Saturday, December 31, 2011

Clan Notes: Green Flames


Clan Green Flame


Climate: Eastern most part of the world in dense forests
Clan Structure: The Green Flame dia and its two other ji clans are unique compared to the dia in drakkhani society. Why? Because they are the only dia groups that practice and heavily encourage the use of magic and magical craft.

These drakkhani inhabit forests east ward of the Kalijani and their territories. This was once high elf territory but over the centuries is became inhabited by wood or arboreal elves which are much more feral than the more ‘domesticated’ mountain elves. It’s also home to wild wood dragons, the only species of dragon that has not been hunted down to extinction, save the tundra wyrms of the far north where the Wintervale live.

The Green Flame has two other ji families that branch off from the main family. The Malachite dia lives north east while the Jade Claws live south of them. The Jade Claws often share territory with the monokiri or unicorn fauns that inhabit the woodlands. They trade with them often gaining materials that most other sapient races in Roannorra can’t obtain legally (hair, chips of alicorn…).

As previously stated they are clan of mages. While in general the clan operates much like a typical drakkhani dia (children are raised communally, there is a council of elders, and they migrate) however unlike the animistic traditions of most dia, these clans study high and ceremonial magic. The operate schools teaching elf and human alike on elemental spell casting. There are three main schools that they run. The main family teaches basic conjuration and elemental working. Jade Claws are more like druids. They use elemental magic to care for gardens, and use herbal working. Malachite is more ceremonial mages they use alchemy to enchant weapons and armor. They are also the only clan that writes down their tomes and spell working in the Common language; they often trade these books with human mage collages for their materials and spells. Their school have been regarded the hub of the magical world. Many young magicians and mages educate themselves by venturing to the Malachite school to hone their skills.

However there is a dark side. The Malachite often preforms human sacrifices. These are never witnessed outside of their main aerie and very few humans know about it. These sacrifices are a great honor to some humans who are often raised to be an offering to the High Goddess. The humans raised to be sacrifices are always orphans and are willing offerings.

The Green Flames have blue eyes and deep green to sage green skin. The have brown striping down their backs and arms; also they have bifurcated tails. A unique anomaly for drakkhani; horns and talons are dark yellow hair is brown or black. They also wear clothing, because of the various races they teach. It’s a not out of modesty but an act of comfort to the other races. In their own private aeries they are unclothed as usual. Their emblem is a green flame with a pentacle in the middle. Jade Claws have three flames and the Malachite have a seven pointed star instead of a pentacle in their flame.

The name Green Flame is play on their magic. The can use a spell to turn their fire breath, green for a short period of time.

Clan allies and foes: They are tense with the Sunwings west of them. But have decent relations with Glasswings. They are not fond of mountain elves but will educate wood elves and humans. They are not fond of human warriors.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Drakkhani anger displays

Xenoanthropologists have been recording several basic behaviors that are considered anger displays. Gestures that denote aggression, dominance or fear and are separate from the language of Drakk. These are all subconscious reactions that drakkhani do unaware. Much like how humans cross their arms or frown when angry. Many of these behaviors are unique to drakkhani and often hard to recognized by humans as signs of anger or fear.

Annoyance
Drakkhani can show annoyance very typical manners that humans display. Eye rolling is one of them as well as scoffing. However drakkhani have a few behaviors that are a bit different.

Eyelid flicking
If a drakkhani flicks their third eyelid, it usually means irritation or frustration. It's like a human blinking in surprise. It's often means "What? What? Huh?". Some scientists think it's like their version of eyerolling since that behavior was thought to be adopted by anthromophication.

Tail slapping
A drakkhani tapping their tail is another annoyance gesture. Like a human tapping their food. It also means impatience.

Snorting without steam
It's their way of sighing. A snort comes off as annoyed or irritated. Some biologist think it's also their way of also cleaning out mucus that can tar up their breathing passages. Congestion can be dangerous.

Horn shaking
A gesture signifying frustration and agitation. It's also a start of a threatening behavior.

Anger
Drakkhani have a library of gestures for anger and dominance. Here are a few.

Flashing of fangs
A quick smile is a dangerous and imposing. "Don't mess with me, I am in a FOUL mood" it says. A slow grin is less dangerous, though drakkhani show happiness with chittering and close mouth smiles. If a drakkhani flashes his fangs he giving someone a warning. This is commonly following horn shaking

Low hissing follow by snorting with steam\
Drakkhani snorting with steam is another anger gesture. Signalling that yes, I can breath fire. Hissing follows most of the time. Rarely would drakkhani growl oddly enough.

Clicking the back teeth quickly
"Back off! Go away" it's another warning behavior. It's often relayed with other fear behaviors than anger.

Flaring of wings
"FUCK OFF NOW!" It also says "LOOK HOW BIG I AM DON'T FUCK WITH ME" if a drakkhani flares his wings after several warning gestures. It's a bad sign. He will often breath fire or charge.

However, during the mating season, it also says. "Look how hot and sexy I am, I am big and strong, will you be my mate?" It's been concluded as dominance gesture.

Rage or Wrath
These behavior show and enraged drakkhani. Most of these have been observed and relayed by a distance.

Flame bursts
"YOU'RE DEAD" A drakkhani breathing short tongues of flame is an aggression warning. Next you'll be barbecued. Breathing it upwards however is something else 'THIS PLACE IS MINE SEE! I CLAIM IT."

Roaring
A challenge of war, often following fire bursts and before charging.

Flapping wings
This is actually a fear gesture, but drakkhani make this gesture when they know they are losing a fight.

Exposing one's phallus or clitoris
Scientists have been arguing about this for years. They have concluded from interviews and observation that the exposure of genitals is not sexual, one out dominance. Turns out that drakkhani when release a scent that is very overwhelming and musky when exposing the phallus or vulva. This often turns drakkhani way and makes then stand down. It's a warning and act of dominance.

Fear and Submission

Bowing head exposing the neck
"Ok I give up" it's defeat and relenting.

All fours head down
Same meaning stronger intensity "I am REALLY sorry"

Scratching with the feet
This is a fear gesture. It's says "NO! Leave me alone"

Curling wings around oneself
Hatchings do this behavior the most. It's a protective one. One that is replaced later by flaring.

Flying away
This is pretty obvious as a fear gesture when in combat.