On Draconis Elementa 
Draconis Elementa, once thought to be a subspecies of typical Western Dragons, turns out that was not the full story; in-fact they seem to be a separate branch of the same tree: one sharing several characteristics while also having their own unique features. 
The following notes will go into detail regarding different topics about their Anatomy, History, Culture, Traditions, Myths & Legends, and other topics of note.  
  
Anatomy: 
Draconis Elementa are a notably complex species, and while they have lots of common anatomy that is shared with other species there are also unique features that they develop. Fundamentally however, Draconis Elementa are a good example of a bipedal draconic species, featuring two legs, two arms and tails: these are all traits that every member of the species share. (barring any accidents that cause the loss of these aforementioned limbs) 
 
A highly common shared trait is that most members of the species do possess a pair of wings upon their backs, however this trait is not always guaranteed and should be seen as the most common example of “Environmental Variation” that this species has shown to display. 
 
The following are traits that are shared by all members of Draconis Elementa (barring any genetic mutations, abnormalities or deformities): 
First off; they have a small ridge-like fin that runs from just between their shoulder blades where their wings normally meet their bodies. (This is also present in the rare case one is born without wings) This fin is slightly dexterous and partially prehensile giving them some degree of control which lets them flex it slightly, this allows Draconis Elementa to make small adjustments during flight without majorly shifting their bodies and creating drag. It has also been noted that this can be used in swimming, a trait they share with common sea serpents and leviathans. 
Secondly: their tails are also fully prehensile, this is often the envy of some species who don't have this trait as it can make some tasks and simple things rather easy, for example instead of having to bend down to pick up an object Draconis Elementa can simply use their tails. Interestingly enough the prehensile nature does not fully come into play until his kind reach 6 months old, before this age their tails can have moments where they seem to have a mind of their own, and can be both amusing and slightly annoying, this is a result of the neural pathways related to their tails fully developing post hatching: In rare cases this can also occur with their wings. 
Last up is their Tongues; this species have long forked tongues: However what is interesting is that this body part is also fully prehensile even down to having individual control of the forked branches at the end, this gives them a reputation of sorts among other creatures for being good at a particular department in the adult industry, and it is certainly a treat to experience it. 
Shedding:
Naturally being reptilian means that as they grow they shed their old scales as they either outgrow them or the body seeks to replace damaged scales, however given that Draconis Elementa can have differing variance in scales ranging from smoother snake or gecko-like scales, individual plated scales, or even a mix of both, this can make shedding a rather irritating experience for them.

A common assortment in mixed-scale individuals is that the majority of the body is covered in smoother snake or gecko-like scales that are shed in patches or all on one go like in the previously mentioned reptiles, while the chest region is covered  in large singular scales that overlap and are shed individually. 

These individual scales are commonly kept, preserved and then used in makeshift jewellery such as charms and necklaces often given to individuals they hold dear or cherish, such as a mate or lifepartner.
 
Environmental Variation: 
An astonishing fact about Draconis Elementa is the degree to which they are capable of displaying Environmental Variation. 
 
The most notable example of this is commonly and most prominently on display within the larger population of the species: their wings, being draconic in nature the species naturally developed wings for ease of travel due to how large their home continent is, also it is believed that their connection to the air is felt most keenly due to their wings. 
 
However, not every member of the species has wings, for example the more aquatically adept members of the species commonly lack wings and instead possess webbed feet and hands and sometimes even gills, this is because they adapted to their environment as members of the species possessing these traits often live in coastal towns or on the outlying islands that dot the oceans around the mainland, however it is not entirely uncommon that they can also possess wings. 
 
Another common example of Environmental Variation that can be seen is that members of the species who live in the arctic and tundra regions of their homeland commonly grow patches, or even full coats of fur rather than scales, however they are no less defended as the skin underneath is rather tough, seeming to resemble hide rather than common skin, this adaptation is obviously to help them brave the freezing and frigid temperatures they are born and thrive in. 
 
Members of the species that live in the more arid environments such as the continent's desert have shown an increased ability for water retention and in some cases even developing small cavities in their bodies that act as “water sacks” to further assist in this ability, it seems their bodies have acclimated to the environment in a preemptive measure to combat any possible droughts instead of simply managing current conditions, this shows an interesting degree of self-preservation via evolution. 
 
One final example of Environmental Variation in the species is that of the plains and deep jungle dwelling members of the species, these individuals often display colorful crests of feathers as well as possessing remiges, otherwise known as arm wings, these feathered appendages that protrude from the forearm assist in short distance gliding or “tree hopping” often in the pursuit of prey, this particular variation of Draconis Elementa are the second most common group to not develop full wings, further it has been seen that members born in these environments can develop a “killing claw” or “sickle claw” sometimes referred to unofficially as “raptor toes” and a heightened sense of smell and hearing which they use to track prey, members of the species in these environments often belong to or embrace the more tribal aspects of their culture. 
 
It is important to note that these traits can lay dormant in the DNA of individuals from previous generations and can surface at any time with new young, this is why Draconis Elementa have a strong belief in documenting ancestry, in order to understand and anticipate any potential genetic holdovers from generations past. 
  
Flight & Elemental Affinity: 
A point to note on Draconis Elementa is the fact that despite their impressive wingspans and clearly developed anatomy that helps with their flight; the actual possibility of them being able to fly is of some debate to many other creatures. 
When I asked a medical professional of their species about this I was actually given an insight to this that I had not expected; According to him, their species is not normally capable of flight, gliding is a high possibility in adult life but, their ability to fly actually stems from their elemental affinity. 
You see, as we will discuss later on this sister-species of dragons have an innate ability to wield and manipulate elements, but it is a widely accepted fact for most that all members of the species have a subconscious connection to the element of air on a rather small level. 
This is often referred to as their 'resonance'. It is through this (or at least it is believed to be through this) that they are able to connect and wield the other elements. But it also serves another function, to active and sustain flight it seems that Draconis Elementa subconsciously manipulate air currents around themselves to generate the required lift for them to stay afloat in the air. 
  
Growth & Development: 
The growth cycle of the Draconis Elementa is a pretty simplistic one and is not much different from the growth of other species in the world, for the first 9 months of their life they live and grow in an egg like most reptiles, once hatched they go through the usual growth process of earthing to walk, eat, speak and much of the other parts that comes as part of early development. 
The key differences in their lives is in the development of their wings and tails, as mentioned before, even after hatching the nerves and muscles for these limbs are still developing, which can cause odd behaviors in these appendages, such as random moments of stiffness or limpness and spasms, which often leads to embarrassing or humorous moments during early childhood, this normally stops around the age of 6 months, but has been noted to last as long as 1 year, this is normal and nothing to be alarmed about. 
The other difference of note is that during their growth, all the way until age 15, an individual will steadily become more accustomed to their innate elemental affinity, they are encouraged to develop this by regularly flying and gliding.  (With adult supervision in younger members of the species.) This apparently helps to strengthen their affinity, much like working out a muscle group. Normally by age 15, if the individual has been regularly practicing this that they should be strong enough to maintain long flights, particularly long enough to fly out to their ancestral grove for their 'Awakening' (this will be touched on later) 
(It is important to note that there is allotted time each day during their schooling at which individuals practice this, this is done to promote healthy growth and is seen as part of their physical education.) 
  
Hoarding Behaviors & Runic Imprinting: 
Like most types of dragons, Draconis Elementa also exhibit hoarding behaviors. 
Funnily enough, this hoarding can be quite varied but also incredibly focused as individuals can be observed hoarding different items or even other individuals & creatures. 
What makes them unique however is a strange occurrence that happens when a member of the species finds their coveted treasure. What happens is that upon the first acquisition a process called Runic Imprinting occurs which displays on the keeper's body. 
These runes, that appear on the individual (but oddly not on any part of the hoard), often denote either specific parts of the hoard or a specific grouping in said hoard. 
For example: if a member of the species were to hoard classic cars, he would likely have a rune denoting each one. However: if they were to hoard something like comic books, these runes would likely denote a genre, franchise, or comics that contain the keeper's favorite character. The symbols that appear are typically rather simplistic in design as complex symbols may end up being too confusing or take up too much space.
In cases where the hoard is living beings, the runes are always singular and for each creature or person, there is a reason for this. 
It seems that Runic Imprinting has a psychosomatic component to it, meaning that the individual's views, wants and desires can indeed impact how these runes take shape and how they are categorized in the case of collections. 
Now, while this may appear to be cosmetic in nature, there is indeed a secondary feature or purpose to this process. When part of the hoard is in danger or at risk the rune denoting them will glow, this is often accompanied by an unpleasant feeling or sensation that varies in intensity depending on the level of risk. This sensation can vary also, being anything from a sense of dread, a burning or zapping sensation or anything of the like. 
It has also been noted that in the case where the dragon's hoard is a living thing, the individual will have an instinctual need to find them, and they seemingly always know where the at-risk hoard-member is.   
Genitalia & Reproduction: 
Another part of their anatomies that is of note is their genitalia and reproductive habits. (I will split each part of this segment into its own category to allow for selective reading) 
Male Anatomy: 
(This account describes just one typical presentation of a male penis, there are notable differences that can occur in appearance and function due to both genetics & environment, please take this into acount where measurements & specific anatomies are menmtioned)
The penis of a male specimen of Draconis Elementa when not erect rests inside a genital slit, this keeps the penis sheltered from the elements and prevents them from drying out, much like a canine's sheath: Their testicles are also stored internally. It is noted that this can vary between individuals: while a genital slit is the typical case, individuals possessing a sheath and external testicles or a humanoid penis (also with external testicles) have been observed and examined. 
When erect, their penis is an impressive specimen, boasting both length and girth, when fully erect, their length can total between six to just over nine and a half inches in length from behind the knot to his very tip. Girth wise their members are difficult to measure due to its tapered nature but at its thickest point it typically measures at 2 and a half inches in girth with a knot that expands a further inch outward. 
As mentioned before, the male penis is tapered in nature, meaning it is thicker at the base and tapers out to a thin point towards the top. Further their penis is also prehensile in nature giving it some flexibility that drives their mates crazy! 
Notably their 'output' is also rather impressive, and they process a ridiculous refectory period making time between orgasms quite short which often leads to some heavy-duty clean-up after a serious night with their mates or partners. 
Due to the fact that their members rest in a slit, it is naturally very slick meaning the male needs very little prep beforehand, however this species does produce a large amount of pre anyway, especially if you tease them long enough, or play with their prostate. 
  
Female Anatomy: 
Much like the male penis, the vagina of the Draconis Elementa resides within their slits hidden from view apart from the actual slit itself, the vaginal secretions of a female of this species are very slick and provide excellent lubrication, this helps when they are laying eggs. 
The inner walls of their vaginas are host to a large cluster of nerve endings, meaning that they are easy to stimulate vaginally: including when they are laying eggs. The increased sensitivity ensures that they produce plenty of lubricant during the laying process; it has also been observed that females will typically orgasm from delivering, almost like an incentive to reproduce, however reproduction is not required for an egg to be laid. 
 
 In terms of external structure, the vagina is very similar to that of mammals, besides being fully hidden by the genital slit, possessing the typical features of a vaginal entrance, urethra and clitoris (and clitoral hood). 
 
(In rare instances, it's actually possible for females to develop a secondary internal clitoris inside the vagina itself, this slight defect usually comes from one or more parents either being intersex or having an intersex ancestor) 
 
Intersex Anatomy: 
While still rare, intersex individuals of this species can occur naturally, what is unusual about this however is that both sets of genitalia will fully form and be fully functional, it seems this was a trait that is a holdover from a time when their population was dwindling. 
When this occurs the genitals of the individual in question are housed within the same slit, due to the fact that the entrance to the vagina also resides inside said slit it can be difficult to find out they actually had one until they lay an egg for the first time. 
Because of its position the internal anatomy is quite complex, as there is a slight upwards bend at the entrance of the vagina which makes it feel incredibly tight when any male penetrates the individual in question: further the bump that creates the upward bend is also where their prostate resides, causing to it being incredibly pleasurable for them and makes them leak like a faucet when they are penetrated vaginally. 
 
Additionally, the vagina of an intersex individual actually lacks an external clitoris, however they do have an internal clitoris that is located at the peak of the upwards bend created by the positioning of the male prostate, this make being on the receiving end of penetrative sex incredibly pleasurable for the individual as when they are penetrated, the penis (or object) with typically grind against both the prostate and the internal simultaneously. 
 
This aspect of their unique anatomy makes laying eggs intensely pleasurable for the same reasons, and it is not uncommon for intersex individuals to experience an orgasm (or several) while they lay an egg. 
  
Reproduction: 
The reproductive cycle of the Draconis Elementa is very simplistic, once every 13 weeks the female (or intersex individual) will enter a heat cycle, during which their libido is heightened, and their female scent is stronger to help attract a potential mate. (It is noteworthy that Draconis Elementa only begin laying eggs after they reach 18 years of age, it seems that their bodies have internalized societal norms of the modern age to a degree) 
 
This cycle often lasts around a week, after which if the egg is unfertilized Draconis Elementa will lay the produced egg the following week; However if the egg is fertilized it will stay inside the body for a further 6 months after this point they will lay a healthy egg often sharing the colors of both the male and female (often favoring the females colors), this cycle makes it both easy for this species to not only tell if they are successfully impregnated, but also who exactly who the father is; or at the very least have a good idea who it is. 
 
Draconis Elementa are not reproductively exclusive this means it is entirely possible for someone not of the species (or even of the same racial category) to impregnate them, it is however slightly more difficult for this to occur when compared to same species breeding. 
 
In the occurrence of a mixed species insemination in a Draconis Elementa, the young will hatch from an egg as a young dragon welp, however they may retain traits from the fathers' species, such as having fur, or feathers & feathered wings (in cases of avian species), in rare cases some of their body parts may be more like the father species, this can range from anything as small as ears, to differing genitalia, however the core body is not subject to these changes, it seems like there is some "biological failsafe" preventing incompatible anatomies from mixing. 
 
However: 
In the case of a male Draconis Elementa inseminating a female of another species, it will be the other way round, the young taking the core genetics of the mother in questions species and body, while adapting some traits from the father, such as patches of scales (or even fully scaled) and membranous wings in creatures with them; species that do not naturally have wings have a rare chance of gaining wings but only if it is compatible with their body, (For example fully aquatic creatures will NOT gain wings). 
 
It has also been noted that the ability of elemental control that this species possess can also be transferred from a male Draconis Elementa to the offspring, whereas in the case of a female being inseminated by another creature, any abilities the specimen in question may possess can possibly be given to the young on top of Draconis Elementa's natural elemental abilities. 
  
Heat & Nesting Habits: 
Draconis Elementa typically experience their heat cycle every 13 weeks (beginning 13 weeks from their 18th birthday: this seems to be a case of cultural norms assibilated as a biological principle). 
During this time, they exhibit some "fun" behaviors, such as an increased libido, heightened sensitivity around their slits & genital area, and overall hornyness. 
 
Besides these behaviors Draconis Elementa also show signs of nesting behaviors: Such as gathering blankets and soft items to create nests and gathering them in what they believe to be a safe space in their room or domains. 
They may also gather the clothing of their mate or presumed mate so that the hatchling will recognize both their own and the sire's scent. 
 
These behaviors take place regardless of the fact that the egg they are carrying is fertilized or not and continue until said egg is laid. 
(it is not uncommon for members of the species to be emotionally vulnerable or outright volatile during this time, so it's often advised to treat them with love & care) 
 
In the more tribal sects of this species, gravid individuals will either stay close to their mates when applicable, or be housed in a central tent with plenty of animal furs and a warm fire nearby, or in some cases they will be sheltered at the rear of a cave when this is a viable option. 
Gestation / Pregnancy: 

As explained, Draconis Elementa go into heat every 13 weeks, this is a regular cycle in which they produce, carry and lay an unfertilized egg within a week of beginning their heat (sometimes up to a week and a half, this is fairly common and nothing to worry about) 
When fertilized however, the egg will stay within the mother for a further 6 months before she (or they) lay it. 
During this period of gestation, it is expected that the mother will experience the usual array of symptoms of those carrying new life: weight gain, unusual cravings, mood swings, periods of clinginess, and more.  
Once the egg is laid it will be cared for by the parents: often rarely moving from the nest the mother creates during her (or their) heat cycle. After a about 3 more months the egg with hatch, bring the new member of the family into the world, an event that is usually celebrated by family & friends in a traditional celebration called "The welcoming" 
Eggs:
 The eggs of Draconis Elementa are typical as far as most eggs go however they tend to lean more to avian style of eggs being hard-shelled. During the laying process however the shell of the egg is in fact rather malleable this helps both with the laying process while also maintaining integrity of the actual egg during it, ensuring the young is unharmed. 
 
Given that they typically only lay one egg the size of said egg is nothing to scoff at, on average the eggs dimensions roughly come out at 1ft to 1.25ft tall by 0.7ft to 0.85ft wide, naturally this can be quite the ordeal to lay, thankfully females (and intersex individuals) of Draconis Elementa produce sufficient natural lubrication, however it is recommended that they have hydration readily available, ice chips also help. 
 
Once laid the egg’s shell will begin to harden over a period of a few hours, this is also when the coloration of the egg begins to show, often taking a mix of both the parents colors, usually the mothers color will be the base of the egg while any patterns will take the fathers coloration. 
It is worth noting that the coloration for the egg will often not have any bearing on the colors of the hatchling inside nor any hints towards what elements they will have once they awaken.  
It's often believed that the patterns that appear may tell what personality the hatchling may develop, however this has been dismissed as a “wives' tale” 
 
Draconis Elementa typically only lay one egg, however, there have been cases of twinning, even rarer of an occurrence is “shared egg” twinning in which two separate individuals develop inside the same egg, these twins  often develop the same coloration perhaps with some slight variation in patterning. 
  
Hybrids:
Hybrids, sometimes referred to as Draconis - [enter Species type here] are what happen when a member of this species mates with another, due to them being genetically compatible with most races' hybrids have become rather common since the nation began opening its borders and allowing mixed species relations & marriages 
How one of these hybrids may look can differ quite heavily from individual to individual and also depending on the pairing that took place. As previously mentioned in the reproduction topic if a female of this species is impregnated then the young one will often be closer to a dragon in shape and nature and is practically guaranteed to have an innate element that will reveal itself at its awakening. 
But in the case of the female being that of the other species, only some traits will be draconic in nature and while there is still a high chance of a child having an element it is not guaranteed, and the young one may receive no elemental abilities whatsoever. 
in the event of a male inseminating that of another species the type of pairing may also have some effect on how the child may manifest also, for example egg-laying creatures such as avian or other reptiles may produce offspring that will look not too dissimilar from a member of the Draconis Elementa species. 
Whereas mammals and other species that give live birth may only take minimal traits from the father, such as small patches of scales or some other parts of draconic anatomy, such as the tail shape, or having membranous wings over feathered, it is also possible that if the parent is strictly a herbivore that the child will be born able to eat and process meat 
Unfortunately, there is a drawback to having a hybrid child which will affect the child later in life if they seek to reproduce: they will only be able to do so with a member of the species of their mother & father. For example, Draconis-Canis would only be able to reproduce if their chosen mate is Canine or Draconis Elementa. 
 Much like members of Draconis Elementa, hybrid offspring resulting from interspecies relationships and mating can also display a remarkable degree of Environmental Variation, it is important to keep this in mind and not worry about any apparent excess growths or unusual anatomy outside the bounds of the parents as these traits can be holdovers from previous generations. 
  
Environmental Variation in Genitalia: 
Another thing to note about the genitalia of Draconis Elementa is the fact that the climate they are raised in can affect the variation of genitalia present in members of tribes and communities in the area, as well as other aspects of mating & reproduction. 
For example, while your typical members of the species will develop a genital slit which houses their reproductive organs & genitalia, in warmer climates it's not unheard of that male members of the species are born with sheaths and external testicles housed in a scrotum. 
 
Another example of this is that of the more aquatically adapted members of the species, in that while they will still likely have a genital slit, or perhaps even a cloaca the biggest change may be the sperm of the males, this can affect the consistency, volume and overall virility, it is also noted that the sperm of these males will be more resistant to the salt water as members of these sects of the species will often mate in the water they have become very acclimated to. 
 
It is worth noting that while environment can play a factor in determining the appearance of genitalia, it is not the sole contributing factor either, genetics also play a large part in deciding that, further is the fact that genitalia, particularly male genitalia, is rather varied in appearance and function.  
 
There are multiple variations and types of male genitalia present within this species, ranging from classic humanoid members with foreskins and external scrotums, more Canine members with knots, well-endowed Equine-Esque members with broad flaring tips and medial rings, more exotic members such as prehensile and tapered lengths (also possessing knots), even cloaca or hemipenes have been observed and well documented. 
  
Elemental Abilities: 
Draconis Elementa are also capable of welding powerful elemental abilities (hence their designation), it is as of yet unknown how they are capable of this feat due to how their society frowns upon gaining any such knowledge on this topic, there are multiple theories on this ranging from specific glands in the body either directly producing conditions for the element to magic and other forms of speculation. 
What has been observed is frankly remarkable in its own right, Draconis Elementa are capable of producing powerful blasts of their respective element (something I will touch on in a later segment) from their mouths, however in most cases a member of this species will only be able to control a singular element, often consisting of: Fire, Water, Air, Lighting, Ice, Magma and Earth: however Earth elementalists require further explaining due to their unique nature. 
In rare cases it is possible for an individual to wield or control dual elements, and in other cases individuals possessing 4 specific elements are born: these individuals are known as Storm Dragons because they wield a collection of Ice, Water, Air and Lighting: all elements that can be found in storms. These individuals are also known by the title "Guardians of The Passing" due to their roles in this species' death ceremony.  (Something I also will discuss in a later segment relating to their traditions & customs) 
One Individual I have encountered recently, a young grey and black Storm Dragon by the name of Dawn, somehow had learned an old secret of their kind, one that held its place in their legends and fairytales; the ability to apparently use his entire body to wield his elements rather than just firing blasts from his mouth. This allows him to use his abilities in extraordinary ways, he has apparently been teaching select individuals who he feels can benefit from these skills, but he says it has been hard going. 

Earth Elementalists: 
Now, it is important to note that these particular dragons are looked upon with great suspicion by the majority of other Draconis Elementa due to how they came to be. 
You see, earth elementalists aren't chosen, apparently it is entirely possible that during their awakening, no element chooses them. 
(This is also seen as a bad omen for the family, and it is unfortunately not uncommon that in this occurrence, the family will abandon the individual in question, fortunately it seems that it is rare that no element chooses them, even rarer in-fact than a Storm Dragon being awoken) 
According to legend: which I will write about in more detail when covering that topic, when the first earth elementalist came about it was because she was so dejected and heartbroken at being abandoned that she sought a way to make an element choose her. 
What she found instead is that through meditation and various rituals, she could commune with the very earth itself, and bend it to her will, gaining abilities unseen and never spoken of before her time. 
It was also at this point that she vowed to never let another like her be abandoned, that she would give them a new family, so, she founded a monastery far from civilization which would house others who were like her, said outcasts would be brought to her to learn her ways. 
Now I have not been able to verify the claims as no one actually knows where this monastery is: besides other earth elementalists who roam far and wide looking for those who could join them. But it is said that these dragons can shape the very ground itself, move mountains, command plants to grow and bear fruit and many other things. 
  
Elemental Surges: 
Elemental surges or simply just surges occur when a member of the species experiences extreme emotions or stress due to an event. This often manifests as the user's elemental output increasing dramatically or in some cases the user loses almost all control of their element and essentially goes into a berserker-like state. 
This trait is a throwback to when their culture was mostly nomadic, and the tribes would fight over territory. However, these surges are still seen today in high stress situations, in fact part of the training to become a stormfighter is knowing what to do when you or your teammates are experiencing a surge. 
On the topic of managing one: this is a very complex question as it will affect individuals differently due to things like a user's actual element or even their degree of elemental control. 
Some individuals are even able to control or potentially bring on surges at will, however those are few and far between in the modern era. 
  
Notes on elemental drawbacks & control: 
  
1) It is important to note that while each individual does have a great degree of resistance to the elements they wield (which is mostly expanded and built over extended use) this does indeed have its limit and that extreme abuse of their abilities can injure or even permanently damage their bodies. 
Elements such as lightning, ice and fire are the main offenders in this case as users of these elements can easily injure themselves by going too far past the limits of their resistance. 
  
2) Another point of note is that the degree of control of which one has over their element may vary, some may have very little control or stamina for use while others seem to almost have a mastery over their elements (This does not include the individual known as Dawn as his way of wielding his elements is entirely different to the breath based usage that basically all of this species employs) 
  
Culture & society: 
The first thing visitors to their lands will not is that Draconis Elementa have an interesting sort of culture in the way that it is split into two dynamic groups that, while rather different in their lifestyles, they are able to live in peace with one another through a Balance of mutual respect, shared traditions & beliefs and a sort of codependence. This sort of lifestyle seems to be in stark contrast to other nations and peoples. 
The primary thing to note is the two separate sub-cultures that are present in Draconis Elementa's form of society: 
First, we have the more tribal sect. It appears at a glance that this group are more primitive and lacking, however to make such a judgement would be foolish, instead it seems that they just have decided to not fully embrace modern lifestyle and prefer a more nomadic style of living, however it is important to note they have not fully renounced technology, while they use simplistic and more natural methods of medicine, farming and production of supplies, they also do trade for items such as cell phones and some advanced medicines when necessary but for the most part, they are a very simple people living with basic needs and serving the land and each other very happily. 
On the flip side to this we have the ones that have embraced a more modern culture, living in towns & cities, embracing technology to its fullest and mingling with other cultures from foreign lands. 
While both sects of this species live independently they also have a lot of shared beliefs and traditions, and as such they co-exist and intermingle quite often: in most cases this is for the purpose of trade, this trade agreement dates back to when all of this kind lived a nomadic lifestyle and would often trade livestock and supplies, now however the city dwelling people of this kind employ the nomadic tribes that settle near the cities as farmers, and in return they give them the supplies they require to continue their own ways of life. 
As populations in the cities started to grow, this deal did start to cause stress on both ways of living as the tribal Draconis Elementa started to struggle to keep up with the demands the cities had, this for a time caused an era of strife and hardship which was ended as the city dwellers started to reach out to foreign nations to supplement their demands of livestock and crops, and allowed both cultures to go back to a mutually beneficial relationship. 
It is interesting, both cultures have adopted a 'Clothing optional' way of life: for the most part, members of the species will happily stroll about wearing no or very little clothing, when clothing is worn it is often just to enhance visual appeal or for ceremonial reasons. 
  
Age roles: 
As with many other cultures, it is very typical for family members to apply themselves to specific roles and duties inside the family. 
Elder members of Draconis Elementa, will often be looked to as a source of knowledge and stories of times past, in the more tribal communities it is very often that they will perform or be at the head in most rituals such as weddings, 'Awakenings' and 'The Passing'. This can also be true among the more modern, city dwelling, Draconis Elementa. As such, they are often looked to with a great deal of respect and reverence by younger members of the family. 
Parents or adults in families also share this role of teacher, as it is their duty to impart wisdom on the youths and prepare them for their own adulthood, this involves many lessons which can vary from family to family, however the key lessons are always the same, these include (but are not limited to); Flight lessons, 'talks' on anatomy and mating, teaching younger members to cook and how to handle their money. 
The youths and young adults of the household also have their own role in the household as well, often starting as young as age 7, the younger members of the family will be given their daily chores, such as helping to clean the home (most commonly looking after their own rooms and those of their younger siblings) or help with preparing meals as part of them learning to cook for themselves. 
The only roles given to those under 7 are to clean up after themselves, and wash their plates after meals, beyond that their only tasks are to have fun, be respectful and practice their flight. 
  
Tribal Culture: 
The tribal or nomadic peoples of the species live a somewhat simpler life than the more modernized members of the species. While some do settle in locations and build simple villages consisting of huts, barns or simple animal pens: others don't settle at all. 
In fact, those that do not settle are often called roamers as they for lack of a better term roam from place to place following the migration patterns of prey or livestock. 
However, it's unfair to call this side of the species savage or feral in any sense as they still do make limited use of technology and medicine in rare cases, however they do try to keep to themselves when possible. 
In these tribes there are two very important individuals to note in their own form of society: 
First there is of course the clan or tribe chieftain, this is often the leader of the peoples in the villages or caravans. How one becomes chieftain can vary from tribe to tribe, while some prefer that the chieftain to sire a successor, other tribes have a more democratic method in which if a chieftain is seen as failing or growing weak another will be chosen from a pool of candidates by form of voting or in some cases contest. 
The Second most important role in these tribes is that of the shaman who is seen as the spiritual leader, teacher and healer of the tribe. Becoming a shaman is far less complex or restrictive than becoming a chieftain, simply put the tribe shaman will select an apprentice and educate them until they feel there is nothing left for them to teach at which point a succession ceremony is conducted and the new shaman is appointed. 
The previous Shaman will often still stick around until they pass on as a form of mentor if needed 
  
Interspecies Relationships: 
In the past even thinking of this was seen as deviant or as some purists called it unclean, even now this is still a topic that is debated in some circles. However, for the most part in the more developed cities and towns most will not even bat an eye, in fact seeing a hybrid often garners some curiosity from passers-by. 
These types of relationships are more commonly seen in the capital city as well as port cities and there are no laws prohibiting or restricting this particular brand of courtship and even more recently marriages between species have become more common. 
In some more primitive tribes however this practice is often forbidden and anyone who does so will often find themselves quickly driven from the tribes' lands. 
Until Recently hybrid children and spouses that were of another species were actually forbidden from taking part in awakenings, and had to have their own form of the ceremony that the families involved agreed upon, this is however no longer the case and they are now allowed to enter the sacred lands at the center of the island as long as they are accompanied by their family. 
  
Education: 
Education for Draconis Elementa is very different from typical schooling that most races impose as it is more flexible to the wants, needs and whims of the individual after a certain point. 
The first points of education that members of the species are taught, besides speaking and writing: is about their role in the world and their families, but they are also taught about the elements they will someday wield in an effort to make sure they are used to the idea and not afraid of them. 
After this the young ones will start learning more foundational knowledge like Mathematics, History, Cartography or Geography, Cooking, Medicine and Biology: things they will need in everyday life, it is at this point they are then encouraged to think about what they may want to do in their futures as it is roughly within this time that most will then go through their own awakening. 
In tandem with their studies hatchlings and whelps will be given large amounts of time for physical activities designed around helping them develop their muscles for flight and their innate elemental affinity, this is done to encourage flight at the early stages in development. 
It is also important to note that once they are able to fly under their own power they are given flight safety classes as well as first aid lessons in case of any accidents while practicing. 
It is after their awakenings when most start looking towards the future and possible career paths. The Awakening actually signifies the end of their standard education: as after the ritual the teenage members of the species are encouraged to take a year or two to learn to control their element. This is when a parent's role in their teenage life becomes vital as it is often the parent that will teach them how to control their newly awakened element. 
After these two or so years of self and tutored learning is when a choice presents itself, the individual will then have one of three courses before them, either they go to a trade school and learn a trade of their choosing, Or they may also pursue higher education in which they will start to go down a path of a chosen field of knowledge this can range from something like teaching, or even going down into the sciences to learn more about the world. 
The final option given to members of the species but by no means the least important or daunting is to go to one of the various guilds that operate in Eden,
The most popular of which is the stormfighter academy where members learn to become their lands' steadfast defenders from various things or even hostile forces. 

Clothing:
Clothing in the culture of Draconis Elementa is an odd topic, given their typically embraced clothing optional lifestyle.

Clothing for Dracocis Elementa is often ceremonial, or decorational, often used to highlight a recent change or even be symbolic of a change to come or in process. For example a recently pregnant or gravid female (or intersex individual) may commission a dress that leaves the belly exposed so that as the baby-bump grows it is then highlighted by the dress.

Other types of clothing are personal effects or accessories that were obtained during milestones in their lives such as an engagement necklace, a gift from a teacher, parent or friend for graduation.

When it comes to ceremonial clothing Draconis Elementa will never pass up an opportunity to embrace their more tribal roots by weaning various headdresses or simply made outfits often featuring colours befitting the chosen event or festival.

One key material used in all important clothing however is eggweave, a material that Draconis Elementa covet and hold dear, there will be more info on this later.

As a final note, casual clothing made for Draconis Elementa is often loose fitting so as not to irritate the wearer or restrict their movement in any way, it also makes it easier to put on or take off. Whereas uniforms for certain work is specially designed to be form fitting while also not impeding movement so that it cannot get snagged or endanger the life of the wearer.

Stress & Relaxation:
Life in Eden is not without its difficulties, whether it’s the responsibilities of being a parent, the studies of a student, the unforeseen issues that arise in a blossoming relationship, work stress or even just issues in day to day life. Draconis Elementa place high importance in maintaining mental health and thus believe managing stress is an important factor in dealing with day to day life and actively seek to combat it.
There are many ways in which the species collectively do this and help each other to do it as a community effort. Notably are mental health initiatives within places of study and workplaces such as students & employees who are showing signs of stress being given days off to decompress, spend time with family or even take short vacations.

In terms of vacations there are a number of health spas and getaways that are highly beneficial to everyone, and if that type of thing isn't what the individual enjoys then perhaps a vacation to one of the many coastal island towns?

There are multiple ways in which the species deal with stress, and dealing with it can be a very personal experience to each individual, or perhaps they will seek solace in connection with one another.

Relaxation in the general sense for Draconis Elementa is also a rather personal experience as different individuals  will relax in differing ways, soaking in water & basking on warm spots are very common examples of typical relaxation methods frequently practiced, this is why community pools and basking spots are common among the cities, which have legally enforced quiet zones around them to the best of the cities abilities.

However some members of the species will, when buying a home, look for ones with private pools (or large gardens in which to build one) or flat (or just slightly sloped) roofs & balconies which can act as good basking spots.

The Guilds of Eden:
After their education young Draconis elementa typically go one of two paths, they either go to a trade school and learn various skills that will take them down their chosen lifepath. The other option is to join one of the various guilds that have set down roots in Eden’s many towns & villages.

There are various guilds in Eden: from the famous Stormfighters to the Merchants Guild & Expeditionary Guild.
The Stormfighters: 
First and foremost, Stormfighters are the nation's first line of defense to a degree they would under any other nation be considered a military force, however they have not been used in that capacity in a long time although members in the academy can volunteer for combat training if they desire. 
But that is not their only duty, their main task in society is to help mitigate, stop and clean up after natural disasters that affect their lands or in rare circumstances deal with rogue elementals that may roam through populated areas and cause havoc. 
Stormfighters also act as backup and assistance for public services such as search & rescue, disaster relief and other civil duties, it is because of their wide-ranging jobs that they have a very specific education path to encompass all of these tasks. 
To become a storm fighter an individual must attend 5 full years at the academy and then a further 2 years working as an apprentice to a currently active stormfighter before taking a final exam. However, being a stormfighter isn't strictly a requirement to help in disaster situations as some may choose to freelance after completing the academy. 

Being both the nation's primary military organisation and disaster relief provider is a tough job, as such stormfighters are well paid and looked after, receiving many benefits as well as a hefty paycheck, most importantly is regular welfare and mental health screenings for each active member as it is well documented that the job takes a toll.

This is why the Stormfighter academy is notoriously hard to get into and even after that the regime that the students are put through over the course of the 5 years of training is extremely challenging both physically and mentally, students are put to the test regularly by scenarios that can be both taxing and even sometimes scenarios they are designed to lose to make sure students are able to cope in those scenarios also.
By far the most taxing year in the Stormfighter Academy is none other than the first year, having the highest percentage of washouts or dismissals due to students not being capable or for not passing multiple psyche evaluations, however students are always welcome to re-apply after a year from their dismissal, the only exception to this being a personal dismissal from the headmaster of the guild himself, an act he has never taken likely, but won't ever hesitate to do so.

As previously mentioned Gaining admission to the Stormfighters Guild as no small feat, as students will first be required to attend try-outs to assess their physical abilities and skill, after which an initial psyche eval will be conducted to assess if the potential student is mature enough to attend and understand the risks that the job poses. A student's grades from education are also taken heavily into account since normally students are recommended via their educators.

However in rare circumstances the headmaster may visit individuals of note and assess them personally, after which he will give them the recommendation required to attend the initial try-outs, however even such a recommendation is no guarantee of admission.

The Stormfighters Guild will also often collaborate with the other two guilds for various reasons, often receiving early warnings of storms or rogue elemental titans from the scouts of the Expeditionary Guild or help from the Merchants guild to get substantial amounts of relief supplies which are then held in secure storehouses, breaking into or stealing from one of these is seen as a federal crime and can have harsh punishments.

In the past the Stormfighters Guild used aspire to a sort of superhero fantasy, with members becoming famous for heroic deeds and various other acts, however the current headmaster has since flipped that on its head, believing that in-fact such individuals are a potential risk to the lives they are trying to save in the line of duty.

As such this headmaster has been more active in dissuading this notion and as a result the past 10 years that he has been in charge saw a dramatic increase in day 1 washouts and personal dismissals from his office as students are found to be “lacking the sort of character that the people of Eden require to watch over them”

Merchants Guild:

As Eden is a large and vast landmass, it can be difficult to endure that the smaller villages are able to get the necessary supplies that they require and at affordable prices making sure that they do not get ripped off by larger companies. 

As such, the Merchants Guild, often referred to as simply “the traders”  or more officially, the trade commission, is responsible for transporting any and all goods between the larger towns & cities and the smaller villages & tribal lands even so far as ferrying goods by ship to the outlying islands that host the fishing villages in exchange for the goods each of the smaller settlements can offer or of course coin. 

The Traders, are probably the most influential out of the three more known guilds in the lands simply due to how much they contributed towards the nation’s founding, every small village, every large town and sprawling city has at least a small guild hall belonging to the Merchants Guild, normally close to centers of commerce, all the well known roads and routes between towns were laid and charted first by the Traders many many years ago, back when Draconis Elementa were simply a tribal species, that is why most of the tribal gatherings still use these routes in cattle drives and patrol routes.

Further while they are the the most influential in the founding of new towns, the merchants guild is also an incredibly charitable organisation, seeing each new town as an investment that will inevitable bring new trade over time, as such they will often give new towns a large cash infusion to help with the construction efforts, so long as certain requirements are met, such as the construction of a guild hall.

The Merchants guild was originally founded by two brothers, they often questioned why trade between tribes was so difficult and why there were no designated “meeting spots” where bargains could easily be stuck, it was this initial idea which led them to build a small camp between two tribal lands in what was considered neutral territory and stated to both tribes that any business would be conducted under their watchful eyes to ensure fair deals were made and no tricks were pulled.

After the initial success the began to branch out making more of these “sacred grounds” and entrusting them to individuals to watch over, over time these areas would blossom into small villages as people who didn't want to travel for trade began to settle, and this founded the first villages, which would expand and grow, becoming towns, cities and beyond. The brothers are fondly remembered as the charitable souls they were, always willing to devote their own time and money to a good cause, it is such that every Merchants Guild hall has either a bust, plaque or stature dedicated to the brothers, and more often than not, town halls of each settlement does too.

Nowadays the Merchants guild is overseen by a council of elected officials who are scrutinised very heavily to ensure there are no backhanded deals, bribes or other forms of corruption that may taint trade in Eden, each member of the council serves no more than 5 years, before an anonymous successor is chosen for them, this is to further ensure that members do not try to manipulate their successor in the background.

Given that commerce is a wide and branching tree at least one representative form of each branch is chosen to ensure all forms of commerce and all markets are fairly spoken for. Further still there is also a sub-council of members that represent each town, city and tribe to make sure all peoples of eden are spoken for also and that no particular town is getting better deals on imports than any other.

The Expeditionary Guild:
The youngest of the main guilds, The Expeditionary Guild, is responsible for being the diplomats and explorers of Eden and beyond. The Expeditionary guild, often unofficially referred to as the explorers guild while the youngest of the three is perhaps the most busy and wide reaching guild in modern day Eden. The guild itself is made up of cartographers, scouts, historians & politicians alike as their job is to essentially secure and maintain relations with foreign countries and peoples.

Once a new land is discovered or reported by the “scouts” a small band of representatives will be sent to try and establish diplomatic relations with the newfound peoples, they will often be accompanied by cartographers who help fill in the maps of the surrounding area, and then once relations are secured, a detailed map of the new lands will also be commissioned, at this point it is the job of the historians to document the culture and history of these new lands, learning about the cultures and traditions to ensure that these topics can be taught to visitors and tourists alike.

Once the initial relationship is built, talks of trade will begin, at this point representatives from the Merchants Guild will be allowed to speak and start offering goods and services that Eden can fulfil to these new lands in exchange for wherever the new allies can offer, after that, the Merchants Guild only deal with the allocation and spread of resources once they touch Eden’s soil.

The explorers guild also works in capacity with the stormfighters as well, their scouts are pivotal in helping to designate new storms that may approach & threaten Eden’s Citizens.

Further any immigration is handled by the expeditionary guild also as the safety and welfare of both peoples may well rely on ensuring a positive experience for both tourists to eden as well as those that may one day seek to live there, to that end a regular census of immigrants and tourists is made, with Eden seeking as well as making reparations for the families of any tourist or immigrant who passes away due to unnatural means, if an immigrant to eden has no remaining family, then the reparations will go towards a charitable organisation in their name instead. 

Eden, Their Homeland: 
Draconis Elementa originates from a large island simply called Eden to them. 
The island that Draconis Elementa hail from is massive and yet strangely mostly uninhabited, this is due to the way their culture has built itself, while the more urban dwelling members have built cities and towns along the coastline and some slightly further in the central part of their lands are mostly wildlands. 
In terms of strict landmass their island is approximately four times the length of the USA end to end, whereas from top to bottom it is about two point five times this, this does raise questions on whether it's considered a country or continent on its own but that's an argument for Geographers. 
The wildlands are a mixture of both ancestral grounds and the plains and forest regions that the more nomadic tribes roam, this makes visiting these areas a spectacle as the lands for the most part are unspoiled, but these lands are also the most dangerous places to explore. 
This is in no small part due to the elementals that roam the lands. Elementals are monolithic beings of pure elemental energy that collect various debris to build shells that they then inhabit and wander the lands, often causing wanton destruction as their mere presence often attracts wild storms. 
It is because of this that when an elemental wanders too close to a city or a tribe’s land they are often seen as a threat and dealt with appropriately, often by means of extreme force. 
The layout of their lands is strangely artificial looking as they almost seem to take the form of rings that loop round the island until reaching the center, each ring actually consisting of a different biome. 
On the outermost ring you will find the coastlines and cities of the more urban dwelling members of the species, beyond this there is a series of grassy plains, these lands are popular with the more docile wildlife and nomadic tribes. Beyond this you will find the forests, where you may find various prey animals, predators like wolves and such and the more daring tribes. 
Once you clear the dense forest you will find the savanna-like lands beyond, these lands are dangerous in their own rights if you are unaware of how to cross them as there are quite a few dangers. From giant scorpion-like beasts to stampeding herds of elephants and rhinos, as well as wild cats, you will also have to contend with the harsh weather and oftentimes lack of water. The recommended action in these lands is to follow the herds, they will lead you to the watering holes scattered throughout. 
It is after you are able to brave the savanna and the dunes beyond that the lands become much harsher as you will be met with murky marshlands, adventurers are advised to be prepared entering these lands as there is an almost constant dense fog that surrounds these lands as well as unseen threats in the waters. 
After you cross these lands you will enter into sacred grounds, it is worth mentioning any accounts of these lands are second-hand accounts as visitors are not welcome there. There are fiercely protective settled tribes that protect these lands from any would-be desecrators or adventurers. 
If you make it through the marshes you will be met with an striking phenomena an almost unnatural formation of mountains acting as an almost castle-like wall protecting the most sacred place this species beyond this the lands become even stranger as you would face a sheer flat drop, almost as if a giant pit was dug out of the center of the island at the very center of which you will see a singular mountain which its peak reaches just above the mountain walls surrounding these lands. 
It is rumored that the top of this mountain is where the earth Elementalists have made their home, carving a monastery from the bedrock of the mountain itself with their abilities. 
Around the base of the mountain is where many families have their ancestral grounds they will travel to for their awakenings, and it is no short journey. Even by flight it takes around a full two weeks of travel from the coastline to the sacred groves. On foot it could take anything up to a month, using motor vehicles or technology of any sort in the groves is forbidden, even flying over the center of the island by plane is forbidden and will be met with extreme hostility by the local tribes if one survives the wild storms that often form above the area. 

Island Colonies:
Dotted along the coasts of Eden there are several large and small islands, most of which are inhabited by Draconis Elementa and other more aquatically adept species that have come to live in the lands since they opened borders. 
 
These islands are mostly inhabited by members of Draconis Elementa that have adapted to be more suited for aquatic living such as possessing gills, webbed hands & feet, or more aquatically suited tails better used for propelling oneself through the ocean waves rather than through the air, which is quite fortunate as members of the species like them often do not possess wings, any that do are often employed as long range couriers to ferry messages to the mainland as for the most part these villages either lack the general means for electricity or prefer to live without it for the most part embracing a semi-tribal lifestyle. 
Villages such as these are most commonly either fishing villages, coral farmers or simply vacation resorts for tourists from the mainland or further abroad. 
 
As mentioned, the Villagers on these islands, with some notable exceptions tend to live without electricity and rely on simple means of life, the only notable uses of electricity on the island are for lighting, emergency communication and the early warning system for wild storms or tsunamis, everything else is powered by old fashioned means or manual methods giving these villages a rather rustic lifestyle that is somewhere between the tribal lifestyle some mainlanders live and the modern lifestyle most of their species embrace. 
 
While most of the trade from these islands is exports of different types of fish and seafood, there is also the trade of materials from hunting Finned Leviathans which is quite important to certain professions on the mainland, it is because of this that a mutual deal is made between the islanders and the mainland dwelling majority of Draconis Elementa/ 
 
This deal is very simple, in exchange for these materials and the use of the island areas for training the new and upcoming Storm Fighters, the islands get a regular group of Storm fighters stationed on them for protection against wild storms and potential elementals, additionally the Islanders have the sole hunting rights for Finned Leviathans to ensure they are not being undercut by opportunistic individuals. 

Kobolds & Kobold-Elementa:  
Coincidentally, as members of other species started visiting Eden one species that naturally would visit was Kobolds, but it was with them that a strange occurrence happened, they were accepted all over the land, even among the more xenophobic tribes. 
Scholars have attributed this to the fact that Kobolds were highly respectful of the culture of the land and often in the early years almost venerated Draconis Elementa which was flattering to members of the species. 
Even more astonishing is the fact that the visiting kobolds took to crossbreeding almost instinctually and because of their shared reptilian nature, already had most traits that would be acquired by mating with a member of Draconis Elementa. 
The only thing they didn't take to so easily is the fact that kobold-Elementa hatchlings often have a diminished ability when it comes to any elemental abilities they acquire from their parents. 
 
Much like hybrid offspring and generic offspring of Draconis Elementa, Kobold Elementa can also show a stunning range of Environmental Variation, from wings, webbed feet and hands, water sacks, and the more feral and feathered raptor-like look of those that live in the deep jungles or the open plains. 
Flora of Eden: 
The plant life that grows in the homeland of Draconis Elementa is much the same that grows in most parts of the world, you have staple items like fruits and vegetables, plants like cotton and various flowers, roots and trees all with their own uses and benefits. However, there are a few notable differences to plant life that grows on and around Eden. 
Notably a lot of common plants that grow elsewhere in the world seem to attune to the natural elemental magic that permeates the lands of Eden which may alter them in unique ways however these changes are mostly superficial and cosmetic. One example is that a great many plants seem to develop a degree of bioluminescence while making the flower fields or orchards of their homeland quite the spectacle to behold at night. 
There are also some notable plants that only grow in or around the lands of Eden: 
  
Dreamers Bloom: 
Dreamers Bloom presents much like a rose but is different in some key aspects, most notably is its appearance during the day in that the plant does not bloom, instead during the day the flower of the plant curls up into a bulb like shape that has a faint blue glow with four leaves surrounding the base in a double helix and winding upwards to protect the bulb. During the night however the bulb uncurls into a typical rose-like flower, however it it slightly more bowl like in shape, also during this time it is possible to see the actual petals of the plant which are a translucent blue that starts darker at the base and grows paler towards the edge of the petals, the bioluminescence of the plant is also more significant during this time. 
During a full moon, the plant's features are even more highlighted as the tips of the thorns that adorn the plant's stem also glow with a faint hue mirroring the plants' petals. 
Dreamers Bloom also has some useful properties that can be derived from both the plants nectar and the thorns of the plant; 
First is that the nectar of the plant, which gathers in the bulb, is highly nutritious, and especially good for newborns, this nectar is rather sweet with a slight bite to it. Draconis Elementa often keep fields of these flowers near beehives as the honey produced from such is a natural delicacy. 
Second is the potent numbing agent which comes from the thorns of these flowers, when concentrated, it acts as a rather strong pain killer, however such a practice is best left to professionals as incorrect measurements can cause severe reactions. Individuals treated with this medicine have expressed that they experience vivid dreams while they were sedated, to the point this medication is also given in weaker doses by therapists with some success. 
These flowers are known to grow all over Eden even in spite of some of the harsh conditions in some areas, while they are less prominent in arid or tundra environments, they have shown to be quite resilient and plentiful. 
  
Silk Root: 
Silk Root is another fairly common plant found in the open plains of Eden's sprawling wildlands while fairly simplistic looking and incredibly easy to miss this plant has been a staple part of the lifestyle of Draconis Elementa since it was discovered it also may have been responsible for a period of mass panic in the species' infancy but not that the plant is understood it is part of everyday life for a good number of the species. On the surface Silk-root almost looks like a parsnip save for the "twin headed" nature of its growth to the point that when it's pulled from the earth and de-leaved it looks like a tooth. This vegetable gets its name because of the silk-like texture that is present all over, from the leaves to the tips of the roots underground.  
However this plants use is not for making fabrics nor should it be part of one's staple diet, this is because the plant is a powerful contraceptive in that once taken in the correct dose the female (or herm / intersex) individuals body will simply skip their next ovulation and will not produce and egg, the female will still experience heat, etc. but will not be able to be impregnated. This is actually how this plant caused a period of panic, as shortly after it was discovered, Draconis Elementa started including this edible root into their diets, which caused the females to be unable to conceive, naturally this caused great concern until the cause was discovered, as the population began to dwindle. Fortunately, there was no lasting damage for most. 
It is important to note that in extremely high concentrations Silk-Root can in fact render an individual sterile, but the amount required is so high that it is practically impossible to ingest enough even over the course of a year, instead it requires that the root be juiced, distilled and concentrated into an injectable serum. 
  
Jade trees and Jade-fruit:
 The Jade tree is an odd specimen in that it typically grows not upright but rather out of a vertical surface, in other words the tree grows sideways, usually out of a mountain or cliff face. 
The tree itself looks like a thin cousin of the cherry-blossom tree; however the trunk of the tree typically looks like a twisted mass of multiple grown together, this is how these trees are able to grow stably despite growing horizontally. The leaves of the Jade Tree are rather paradoxical to the name in that they are a scattered mix of lilac and lavender often leaving the tree looking rather "botchy" when in full bloom. 
The fruit of the tree actually grows from thin branches along the trunk that dangle down due to the weight of said fruit as they are somewhere between a mango and melon in size. When ripe the fruit has almost polished jade green coloration, with hexagonal patterns on the skin, almost making them look like clusters of actual jade stone that grew from the tree, it's quite a surreal experience to see one for the first time as they almost seem unnatural. 
In this case Both the tree itself and the fruit have unique properties that Draconis Elementa have come to enjoy: 
The tree, or rather the bark of the tree, when ground up has rather potent hallucinogenic properties, this powder is usually cooked into foods or put in drinks in small almost minute doses due to its potentially addictive nature, however ingestion carries very low risk of addiction, However smoking the powder is considered more potent but also rather dangerous as it carries substantial risk of addiction. 
The Jade-fruit however is a regular item served in clubs or ingested among adults at home, The reason for this is that the fruit itself is a rather powerful Aphrodisiac, causing heightened sensitivity and libido when ingested. The actual flavor of the fruit is appealing also, ranging somewhere between a fresh apple or pomegranate. It's worth noting that it is the juice of the fruit that has the qualities of an Aphrodisiac, so younger members of the species can still enjoy it if dried or baked into a dish. 
  
Tide Apples: 
Tide apples are a simplistic fruit and an everyday staple to the diet of Draconis Elementa, much like the name implies this fruit actually grows underwater. Unlike terrestrial apples however they grow from bushes that occur round the continents many Coral reefs.  Tide apples are commonly farmed by the coastal and fishing villages that are dotted along the small archipelagos and island clusters just off of the mainland as that seems to be where they grow best. 
The flavor of these apples is rather sweet, almost verging on sour but not quite enough to be off-putting. On top of that they have a good deal more juice than normal apples due to their high-water intake, this makes them perfect for juicing and making drinks like cider or various alcohols. 

Fauna of Eden: 
Much like the plant life, the animals and creatures that inhabit the lands of Eden are equally diverse and scattered among the different biomes: from the harsh desert skies, to the wild plains, to the skies above and the, vast depths beneath the waves: there are plenty of creatures large and small that share these lands with Draconis Elementa and the other races that have started to live on the continent.  
While there may also be typical beasts like cattle, pets like cats and dogs, and not to mention, predators and prey, there are also some notable examples of rather extraordinary life that roams Eden. 
 
The Armory Hawk:  
One of the fiercest predators that roams the lands of Eden is not what one would expect, when asked most answer that they expect it to be a large feral dragon and certainly not something barely a scant few inches bigger than your average terrestrial hawk, and that's exactly what the Armory Hawk is: measuring in with a body length of 30 inches and a wingspan of approximately 63 inches this airborne menace is nothing compared the she sheer size and bulk of full grown feral dragon, but still nothing to scoff at, especially when its diving at you. 
 The Armory Hawk has been described as both a living weapon and an Apex Predator, and the description is startlingly apt. while most avian species had soft yet semi-rigid feathers the Armory Hawk's wings almost appear to consist of razor sharp metallic blades all overlapping in mimicry of actual feathers, its body also had this same metallic appearance but almost seems perfectly smooth, when in reality they still indeed covered in feathers and perfectly fine to handle, if you are careful, as their wings, talons and beaks don't just look razor sharp, their wing and tail feathers are capable of slicing through solid sheets of steel at a standstill, or up to titanium with enough momentum behind them. 
That is to say that Armory Hawks are highly dangerous and if in the wild they should be left alone, do not encroach on their territory, and do not under any circumstances threaten their young or steal their hunt, lest you become its new target. 
This bird's features are not the only thing that makes them extraordinarily dangerous (to the point they can even hunt a stray member of Draconis Elementa, or perhaps a classic wyvern) however: These airborne predators are hyper intelligent as well. They have been observed using tactual maneuvers when hunting in pairs, employing sneak attacks and even underhanded tricks to get an advantage on larger prey (or other predators).  
A common tactic they have been observed using is both frightening and rather dazzling (literally) to experience: you see, they never hunt at night and will exclusively hunt during the day so that they can use their appearance to its full advantage. When hunting The Armory Hawk will angle its body and wings so that the sun will reflect of their metallic feathers  and directly into the eyes of their chosen prey in an attempt to stun them, once successful, they will perform a dive at blistering speeds downwards to the target before using their wings or talons to and a decisive blow. 
This type of hunting should by all merits be paradoxical to any winged hunters  or creature, as they are using their best means of escape and movement as an offensive object, which also puts them in great danger of having their wings attacked in turn, and yet they are highly successful in what they do, showing that nature has some exceptions to the rule, and none more so than the Armory Hawk. 
 
To those that may be academically inclined, the wings of the beast should not work, pure blades would be too rigid to work as feathers and would also present a very real danger to their owner, however, to claim their feathers are blades is far too simplistic of an approach. In reality when one inspects an Armory Hawks feather they will find that it is not one rigid piece but instead near identical to an actual feather in design and structure, the key difference is the "structure" that makes up said feather, rather than softer stands of keratin and interlocking barbs, one will find fine "wires" with pointed tips, the collection of which along the outer edge of the feather gives it its blade like quality, while also maintaining a natural flexibility that shouldn't be normal given how their feathers appear at a cursory glance.  
Naturally like most birds they produce oils through the Uropygial Gland at the base of their tails, which they then spread to their feathers when preening, this provides their waterproofing as well as maintains their feathers, while also providing protection form Ectoparasites, like mites. What is amazing to witness is how Armory Hawks in the rain, because due to the mixing of oil and water on the metallic surface of their body, in the sunlight they produce the same effect would one see from spilled oil on a road, as a mixture of colors spread over their bodies, almost making  them seem like a living rainbow. Seeing this is said to be a sign of good fortune.  
 Armory Hawks typically nest in high up perches so that they may survey their territory with ease, this also has the benefit of keeping their young safe in the nest as until they grow their feathers, they are extremely vulnerable and prone to predation from rival hunters or even other male Armory Hawks. 
 
Mating season for Armory Hawks is a rather competitive situation, as often multiple males will be seeking a singular female to copulate with, this also does not end after a female has been claimed, instead the competition for these birds of prey is not just securing a partner, but keeping them as males will come after other females all year round in order to secure a chance of mating next season, even to the point of pillaging a still full nest, as future males are more competition. 
 
As for the actual mating and courtship rituals, once a female has been claimed and other males have been warded off for a time, the female will test her new mate's prowess herself by way of a playful mix of sparring and a game of tag, once satisfied the female will lock talons with her male and they will both plummet in a mating dive, after wish they will separate with the female flying to her nest, while the male will hunt for their first joined meal. 

 The Gem Beetle: 
The Gem Beetle, often referred to as the Rupert's beetle is a large invertebrate that inhabits the shorelines and caves of Eden or anywhere large gem, or mineral deposits may be found. The Gem beetle is around the size of a small dog or large cat, which already makes them rather unnerving for most which is understandable. These invertebrates have a thick sturdy shell which gives them the shape of a Rupert’s drop, this is where they get their other unofficial name from due to the uncanny shape and sturdiness the beetle shares with its namesake phenomenon. 
 
As mentioned, these beetles are typically found anywhere a gemstone or mineral deposit can be found, this can be anywhere from abandoned mines, tidal pools or caves. They seek out these deposits because it is a source of food for them, often eating the gems and minerals to maintain their hardened shells. How they get into the deposits is rather interesting to observe, it seems they use the resilient properties of the secondary namesake to a rather intelligent degree, either charging repeatedly at large boulders or dropping themselves onto them from sufficient height to crack the rocks containing their prize open. 
 
Naturally being insects, Gem Beetles form large community nests and have a queen whom they all serve and help to feed so that she may lay more eggs and the lifecycle can continue. Although the creatures may seem to be intelligent; they are in fact quite mindless, often single mindedly going about their task of finding, retrieving and then carrying food back to their nests, this often leaves them open to opportunistic threats. 
Given their natural Armour, praying on a Gem beetle can prove a rather difficult task for an impatient or intelligent creature, however the shell of a gem beetle only protects them from the top, front and sides; while the underside of them is much softer, this is what anyone seeking to kill  one will wait for, as it's not uncommon that these beetles will knock themselves onto their backs from as they attempt to crack open rocks. 
The shells of these beetles are seen as a useful commodity to Draconis Elementa, particularly the more tribal sects who seek to use it as makeshift Armour, bowls, or even carving the shell into utensils for cooking or eating food, this is due to the resilience to high temperature that the shells have as well as their resilient nature, ensuring that replacement is necessary much less often. 
 
During the winter the hives of Gem beetles go into a sort of hibernation as they don't like the cold very much given their poor resilience to it. It's upon waking from this hibernation that a rather unique occurrence can be seen, it seems that due to the high mineral content of their shells; under the right condition's gemstones will start growing from their shells, this is what gave them the name Gem Beetle as before their life cycle was understood this is often how they were found, having just emerged from hibernation in the spring and now covered in small gemstones which would be harvested from their backs, which didn't seem to faze them in the slightest, nor did it provoke any sort of attacks or aggression from the beetles. 
It is worth mentioning Gem beetles besides their shells are utterly defenseless and have no drive to defend themselves, their only thought is to their task at hand and completing it, this often leads them open to predation, but fortunately the fact they are naturally armored and only preyed upon by intelligent creatures serves to keep their losses down, this combined with high birth rates ensures that these insects will likely survive anything short of a sudden ice-age. 

Sand Treaders: 
In the deserts of Eden roam large quadrupedal beasts which commonly lumber around the open sands and dunes, these large reptilian beasts and called Sand Treaders and commonly sought after for their rugged and very tough hide. 
 
Sand treaders are extremely durable creatures, however despite the fact they are omnivores, they typically lean towards a more plant-based diet and are extremely docile in nature. These factors combined make them prime candidates for farming, thus they are commonly driven around like cattle in large packs. In the wild these creatures often roam in large groups using their almost drill shaped heads to charge through and flatten large dunes of sand, this is where they get their name as they tend to flatten the deserts in their path rather than walk round or over large mounds of sand. 
 
Sand treaders are uniquely adapted to environments and climates where water is very scarce, in that they have a high capacity for water retention as well as large empty cavities within their torsos which act as a storage bladder for water, due to the combination of these Sand Treaders have the capacity to go days or even weeks of sustained travel across the deserts without stopping to drink. 
 
in teams of general anatomy, they are quite simplistic being roaming on all fours with their large smooth rounded backs almost resembling a shell, they also short plated necks and long plated tails with a large, rounded club at the end and of course their almost drill like arrow shaped heads with three eyes apiece on the left and right side the eyes being smaller towards the front of the “face” and larger towards the bone like crest of the head. 
 
In fact, the entire outer layer of their head seems to be composed of bone which makes dealing a lethal cranial blow to these creatures extremely difficult, and thus farmers tend towards culling them by cutting the soft underside of their plated necks when it does come time to do so, but even this can be difficult to do so as while flexible the tough hide on this area can be rather resistant to blades. 
 
It is this reason which makes Sand Treader hide a highly sought after material for crafts and trade, however poaching and unsanctioned slaying of these beasts is considered highly illegal as their numbers are perfectly preserved and monitored to ensure that their environments and migration patterns are not disturbed in any significant way. 
 
The reason for the calculated monitoring and preservation of and treaders is because of the value of their natural predators and territorial rivals, Ash-Beasts. 
Ash-Beasts: 
Ash beasts are practically the yang to the ying that is the Sand Treader, being that while they share some physiological similarities and territories Ash-Beasts are very distinctly different in key aspects, namely they are highly aggressive predators that lean towards a carnivorous diet. 
Unlike their territorial rivals and natural prey, Ash-Beast do not have a bulky frame and drill shaped facial bone, instead these brawny creatures have even tougher hide than their rivals but also have a large beaked maw and large serrated claws that are very good at tearing into hide much like their own, making these claws rather coveted tools among the tribal sects of Draconis Elementa. 
 
Their hide however the main material that these creatures are often culled for, being both durable and highly resistant to temperature it is the perfect material to be used for the uniforms of the Storm-Fighters, Eden's premiere disaster response team and most readily available military should it come to open conflict with other nations. 
 
Ash-Beasts can be commonly found in two territories of Eden and rarely found in one, the two most common homes of these creatures are the nations deserts: where they often have territorial disputes with Sand treaders, and in the volcanic regions of Eden as well, where they migrate to lay their eggs in naturally forming hot springs or even near pools of magma. 
 
While Ash-Beasts are typically found in warmer climates or areas they can be rarely found in the arctic or tundra regions of Eden as well, the reason for this is highly debated as scholars can't seem to quite agree why a predominantly hot climate acclimated creature would voluntarily wander miles from their natural habitats or spawning grounds and into environments they would be thought to be less at home in. However, that doesn't seem to be the case as they have been documented as showing no adverse effect to the cold or lack of heat, and this also shows how resilient their hide is to cold or sub-zero temperatures when worn. 
 
It is interesting to note, that while predominantly quadrupedal, Ash-Beasts adopt a Bipedal stance when in combat, this is to employ their large hook-like serrated claws in a slashing pattern. While in this stance they are extremely top heavy, and this their lower half often resembles someone who is squatting and sing their small “stumpy” tails as support in a sort of tripod stance with a boney hooked talon protruding from the end of their tails digging into the ground to anchor themselves to avoid being pushed onto their backs which can render them vulnerable while they attempt to get back to their feet. 
Finned Leviathans: 
Eden’s oceans are home to large serpentine creatures often referred to as leviathans or Finned-Leviathans, these scaly deep sea beasts are highly territorial and vicious hunters and any divers or underwater explorers should be extremely wary of crossing into their nesting or personal waters 
 
Finned Leviathans are another creature that Draconis Elementa use for materials, notably their scales, which are even tougher than the hide of the previously mentioned Ash-Beast, these scales are also used in the creation of the Storm fighters uniforms, particularly the pockets. 
 
Finned leviathans are dangerous for a number of reasons, namely their sharp fangs and claws, the serrated plates of bones that protrude from their bodies that they commonly sharpen on deep see coral or rocks, these are used in a slicing maneuver by swimming past a creature at high-speed creating large gaping wounds that bleep profusely into the surrounding waters. Further, Finned Leviathans are venomous, but not in the sense they have a toxin they secrete or inject into their victims, instead this venom targets the clotting factor in blood, using a mixture of hemotoxic venom and anticoagulant proteins. 
 
The final way in which a Finned Leviathan may subdue prey is by expelling high pressure scalding oils from their mouth, this has earned them the nickname “sea dragons” as these oils mimic the way in which classic dragons' breath fire. 
 
However, while they are extremely dangerous and efficient hunters, they do have one critical weakness, and this lies in their hunting mechanism, due to the nature of hunting underwater it can be difficult to see prey, so Finned Leviathans rely quite frequently on echo-location, this can be exploited as high frequency sounds can be used to stun them for short moments, allowing opportunistic hunters to go in for the kill. 
 
It is often remarked that those who hunt Finned leviathans feel it is a great shame that they must kill these creatures as while they are dangerous and can be harvested for both useful and highly valuable materials, hunters will always unanimously agree that they are exquisitely beautiful creatures often ranging vastly in color and patterning, their fins are also sought after for this reason, as they are commonly used in ceremonial dresses among the aquatically adapted members of Draconis Elementa. 
Desert Stalkers:
It is quite easy to imagine that life in the deserts of Eden is not an easy feat due the the scorching heats, the frozen nights and the warring territorial disputes between the Ash-Beasts and Desert Treaders.

However there is one creature that makes life in the deserts even more uncertain and difficult than any other: The Desert Stalker. These vile examples of gigantic arachnids are without a doubt the most annoying and simultaneously terrifying creatures that reside in the sands of Eden’s desert.

Often laying dormant under the sands these monstrously sized scorpions are ambush predators of the worst kind, sensing prey through the vibrations in the sand above, waiting till they are in range and springing up to surprise their targets, often blinding them with the sand spray caused by their emergence then they will quickly sting their prey with their tail stinger.
Paradoxically, the puncture wound from the sting is more likely to be deadly via infection than the toxin it injects which is actually a powerful hallucinogenic that also causes severe paranoia in its victims.

Meanwhile the Desert Stalker itself will act true to its name following its dazed prey while using its natural sandy coloration to blend into the environment this in combination to the effect of the venom can be a harrowing experience as it always seems that you are being followed by something in your peripheral vision meanwhile you are experiencing vivid hallucinations that will momentarily distract you until you are reminded that you are being hunted all over again by moment in the corner of your eye.

Victims of desert stalkers that have been recovered are commonly found to have either died of dehydration or a fear induced heart attack, however it is rare to recover remains as once the target expires they are dragged under the desert sands and promptly devoured by their hunter.
Common Dragons:
Of course it is important to note that the lands of Eden are also home to classic feral dragons, there isn't much to describe in this  particular section as everyone knows how they look and behave, in this case they are your a-typical feral variation of western dragon, in this case they are also non-sentient, territorial and of course, dangerous, be wary if you decide to approach one.
 
Traditions & Beliefs: 
The most important thing to note about Draconis Elementa is that they have a strong belief system that all embrace in early life but are encouraged to go about their beliefs in a way that feels natural to them, while some are incredibly lax in their beliefs others are a lot more reverent, however everyone takes part in the species cultural rituals from a young age. 
  
First, it is prudent to talk about their core ideals about their nature and their abilities, it is believed by many that their elemental control is not necessarily a gift from the gods or anything like that, but instead that the elements themselves (or the entities behind them, as some believe in an almost Norse Mythology style of their beliefs) willingly lend Draconis Elementa their power, and as such this species has developed a healthy respect for each leading to both ways of living developing a more green society, trying to limit pollution as much as possible, this is not always successful, but they are at peace with that, those that aren't, or are more reverent in their beliefs, instead pray and ask forgiveness from the land and the elements. 
  
I will talk about these in the order they typically happen in life. 
  
The Welcoming: 
The first major milestone for a member of this species is their Welcoming, this event is special as it's the first thing they often see, and experience. The name is as literal as it comes as this is  a party to welcome the little one to the world, the hatching process of a Draconis Elementa is often slow and thus the immediate family of the hatchling gather round to watch, it is also not uncommon for secondary & tertiary family to attend, family friends may also attend, this varies from family to family however, some prefer it to be a purely family affair. The party is often a quiet affair, some gifts and well wishes and also shared. 
The hatchling's egg is also saved after the young one breaks free and is stored for a special purpose: To make Eggweave. 
It is important to note, that in the event of the egg's parents perishing before it hatches it is common for either other members of the family or close friends to adopt the egg into their own family. 
On Eggweave: 
Eggweave is a special and ceremonial material that is made from parts of their own eggs, Specifically the membrane that lies just under the harder shell of the egg. 
When a young one hatches from the egg, the discarded remains are collected and stored until a family member: usually the mother, can get round to making it into Eggweave. 
To make it, the harder shell is peeled from the membranous part of the egg, which is then carefully washed and sliced into thin thread-like strands. The resulting material is said to be almost silk-like in texture, making it perfect for weaving into small blankets often given to the newly hatched member of the family. 
The harder shell of the egg is ground down and used to make dye to give the thread a similar coloring to the hatchling. 
While blankets are the most common use for Eggweave, it is also important to note that some families use it for grander ideas or projects. For example, more affluent families have been known to adopt the tribal practice of using Eggweave to make a family tapestry, often showing the family line or perhaps the family crest. 
Another point of note is that infertile eggs are often broken down as well for extra Eggweave, either for personal family use, or to sell. There is quite a market for Eggweave particularly among families that partake in the making of tapestries. 
  
The Awakening: 
When discussing both their elemental abilities and their beliefs about the elements themselves, it is important to bring up the second major milestone in the life of this species, their 'Awakening' as they call it, at age 15 the members of the family that have already taken part in this ritual prior will fly the young one out to the center of their continent. 
Located here is a vast uninhabited mountain range, contained within is a series of groves, valleys and oases. This area of their lands is strictly forbidden from being settled due to its importance in their belief system and this ritual. 
Members that are not old enough to participate yet are forbidden from going there because the flight there is part of the ritual as much as the events that take place there, if one is unable to manage the flight there on their own wings, they will have to try again the following year. 
Once the individual taking part in the ritual and their family arrive at their ancestral place they will shelter in a cave in the mountains surrounding it and wait till around midnight, the members of the family that are participating are encouraged to sleep till this time. (Sleeping in on this occasion is often frowned upon.) Once awoken, the young dragon will be led into the central chamber of the cave the family have sheltered in, at which point their elder siblings, or parents for a firstborn, will apply some stylistic runes with body paints before leading them to the mouth of the cave where they will behold the true wonders of the lands here. 
These lands are host to some spectacular natural storms playing host to the elements of the world and thus begins the actual ritual. At the center of each of these sites will be a collection of stone arches surrounding a stone bench; the arches have old runes carved into them that are believed to protect them from the storms, either this works, or these structures are maintained, I am unaware as to which. 
The individual is instructed to sit upon the bench and meditate until the eye of the storm is over them, it is at this point when they apparently commune in some fashion with the elements and are chosen by one (or more) often in a violent display of raw power, the intensity of this can vary from individual to individual but is often an indicator of their connection to their element. 
This is as much as I know of this particular ritual, as they are quite elusive about any other details beyond this. 
  
The Bonding: 
The Bonding is probably one of the most diverse ceremony that Draconis Elementa celebrate, this is due to the fact the event will often differ due to both partners wishes as well as those of their family members who may want to add some tradition to the event, and while the families may have input it is universally accepted that the final decisions on all this go to both the bride and groom taking part. 
Now, while the ceremony will ultimately differ for each individual case there are some holdfast traditions that most will keep to: 
First is the exchange of some form of jewelry or clothing, this can be anything to a simple ring or bracelet to a necklace or earrings: or in the cases of clothing it will often be something small like a shirt, scarf of something in-between that is made of eggweave from the families of both bride and groom. 
Second is the exchange of a gift to the Sire & Dam of the families they will be welcomed into; this is seen as a sign of respect and shows that the partner is truly thinking of the family as a whole. 
Third is the actual ceremony itself, it is essentially a handfasting in which a special strip of cloth made of eggweave from both families is wrapped round the clasped hands of the bride and groom at which point they will exchange their vows and finally embrace each other in a kiss, often entwining their tails for all to see. 
The seating for the actual ceremony is much like that of a Norse wedding in that they are separated by gender rather than family, this is to encourage bonding between the families in question. 
After the couple are bonded is when the celebrations begin often involving dancing, singing, drinking and eating various foods of the bride and groom's choosing. 
There is also one very sacred tradition that is always kept however: The day in question is all about the pair who will be bonded. professing your interest in another at the event or party after is deeply frowned upon. 
Typically, mates are expected to have been dating for around one or two years before the talk of marriage would even start to arise, now there are indeed instances where couples will do this before, but this is exceedingly rare. 
It is also important to note that "The Bonding" is not a right exclusive to manogomous couples or pairs, its well doccumented that polycules, harems, herds and other groupings of mates of 3 and up have prefermed this ritual as well, however proceedings can get more complex and take longer the more partners are involved.
  
The Passing: 
The Passing is often the most solemn, and yet paradoxical, celebrated event in the lifecycle of the Draconis Elementa. When a member of this species dies, their remains are kept stored away; often frozen in ice. There are notable exceptions to this however, such as in the case of serious injury & disfigurement (this will be touched on later) The remains are kept until the height of the winter solstice, during which there is an aurora that engulfs the skies above their home continent. At midnight, when the skies are alight with the most majestic sight in nature, the bodies of the deceased are burned on pyres. It was once believed, and by some still believed, that the aurora is the spirits of their ancestors coming to take the spirits of their family to their new home in the afterlife. 
In the week leading up to this day, the streets of the towns and cities (and the small camps of the nomadic tribes) are host to festivals and celebrations. Things such as stalls, games and other such novelties are aplenty, as is the sight of young children running around receiving treats and wearing masks of heroes from legends, mythical beings & beasts, or even simple masks of other races, like wolves, foxes, cats, otters, etc (this inclusion started as their culture started getting visitors from other lands, as a way of welcoming the visitors and to encourage them to take part in the festivities) at the end of the week, on the day of the solstice, families begin to gather in large fields where the pyres are constructed for the actual Passing itself. 
In the event that the body of an individual is too badly damaged that the family do not wish to display it on a pyre, the family can choose to have the body cremated early, after which the ashes are retained to be scattered into the winds on the night of the solstice to join their ancestors. Cremations may also be suggested in the event that a particular mortuary is too full, if the family declines, arrangements are made with the family to transport the body somewhere close by for storage. Also, in the event a body cannot be found, the family will often place an object of note to the individual on the pyre instead, this can be anything from a prized possession (unless passed onto a relative in their last will and testament), their first blanket made from "eggweave", articles of clothing, photos of them, small carvings or anything of the like. 
The wood of the pyres is soaked in chemicals that cause the flames to burn in various colors, often trying to match the aurora in the skies above; this is done to ensure that the ancestors recognize their kin rising up to join them. 
Storm dragons play a vital role in this Ritual, which has earned their kind the nickname or title "Guardians of The Passing", this role is in two parts. First they are tasked with ensuring that any weather does not disrupt the events, as such they will lead groups of air elementalists to deal with any naturally occurring clouds on the day, the goal here is to make sure the aurora is visible at midnight and to prevent rain from putting out any burning pyres. Secondly; when they are flying on the night of the solstice, they are given tail satchels with multiple separate pouches, each containing the ashes of an individual that was cremated previously. (Other dragons are also given this task) Doing either of these tasks is seen as a huge responsibility and service for their people, as such anyone who does such is compensated very heavily. (It is critical to note that they are given breaks to be with family if they have a family member that is deceased on a pyre) 
There are a couple of things to note about this event: 
Firstly, this is a national holiday only those that choose to work on the day do so, no one is strictly required to do such. (Unless their position is vital to the safety and wellbeing of others.) 
Second, criminals of lower offences who have a deceased family member on a pyre are released for a few hours to pay their respects. (More serious offences must be reviewed before release can be granted.) 
Third, Individuals of this species who pass away while in foreign lands are flown back home to their families to be stored in time for The Passing, in the event they cannot be flown back in time, they are stored until the next passing. 
Finally, as mentioned in the section regarding The Welcoming, should an egg's parents unfortunately pass before its hatching, this is the only time that bodies are stored for longer than usual, during the hatchlings' formative years they will be taught about who their parents were, and what they were like. When they reach 5 years old, they attend the Passing of their birth parents and are then presented with a choice, to be named in the same family of their mother and father, or if they would like to take the name of their adoptive parents. 
  
Myths, Legends & Fairytales: 
Draconis Elementa have a range of stories, some are theoretical, others, stories from the past, given their nature and abilities, it can be difficult to determine whether the exploits mentioned in some of these stories are exaggerated or actual feats this species can or once could perform, with that in mind it is hard to fully determine what is myth, legend or fairytale, hence my putting them under the same section. I will only touch on two of their stories for now, but perhaps more in the future. 
  
Legend of Winter:
 Long ago, when the world was fledgling, when only feral beasts roamed the lands, there only existed 3 seasons: The Rising, The Floating, and The Falling. This was the way of life for the longest time. Most of the elements represented until one day, a most peculiar dragon was born, his scales were the palest white and his parents thought him ill. However, he survived despite all the doubts, he was rather weak, compared to the others in his classes. He even failed his awakening two times, until on his attempt at 17, he powered through, his mother grew worried however as on arrival he was cold to the touch, his body shivering in apparent exhaustion. 
Something happened that day, something no one could explain, when he went down into his family's oasis and communed with the spirits, it was as though all the heat in the area died, the rain and waters becoming solid. It turns out, that was winter, he had communed with a spirit that no others had and been given an element all of his own. The element of cold, or ice, as he named it later. 
Winter had trouble controlling his powers, often leading to outbursts where the land surrounding his home would become layered with frost and ice. The rain turned to snow or hail. This frightened those in his tribe, they feared one day the heat would never return and so, they cast him out and told him to leave and take his "curse" with him. Upset and dejected he left, turning cold to the world, and bitter towards his kind as he was turned away again and again. One day halfway through the fall, he decided that maybe they should feel his curse, and so he flew to the highest peak of the world, opened his wings and let out his anger on the world. To him, it was beautiful, the world awash in white. 
This lasted a full 3 lunar cycles when he realized his power was taking a toll on his body. His wings had frozen stiff, leaving him unable to fly to find food, and water was scarce as it was all frozen over. As he released his hold and waited, as the plants began to spring back to life and the creatures began to wake from their frozen slumbers. 
As he hunted for food, he found something he thought he never would; another dragon, she was as white as the patches of lingering snow, and cold to the touch. Over time, they would bond and grow fond of one another, protecting each other from others of their kind. Laughing and giggling as they froze their foes paws to the ground and ran away. The female, or Ni'yebe as she was known, expressed her admiration of what he had done, to her, it seemed he had made an all-new season, just for them. 
However, they both knew it would need to end, or all life would perish, and they would soon follow. Begrudgingly, Winter accepted this logic but also reveled in the idea of his own season, his own time on this world. So, he promised to her that every year, in the middle of The Falling, he would return to that mountain top and bring about what he would call winter, after himself. 
Over time the world began to accept this fate, that there was now a fourth season, the name winter, became known to all, but not by him or his mate, in fact it was his mother that coined the name to the rest of the world, as each year, when the snow fell, she was reminded of the young ice dragon. 
  
The Masters of The Way: 
Once upon a time there was a small group of dragons, not unlike anyone you would meet on the streets, or among the tribal camps, visually they were no different from anyone else. They held the same beliefs, followed the same ways of life as everyone else. What was different however was their powers. 
They were The Masters of The Way, it was unknown how they could do so, but they could wield their powers in ways others thought impossible. They could sling bolts of power from their hands, cloak themselves in an aura of their respective element and virtually anything in between and more. 
Legend goes, they were the defenders of the lands, responding to dire threats from beyond the seas, from the skies, or from the ground beneath our feet. It is often said they were avatars of the elements themselves, their divine will on earth. 
It is said, that one day a grave threat came to our lands, a threat which these Masters would gather and deal with,  the resulting battle left a jagged crater in the lands, that would one day become the great lake, the threat was vanquished, but the masters were never seen or heard of again. Some think they perished, others believe they went their separate ways and lived among us to the day of their passing, teaching a select few their ways, and only those whom the elements themselves deem worthy. 
There have been scatterings of stories claiming other dragons have used their powers in strange ways, but none were confirmed. 
  
Eden: Will of the Earth: 
It is said that long ago there was a young hatchling, she bore a coat of emerald, green scales, and eyes the color of oak. Her name was Eden, she was like others her age, she was friendly and oh so kind, always stopping to help others even if it would make her late to classes. She saw everyone as family, much to her own families' amusement. 
That changed however on the day of her awakening, after meditating and communing with the spirits, she felt no different than she already had, she could breathe no fire, no lightning, no ice or water, and the only wind she could summon was that in her lungs. 
Her family, being of noble descent, did not take to this well, and instead when they got home, told her to pack her things, and leave. She was heartbroken, but it only got worse from there. It didn't take long for word to spread of her "condition", and others began to treat her as if she had something they could catch, everyone she knew, all those she loved and cherished treated her like she didn't exist, and when they did, it was only to make space between them. 
She hated it, she cursed the spirits, why couldn't they have chosen her, why didn't they? Was there something wrong with her? Was she really sick like others thought? She had too many questions and not enough answers. 
So, for years she searched high and low, looking all throughout their lands for any explanation as to why she was the only one of her kind that the god decided to reject, and after some meditation the answer came to her, clear as day, if they rejected her, then she could do so in turn. 
She began researching other faiths from creatures that travelled to their lands learning of rituals, talismans and other such interesting items and practices and gave them a try. It seemed fruitless at first. Something seemed like they would work, but she thought it was simply a trick of her mind and wishful thinking. 
Until one day, after hearing about a type of people, a practice she found fascinating, she heard about monks: a person who gave up their possessions their attachments and sought to gain a better understanding of self, and after finding a place isolated from the rest of her kind, she began to meditate, something she hadn't done since her awakening. 
She sat still for days focusing on the feel of nothing but the ground beneath her, on the feeling of how her body worked, how her lungs expanded and contracted with each breath, on the sensation created when she moved her limbs, everything. 
After a time, she began to notice changes in how she interacted with the world, turning back to the rituals she had tried before, she noticed these too gave different results than before. She found that through sheer will, she could bend the earth and ground itself, she could shape stone like fresh clay to create intricate items, she could cause plants to grow, to bloom where they had not been before. 
Only now did she feel true to her name, she was Eden, The Will of the Earth. And she vowed that she would not abandon those like her, if the elements themselves would abandon another, she would not, and she would give them a home and a family. 

The King of the Seas:
 Long ago in the Fledgling years of Eden’s founding there was a reason why explorers only ventured so far from the mainland, why they only found small islands off the coast and never found other lands inhabited by other species. 
 
There were always many rumors, but the favorite among the children of Draconis Elementa is always the story about the King of The Sea. The legend suggests that the oceans surrounding Eden are closely guarded by a colossal Finned Leviathan that if it curled till its tail touched its nose it could entirely encircle Eden in its entirety, this beast, was the Legendary King of The Sea. 
 
It is said that the king was the natural guardian of Eden, bound to protect the land from all outside threats that could arrive from sea, creating vast storms that would sink ships, and personally sinking the ones the storms could not and leaving the surviving sailors to be feasted on by its children. 
Long ago, when the first Draconis Elementa, then thought to simply be bipedal Western dragons, began walking the lands it is said that the King of The Sea passed its role down onto them, passing the gift that is the ability to manipulate water down onto the dragons and with it, his role as protector of the land before entering a deep slumber at the bottom of the oceans. 
 
Ever since, there have been stories of divers seeing large eyes staring up at them from the depths: eyes that dwarf even the largest of cities on the lands, and hearing warnings to go no further lest they never feel the sun's embrace again. 
 
It is said that the occasional deep sea earthquakes and resulting tidal waves & tsunamis that arise are a result of the king turning in his sleep, but to this day, there have been no concrete sightings of the king however many still believe him to exist, deep beneath the waves, always waiting, always watching.