Guidelines[]
- Please read Hybridization before making a hybrid!
- DeathWings cannot naturally produce animus.
Description[]
General[]
DeathWings are an average to small dragon breed that are known to be island dwellers. They have a similar height of a RainWing, with shorter tails and smaller wings. Dragons of this tribe have eyes that reflect light due to an extra eye layer--the tapetum layer. This feature gives DeathWings a glowing-eye effect. They often have eye colors on the warm side of the spectrum: yellow, orange, auburn, brown, and red.
These dragons are rather thinly built, with little muscle and thin skin under their scales. They are quite flexible, and are very adept to living on the rocky cliffs of the islands. Their wings are on the small side, due to DeathWings preferring the ground. The wing membranes are translucent.
Color[]
The scales of DeathWings are always in the darker end of the grayscale spectrum. Light colors are rather uncommon and could be the result of hybridization in the bloodline. The scales are not opaque; they are translucent.
Exocranium[]
The most notable feature of DeathWings are their exocraniums, often slang-called "masks". In the egg, the exocranium will start as a small, hard white spot on their forehead. The nerves in the exocranium will develop in the embryo, but the protective layer will form after the egg has hatched.
The whole exocranium will be complete when the dragon is 7 years old and has stopped growing.
This special protection is a layer of nerve tissue that is connected under the skin of the dragon. An enamel layer is the hard outside of the exocranium, and is often ecru or whitish, although can be stony or dark. The exocranium cannot be removed without severe nerve damage to the face, the most painful things a DeathWing can experience.
Abilities[]
General[]
DeathWings have thin scales, making them much more agile than tribes with hard armor plating. Their small size gives them an advantage of speed, especially on the ground. All dragons of this tribe have the ability to see in the dark, like cats, and their eyes appear to glow due to light reflection.
Corrosive Vapor[]
The dragons of this tribe do possess a breath weapon, although it is unlike fire and the IceWings' frost breath. DeathWings can exhale a corrosive vapor. This "mist" appears like smoke--varying shades of gray and white. The vapor is halogenic, and is mainly made of fluorine and chlorine (with other compatible chemicals). This gas is stored in an organ near the lungs. The lungs are thickly lined so it does not hurt to exhale the vapor. It is painful to inhale, although not deadly in small doses. The gas corrodes scales and skin, leaving painful burn-like marks.
Young dragonets of this tribe have to be taught how to use the breath weapon correctly as not to endanger their own, since DeathWings are not immune to the gas. Hatchlings are noted to sneeze puffs of this gas. Hybrids cannot have this weapon, as it is a recessive gene and will not be compatible with different genetics of other tribes.
Territory[]
The DeathWing kingdom is located at the "wing" of Pyrrhia, three islands and a stretch of mainland near the border of the TempestWing and SkyWing territories. This land was once part of SkyWing territory, but now belong to the DeathWing tribe. The smallest island is named Cypress, the middle one is Gladiolus, and the largest is Nettle Island.
The weather is rather cool and crisp, especially in the morning and in the evening. It can get cold at night. It is warmest at noon. The DeathWings are used to the cool temperature, and prefer it to the mainland's tropics and desert. It is often windy on the islands, especially over the water. The ocean surrounding their home is cold--definitely not water to swim in. The isles have quite rocky terrain.
The mainland border has watch-towers in the trees, camouflaged in the upper branches so enemy tribes or trespassers can't see them. There are five of these watch tower bases, each located at a different location on the border. DeathWing scouts patrol, waiting and watching for a sign of invasion. The tribe is extremely paranoid about the SkyWings taking over their land.
The Gathering[]
This is the name of the group of huts in the hilly clearing. It is like a city, but mainly consists of huts and homes built into the expanse of hills. Not all DeathWings live here, but it is a traditional living space. Many generations of a single bloodline may all live a hill away. Elderly DeathWings usually have lived in the Gathering all their lives and refuse to leave. There aren't as many young families here; they prefer to live in their own place to raise their young.
Most young, teenager DeathWings leave their home nest from the Gathering place around 5-6 years old. They often go live in Cliff Raize for as long as they want. The parents will likely stay in the Gathering place, as they could raise another clutch of eggs or live the rest of their life in peace.
Cliff Raize[]
Cliff Raize is a cliff near the islands. In the underside of the cliff, there is a brewing city. Many young and single DeathWings live here as they are completing training, sort of like barracks. It isn't required, many just like to be away from their overbearing parents and bond with other DeathWings.
This is also a popular spot for "fish-diving". This is when a DeathWing flies downward, wings tucked in, and dives in the water to fish. Only the most foolhardy of dragons do this, as the water is rather chilly. Many dragons traditionally scoop the fish out of the water.
DeathWings that live here are close to Gladiolus Isle, only a short fly away. This is the training center for young tribe members. There are many fields to devote their lives too. More described in the Gladiolus Isle section.
Tallneedles[]
This is the forest to the east of the territory. It is a thick forest with tall pine trees. This area starts with the treeline and ends at the TempestWing-DeathWing border. Tallneedles is a primal place for hunting, especially the woodland creatures, such as mice, voles, rabbits, and a variety of fowl. There is a watch tower base here on the edge of the territory, protecting the forest from any stray TempestWings.
Nettle Isle[]
Nettle Isle is the biggest island. It is named after the nettle plant, which represents personal growth.
This isle is home to Evening's Temple, the home of the Lady and her family. The temple is very modest, ivy growing up the sides and wildflowers blooming on the rocky earth. The temple is built in the side of a mountain, the majority of the space inside the rock.
Besides Evening's Temple, there is an abundance of farmland here. The rocky earth has been terraced in order to grow crops. The main crops are wheat, corn, and various vegetables. There are wild berry patches growing just about every step.
The Spring Temple is also located here, half-built into a large cliff. It is a big temple and must be flown to reach it, as it is elevated. This temple is for prayers and personal sacrifices to the Life Spirit.
Gladiolus Isle[]
Gladiolus Isle is the middle of the three islands. It is named after the gladiolus flower, which represents strength and moral integrity.
This small bit of land is the training facility for young DeathWings. These dragons fly over from Cliff Raize every day to study and train. There are many fields to go into, the two most common being healing and combat. However, it is important to dabble in many subjects. Other subjects include navigation, blacksmithing/forgery, writing, mapmaking, trading, hunting, crafting, negotiations, diplomats, aerial, farming, and construction.
The dragons will have to take a physical and written exam in order to be released out onto the field. From there, they will be watched and mentored by other adults of the field.
Cypress Isle[]
Cypress Isle is the smallest of the three islands. It is named after the cypress flower, which represents mourning and despair.
This small bit of land holds Autumn Temple. This temple is located here so the Death Spirit can guide the lost souls to the afterlife. Besides the temples, Cypress Isle is where all the ashes of deceased DeathWings are buried. These ashes provide nutrients to the blossom trees and variety of wild flowers that have grown here.
Cypress Isle is where the living and dead DeathWings part. When a tribe member dies, the body will be brought here by the tribe. A fire will be made to burn the body and send the soul to the Death Spirit. Flower petals and spice will be tossed in the air during the cremation to celebrate them going to the afterlife. After the cremation, the bones and exocranium will be left. The bones will be buried along with the ashes, while the mask will be decorated by the family and strung up among the blossom trees.
Government[]
The Lady and the Chamber[]
The DeathWing government is unlike the other tribes' governments. They don't have a "monarchy", and do not carry titles such as "queen" or "princess". The ruler of the DeathWing kingdom is known as a "Lady". If they are male (rarely), they will be referred to as "Lord" instead.
The term "Lady" is used to be on a more personal level with the rest of the tribe members. She is supposed to be approachable and kind to her fellow DeathWings, not some high and mighty royal on a pedestal. The Lady is seen as the mother of the tribe, a respected and loved leader.
She is always addressed by "Milady" within her own tribe, never by her actual name.
Chamber of Twilight[]
The Lady does not have absolute power over the DeathWings. She has to meet with the Chamber of Twilight, which is a committee of six respected DeathWings. The Chamber and the Lady will discuss issues and possible decrees or laws, and the majority wins via decision votes. The Chamber of Twilight members are decided by the public when there's a vacancy. The members can quit if needed, but most stay in the Chamber until their death. A DeathWing must be at least 15 dragon years before they can be in the Chamber.
Mistresses[]
Mistress titles are given to any females blood-related to the Lady. This does not apply to anyone not related to her.
These females are essentially "princesses" (as seen by other tribes), but they are taught from a young age to be considerate and support the tribe from a peasant to a soldier. Every DeathWing plays a role and no one is insignificant. These girls have a strong moral code built into them as they grow, loving each other instead of building a pyramid and being at the top.
Mistresses spend a lot of time with the DeathWing community. They do not dress fancy or show off. They are here to serve the wishes of their tribe and nothing else. If the Lady steps down, she will assign a mistress in her place. If the Lady dies, the community will vote on a mistress (that is, if there's more than one). There are rarely squabbles over the Lady selection process.
Masters[]
These titles are used for the mate of the Lady, any sons of the Lady, and any other males of royal blood. This does not include any males related to the mate of the Lady.
Masters are any male royal DeathWings that have mastered a level or occupation. They will train with other masters or greatly respected workers of the field for decades with no distractions and grueling training exercises. Once they are deemed ready, they will be given a master's ritual to be fully recognized.
Mastery examples:
- combat
- healing/medicine
- navigation
- religious practices (priest/priestess)
- architecture
- blacksmithing
- mining
- defense
- research/science
Culture[]
DeathWings have a great respect for life and death. They are a peaceful group, having no allies and preferring to stay out of potential wars and inter-tribal issues. This is a familial tribe, meaning every member is treated like family. The only exceptions are those exiled from the Isles. They have broken the valuable trust of the tribe and are forced to never return.
DeathWing love starts young, about 6-9 years of age (dragon years). They often have small clutches of eggs, usually 1-3 in a batch. Eggs and hatchlings are celebrated by the entire tribe, not just the parents. The Lady can only have two clutches of eggs. This is to prevent future government disputes (like the SandWing War). Mistresses and Masters may only have one. Sirs cannot have any.
Dragons of this tribe often catch fish that are found around the Isles. This is their main source of prey, although some more skilled hunters can snatch birds out of the sky. Some DeathWings can stalk and catch land prey, such as rabbits and deer. They can and do eat some variety of berries, especially during All Death Day.
This tribe believes in two spirits, the Death Spirit and the Life Spirit, two sisters who determine the fate of each DeathWing. The Spring Temple (Nettle Isle) is where the Life Spirit receives her prayers. The Autumn Temple (Cypress Isle) is where the Death Spirit receives her prayers. Both are believed to be benevolent spirits.
Hybridization[]
Animus
DeathWings have never bred with any animus bloodlines from the other tribes (like the SeaWings). Since they never had animuses to begin with, this tribe has never had an animus dragon. The animus gene is obviously recessive, and if a DeathWing breeds with an animus dragon (a slim chance), the animus gene will be stamped out of the egg by dominant DeathWing non-animus genes.
The DeathWing tribe views animus magic as an abomination, a power no dragon should possess (as it is cruel), a major contribution to their hatred and fear of the SeaWing and NightWing tribes.
DeathWing Hybrids
DeathWings consider themselves an isolated tribe. They rarely wander off their islands to the Pyrrhian mainland, therefore hybrids are few and far inbetween. This band of dragons is not made for travel, making hybrids with tribes at the southern end of the continent very unlikely. However, hybrids with SkyWings and IceWings are not that uncommon.
DeathWing hybrids almost always are born with an enamel exocranium, but lack the corrosive vapor of their respective parent. Corrosive vapor in hybrids is very uncommon, as the vapor is highly incompatible with the other tribes, although it has been seen in hybrids with a fire-breathing parent (like a SkyWing or MudWing).
All Death Day[]
This is a celebration that lasts 3 days. All Death Day is the last day of the festival. During the first 2 days, DeathWings are partying and celebrating their life. They are thankful that they are lucky to be alive. At these parties, there are lanterns and fireflies everywhere. Flowers are made into crowns and strung around Nettle Isle. There is a feast every night of a different type of food. Elegant wine is brought out only for this occasion.
DeathWings extravagantly paint their masks and bodies with dyes and flowers. They drape themselves in their finest silks and sashes, beads coiled around their necks. Feathers are a common accessory, frilling up on their horns or on their wings.
The final day is the All Death Day. The DeathWings head over to Cypress Island to visit their deceased family. They string flowers on the rocks and trees, placing herbs and lanterns on the island to give it a warm glow. DeathWings will send a prayer to the Death Spirit about taking care of their deceased loved ones. Usually this is followed by returning to the main island to visit the Spring Temple. DeathWings often send a thank you to the Life Spirit for allowing them to live.
Naming[]
The DeathWing naming system is unlike the other, one-word names of the other tribes. DeathWings are named after the first thing their mother sees or hears when they hatch, in a two-part name, both parts capitalized.
DeathWing First Names (examples):
- Icy Water
- Bright Moon
- Fluttering Grass
- Steep Cliff
- Swift Eagle
- Owl Screech
DeathWings technically don't have last names; they have family clan-names to show that they belong to a certain bloodline. DeathWings with no bloodline (such as orphans) simply don't have a family name unless they are adopted. Family clan-names are passed down maternally in most cases; as in, the dragonets of a couple will usually take their mother's clan-name rather than their father's.
DeathWing Family Clan-Names (examples):
- Eveningstar (royal family)
- Blackthistle
- Oakfruit
- Windwhisper
- Darktide
- Graymouse
When writing out a DeathWing's full name, use "de" (pronounced "day") between the first and family clan-name. Using Tawny Owl as an example, her full title is Lady Tawny Owl de Eveningstar. Most DeathWings just choose to go by their given first name, since their full names are quite a mouthful.
History[]
Early History[]
The earliest DeathWings were believed to be mutated or cursed NightWings. They were nomads, moving from place to place in order to survive. These dragons were kicked out of every land they set foot on. One particular dragoness, named Dark Sky, had enough.
The early DeathWings, led by Dark Sky, decided to take a battle straight to the SandWings' Queen Scorpion herself. They wanted land and they were desperate for it. Unfortunately, sheer desperation wasn't enough to win. Dark Sky led her small band of dragons through the rough, mountainous terrain in order to find a home.
Sky Donation[]
Dark Sky had crossed into the sky dragons' territory. The group was captured by a SkyWing patrol and promptly dumped in front of the queen to explain themselves. Dark Sky explained that they just needed a bit of land to live in. The SkyWing queen agreed to give them so land, but on one condition: they had to pay her back in labor.
The early tribe reluctantly agreed, believing that this deal would be better than no land at all. The DeathWings had to mine in the mountains all day, every day, producing jewels and gems for the SkyWing queen. Dark Sky died in the mines, but her daughter, Loud Cry, took up the responsibility, along with her brother, Black Night.
Loud Cry and Black Night built the tribe, making their numbers grow and swell. There was an uneasy peace between the two tribes for decades. That is, until the sky queen died. Their agreement died with her, along with Loud Cry and her brother.
The DeathWings got to keep their land. The next queen didn't care, since that stretch of territory was so small and the two tribes managed to co-exist for a while. Then, the hatching of the "Devil Queen" came. Once Scarlet was old enough to be queen, the DeathWings became increasingly nervous. The new sky leader wasn't like her ancestors; she was cruel and savage and unpredictable. She could kill the tribe at any moment.
SandWing Succession[]
Crisp Wind became their new leader. Queen Scarlet strode into the DeathWing territory against the tribe's wishes. After being threatened by the SkyWing, Crisp Wind agreed to stay out of the Great SandWing War. If they didn't respect Scarlet and Crisp Wind's promise, the SkyWings would take back the land and kill the DeathWings.
The tribe was flourishing in the war. They grew in numbers, making a strong battle force in case any IceWings or other tribes came on their territory. Despite hating battle, the DeathWings wanted to stay strong and safe in this dark war era.
Aerial Ambush[]
During the SandWing War of Succession, Queen Scarlet ordered a large patrol of soldiers to attack the DeathWing's Evening Temple, knowing that's where the "royalty" of the tribe lived. She figured that if all of their royalty was gone, the tribe would be easier to take over without a leader to guide them.
The patrol, under the cloak of night, flew to Evening Temple and slaughtered the current Lady, Falling Ashes, as well as her mate and two daughters, all slumbering peacefully. The two DeathWing guards were also murdered. When dawn broke the next day, the DeathWing tribe was distraught over the murders of their beloved royalty. However, Scarlet didn't know that there was still two royal children left: the child Still Wind, who slept among other trainees, and her sole daughter Tawny Owl: a cartographer who was not in the territory at the time of the ambush.
However, Still Wind and Tawny Owl were young--only about 5 dragon years old. A DeathWing tracker was sent to find and retrieve their only female heir (who was traveling with an adult escort), which took about 3 months. In those 3 months, the Chamber of Twilight ran the tribe. The DeathWings were increasingly nervous that their mistress wouldn't be found, or that Scarlet did find her, and promptly killed her and her guard.
With the return of the tracker and their mistress, the tribe finally felt some semblance of relief, even if their new Lady was still a dragonet. She ascended to Lady at 5 years of age, and the DeathWings were very protective of her afterwards, even more so than previous Ladies. She was too young to bear any heirs, so if she or her sibling died, the original bloodline would end.
Queen Scarlet tried to take a battle patrol to invade and conquer DeathWing territory, but the tribe was better prepared this time. The DeathWings managed to beat the SkyWings back, and were relieved to know when their worst enemy was missing. With Ruby's coronation, Tawny Owl (now 7 years old) wrote her a scroll about creating a peace treaty between the two tribes. Queen Ruby agreed, not wishing to continue her mother's greedy conflict with their neighboring tribe.
The treaty, signed by both matriarchs, was put into affect not long after the War of Succession ended and peace was finally restored to Pyrrhia.
Tribal Relations[]
IceWings
DeathWings and IceWings are on friendly terms, and the two tribes could be considered allies. Queen Glacier was friends with Lady Falling Ashes, and came to show her respects at their Lady's death. With the death of Glacier and Falling Ashes, Tawny Owl reached out to Snowfall to congratulate her on becoming queen.
MudWings
The DeathWing tribe hardly ever sees the MudWings nowadays. During the Great War, MudWings were commonly seen on the border, some hunting in their land. DeathWings don't appreciate prey-stealers. The tribe does not like the MudWings for this very reason, and the fact they were formally allied with their worst enemy.
NightWings
DeathWings do not see the NightWings ever--they live at the other side of the continent. The tribe does not care for them based on the terrible stories. They seem stuck up and well, are cheating, stealing liars with no honor.
RainWings
RainWings are hardly ever seen. Most DeathWings think of them as the stupidest tribe, and hates that the dragonets go their whole life without knowing their parents.
SandWings
DeathWings don't rightly favor the SandWings. It was their fault that they had this long, bloody war to begin with.
SeaWings
DeathWings and SeaWings rarely meet, although sometimes a lone SeaWing can be found in the cool waters of their territory. They don't have anything against the tribe.
The DeathWings are terrified of the SkyWings. They always fear invasion from the sky dragons, the reason why they have such tight patrol services on their borders. Tawny Owl and Ruby signed a treaty ensuring peace, but the pacifist tribe will always be wary of their neighbors.
AviWings
The bird-like tribe has never been seen by a DeathWing. Most of the tribe thinks the AviWings are a myth thought up by a dragon on too much cactus juice.
DriftWings
The DeathWings don't have much contact with the DriftWings, but they are seen occasionally traveling to the TempestWing territory. The queen, Queen Graceweaver, has stopped to talk to Lady Tawny Owl and Queen Nightshade before. They are neutral, and Governor Rainspinner has reached out to Tawny Owl about forming a trade route.
LightWings
The LightWing territory is across a small strip of sea, so the LightWings and DeathWings are trying to negotiate terms of neutrality versus allyship.
MortarWings
MortarWings live on the other side of the SkyWings, but has heard that the furred tribe is also scared of the SkyWings. It's comforting to know that another tribe is going through something similar, and Lady Tawny Owl would not be opposed if a MortarWing reached out to her. They have similar beliefs regarding battle and peace, after all.
The DeathWings border the TempestWings. The two have a cautious trading agreement. The masked tribe do not trust the wild fliers, but they seem more trustworthy than the SkyWings. Lady Tawny Owl and Queen Nightshade are on decent terms.
Significant Members[]
Lady:
- Tawny Owl (current)
- Falling Ashes
- Crisp Wind
- Loud Cry
- Dark Sky (founder)
Mistresses:
Tawny Owl is too young to have any children. Any mistresses listed have to be from the past or the future.
- Soft Snow (deceased)
- Quiet Beetle (deceased)
- Cool Breeze (Pluto The Hybrid) [future]
Masters:
- Black Night
- Roaring Thunder
- Divine Roar (HawkTheDisaster) [future]
- Still Night
Chamber of Twilight:
Resources[]
Credit the artists and don't erase signatures.
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![(Resa the Stormtrooper [not the most accurate])](/wiki/File:DeathWingBase.png "DeathWingBase.png (921 KB)")
