Deep Lanterns

 Bahamut, along with all other Gods, also let some of his creation slip to Vatera, like so many other gods had done. Though because of his creations attitudes and egos, it became difficult for them to get along with all the other races. It is not a stretch that the Dragons had a large part of the coming calamity that engulfed the world, but few records of the before times have survived to tether blame to one race over the other. The unending strife and bloodshed brought Divine Wrath upon the world of Vatera and that Wrath cut all other worlds from it. That left the Dragons  that survived stranded on this world, with out a way to return home, or the voice of their now silent god, they had to turn to themselves. That was the beginning of what would be known as the age of the Ux Empire, or as they would become known as, the Draconic Empire.

 There were few dragons with immense powers left over and the ones that did have power feared that with out underlings to help them, that the lesser races would soon over run them. So the Paragons of each color of dragon, Metallic, Chromatic, Primal and the few rarer types of dragon came together to create a single race of humanoids that would do their bidding, the powers of all of them needed to creat e this new race, the Dragonborn.

 The Dragonborn were built to be lesser mirrors of their Paragons, strong, intelligent and charismatic, worthy still to be called Dragons. Each stood six feet or taller, female and male alike. Thier abilities all spawned from their Paragons, as well as their scale colors. Then, with all of the advantages their Paragons gave them, they spread over the land and built cities that match the glory of their lords, the oldest and most beautiful city being called Sar'Morah, or the City of Jewels. However, they spread too far and too fast, and it became harder and more expensive to maintain the growing Empire. The anser came with the a readily and cheap resource, the other races of Vatera.

 The Dragonborn, told to subjugate the races of the world for the glory of their Paragons, did just that. The first races to be subjugated were the simularly reptilian races that had come from other worlds but held many similarities to the Dragonborn. The Lizardfolk, that came in many varieties, capable of a variety of jobs. The Kobolds, an attempt by lesser Dragons to replicate the Paragon's work with the Dragonborn. The Yaun-Ti, a race of Serpents that came from a mysterious planet, who may have called the lands of the Empire home before they had spread across it. Then there were the Saurians, creatures that dwarfed the Dragonborn, but despite their fierce visages, became fast citizens of the Empire. These races were the easiest and perhaps the best treated out of all the subjugated races, but the others were not as kindly treated.

 The enslavement of the Genasi, Elves, and other races of the world happened quickly with the help of the other races. The Dragonborn along with the Reptilian Hordes were strong in martial strength and were backed up by their lordly patrons the Dragons. Many struggling nations fell with out a fight, while others fought to the end. However, few could hold against the ever-growing strength of the Ux Empire.

  The Age of Subjugation, what the era would be called by most other Races, was a Golden Age for the Draconic Empire. They built cities that were so opulent that they could be shown as jewels on the planets surface. It was a paradise for Dragons and their followers. It seemed that the Ux Empire would be eternal, just like their Paragons.

 However, Dragons will be Dragons, even as some were content with how the world was, there was still infighting. Greed and Ambition mired the Draconic Council, the ruling body of the Empire. Even among lesser dragons petty rivalries and territorial disputes lead to horrible, bloody war between the Dragon Lords of the land. At the same time, slave revolts had started, the Lesser Races had finally had enough of their servitude. The revolts were seen as small annoyances, just brushed off as one would do a fly that was bothering you, compared to wars of Dragons, it was nothing. That was a mistake that would cost the Ux Empire greatly.

 There were some Dragonborn that held on to an ideal. Despite the way their Paragons and Lords acted, there were still teachings of the seemingly forgotten Dragon of Light, Bahamut. Those who held the values of Honor and Dignity above all other things saw the ownership of slaves as dishonorable, beneath the mighty Dragon Kin. For a long time it was just a simple topic of fierce debate, philosophy argued over opulent dinners by nobles. Then game the one Dragonborn that would be a name that few would forget, Vorketh, who would later be known as the “Fang of Destiny”. His scales were said to be like mirrors in the sun and his voice carried echoes of an age long since past. He united multiple slave rebellions under his banner, along with all the like minded Citizens of the Ux Empire. His words even moved a single blue dragon, Ulhartiki, who would become The Sapphire Queen, head of the Draconic Council.

 The current Draconic Council was weak from infighting, fell under the foot of the freedom fighters, who secured the freedom of all the races of Vatera. From that victory a new Empire arose. Where as the old empire was Ux, Platinum, this new empire would be called the Mythril Empire, still glorious, but now malleable as well.

 Vorketh, who was given the choice of serving as Ulhartiki's right hand, refused, he wanted no power for his own part in the rebellion. True to her word to the hero and the other races, she split the lands of Vatera back to their ancestral nations to do with as they chose.

  Races of the Draconic Empire

 Dragonborn

The Dragonborn are the primary race of the Draconic Empire. They were created when the most powerful of what was left of Dragonkind needed a race to do their bidding. Each color of Dragonborn corresponds to their Paragon, the Dragon who gave them life. The most common varieties are the most commons dragons you hear about, Gold, Silver, Brass, Bronse, Copper, Red, White, Blue, Black and so on and so forth, though there are also Dragonborn who were sired by the Paragons of rarer dragons such as the Steel, Mythril and Primal Dragons. The Dragonborn are found on every level of society, from commoners to the highest noble and king. Being the ones sired by dragons themselves, they have much more say in what happens.

  Kobolds

Kobolds are the result of lesser dragons trying to replicate what the Paragons did, they were suitably powerful enough to create a race, but not at the grand stature and grace of the Dragonborn. Like Dragonborn they come in different scale colors and all. Some even have the rare features of dragons themselves, useless, tiny wings and such. Despite starting out as pretty much the lowest of the low in term of Dragonkind, they have proven themselves to be of much more use than what they started out as. Many of them are talented tinkerers and diggers, so you would find them in mining towns and tinker's shops, some even becoming the best artisans in the Empire. Unlike many other races they don't have many societal routes they can go. They are citizens of the empire, and they can use the rules to their advantage but it is rare to see one ascend to great height. However, it seems there are at least one or two houses of Noble Kobolds, so that glass ceiling can be shattered.

 Saurians

Saurians are the giant race of primal reptiles that hailed from another planet like the Dragon's Sovereign. They were instrumental in the subjugation of the races in the Ux Empire. They are strong and just as talented as Dragonborn in many respects. Even a Saurian Librarian has the ability to send chills down a dragon man's spine. You would see many Saurian in jobs of manual labor and military pursuits. Of course, there are exceptions, as there are many Saurian artisans and noble families. They are the backbone of many things in the Draconic Empire.

 Lizardfolk

Lizardfolk are likely the most adaptive and numerous of the citizens of the Draconic Empire. They have an endless variety of species ranging from the Gatormen in the swampy areas of the empire, to the Komodo Dragon like people from the more tropical areas, and the small Geckofolk that make quite good rogues. Their adaptability make them instrumental as well in the empire, though the many different cultures of each subspecies of Lizardfolk can be confusing at times.

 Yaun-ti

The Yaun-ti are perhaps the most mysterious race other than the Draaki. It is unknown where their race hails from, but it is rumored that they were one of the original settlers of Vatera. The Serpents are broken up into different 'tribes' of individuals. There are many who live in the cities but there are an equal amount of these nomadic tribes. Each tribe is usually run by a Chieftain or a Shaman/Witch. There are a few tribes that still hold resentment of the Draconic Empire for their enslavement all those years ago. Despite how better things are now, there are still those who hold deep hate and resentment in their hearts. There are even some, who have brought their personal justice upon the people of the Empire and even the armies themselves.

 Draaki

Just as there are strange off shoots of Elves and Dwarves, there is an equally strange off shoot of Dragonborn called Draaki. They live in the dark under the great empire and few emerge to visit the surface. Threre was said to be a different Paragon, one that create the Draaki separate of the Dragonborn, so that she could rule the 'Underworld' while everyone else squabbled over the land above. This Dragon is known by the name Tiamat, the Onyx Dragon, Dragon of Shadow. It is said that the Draaki serve her as their deity and have multiple cities of their own among the races of the Dark. They are much more slender than Dragonborn, but some say they are equal in size and equally as deadly.

   The Caste System

 It has been long past the rise of the Mythril Empire under Ulhartiki. The Empire as a whole still lives their lives rather comfortably, Despite the civility of the lands, they are still bound by old ideals of class and honor. There are six Castes that people can be split into: Noble, Divine, Artisan, Arcane, Military and the Commoner class.

 The Nobles

The Noble are those of rank and privilege given to each by birth. Unlike some other Castes, when they go into another caste that would strip their family name, they may retain theirs. It is rare, however that a noble would want to step out of their cushy existence to endanger themselves. The ambitious nobles often go in to politics, vying to become closer to the Draconic Council and the Queen. The highest title that a noble could hope to attain is the Grand Vizier, the right hand of the Queen herself, while each other member of the Council also have their viziers.

 The Divine

The Divine are those who serve in worship to the great Platinum Dragon, Bahamet. The Divine Caste is made up of citizens that dedicate their lives to the long lost God of Dragons. While some are volunteers from the Empire, some are inducted from the age of three. These young people come from orphanages or poorer families that want a better life for their children. There are two orders in the Divine Caste, there are the Oracles, Priests who pray to the Dragon Of Light for his return and those who hold the teachings of his close to their hearts. Then there is the Dragoons, Paladins who with their devout strength and will, protect the Oracles and the Citizens from any demonic threat. They often work with the Military Caste when it seems there is something amiss that the soldiers cannot handle themselves.

 The Arcane

The Arcane are those who wish to have magical training and want to do it in an enviroment that is safe. There are many branches of the Arcane Caste that can be located through out the empire, colleges going from the farthest edges to the city of Sar'Morah itself. People of the Empire can choose to start their magical education at a lesser college if they wish. Though there are some that are recruited from the orphanages of the Empire, if they seem to have the magical talent. Many go on to become Warmages for the Empire or turn around and start teaching Magic themselves while furthering their own research.  Students are broken into small groups and given to a single veteran mage as pupils. The number of years a student can go through in learning the Arcane Arts can be from 4 to 12 years depending on their dedication. The final tests for most are a series of Trials that culminate in an Arcane Duel with classmates. If certain students fall below a margin then they must retake their classes to advance. In the empire there are factions that answer to the crown, there are, of course, normal spell casters but there are factions that are more specialized. First there are the Shan Qabal, which are Magus, people trained in the sword as well as arcane. The Jhal Shard, who are the intelligence network of the empire. Then there is a special class of Spellcaster, those who are blessed by the blood of Dragons, the Draconic Scions, Sorcerers who in some part of their past, had Dragonblood introduce to their families, these are often taken when found, so that they can be taught to control their blood's power.

 The Artisan

The Artisans are a Caste who dedicate themselves to the artistic pursuits, whether it is painting, singing or even working a forge. The ones who wish to get into the Artisan Caste have to join one of the many Guilds that make up the Caste, then they must be accpted by a master of their craft as an apprentice if they wish to get anywhere within the Caste. Apprenticeships can take up to 12 years to finish and can only finish once their Master grants his approval. There are of course many artisans who work as freelance, but it is often the Guilds that grant success. Many noteworthy bards have come form this caste as well as many legendary blacksmiths.

 The Military

The Military is perhaps one of the most brutal of the Castes. Each Soldier is put through a rigorous training regime. They are mostly recruited from the Commoner Caste and some even pull much younger candidates out of Orphanages to put in their Military Schools, until they are old enough to be put to real military training. Each recruit is put through years of training that consists of physical labor, mental conditioning and Gladiatorial combat against fellow recruits and criminals who want to reduce their prison time, though some die in the arena. Those who survive all of this are put into the Imperial Army as soldiers. Those who show promise in the training can often be scoped by elite combat units such as Saren Sosvri's Fire Drakes, an elite unit lead by a Noble General. There are many other  sects of the Military Caste the Vost Miraj, who work with the Arcane Caste's Jhal Shard as a trained espionage and intelligence unit. The Khygar Brood, a feard Military Police that operates in the Capital named after their Commander.

 The Common

What is there to say about the Common folk? They, like the ones from all other nations, fill out the jobs that no one else does. They live close together with their families, sometimes many different familys of the same name live together. They are the tavern owners, farmers, muckrakers, the true back bone of the Empire.

  Bonus

Sar'Morah – City of Jewels

The Drago’var were built to be strong and intelligent, servants worthy to be called Dragon Kin. The average height of the Drago’var is six feet or taller, males and females alike. Their abilities and scale tones depended immensely on their Dragon Patrons. With all the advantages given to them by the immortal Dragons, they spread quickly over the Isles and built cities to match the Glory and Majesty of their Overlords.  However, as construction grew ever harder and ever more expensive on them, the Drago’var and their Lords soon turned to a ready and cheap resource, the other races of Aeon.

The enslavement of Humans and the Rol, or Ratfolk in the Common Tongue, happened quickly and with out much resistance to the Empire. The Drago’var were strong in martial strength and were backed by their Lords in battle. Many nations crumbled in awe of the terrible majesty of the Dragons, giving up with out a single arrow shot. This was a golden age for the Empire. They could build larger and more opulent cities thanks to their conquered servants. The Capital City, the seat of the Draconic Council had spires erected that were inlaid in gems and seemed to be dipped in gold. It seemed that the Drago’var Empire would be Eternal, just like the Dragons. However, the greed and ambition of the Draconic Council eventually boiled over into open conflict. Petty rivalries and territorial disputes lead to horrible, bloody war between the Dragon Lords. At the same time, slave revolts had started, the Humans and Rol finally having enough of their servitude.  The revolts, however, were seen as little importance when compaired to the wars of Dragons, a mistake that cost the Empire greatly.

Not all Drago’var were happy about having slaves, though it was an unpopular opinion, many saw the ownership of slaves as dishonorable and beneath the mighty Dragon Kin. It stayed the topic of fierce debate, until a single Drago’var Hero emerged. His name was Vorketh, or as history remembers him, “The Fang of Destiny”. He united the multitude of slave revolts under a banner of freedom and after securing the help of a exiled member of the Dragon Council,  named Ohen, and marched them into the heart of the Empire.  The current Dragon Council, weak and beaten from their own wars, fell under the foot of the freedom fighters, who secured freedom for all races of Aeon. From that victory, a new Empire arose. Vorketh, wanting no power from his part in the rebellion, named Ohen as the Dragon King. True to the words he struck between Vorketh and the other races, he split the lands of Aeon for each race to do with as they chose, those lands becoming the City States of today.

The Drago’var Caste System

200 years have passed since the rise of the new Drago’var Empire under Ohen. The race as a whole still lives their lives rather comfortably. Despite how civilized the lands are, they are still bound by old ideals of class and honor. There are six Castes that the people are split up into: Noble, Divine, Artisan, Arcane, Martial an finally the Commoner Caste.

The Noble Caste are those of rank and privilege given to each by birth. Unlike some of the other Castes, they can retain their family name no matter if they chose to become part of the Arcane, martial or Divine castes. However it is rare that a noble would want to leave the opulence of their lives, rarely feeling the need to work in worldly affairs. The ambitious nobles aspire mostly to become politicians, magistrates and Viziers. The Divine Caste are taken from their homes or Orphanages at the age of Three, adolescence for most Drago’var. Ones taken from their homes from the Commoner class are given away by their parents, they believing that it is better to abandon their family name if it means their child can have a better life. Before becoming a priest, initiates must pass a test of Devotion given to them by the High Priests of the Empire. If a priest or priestess is ambitious enough they often become Viziers or Grand Viziers, as they are keepers of the Empire’s Doctrine as well.

The Arcane Caste, like the Divine, Martial and Artisan Castes, are taken from Orphanages and homes to become the Mages of the Empire. They are split into small groups and then given to a single veteran Mage as pupils. The number of years an apprentice spends training is, on the average, twelve years. The final test for mages is an arcane duel, those who beat their rivals become Spell-casters in service to the Empire. Within the Arcane Caste there are two elite orders of Spellcaster. The Shan Qabal are Magus, Mages who train in Martial ways and the Jhal Shard, arcane rogues who use their magic to infiltrate and compete their missions.

The Artisan Caste is similar to some of the other Castes but for one large trait, they are allowed to keep their family name and can regularly visit their families. They apprentice under great masters of the Artisan caste under a period of twelve years, in which they study and assist in their chosen craft. At the end of this time, if they gain their master’s blessing, they may pursue their skill independently and work on their own masterpieces. They even gain the ability to have apprentices of their own. However, a pupil who fails their masters at the end may choose another vocation, but their time investment will be the same.

Then there is the Martial Caste. Each soldier is taken from a commoner family or an Orphanage at the age of three and are stripped of their family name, if they had one. This is perhaps the most grueling and unforgiving Caste one could be forced into. Each Recruit is put through 12 years of combat training and when they succeed that, are put into three years of Gladitorial training, fighting other Recruits and Criminals. Many do not survive the initial training, let alone the Gladiatorial training. Those who do survive are inducted into the Drago’var Imperial Army. There are several elite sects of the Martial Caste, to list a few are the Vost Miraj, Drago’var trained speciically in espionage and are legends in efficiency. Also there are Khygar’ Brood, a much feared Military Police that operates in the Capital of the Empire and is named after the Commander, Colonel Khygar. And then there is the Fire Drake battalion, soldiers lead on the battlefield by a Noble turned Soldier, General Saren Sosvri, who lead many campaigns personally against the foes of the empire.

Finally there are the Commoners, like in other nations the commoners fill out the jobs that no one else does. They live close together with their families, sometimes many different family units living under a single roof. They are the tavern owners, farmers, muck rakers, all the jobs you would expect of commoners. Despite their lot in life they are given more freedom then the other Castes, except for maybe the Noble class.