Dragons

A species that often defies easy classification, dragons are a collection of large, magical megafauna that bear traits of flying, intelligent reptiles. Their generalised similarities end there, however, as their magical abilities, appearance, instincts, and overall natures seem to vary dramatically by species. Their interactions with the various civilised species of Niyala are rare, though historically they have had significant interactions with those of Mivala, lending heavily to their own culture and religion.

Dragons are extremely rare, with many theorising that there is some form of limit to how many dragons can even be alive at once, given their immense draw on the resonance just by existing; and most dragons seem to focus around some aspect, concept, or behaviour that drives their abilities, obsessions, and personalities alike.

Some examples of known dragons, and their known abilities, are as follows. Where their 'aspect' is known, this is indicated as well.

• Livizzenvivexious, aka General Liva; The Dragon of Conflict.
  • One of the oldest dragons, equally feared and respected amongst other dragons — Liva is a dragon with excessive talents in all forms of conflict. Across centuries of his life, individuals matching his behaviour, personality, and frightening powers of military forethought have been attributed to warlords and generals — typically whichever side of a conflict that is losing. Whether this is done to aid an underdog or ally, in some belief or mutually fair conflict, or just to draw out wars and battles for as long as possible, is often a matter of debate.
  • Known Powers:
    • Mortal Form: Can adopt a convincing form of any of the civilised species.
    • Expert Tactician: Mythical level of foresight regarding conflict on all scales. Many believe it is a form of limited precognition.
    • Expert Combatant: In his mortal form, Liva has been seen employing any weapon and martial art to extremes. In his dragon form, his combat has been described in draconic society as 'savage brutality'; lacking any overt magical abilities, Liva's skill and tactical forethought have been responsible for the deaths of many other dragons.
  • Known Weaknesses:
    • No Other Abilities: Unlike most dragons, Liva is apparently incapable of using magic other than to change his form, lacking such common abilities as elemental breath, auras of terror, magical immunities, or even being able to cast traditional spells.
    • Weak Mortal Form: Despite immense skill, Liva's mortal form appears to truly be a complete adoption of the given species, rather than an illusion — this robs him of his draconic endurance and strength. While this transformation does make him a peak specimen of that given species, it is only mortal.