For additional information on Dragons and other topics, see Eltica's Wiki.

The Setting

This rich, diverse planet has two main continents, between which are scattered thousands of islands of varying sizes, all home to an endless array of different plants, insects, and animal species. Arguably the most powerful of these species are the dragons, which until recent times lived almost exclusively on the northern most continent, Usearous. It wasn't until a devastating plague ravaged the dragon broods that some of the survivors fled their old home in search of a new one, eventually finding refuge on the smaller continent of Eltica.

But they weren't the only sentient race to call this land home. Many of the humans scattered about the islands, of varying creeds and cultures themselves, were mastering the art of ocean travel, and already small communities of these inventive creatures were springing up along the coasts and slowly encroaching further inland. Until this time, dragons had long since stayed clear of the small, mortal race of humans, following the guidance of their leaders. Yet now, with most of their leaders lost to the plague and their numbers dwindled so low, and nowhere else to go, it was inevitable that dragons and humans would cross paths with one another. Whether it be for better or worse... only time will tell.

Humans

The islands that stretch across the Central Ocean span the gambit from small, tropical islands that can only sustain small bands of humans and animal life, to massive tracks of land that can easily hold thousands of communities, and which can range from frigid tundra environments to arid deserts to forested highlands. Because of this diverse range of habitats, and the sheer expanse of land and the distances between them, groups of human have evolved into unique races with an infinite variety of languages, cultures, and customs.

Dragons

General

* The dragons of Eltica come in an array of colors, with each color representing a specific 'brood', or breed of dragon. Each brood, no matter how populous or widespread, have one patriarch or matriarch that represents their entire species. This individual tends to be the eldest and most powerful of the entire brood, and while they may not be involved in the day to day happenings of all their subjects, it is their duty to protect their group and offer guidance and discipline.

* When a dragon claims an area to live in, any rocky terrain in the area will slowly begin to form various crystals and minerals that are associated with the dragon's brood. The types and colors of minerals reflect the color of the brood that lives there, and increase a dragon's power when they are around them.

Even though each brood has a main ruler, dragons spend most of their time on their own accord, either living by themselves, or in small groups. Some dragons may choose to mate for life with one partner, while others, typically older dragons, tend to acquire several consorts. When choosing a mate, dragons almost always stick to their own broods; blues with blues, reds with reds, ect.

* Dragons are long-lived creatures, living up to 5,000 years if illness and injury don't take them down before then. Very rarely, some unique individuals may exceed this lifespan by thousands of years before feeling the effects of old age, but these dragons are few and far between.

* All species can fly and breath fire, and depending on their brood, can wield a limited range of magic. Along with fire-breathing, all dragons are capable of shape-shifting into the form of other creatures, including humans. Like fire-breathing, shapeshifting takes time and practice to perfect, and even still, dragons typically retain some draconian features while in other forms. However, dragons are vulnerable in their guises, and as fragile as the creature they are shifted into. Their magic is also heavily muted.

* A mature female can produce a clutch of eggs once a year, and depending on her age and strength, can produce anywhere from five to thirty eggs. The eggs will hatch at random intervals, with some hatchlings coming out only a week after being laid, while others in the same clutch can lay dormant for months before breaking free. This allows the parents to devote time and energy to a few hatchlings at a time.

* Dragons start off very small, being a little larger than the average house cat. During their first three months of life, they are referred to as 'hatchlings'.

* Between the age of three to twelve months, dragons are known as 'drakes'. This is when they do the most growing, and can reach a maximum size of around ten to fourteen feet, with an additional ten or more feet of tail length, depending on the species. This is also the point where many mature enough to produce their first clutch.

* After the one year mark, drakes are officially referred to as dragons, and their growth slows down tremendously. Very old dragons are known to be over over fifty feet in length, with an additional fifty to sixty feet of tail. Few dragons grow past such sizes, with the exception of old matriarchs and patriarchs.

* Dragons are carnivorous, but will also eat vegetation. Hatchlings and drakes require far more food than older dragons, which can go for as long as a month without a meal.

* From time to time, dragons will consume bits of of the crystals and minerals that form around their territory. If deprived of these vital minerals, a dragon will become weakened and may lose its affinity with magic, and for this reason, most dragons will zealously guard their crystal growths.

Eltica

Eltica is a continent dominated primarily by forests and grasslands, and doesn't see dramatic shifts in temperatures during the seasons. Being the second largest landmass on the planet however, it is home to a wide range of biomes, ranging from the hot and arid deserts to the frigid northwestern highlands and mountains.

Point System

Eltica has a basic point system that is designed to encourage player activity, without interfering greatly with game play. Individual characters are rewarded monthly for being actively posted on the site, with points reflecting their magical 'strength'. This is primarily used to ensure that characters in important roles (such as brood Leaders) remain active, as inactive characters will rapidly lose points if not accounted for, and will automatically be removed from their position once their magical 'strength' runs down.

A dragon's magical strength should not be a major factor when it comes to fighting, unless the difference is extreme (10pts vs 2000pts) and/or the combatants are otherwise evenly matched on a physical level. Even then, other factors such as age, fighting tactics, and magic type should play a much bigger role. In other words, new players will not need to worry about their character being significantly 'weaker' than established characters.

Because of their natural affinity with magic, dragons will almost always have greater magical strength than humans, regardless of points.

A special thanks to Meg and everyone who helped with ideas and suggestions for Eltica.