Voidwalker
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The Voidwalker (Drakine Véredeí; Latin name Vacuum Geniale) is a shy, reclusive breed of dragon best known for its ability to travel through voids and use psychokinetic limbs known as vectors. They are of the Lurker classification, descended from Skyking Krthonius, and are a Water-Aligned species. They become the dominant species of Euthora during the Reformative Era.
Contents
Appearance
Voidwalkers are lithe, sleek creatures with small, fish-like scales unlike the sharper and more prominent scaling of other dragons. Though smaller, these scales are still strong, being mythril-based, and waterproof. The scale is made of keratin, plated with mythril that has been "dyed" black by pigments secreted from the root of the scale, except for in luminous neon patches that create the Voidwalker's distinct markings.
The Voidwalker is a relatively small species of dragon, with an adult male standing at approximately two meters in height at the shoulder. They are quadrupedal and wingless, with strong legs built for running and a powerful tail with a membranous fin at the tip, built for swimming and steering in the frictionless space of their voids. The fins may vary in shape and size between individuals, but are always horizontal and have two strutted flukes, like a dolphin. Similar to their tail fins, a long dorsal membrane runs down the spine, supported by thin struts, beginning from the base of the skull and ending partway down the tail. The dorsal membrane is used both for steering and for heat regulation.
The membranes carry the same color as the Voidwalker's markings, though a male's are broken by black stripes. The markings are luminescent and usually bright, neon colors, though both of these traits may change if the Voidwalker is subject to a pigmentation anomaly, noted below. Their eyes are also this color, though often slightly paler. A Voidwalker's eyes have no visible sclera and the irises glow brightly enough to drown out the pupil, which is white. Markings may vary wildly between individuals, though underbellies and rings on the neck and tail are fairly common.
The mouth of a Voidwalker vaguely resembles that of a shark, being situated at the bottom of the muzzle and usually unnoticeable if closed. The jaws are lines with small, but needle-sharp teeth, useful mostly for grabbing hold of prey. Their teeth are made more for gripping than for tearing, though they do have canine teeth prominent enough to inflict damage on struggling prey or to tear tougher meat. Physically, Voidwalkers do not have much in the way of weapons- their paws lack talons and are structured mostly for traction when running- and instead tend to let their vectors do the work.
Voidwalkers are highly expressive with their fins and dorsal membrane; most of their body language is conveyed through these means alone, as their scales are too tightly attached to their bodies to bristle, they make few distinct facial expressions, their pupils are nearly invisible, and they have neither talons to unsheathe or wings to flare. Generally a raised dorsal membrane is an expression of anger or fear, while the movements of the tail fin are more complex. It is difficult to read a non-verbalizing Voidwalker's mood for anyone who is not also a Voidwalker.
Pigmentation Anomalies
- Albinism:
- Leukanism:
- Melanism:
- Severe Melanism:
- Spectrum Pigmentation:
Physiology
Abilities
Voidwalkers have two main abilities shared by all individuals of the species. One is their famed pseudo-irritimpery, which is little more than the ability to create, dispel, and travel through portals of void. The other ability is manipulation of the semitransparent psychokinetic limbs known as vectors, which have a range of almost twelve meters, perhaps more if the specimen is older. These vectors can change in shape, ranging from claw- or scythe-like weapons, to whips, to even wings should this otherwise flightless dragon require the ability to fly. They tend to be more numerous and longer-ranged, but otherwise generally weaker, than a Diclonius's vectors.
Behavior
Voidwalkers are shy, quiet, and relatively docile until threatened. Males are slightly more aggressive than the females, and highly protective of their mates and young. However, a wild Voidwalker may be approached if it is made to know that no harm is intended. They are an antisocial breed, adults traveling alone or in mated pairs that are together for life, with only the hatchlings tagging along until old enough to create voids. Young Voidwalkers are often playful and easily tamed even without the use of dracoimpery, and those raised by other species are greatly influenced by them. Voidwalkers are believed to be almost completely silent- they have never been known to roar, hiss, or growl like most dragon breeds, however an angry Voidwalker may make a warbling cry almost like an injured dove. They have the ability to speak intelligibly if taught, but their main method of communication with other sentient creatures is a form of pseudotelepathy in which emotions, sounds, and images are communicated rather than words.
Habitat
Voidwalkers spend almost all their time within their voids, which seem to be exclusive to each individual or mated pair. They seem to only leave their estrangement within the void in order to hunt and familiarize their young with how the "real world" works. Thus, they can be found nearly anywhere due to their ability to travel miles instantaneously through the use of voids.
Evolution
It is unknown how the Voidwalker evolved to lose its wings in favor of vectors. However, the breed is obviously built for running, and they have been observed running at almost twice the speed of the average racehorse while chasing down prey. The ability to simply run from danger or chase prey may have led to losing the need for flight. However, it is still unclear as to how the Voidwalker gained vectors and the ability to create voids.
