#dracaenae

Ancient Greek mythology is filled with heroes, gods, and epic adventures. The stories told in the myths are interesting and engaging enough that most of us will be familiar with at least a few, and many of their heroes and creatures are a part of popular culture even now.

It is astounding how many of the mythological creatures we are familiar with today are rooted in Greek mythology with the phoenix, sirens, dragons, griffins, cyclopes, centaurs, sphinxes, giants, werewolves, unicorns, vampires, and even zombies making appearances in the Greek myths alongside well-known named figures such as Medusa, Pegasus, and the Minotaur. The list is seemingly endless.

Perhaps the huge number of mythical creatures recounted is down to the fantastic extant literary resources for Greek mythology such as the Odyssey and the Iliad, as well as a wealth of archaeological evidence such as the scenes from mythology presented on both red and black Greek figure pottery.

Whatever the reason, the fact remains – there are a staggering number of bizarre creatures detailed in Greek mythology and not all of them are as well known today as some of their counterparts.

Creation

Veiled ones. When a mortal soul is consecrated to one of the Great Old ones, a dracaenae is born. With the lower body of a serpent, their upper half appears human in origin but is blended to horrific ends. Scales often cover the entirety of their body while their eyes are pitch black and indicative of their eldritch nature. Whatever humanity they might have had is traded for power, their minds function on the same length as that of one of the Great Old Ones and to those they’ve made pacts with they hold an unyielding sense of fealty. Draped in veils, the dracaenae’s true visage is said to force whoever looks upon them to see the violent death the Graeae predetermined. Notable dracaenae like Echidna and Typhon once produced monstrous leagues of terrors and hunted to near-extinction by the heroes of antiquity and formative hunters of the Eye as a result. Irredeemable, the dracaenae’s soul desire is to bring about the return of their masters. 

Habits

Today few dracaenae remain, those that exist in the mortal realm have holed themselves away in the farthest reaches. Those that remain often live in broods, with their violent, hideous children that prowl nearby in search of prey. Within the Otherworld they’re reclusive and drawn to the corners of the realm, wandering in search of their fallen masters, looking for ways to bring about the Great Old Ones. Violent, cruel, and vindictive, the dracaenae are powerful sorcerers that manipulate strong eldritch forces. It is in the nature of dracaenae to look down on anyone outside their species or unaffiliated with the great old ones, they’re loyal first and foremost to themselves and will unilaterally choose ambition over others. Dracaenae retain the memories of their past life and will return to old habits when prompted, but at their core they are lost forever. Dracaenae long for nothing more than to devour souls and use the inherent energy to produce their monstrous offspring. 

Strengths

Immortal.

Eldritch mind.

Snake physiology.

Oracular visage.

Monster creation.

Eldritch magic.

Weaknesses 

Aversion to fire.

Can be banished, bound, and sealed by magic. 

Removing the dracaenae’s heart will kill it.