Fantasy The Fall of Aetherynn: Information and Lore

[ProjectMischa]

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Welcome to the National Library of Aetherynn! We did our best to salvage as much as we could in the aftermath of the dragon attack. Sadly, a lot of what had been recorded got destroyed by dragon fire. This is all we have left. We've since updated our library to include the massive changes we've had to make in our lifestyles.

• Plot Overview
• Map of Aetherynn
• Setting
• Human Society
• Dragon Society

• A Brief HistoryDragons had been a part of the world for as long as human history was recorded, certainly for longer. They were the rulers of the skies and lands, reigning absolute and unchallenged over all beneath them. When the first humans came to being, they were no match for the dragons, and it was difficult for humankind to progress and flourish. That is, until they discovered the secret to hunting the great beasts. Fashioning weapons out of lost dragon claws and teeth, and crafting armor from discarded hide, they rose up and fought back against their oppressors. It was a long and bloody trial, but, at long last, dragons had been eradicated from Aetherynn.
  
  This was when the dragons were erased from the world. In their absence, humanity was able to rise up and flourish. Without the oppression, they conquered the continent slowly but surely, building massive projects and taking great leaps in technology. Massive skyscrapers were built at major cities, homes were improved to cozy, comfortable conditions. No one went cold in the winter, no one overheated in the summer.
  
  Until the dragons suddenly returned. They arrived from the north, wailing their terrifying songs of death and despair. They attacked the capital first, and swooped in to destroy each city in their wake. They had no intentions of letting a single human survive. It was only thanks to Aetherynn's numerous underground storm shelters that fleeing humans had a chance of survival. Those that had escaped from death on the surface were shattered and traumatized. All their advanced technology did little to help in the onslaught. No manner of modern weaponry did anything to pierce the dragons' hides. Powerlines were destroyed, buildings were brought to the ground. Humanity's survivors had to start over.
  
  This was when those brave enough to make a stand stepped forward and announced that humanity had to follow in their ancestors' footsteps. They had to fight back, fashion weapons like in the old times, and take back the surface. No longer would they cower underground like worms. It would take much preparation, and the secrets to crafting dragon weapons and armor were lost to time, but humans were a stubborn sort, and they were determined to survive.
• 
  
  
  
  The ContinentAetherynn is a small country, surrounded on all sides by ocean waters. The northernmost side of the country is a heavily volcanic region, and many of the volcanoes are still active. The volcanic soil makes for fertile lands, which is what drove the capital to be placed where it was. There, they were located just far enough away from the volcanic chain, known as the String of Fire, to keep from getting mowed over by rushing lava, but just close enough to be able to take samples of volcanic soil and use it in their crop fields.
  
  The climate of Aetherynn is typically warm and moderate. Light snows may fall in the winter, but it is not as likely to have raging blizzards with the large amount of volcanic activity in the continent. The coldest temperatures are found along the higher altitudes of Aldwin's Ridge, Aetherynn's largest and most notable mountain range. Aetherynn is known for often having severe storms. This made having at least one large, community underground shelter in each city a requirement.
• Springhurst (Ashfield)Springhurst is the capital of Aetherynn, the first target in the dragons' quest for revenge. It used to be a prosperous and bustling city, with rich, lush fields and a booming economy. People used to call it "The Jewel of Aetherynn", and they would have a look of awe in their eyes when they spoke of it. The tallest and most magnificent skyscrapers were located here, and many theatrical performances took place in their rich theater. It was a sparkling, clean city. Gardens decorated the balconies of apartments, and a large park was located near the center of the city.
  
  When the dragons attacked Springhurst, they left little of the city intact. The skyscrapers were razed to the ground, the theater was desecrated. Debris and ash littered the streets. It was almost unrecognizable after the dragon attack. Everywhere, there was destruction. It was covered in so much ash that when humans finally decided to go to the surface for supplies, they felt the need to rename Springhurst into Ashfield. They were so taken aback by the sight that many were disheartened, and found it hard to scavenge the city for a while after the first excursion.
  
  Springhurst is now used as a hub for materials and supplies. It's scavenged for everything it could possibly offer, a chance to bring back electricity, long-distance communication, anything. Leftover food was considered precious in the beginning, and was to be brought back immediately. Humans live underneath the city, in one of the many underground shelters dotting Aetherynn.
  
  The dragons of Springhurst tend to frequent Aldwin's Ridge and the String of Fire for their nesting sites, as it gives them decent protection in their homes and a close proximity to the capital.
  
  String of FireThe String of Fire is Aetherynn's longest volcanic chain, located along the Northeastern coast of the continent. This is where many of the dragons had hid when the humans started hunting them down. Here, they repopulated their numbers in peace, waiting for the perfect chance to strike back and reclaim the land. The String of Fire is still fairly active, though not as active as it used to be. The crevices along the volcanoes provide decent protection for dragons, as their hides can withstand the heat of lava. As a result, volcanoes are fairly popular nesting sites for them.
  
  The area surrounding the volcanic chain is covered in lava flows and ash, leaving the landscape dark and flat. Life has yet to fully recover in the wake of the active volcanoes, so there's little to hunt here. If the dragons want to hunt, they must move further inland towards Springhurst or hunt in the ocean for fish.
  
  Aldwin's RidgeAldwin's Ridge is a vast, steep mountain chain that spans down the center of Aetherynn. The forests near the bottom of the mountain range provide homes for countless wildlife, and the many crevices within the mountains provide excellent cover for nesting creatures. The top of the mountains are permanently capped with snow, and the wind howls a harsh tune at high altitudes. This provides another decent nesting site for dragons, particularly ones who are more fond of the cold.
  
  Hunting in the forests along Aldwin's Ridge provides plump, fresh prey to hungry dragons. However, the mountain range is right next to the human capital of Springhurst, meaning that dragons hunting here have to keep an eye out for pestering humans as well. Especially humans who also use the forest for sources of food.
• The ShelterIn the wake of destruction, humans clung to whatever they could for survival. The biggest aid to this lies in the underground storm shelters of Aetherynn. The large, community shelter underneath Springhurst has since been transformed into a mixture between a town and an underground barrack. Sleeping arrangements aren't the most comfortable. Everyone sleeps at the very back of the shelter, and there are only tattered mattresses for people to rest on. Without easy access to wool and cotton, it was the best anyone could do on short notice. The center of the shelter is split into several districts, circling in a wheel-like pattern.
  
  

  The Smithing District

  The Smithing District is where crudely fashioned blacksmithing tools are located. The pounding of hammers on anvils ring throughout the area, and echo into nearby ones. Here, blacksmiths, renamed appropriately to Dragonsmiths, work tirelessly to create weapons for the war effort. They know from their history that only dragon claws or teeth can pierce a dragon's hide, but the exact method of smelting these materials into weaponry has been lost to the ages. It's a finicky and rough business, and finding claws and teeth lost in battle or shed off can be an arduous task. They're located closer to the edge of the shelter so that the weary aren't disturbed by the echo of clanking metal.

  The Training Ground

  Next to the Smithing District, near the entrance of the shelter, is the Training Ground. Soldiers hone their skills here and keep a watchful eye on the entrance to the shelter. Here, they can quickly spring into action to defend their home and their people. This is a common meeting place for planning battle strategies, as well.

  The Scrapyard

  On the other side of the Smithing District rests the Scrapyard, a communal pile where scavengers will drop off any scrap metal and other useful materials they find out in the desecrated capital. The more technologically inclined have set up workstations in this area so they can quickly access anything useful that can be salvaged. They are hard at work restoring modern technology.

  The Market District

  The Market District is a loose term, as it could hardly be called a market and was only dubbed such to keep some semblance of normal society. There's little time for trading anymore, as most valuable supplies had been destroyed, and everyone is living and working together to ensure survival and some form of comfort. Here, sewing shops, food stalls, and other basic amenities can be located here. It provides a small semblance of normalcy to an otherwise chaotic life.

  The Laboratories

  While not as high-tech as the old labs used to be, the laboratories underneath the capital serve an important function. This part of the shelter is dedicated towards the research of dragons. Any information they have gathered concerning dragons is organized here.

  The Medical Bay

  The Medical Bay is the farthest away from the Smithing District in the wheel order. This was intentional, as the injured and sick found it hard to sleep if they were located anywhere else. Here, the talented medics of the shelter work tirelessly to heal those wounded in battle. They have to ration modern medicine as best as they can, since it isn't as easy to make anymore.

  
  JobsJobs in human society are no longer as conventional as they used to be. They aren't there to make money, or earn a promotion. Every job is geared towards either survival or towards facing the dragon threat. People are motivated towards finally living on the surface again and gaining back their old life.
  
  

  Researchers

  These brave individuals are tasked with getting as close to dragons as they can without getting caught. They must closely study their habits, how they function, and keep an eye out for weaknesses. Efficient researchers often make quick sketches of the dragons they study in order for others to be able to recognize them on the surface. This job is regarded as a near-suicidal task in the eyes of others, as it requires a lot of close encounters with the deadly creatures.

  Soldiers

  Soldiers are, sadly, called dragon fodder among the general population of the shelter. They have the daunting task of braving the surface and fighting the dragons. A few soldiers are stationed at the entrance of the shelter for protection, but they do this in shifts so that no person is stuck guarding the home forever or fighting in the field every time. Generals are tasked with leading the troop, but they fight in the field just as much as their underlings do. Often, soldiers are told to fight in large numbers, and ranged weaponry is heavily encouraged.

  Medics

  Medics are always nearby when battles are taking place. They must be ready to run in and rescue downed soldiers as quickly as possible. They heal the injured both on and off the field, as well as provide care for the sickly in an effort to prevent diseases from spreading at home.

  Strategists

  Usually, notable generals are promoted to strategists for their quick thinking and unwavering leadership in battle. They won't be sent out into the field as often, for risk of being killed in combat, but they will often meet with researchers, generals, and soldiers to create an efficient plan of attack before a major battle.

  Dragonsmiths

  These crafty individuals are the armorers and weapons suppliers of the shelter. They have to make every weapon for the war effort from scratch in their scorching forges. Since lost or shed dragon claws are hard to find, they may ask people going out into the field to keep an eye out, or go out to look for the materials themselves. Past history told of dragon materials being an effective weapon against dragons, but the exact method of making these weapons had been lost. It's now more finicky trial and error for these dragonsmiths. Failure in the smelting process is highly likely, but that won't stop them.

  Techies

  The more technologically savvy citizens are lovingly referred to as techies in this society. Their task is to restore modern technology. They focus on bringing back electricity, long-distance communication, plumbing, running water, refrigeration, and any other important aspects they had taken for granted in their old lifestyle. Sometimes, they may have to head out with scavengers on scrap metal runs to help point out what could be used for their work and what couldn't.

  Caretakers

  This is more of a general category of jobs. They're put under the category of Caretakers for their role in keeping society functioning for as long as possible. This can be a whole number of things, farmers harvesting what food they can on the surface, hunters bringing back fresh meat for people, seamstresses making comfortable clothing, scavengers salvaging what they can from the ruins, or any other general job. While they may not have the grandiose tasks other jobs may have, they play perhaps one of the most important roles in the shelter.

  
  Children in this society will go through a small test on their aptitude in any of these fields once they reach preteen ages. This is to ensure that they are given a job that they could accomplish effectively and efficiently. Once it's known where their job should be, they serve as apprentices to an adult working in their chosen field.
  
  CrimeCrime is not taken as lightly as it used to be in the old times. Punishments will be far more severe than before. As the shelter has no room for jails, the criminal would be, at best, executed for their transgressions against their own people. At worst, they will be banished to the surface, left to face the wrath of the dragons. When the very survival of humanity hangs in the balance, they find little time to be lenient on people that make surviving even more difficult.
• The NestsDragon nests serve as both a safe place for their eggs and hatchlings, as well as an easily defended home for the dragons themselves. Typically, their nests are located in volcanoes or mountain ranges, but with how powerless the humans are against them, they have become more lenient in nesting locations. However, there is a bigger emphasis on creating stronger generations and protecting their young. Having been nearly hunted to extinction long ago, only a foolish dragon would leave their nests unattended. While their home areas aren't as heavily organized as the human living areas, they aren't against nesting in concentrated groups.
  
  Types of DragonsDragons are a powerful and varied species of creature. No two dragons will ever look exactly the same, after all. They are the ultimate predators, capable of bringing swift death to those who oppose them. Despite this, dragons can be placed into general categories based on their abilities and their natural weapons. These are the types of dragons that inhabit Aetherynn:
  
  

  Fire Dragons

  Fire dragons are a common type of dragon, often the ones most popularly depicted in historical texts and fiction. Their iconic dragon fire strikes fear into even the hardiest of people. These winged dragons are capable of spewing large, hungry flames out of their great mouths. They're the most at home near the volcanoes of Aetherynn.

  Frost Dragons

  They're commonly regarded as the icy cousins of fire dragons. Instead of bringing scorching hot flames down onto their enemies, they can freeze them in place with deathly cold breath. They can often be seen flying around tall mountain peaks where they feel most at home.

  Wind Dragons

  Wind dragons command the howling winds of Aetherynn. These dragons are capable of breathing strong gusts of wind from their mouths. In the old texts, it was thought that the harsh gusts of Aldwin's Ridge were the cause of wind dragons inhabiting the mountains. They are known for being swift in flight, able to ride the gales they create to propel them forward.

  Electric Dragons

  Dragons thought to be born from violent storms, electric dragons are capable of manipulating electricity to their whims. Their very being seems to crackle with lightning, using it to quickly strike and incapacitate their targets before diving in for the kill. They seem to take a particular joy in flying through storm clouds.

  Earth Dragons

  Earth dragons are one of the two species of dragons incapable of flight. They lack wings, but that suits them just fine. They are known for manipulating the ground around them, controlling dirt and rocks in battle. Their abilities allow them to be efficient defensive dragons both in and out of battle.

  Acid Dragons

  Acid dragons are the other species of dragons unable to fly. Much like their earthen brethren, they are without wings. Acid dragons are named for their dangerous, corrosive saliva. It quickly eats away through defenses, rendering the once hardy barricade brittle and useless against attacks.

  
  Dragon HierarchyDragons are an intelligent species, as intelligent as humankind, if not even more so. The way they managed to stay out of sight for so long is an impressive, if not terrifying, feat. One of the many reasons they survived in hiding is attributed to their social structure. They organized themselves in an efficient manner, putting all of their efforts in protecting their nests and providing for their survival.
  
  

  Mother Dragons

  Mother dragons are known as the formidable leaders of their groups. They are large, powerful dragons, and they ensure everyone underneath them is aware of this. They were the ones to put focus on strong bloodlines and protection of the young. Now that there are enough dragons to reclaim their lands, the mother dragons have taken it upon themselves to oversee the war effort and provide strategic insight.

  Alphas

  Alphas are powerful fighters in the group. They are picked by the mother dragons to lead the dragon armies and ensure victory. Often, they are intelligent strategists, and will take into account the abilities of each dragon under their wing. If utilized effectively, every dragon ability plays an important role in battle.

  Nest Guards

  The position of nest guard is given to capable, perceptive dragons. They keep watch of eggs and younglings to ensure that they survive well into adulthood. This position, as prestigious as it may be, is also a highly stressful job. Should the nest guards fail to protect the young, it is seen as worse than treason.

  Guards

  Dragons who have not been specifically tasked with guarding nests are charged with guarding the mother dragons themselves. These dragons are among the most elite soldiers, chosen specifically to protect their leader should anything happen. Failure to do their duty is seen as a massive dishonor.

  Soldiers

  Dragon soldiers are the ones in charge of finding and attacking any humans they come across. Their task is simple, erase humanity's existence so it is no more than a mere blemish on history. Unfortunately, the humans are craftier than they give them credit for. This position is the most heavily populated position, as dragons who aren't considered worthy of alpha or nest guard status are placed here.

  Scouts

  Dragons who are swift and have keen eyesight will be entrusted with a scouting position. They'll keep an eye on the land, watching for prey or humans. They will also be on the lookout for good nesting sites the dragons can utilize.

  Hunters

  Hunters are tasked with hunting and scavenging for food to bring back to the dragon nests. While dragons flying out around Aetherynn are free to hunt whenever they need to, dragons assigned as hunters are expected to bring back fresh meat for the young and those unable to leave the nests.

  
  Language and CommunicationDragons speak to each other verbally. They are capable of human speech, and can even communicate with humans if they wish to do so. However, given humanity's actions against them in the past, many dragons feel that speaking to a human is beneath them. It is seen as stooping to a primitive level by many. Granted, now that an all out war has arrived between the two of them, there is little room for words and niceties. Dragons also have their own language, but the translation methods have been lost to time.

Here's some reading material for all you lovely folks who expressed your interest in this role play :3
ServerPanda
Whisker
Abyss
@Nick Ton Cutter
Yonsisac
@Dakup
@saturn's rings

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. IrishQ and I will be happy to answer them to the best of our ability!