User:Keileon/Altannin
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The Altannii (singular Altannin, scientific name Draco Magicis), also known as the Thyrian Dragons, are any of three subspecies of dragon native to Thyria. They are known for having human forms.
Contents
Appearance
Draconic creatures with the typical wings, horns, etc. All morphs have the same features, but look different. All can take on close-to-human appearances.
Western Morphs (Bala'ur-Altannii) are the typical scaly, bulkier (but still sleek) dragons with leathery wings, long sharp horns, and spikes. As humanoids, typically seen with wings, horns, and tail, though may hide everything but the tail. Sometimes also grow scales on their limbs and shoulders and grow their nails into talons. Aggressive and warlike, but maintain a certain code of honor- treat your servants well (but still keep them as servants), and do not kill children. Strength and courage.
Eastern Morphs (Zmai-Altannii) are the slender, furred variants. They still have wings, but these are smaller and narrower than those of their western cousins. Horns manifest as antlers rather than spikes. As humans, typically seen with horns and tail. Highly elitist, treat humans like trash and other morphs as second-class. Ambitious and haughty, but generally calm.
Northern Morphs (Dreki-Altannii) are more heavily built, and are able to hide more of their draconic selves in human forms including their tails (which other morphs cannot hide). Wings are broader and horns, tails, and scales are thicker. As humans, typically seen without draconic traits, or just with wings for utility. Like humans and want to fit in with them. Communal society.
Physiology
Being in human morph does not alter their personalities or biological needs, but they don't eat much more than a human anyway.
Abilities
Behavior
Fights between Altannii can be highly destructive as they are literally shapeshifting dragons.
Culture
Highly magical. Coexist with humans, but are rare to see in human society. Prefer their isolated kingdoms.
Bala'ur are more aggressive and combative, actively trying to conquer other kingdoms and keep the humans subjugated. Keep humans as well-treated servants. They believe that it takes strength to survive and those that lack strength are doomed to failure.
Zmai are elitist and haughty. Don't keep slaves, but treat humans as trash. Highly ambitious, believe that soverency and power is inherent and dividing the classes is necessary in an ideal society.
Dreki are amiable and accepting of humans. Highly communal, keeping the needs of the many above the needs of the few. Usually just go along with the other kingdoms because the conflict and discord is not worth it.
Thyrian Pact
The Altannii are bound by a magical contract that compels them to not harm humans and punishes them if they do, by trapping them in their human forms. The pact was prompted by Altannii actively hunting humans and dangerously reducing their numbers, so a Zmai-Altannin and a human came together to form a binding magical contract that would keep humans from going extinct.
Every 10 years, the three leaders of the Altannin kingdoms are given one human sacrifice each to keep this pact renewed. While they do have to kill the sacrifice that day, they are granted the option to do so however they wish. Typically, the Zmai and Dreki make their kills quickly, while the Bala'ur make a show of it by allowing their young to hunt down the sacrifice and toy with it.
Each kingdom views this ceremony differently. The Dreki are revolted by it, but understand that it is a necessary evil to keep their less human-tolerant cousins in line. The Zmai view is as a way to keep the humans aware of who the real powers are, and are otherwise apathetic about the deaths. The Bala'ur revel in the ceremony and prepare for it years in advance, as the right to kill a human without being affected by the contract is a unique right granted singularly to the leader.
Altannii trapped in human form are branded with the mark of the Thyrian Crown via magic to signal to both humans and Altannii what the individual really is. Some Altannii choose this life purposefully, killing a human and then going to the Bala'ur for refuge. They are then lorded as honored, royal slaves for "putting the humans in their place". These thralls are then used to keep natural human slaves under control, and are even sometimes used to kill troublesome slaves or human enemies without risking the dragons being afflicted by the pact.
Altannin-Humans are unable to be sacrificed when the pact is renewed, with the humans being sacrificed mostly naked to show that they are not branded with the Thyrian Crown. Sacrifices are typically selected from criminals, to appease the Dreki and make the humans feel better.
The pact itself is in a precarious position. The Zmai, as the dragons who forged the contract to begin with, could sever the magic any time they desire. Any of the three morphs could invalidate the pact simply by not appearing at the ceremony. However, all three keep the contract valid- the Zmai see it as a favorable arrangement, the Bala'ur enjoy it, and the Dreki knows that it protects at least most humans.
Theology
No pantheon
zodiac shenanigans
Humans: Fenghuang
ZmaiL Serpent, Twin-Headed Coatl
Bala'ur: Panther, Winged Tiger
Dreki: Deer, Peryton
Politics
Altannii live under feudalist monarchies delegated by both region and morph. Bala'ur, Zmai, and Dreki have no authority over each other. Three main kingdoms, one for each morph, divided into multiple sub-kingdoms ruled by specific family lines. New rulers are typically chosen as heirs, but may instead be via conquest.
Magic
Advanced, but closer to the levels of Vindrgard, Phantasia, and Daeridune rather than Crysia or Litaria
Technology
Below spacefaring, likely classic fantasy level
