatics and herbs play a big role in the clan's cuisine. [I]Raw Materials[/I] While the clan is known primarily for its edible exports, decorative materials also play a large role in the clan's income, many of which are byproducts of those edible products. A decent amount of precious minerals are found here, which are either used by the clan in their own craftsmanship or exported to other clans. Dyes and pigments are also extremely important here and are readily available. [item=Beeswax][item=Featherback Pelt][item=Fluted Conch][item=Gold Ore][item=Grey Clay][item=Hematite][item=Intact Clay Relief][item=Painted Clay Pot][item=sanded cedar plank][item=Reflective Fish Scales][item=Sacridite][item=Sandstone][item=Small Chunk of Granite][item=Snail Slime][item= brilliant length] [b]AESTHETICS:[/b] [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garrigue_%C3%A0_La_Couronne_(commune_de_Martigues,_Bouches-du-Rh%C3%B4ne,_France).jpg][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Garrigue_%C3%A0_La_Couronne_%28commune_de_Martigues%2C_Bouches-du-Rh%C3%B4ne%2C_France%29.JPG/512px-Garrigue_%C3%A0_La_Couronne_%28commune_de_Martigues%2C_Bouches-du-Rh%C3%B4ne%2C_France%29.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garrigue_%C3%A0_La_Couronne_(commune_de_Martigues,_Bouches-du-Rh%C3%B4ne,_France).JPG]Garrigue à La Couronne (commune de Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône, France)[/url] Airair, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maquis_%C3%A0_Euphorbia_dendroides_%C3%A0_Monemvasia_02.jpg][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/71/Maquis_%C3%A0_Euphorbia_dendroides_%C3%A0_Monemvasia_02.jpg/512px-Maquis_%C3%A0_Euphorbia_dendroides_%C3%A0_Monemvasia_02.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maquis_%C3%A0_Euphorbia_dendroides_%C3%A0_Monemvasia_02.jpg]Maquis à Euphorbia dendroides à Monemvasia 02[/url] Patrice78500, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maquis_and_garrigue_in_Corsica4.jpg][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Maquis_and_garrigue_in_Corsica4.jpg/512px-Maquis_and_garrigue_in_Corsica4.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maquis_and_garrigue_in_Corsica4.jpg]Maquis and garrigue in Corsica4[/url] Sten, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hakone_sengokuhara_susuki1.jpg][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Hakone_sengokuhara_susuki1.jpg/512px-Hakone_sengokuhara_susuki1.jpg[/img][/url] [url=https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hakone_sengokuhara_susuki1.jpg]Hakone sengokuhara susuki1[/url] Jungle, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons [url=https://flic.kr/p/aucSB5][img]https://live.staticflickr.com/6094/6226389266_afe6bb7b94_b.jpg[/img][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/aucSB5]golden konza tallgrass prairie[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/]U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters[/url], on Flickr [rule] Okay there's some vital resources I will need to do this, the first of which is the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/2813080#post_2813080]Canon Lore Compendium[/url]. I also need a dragon size reference, [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/2401118#post_2401118]How Big the Dragons Really Are[/url] (Alt. [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/gde/3038944#post_3038944]Dragon Size Guide[/url].) A source of inspiration for divergent dragon forms, in the [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/frd/2916380#post_2916380]Cursed Dragon Hybrids Thread[/url]. Flower symbolism guide, [url=https://www.angelfire.com/journal2/flowers/pcd6.html]here[/url].

Now I've gotten past the clan itself (location and income, aesthetics, etc.) I need to flesh out the jobs in my clan and the dragons who fill them. [b]VITAL JOBS:[/b] [i][b]Water:[/b][/i] The stream provides a steady flow of fresh water straight to the clan, but dragons who are out at sea for the day need to carry water jugs with them. Crops also require some level of irrigation year-round. Between this and the clan's various other demands for clean water from day to day, the stream alone can't necessarily keep up with the strain. These dragons deal with those issues. [i]Potter:[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66527179][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/665272/66527179.png[/img][/url] As a potter, Bean is in charge of creating all the ceramic used by the clan. Perhaps most importantly he makes sturdy stoneware vessels of all size which are used to store water, whether for use at home or to be taken out in the field. He also makes cookware, food storage containers and plateware for daily or celebratory use. Though he is not the most skilled at his craft he is steadily improving; he brings the bold style of pottery native to the Shifting Expanse to this clan in the Sunbeam Ruins, adding a splash of color to every dragon's home. [I]Trencher & Road Paver:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/37618356][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/376184/37618356.png[/img][/url] Xanna is in charge of carving out and paving all roads, stairways and ditches used by the clan, including those ditches used for irrigation. She is in charge of making sure ample water reaches everyone's farmland, which may include adding to old irrigation trenches or digging out new tunnels for new water pipes in times of drought. She also paves these trenches for maximum water transfer, neatly laying bricks down along their sides. When doing any major tunneling, she must check for possible tunneling conflicts and avoid them. Any other clan members that want to do their own tunneling must first seek permission from Xanna. As far as roads are concerned, Xanna is responsible for ensuring that new roads do not interfere with the old and the road layout remains neat. She must also make sure roads don't interfere with irrigation ditches and vice versa. She paves these roads and maintains them, responding to any complaints in addition to making frequent maintenance checks. Xanna is in charge of digging ditches to keep erosion at a minimum in the clan, located so closely to a steep cliff face. [I]Waterway Engineer and Maintenance:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/69377555][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/693776/69377555.png[/img][/url] While Xanna does most of the heavy lifting, Horror performs the calculations and fills out the forms necessary to begin the work in the first place. Horror is the one who calculates pipe diameter and water flow necessary to bring the right amount of water to the clan, designing the system from start to finish. If purification units are involved, he will design those too. Horror then draws up the necessary diagrams and paperwork, handing them off to Xanna to finalize with a Sunbeam Ruins official. If any discrepancies are detected, either in his calculations or with existing pipe systems, he will work with the officials to correct them. After the building process is complete, he will continue to regularly monitor water quality from week to week. He is currently collaborating with interested researchers to figure out how to harness the sea's power for energy. [i][b]Food:[/b][/i] With large dragons comes a large demand for food, and this clan has no shortage of large dragons. If each dragon was in charge of foraging their own food, not only would finding food take up most of their days- keeping them from developing more specialized skills- but they would often find themselves with only a half filled stomach. The following dragons make sure their clanmates are always well fed and able to contribute to the clan in their own ways. [I]Fisherman:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/66361400][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/663615/66361400.png[/img][/url] Vert does most of the fishing for the clan's daily piscine consumption. His job consists mostly of early mornings of checking traps for various maritime species the clan fishes for, catching anything from shark to flying fish roe. Specifically he sets traps for: flying fish roe, leopard needletooth, stubby squid, lyretail puffer and luminous shortfin. With the exception of the flying fish roe, Vert catches these species using variously sized gillnets placed strategically around the seas near his clan. The fish roe are collected in large seaweed rafts he makes himself. When a trap is found full, he has to fly the hefty catch back to shore with powerful wings that banescales are so well known for. He then sells it to whoever has need of it that day. After bringing in the day's haul, he often dives in the waters around the shorelines for various mollusks or quietly fishes from a pier with a line, depending on how tired he is. At night he helps Venenatastilio catch wetland ghost shrimp and white reaches crab, assisting in shining bright lamps over the sea to attract the shellfish for Venenatastilio to scoop up. [I]Urchin & Oyster Harvester:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/44680254][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/446803/44680254.png[/img][/url] While Vert does most of the net fishing far offshore, hauling his catch through the air, Venenatastilio slinks about the ocean floor collecting her prey. She buckets primarily sea urchins during her active hours, lugging the full containers to a cart which she rolls up the winding path to her clan to sell. Often she will come up with some citrus lionfish as well. She returns to the sea in the midday to check over and clean her sun-baked oyster cages where she grows the oysters eaten by the clan. At night, Venenatastilio works with Vert to catch wetland ghost shrimp and white reaches crab. [I]Shepherd:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/22989833][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/229899/22989833.png[/img][/url] Komorebi looks after the clan's herd of sheep. He tends to them all day long, grazing them in the low maquis region around the clan, covering long distances every day to avoid overgrazing. The sheep provide milk, wool and meat for the clan; the most unique of these products is their milk, used for Komorebi's signature seaside brined cheese. It is a large herd, but Komorebi's strong legs and good physique mean it's no issue for him to keep up with them. [I]Huntsman:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/64738798][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/647388/64738798.png[/img][/url] The occasional sheep is not enough to sate the red meat eaters of the clan. Gritzgore's task is to head out into the brush and hunt down the hares, boars and fowls which the clan feasts on. He also hunts fox for their pelts. In the off-season he helps his mate, Venenatastilio, hunt for eels and white reaches crabs. [I]Farmer:[/I] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/14300630][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/143007/14300630.png[/img][/url] Egnaro owns a large tract of land which has since been integrated into the clan's territory. This land has been farmed by his family since they migrated over a couple generations ago from the Ashfall Wastes. On this farm is an orchard which grows olives, luminous almonds and sunbeam figs. White quinoa is also grown in the fields surrounding the courtyard which he calls home. Egnaro also breeds insects for food- crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers and snails- which are sourced from the surrounding area. It's easy to keep a steady supply of insects going, especially since they feed off vegetation naturally occurring in the region. Spirifer and Kirave are Egnaro's primary helpers. [i][b]Shelter:[/b][/i] [i]Mason:[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/79403075][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/794031/79403075.png[/img][/url] From Dragonhome comes a lengthy and proud history of masonry. Kirave took this knowledge with him and uses it to construct the dwellings of the clan. He shapes the bricks that Xanna lays down to pave the roads and irrigation channels and helps her properly lay them. He also cuts stone used for housing, often blending it with brickwork to make beautiful buildings. Kirave also has knowledge of underground construction, often working with Xanna to dig out underground chambers for the clan members. [B]ARTISANAL JOBS:[/B] Basic needs satisfied, the dragons of the clan have been able to specialize and diversify their skill sets. The rest of the dragons not concerned with providing food, water or shelter for themselves and others have taken up their own trades. Each of them contributes in some way to the clan, though some take on disciplines more rigorous than others. Those left with free time in the day may help the hardworking essential workers fulfill their jobs, taking some burden off their shoulders- even by simply providing companionship. [i]Doctor:[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/67782014][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/677821/67782014.png[/img][/url] "Never trust a Plague doctor", is a common piece of advice given to dragons traveling through the Scarred Wasteland. However, Asclepius differs from those of his birth flight in that he has picked up some useful healing practices common to most other flights- and uses them. He utilizes his skill as a master of his element to keep injured dragons from infection, rather than letting it fester for the wounded dragon to overcome. He is a great healer for the clan, able to diagnose and treat most bacterial infections instantly. His ability to recognize viruses, on the other hand? It could use some more work. While he's not needed by the clan, Asclepius is often out in the field picking herbs to use for medicine. [i]Hotelier:[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/24361904][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/243620/24361904.png[/img][/url] Less a hotel owner and more a manager, Spirifer is the right hand man of Engaro. The energetic spiral zips about Egnaro's hotel, checking in dragons who will be staying the night while tending to the needs of paid customers. While Egnaro is tending to the fields or striking up a good rapport, Spirifer is always busy taking care of something at the hotel. As travelers make up a bulk of the clan's profits, those who take care of and know their needs have significant sway in the clan, which gives Spirifer one of the biggest voices in the clan. [i]Armorer:[/i] [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/79884515][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/798846/79884515.png[/img][/url] Drawing from her time traveling across the Ashfall Wastes and Shifting Expanse, Roscolux acts as the clan's armorer. She outfits dragons headed to the coliseum or out on hunts, preparing them for battle with crudely crafted weapons and armor. While not hammering out pieces of metal, Roscolux also acts as a battle trainer, sparring with those curious about the taste of combat. Jeweler: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/80782612][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/807827/80782612.png[/img][/url] [b]VARIOUS OTHER JOBS:[/b] Guard: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/65044684][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/650447/65044684.png[/img][/url] Flight Monitor: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68689156][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/686892/68689156.png[/img][/url] Graveyard keeper: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/24242323][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/242424/24242323.png[/img][/url] Forest guard: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68898856][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/688989/68898856.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70003264][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/700033/70003264.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/75122615][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/751227/75122615.png[/img][/url][url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/75225569][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/752256/75225569.png[/img][/url] Mushroom farmer: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/4501620][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/45017/4501620.png[/img][/url] Traveling merchant: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/41792443][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/417925/41792443.png[/img][/url] Clan Ambassador: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/65103908][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/651040/65103908.png[/img][/url] Historian: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/65103909][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/651040/65103909.png[/img][/url] Teacher: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/70112513][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/701126/70112513.png[/img][/url] Researcher: [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/dragon/68782305][img]https://www1.flightrising.com/rendern/coliseum/portraits/687824/68782305.png[/img][/url]

[b]Clan Deviations from canon:[/b] * The diets of dragons typically correspond to site lore. However, I headcanon that dragons [I]can[/I] technically eat foods not a part of their species's diet, it just has adverse effects on their body. Foods outside of the scope of dragon species' canon diets have the potential to bloat, constipate, irritate the bowels of, or otherwise cause indigestion and potentially long-term bowel problems to dragons that consume these foods. * "Old Pawscript" is the commoner's language used to communicate through writing. It consists of imprints of a dragon's foot, with different inflections, accents, and other flourishes added to convey different concepts. It is similar to the footprint runes depicted in Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, but with more ornamentation. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/TIAxKwS.jpg[/img][/center] As every dragon's footprint is slightly different, a more refined system of runes was derived from pawscript that is now the primary written language in Sornieth. This language, simply known as "Runescript", simplified the footprint form and flourishes used in old pawscript to create a much more elegant and universally legible writing system. The one drawback to runescript is that it requires special tools to write- tools which not all breed can naturally use- and can be difficult to read on anything but paper. It is, truly, the fulfillment of the phrase, "It was a good idea on paper." As such, old pawscript- and those who can decipher each of the unique forms of every dragon breed- still have a large place in society. * Dragons can't just freely take to the skies whenever they want. All around Sornieth are designated "take-off zones", where dragons can safely take off and land at. Once in the air, glowing, floating spheres placed at regular intervals guide dragons along authorized flight paths. The spheres along the path do not bound the path the dragons can take; rather, they are the path. Dragons are expected to center themselves over the spheres as they follow the path, much like a trolley if it only ran on a single rail. Some flights, like the lightning flight, couldn't keep a flight path in the sky to save themselves; so there are very few flight paths available in the Shifting Expanse. In places like this, where flight paths are few and far between, flying is generally discouraged but otherwise unregulated. Everywhere else, where flight paths are readily available, free flying is only allowed within designated spaces- such as parks or clans. The boundaries to such spaces are clearly marked by more flight spheres, these ones glowing in a color contrasting the ones that mark flight paths. The infrastructure of flight paths is similar to modern roads, with a bit of a twist. Paths are numbered and marked just the same as any human road, the main difference being that the paths themselves can be colored differently based on the direction they travel. For example, a path meant for traffic traveling north is colored blue while a path for southbound dragons is colored red. Local paths can also take on different colors, so long as none of them are the same as the colors used for major pathways. * Breed and gene change scrolls don't work nearly as perfectly as they do on-site. Dragons that have attempted to change their breed often end up looking more like slightly disfigured versions of their own breed rather than their desired breed, and some clans shun them for this- the clan of Angelspine Bluff being one of them. Gene change scrolls work with moderate success and are more accepted, but some dragons refuse to use them or associate with dragons who have used them on principle. The dragons of Angelspine Bluff are more lenient in this regard, but are still frosty enough towards gene changed dragons that none are permanent residents.

CLAN OVERVIEW

Angelspine Bluff is a clan of misanthropes perched atop a cliffside at the southernmost edge of the Sunbeam Ruins. Founded by Veritas, an oddly antisocial tundra, the clan was originally just a fairly barren strip of land that formed his grazing route. A community has miraculously sprung up around this grazing route, forming the clan of Angelspine Bluff.

While not very large, its location next to the Moonportal at a nexus between several different flights makes it a popular rest stop for traveling dragons. As such, the Lightweaver and her researchers have become patrons of the otherwise unremarkable clan, subsidizing it in exchange for reduced room and board rates for the researchers that stay there- who are often studying the Moonportal. The money earned from the Lightweaver has been used to develop amenities for travelers, encouraging tourism to the clan. The natural beauty of the landscape and abundance of luxurious food lend themselves well to tourism.

Though it is a small clan, there is little to no sense of camaraderie between the dragons there, many opting to keep to themselves as opposed to socializing. The loner tendencies of the dragons that live there keep the clan from truly thriving, as it not only affects the residential community but also the tourism that the clan thrives on. A few dragons have come together to work hard to overcome this issue, but progress is slow going.

The biggest challenge the clan faces is creating a permanent community. Since the clan is so new it has very little culture or history to rely on, which is a chief concern for the dragons who wish to strengthen the connections between the permanent residents. So long as the clan has the support of the Lightweaver it will continue to prosper; whether it develops a long-lasting culture of its own is a separate question.


ORIGINS

I. Veritas's Departure (and hasty return)

II. The First

III. More Settle In

IV. An Establishment

V. To the Future

[b]RESET[/b] [rule] I'll be answering Spooner's [url=https://www1.flightrising.com/forums/cc/2970003#post_2970003]75 Questions[/url] to start! [quote=The Questions] [b]1. What Flight is your clan?[/b] Light [b]2. Why did they choose this Flight?[/b] My progenitor, Veritas, was born there. [b]3. Have they been loyal to other Flights before this? Or will they never move?[/b] They will never move! [b]4. What would be the deciding factor in a move, if the clan had to?[/b] They'd only move if they were exiled; they are light flight loyalists, and would die on their land before leaving it. [b]5. Is the clan spiritual and highly loyal to their deity? Are they indifferent?[/b] They are highly loyal to their deity, the Lightweaver, and try to epitomize her values as best they can- though they oft fail. [b]6. How does the clan view those from different Flights? Are they welcoming to all dragons, or suspcious of newcomers?[/b] They are extremely suspicious of newcomers, especially those who show no loyalty to their own flights. They'll still put on a veneer to try to squeeze some money out of them while they're passing through- most of them, anyways. [b]7. What does your lair look like? Go into detail.[/b] A windy, rocky scrubland near the edge of the gorge that separates the light and lightning flight. It sits on top of an old marble mine, long abandoned during the latest spat that light had with lightning. The only marble structure left in the clan is a dilapidated temple to the Lightweaver, which now serves as the town hall of sorts. The rest of the clan live in small stone huts with thatched roofs centered around this town hall. They have a small strip of beach at the base of the cliff, where the clan's fishers often live in the cliffside. [b]8. Who founded the clan?[/b] Veritas and Premiere, my progenitors. [b]9. Who is your clan leader? Why are they the leader? Have there been any leadership changes?[/b] Veritas- he does the clan taxes on time and doesn't mind the paperwork for some town upgrades. [b]10. Was the leader chosen? Were they elected? An heir to the throne? Or maybe they achieved something within the clan?[/b] He's been the de facto leader since no one else wants to do paperwork. [b]11. Who handles interclan relations? Any diplomats? Peacekeepers?[/b] The clan is too small for a diplomat, so it's normally either Veritas or Premiere handling interclan relations, unless someone else in the clan happens to be on better terms with the clan they're dealing with. [b]12. How does your clan view the Beastclans? Who handles Beastclan relations?[/b] As forces created to take over land to spread their deities' influences, where the beastclans have no inherent elemetal affinities, my clan is rather indifferent towards the beastclans- so long as they stay out of their way, that is. There is no-one who handles beastclan relations. [b]13. Does your clan have specific roles for each dragon?[/b] Certain jobs must be fulfilled, and certain dragons are assigned those duties. Outside of that, everyone is free to do as they please. [b]14. Does your clan have any Flight ambassadors? What do they do?[/b] No, the clan is not large or influential enough to warrant one. [b]15. Does your clan have a council? An elected group of dragons in power?[/b] There is a small council which decides how clan funds are used and what projects are started next, this council is elected- however, there's normally not any serious opposition, if any. [b]16. Are all dragons in the clan expected to contribute in some way? Or are they left to their own devices?[/b] All dragons are expected to contribute, though they're allowed to do it on their own terms at their own pace- mostly. [b]17. Who protects the clan? Who is in charge of battling/guarding?[/b] TBD [b]18. Does your clan trade with any other clanS? Any allies? Enemies?[/b] They are allied with the Light flight, and receive subsidies from the Lightweaver to allow her researchers a place to stay while they study the Moonportal. Outside of that, there are no allies or enemies. [b]19. How is exalting handled in your clan? Any ceremonies? Is exalt fodder something that is part of your lore?[/b] Every dragon allied with the Lightweaver is required to serve her for a period of time, as part of her dominance army. The exalted are dragons that have been sent to serve in the army after training with my clan to a certain level. This training service is also required of all clans allied with the Lightweaver, where capable dragons are present (i.e. clans with battle proven dragons, who served in the Lightweaver's army at certain ranks). Because of the gravity of this service, those sent off as exalted are given a final celebration before their sendoff. [b]20. Who does the gathering in the clan? (digging, scavenging, hunting, etc.)[/b] TBD [b]21. Does your clan have a healer?[/b] TBD [b]22. Who looks after hatchlings? The parents, or a general hatchling-sitter?[/b] Parents tend to look after hatchlings, though if they are busy they are often left in the care of idle dragons and/or older hatchlings. [b]23. How does your clan educate younger dragons? Is there a scribe, scholar, or mentor?[/b] TBD [b]24. Do you have any artists within your clan? How do they make a living from their crafts?[/b] No-one sells art as their primary craft. [b]25. Does your clan have a cook? Who handles the food?[/b] TBD [b]26. Who is on the Coli team? Who trains future warriors?[/b] TBD [b]27. Any messengers? Scouts? Delivery dragons?[/b] No, that's left to the courier system. [b]28. How does apparel work in your clan? Are any pieces of apparel status symbols, or indicators of the role the dragon has?[/b] Apparel is kept functional, for the most part. Dragons who don't perform physical labor as their primary job will wear somewhat more ornate clothing, but never anything too expensive (e.g. no jewelry outside of a simple ring or piercing, no fancy dyes, no shiny shoes). [b]29. How are familiars viewed in the clan? Pets? Companions? Friends?[/b] Familiars are the wards of their dragons, though few dragons actually own a familiar unless it helps with work. [b]30. Do you have any familiars that are intelligent enough to directly interact with the dragons?[/b] TBD [b]31. Who cares for the familiars? The familiar's dragon, or a general caretaker?[/b] Their dragon. [b]32. Are extra familiars/non-bonded familiars free to wander around the lair? Or do they not exist in the lore?[/b] They don't exist- though the ones currently bonded in my lair don't exist either, I'm just leveling up my bonds with them for now. [b]33. Does your clan have any Beastclan members living among the ranks?[/b] Nope. [b]34. Who hoards what? Do the dragons each have a personal hoard, or is there one big storage area?[/b] TBD [b]35. Does your clan specialize in anything?[/b] Tourism and fresh caught seafood. Mining is a budding operation, though it remains to be seen if anything will come of it. [b]36. Does your clan stand for anything? (truth, might, knowledge, etc.)[/b] As an allied clan of the Lightweaver, the dragons in the clan stand for truth. However, it can sometimes be lost among the egos and quarrels of the clan. [b]37. What is the origin of your clan's name?[/b] My clan's name, Marble Rest, comes from the fact that Veritas found the land when he was resting in the marble temple that now makes the town hall. It stuck as the clan has since discovered it used to serve as a marble mine, and now serves as a rest stop for travelers of all kinds. [b]38. Does your clan have a set of rules or guidelines for the members? What happens if a dragon breaks these rules?[/b] The clan follows the laws of the Lightweaver. If a kangaroo court can't solve the situation, the dragon is escorted to a proper court at the Mirrorlight Promenade. [b]39. How does your clan view Gen One dragons?[/b] Orphans. [b]40. Does your clan have a territory? Or just the lair?[/b] The clan has a territory. [b]41. Do any dragons in the lair have a bias or dislike towards certain breeds or a Flight?[/b] Anyone not from the light flight is automatically regarded with suspicion or mild disdain, especially depending on what their reason for being at the clan is. If they plan on moving to the light flight, that mild disdain becomes outright disgust. [b]42. Which dragons are good friends within your clan? Any enemies? Best couple?[/b] TBD [b]43. Who's the cinnamon roll, and who's the problematic fave?[/b] LOL N/A [b]44. Do you have any dragons that aren't part of the lore? Just for show?[/b] Hoping not to. [b]45. Are there any dragons in your clan who dislike hatchlings?[/b] No, unless they're cruel overall. [b]46. How do permababies work in your lore? Do you have any?[/b] I have none, they don't work, except for as severely stunted runts. [b]47. Who manages the treasure and gem hoards?[/b] Veritas. [b]48. Has your clan gone through any unfortunate events? Tragedies, even?[/b] TBD [b]49. Are roles assigned to dragons when they are born/come into the clan, or do they choose their role?[/b] Their role is decided as they grow and the clan can assess what they're good at. By default, hatchlings apprentice with their parents, and newcomers apprentice with someone who needs a helping hand (if they don't already come with their own skillset). [b]50. Who kills the spiders?[/b] Everyone can take care of themselves just fine, thanks. [b]51. Who eats all the food?[/b] N/A [b]52. Do you have any tricksters or prank loving dragons? Do they cause mischief?[/b] TBD [b]53. Most intimidating dragon?[/b] TBD [b]54. Most friendly dragon?[/b] TBD [b]55. Dragon most likely to bring back a stick from gathering?[/b] TBD [b]56. Laziest dragon?[/b] TBD [b]57. Funniest dragon?[/b] TBD [b]58. Do you have any sub-clans? What are they called?[/b] No, the clan is small enough that a sub-clan can't exist. [b]59. Does your clan decorate the lair at all? How so?[/b] TBD [b]60. What markers does your clan use to let others know they live in the area? Flags? Banners? Runes?[/b] The clan is isolated enough that boundary marking doesn't tend to be an issue, herds of nomadic dragons or beastclans are allowed to pass through as they roam. A large sundial was commissioned as part of being a clan allied with the Lightweaver, and was placed at the center of the clan. That sundial proves they have been officially recognized by the Lightweaver, and the date the clan was officially founded by Veritas. [b]61. Smartest dragon?[/b] TBD [b]62. The dragon everybody loves?[/b] TBD [b]63. The dragon everybody hates?[/b] TBD [b]64. Do you have a clan rune?[/b] TBD [b]65. Pick a song that best describes your clan.[/b] LOL maybe one day [b]66. Who gets into arguments the most? Who keeps the peace?[/b] TBD [b]67. How do skins and accents work in your lore?[/b] Depending on the skin they can be apparel, tattoos, or some sort of prosthetic/body modification. Extreme skins, like extra eyes, wings, etc. are typically costumes, as such extreme modifications aren't physically possible. [b]68. Best dressed?[/b] TBD [b]69. Does your clan have any elders?[/b] TBD [b]70. Does each dragon in your lair have their own space, or is the entire lair shared?[/b] Everyone has their own den. [b]71. How do you handle gene scrolls in your lore?[/b] Gene and breed scrolls don't work at all, really. They will have some minor changes, but not the desired effect. They do exist in lore, and are seen as useless vanity projects by my clan. As such, those who have used such scrolls are snubbed wholesale by the clan. [b]72. Who loves festivals the most? Who parties the hardest?[/b] TBD [b]73. Pick two dragons and talk about their relationship.[/b] TBD [b]74. Choose one dragon and talk about them.[/b] TBD [b]75. Choose a dragon with a familiar and talk about their relationship.[/b] TBD [/quote]

[WIP]

Gritting his teeth, Veritas decided he'd had enough. Everyone in his herd smelled like an enemy to him- and he was sure he smelled likewise to them. He wouldn't leave in the middle of the day, make a dramatic ruckus and hope for reconciliation and reacceptance- no, he'd leave at night while the guard was half asleep, making a quiet escape. He had to get away from here.

And so he did. In the middle of the night, while the herd guard was blearily rubbing his eyes in an attempt to stay awake until the next shift, Veritas snuck away. By dawn, he was taking his first steps down the massive stairway that adjoined the Mirrorlight Promenade's plateau and the Emperor's Wake, walking into unfamiliar territory.

Over the next few months he would trudge on, plowing through fields of grass and overturned rubble with the single goal of getting as far away from his herd lands as he could. He'd left at an opportune time, while Luminax had his back turned, the beast lazily ambling towards the Shadow flight. Even from miles away, with the wind blowing inland, the scent of un-death still tickled his nostrils if he breathed in deep enough. Probably due to the flaking bits of skin and rotted flesh left behind in its footprints, which scavenging clans had left decidedly untouched. He grimaced in disgust. Really, how could Lightweaver allow that creature to yet live? Some had speculated it would serve as her champion in battle, against a creature conjured up by the Shadowbinder that was even more wretched. Others thought she'd let Luminax rampage just to test the mettle of the Light flight. Neither explanation was satisfying, and Veritas had just hoped something would be done about it soon. Regardless, even he knew not to question the actions of his creator- all should be revealed in due time, and for the betterment of the light flight.

Next, Veritas skirted around the edges of the Hewn City. The sole feature in the Sunbeam Ruins to eat up rather than reflect the splendor of the Lightweaver, the Hewn City was heavily guarded. Burly dragons with respirators and protective equipment tied at their hips, with nasty looking spears and other weapons in hand, patrolled the area, scrutinizing anyone who came within range of the city. He wondered why the Lightweaver had never approached this landmark either, instead leaving it to her dominance recruits to guard. He knew little of the city or what went on inside, and so had little to think; he merely kept his distance and moved on.

Finally, he came upon the border between the Light and Lightning flight. As Dominance pushed and pulled at borders, there were no set markers- there was, however, a line of lightning split trees and scorched earth that quite clearly marked the farthest point the lightning flight had pushed into the Lightweaver's territory. Given the reactivation of the Moon portal, the latest of Lightning flight's dominance efforts had been pushing to gain control of the portal. As such, the land south of the Hewn city had remained relatively undisturbed in the past few years. There had been skirmishes here and there to keep tensions at the border and dominance forces evenly spread, but not quite so many, or with as much force, as in the past. It was with this insight, and the apparent lack of troops, that Veritas felt it safe to amble among the lightning struck brush as he decided his next move.

To one side was the water flight, marked by an expanse of deep blue ocean and sandy shores. He wasn't the type to wet his fur, nor become an oracle, and wasn't their deity missing? To the other side was the lightning flight- industrious, yet dangerous, and no doubt testy with any would-be ex-patriots of the light flight. That left the arcane flight... The least dangerous, but would they really accept a tundra? Did he really want to leave his birth flight anyways? His name was Veritas, damnit, and he liked to ponder the philosophical for the pursuit of truth. Would he really fit in elsewhere? .... Why did he want to leave, again?

Having stumped himself, Veritas ducked into a dilapidated temple that he'd been half-consciously wandering towards over the past few days. It was nearing sunset anyways, perhaps a night of sleep would help his dilemma.

He woke up with a jolt to angry shouting.

"Halt! Get back here, in the name of the Lightweaver!" A whiny voice cried out.

"I don't know who you're talking to, I'm a traveler! I'm just passing through!" Answered a much more frantic one.

"You know who I'm talking to, you spiral bum! Any dragons in the land of the Lightweaver who are unoccupied, or unaffiliated with any clan, for more than six months are required to report to an official for service as her exalted. You've been here for nine months and I haven't seen you affiliate nor work for more than- I said halt! Halt!"

Veritas blinked in surprise as a whirlwind of limbs and lanky body twirled its way into the temple he rested in, the spiral said appendages belonged to just barely avoiding tangling around a crumbled arch. Spotting Veritas, the spiral's eyes lit up as he rushed towards the standoffish tundra like a thirsty man to a well.

"I-I was just coming to visit with my good old clan mate here!" The spiral stammered, giving Veritas his best grin as he nervously looped around the other dragon's shoulders. "We've been planning this visit for months, and you just keep getting in the way!" He said, jabbing an accusatory finger at the pearlcatcher who followed in hot on his heels.

"Pah! I doubt it," the pearlcatcher said, twitching his whiskers irritably. "You, there! Do you know this spiral?" He said, affixing Veritas with a cold glare.

"Uh... No." Veritas answered, shuffling uncomfortably in place. The spiral gasped, scandalized.

"Wha- b-"

"No more running, spiral! You are to report to the nearest troupe, or I do gain the authority to use force!"

The spiral groaned, then said, "And what about him? He's slacking off too, isn't he?"

"Depends!" The pearlcatcher straightened up again.

"Tundra, has it been more than six months since you were last employed and/or affiliated with a clan?"

"Uhhh..." A bead of sweat ran down his forehead as he realized what was about to happen.

"Great, you'll report to the nearest troupe with your bum friend there. Lucky for you, it's less than a day's walk to the east, and I'll be able to guide you there personally. I will be following up with your troupe, as that spiral there can attest, so don't expect to get out of this! Now, get marching, soldier!" With a thwack of his tail against the ground, the pearlcatcher stood aside to let the less than enthusiastic pair of dragons walk out the door. The spiral grumbled as he lifted off of Veritas's shoulders, looping through the air in circles far more sluggishly than he had ever seen a spiral move.

"You should've just gone along with it, now look where you've got us." The spiral moaned.

Veritas had thought about serving as an exalted before- it sounded like a great honor for the light flight, and from his past experience it shouldn't be that bad. Not like he had anything better to do.

--

It could be that bad. And worse. Dodging volleys of lightning by day, enduring the derision of his troupe-mates by night, Veritas could say that the one thing being an exalted had taught him was that dragon kind was so much crueler than he'd thought. He'd served as an exalted for the mandatory time as a youth, as had all members of the light flight, but all they'd had him do then was run papers between officials. It seemed like the real work, the battles, were reserved for the unwanted of society. Here, criminals and wastrels- like he had been classed as- were put into brutal circumstances. The hordes of lightning dragons were neverending, as were the demands of his superiors. The only way out was to find a clan, or get a job, the troupe leaders would sneer at them. But the troupe members were never given time to do either, and so they remained.

The spiral he'd unwittingly thrown his lot in with- Josh, his name was- had become his closest ally. They were currently planning how to get out of their predicament.

"We could just up and leave in the middle of a skirmish," Josh murmured from where he was curled up on his bed mat, "If we could make it back to where we first met, at those ruins, I can find a way to get in contact with a group I was staying with. They could help hide us from the doms."

"What, and become deserters- actual criminals?" Veritas whispered back, letting out a sigh. "Not a chance. We have to do this by the books. Besides, if you were staying with a group, why hadn't they registered as a clan, and why weren't you considered part of it? It's more dangerous not to."

"Well," Josh paused, scratching at his belly, "Well, when I say group, I mean... I mean a bogsneak. She lives in the pipes underneath the Ruins because she's got bad eyesight and can't come up on the surface. That's why the dom doesn't bother trying to catch her. Which was working out perfectly for me- until Ferrst caught me."

"Well why didn't you two register as a clan? Do they not count blind dragons?"

"She's not totally blind- when she's out of direct sunlight- and a clan counts as two or more breeding pairs. We'd just make one."

"Hm... Well, if we make it over to this bogsneak, we'll still only have one breeding pair... We have to wait things out. In the meantime, we can plan our excuse to get there and who we'll bring."

Josh grunted impatiently. "Why wait? I'm sure we can ask anyone and they'd be dying to tag along. Just ask that mirror over there." He nodded his head towards a female mirror who was trotting towards their platoon leader with a message in a small vessel dangling from her throat. She was breathing heavily and had clearly just escaped being fried by flying bolts of lightning- that was why, as far as clashes with the lightning flight were concerned, mirrors and other speedy runners were vastly preferred as couriers to other flying breeds. Mirrors had far more maneuverability on the ground, and more distance from the point of origin of the lightning. Josh would say it's because they're more grounded, and Veritas would smack him on the head for it.

"How do we know she'll want to stay with us? Don't clan members have to be together for a certain amount of time before-"

"Quit making excuses-"

"Let her deliver her message first!"

"...fine. Just keep it down or we'll get in trouble."

Veritas rolled his eyes, focusing them on the mirror as she patiently awaited the leader's response. He had been half-asleep when Josh woke him with a jab in the ribs.

"Veritas! I just got an idea," Josh giddily whispered to him, "There's no time to explain though, she's about to leave! Get moving!"

With that extremely unhelpful message, Josh began speedily looping his way towards the mirror. Dang spirals.

Hoping this wasn't about to land him in trouble with Josh for the third time this month, Veritas sighed as he loped after his friend.

As he arrived, he caught the start of Josh's latest scheme.

"Platoon leader Icarus! Squad leader Ferrst!" He barked, standing to attention. Right, Ferrst had been promoted from vagrant wrangler to squad leader during their time there. He'd been sure to be as much of a pain in their sides as he could too. Veritas warily stood to attention with Josh, on the other side of the mirror, boxing her in. The mirror quizzically looked between the two soldiers and the leaders, uncertain of what to do now. Veritas assumed this would play into Josh's plan.

"Soldiers Josh and Veritas," Ferrst wearily acknowledged, "Make your statement."

"Sir, we couldn't help but notice that this courier looked a little worse for the wear. We were hoping to provide further ground and aerial assistance by accompanying her to her next location, sir!" Josh said, standing taller and straighter than ever.

A twinge of anxiety ran through Veritas. What if she was headed even deeper into the battlefield, towards the front most lines? They still hadn't even had a conversation with her yet, what if she didn't want to join them? If she outed them to Ferrst and Icarus? He was snapped back to reality by the start of Ferrst's irritable reply,

"Josh, if you-"

Platoon leader Icarus, an old guardian with a greying beard, interrupted Ferrst mid-sentence with a rumbling voice.

"Squad leader Ferrst, I've seen you struggle with wrangling these two boys into your squad. I've heard nothing but grumbling from you about them, and I'm of the mind that if I let you speak you will only berate them. Am I correct?"

"... Yes, Platoon leader Icarus."

"Very good. Then I hope you don't mind if I respond to these young soldiers' request?"

"...No, sir, I don't mind."

"Thank you, squad leader Ferrst. Now, soldier Josh and soldier Veritas, was it?"

"Yes, sir!" Josh and Veritas responded in chorus.

"You're in luck, young soldiers, as we've just had a new shipment of soldiers sent here to fill up the ranks. So, even as lightning gives us all they've got, we can afford to send you off as escorts. We'll be counting on you to ensure this courier's safety. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir!" Josh and Veritas chorused again, this time with even more enthusiasm.

"Good. Is this an acceptable arrangement to you, courier Premiere?" Icarus said, turning towards the mirror.

"... I am capable, Platoon leader Icarus, of protecting myself. Still, I trust your judgement." She responded, tail tip twitching in thought.

"I am glad you accept. Rest tonight, then return to your platoon with your escorts when you're ready. Ferrst, a word, please." Icarus said, motioning for the soldiers and courier to take their leave.


[WIP]