"Our brethren from the oldest times, the purest and truest expression of the power of life that this world has to offer. Once the skies were filled with their graceful forms and they danced about the thermals that flow over the mountains in intricate mating rituals that were a joy to behold. They sat at the feet of Vaul and set their fiery breath to heating his forges. When we went to war against the forces of Chaos, they carried the greatest of our heroes upon their backs and they were ever the first to engage the enemy and the last to withdraw from the field. Now they dwindle, as do we all, and their song is fading to memory. When they perish entirely so I think shall we and perhaps that is only proper."
A High Elf Dragon, also known as a Caledorian Dragon because they make their homes in the kingdom of Caledor on Ulthuan, is one of the greatest and most noble of their species living in the Known World. There are three kinds of High Elf Dragons, who are classified according to their increasing age and thus power and wisdom. From youngest to oldest, these are the Sun Dragons, Moon Dragons and Star Dragons.[1a]
The Dragons of Ulthuan look down on those Dragons not bound by the compact between them and the Asur, regarding them as beasts that think only of themselves and their own selfish desire. In many ways, it is comparable to how the Asur see the mortal races of the Known World other than their own.[5a]
History[]
"Rafuel, Khalamor, Gaudringnar, Telagis, Mornavere. Their mind-voices sang to her like a choir, overlapping and pushing against one another. They were magnificent, as huge as watchtowers and blazing with colours: gold, emerald, ivory, amethyst, wine-red. The air around them shimmered with heat and magic, as if they had carved their way into the realm of the senses from beyond the veils of madness. For all that, they were no Daemonkind – they were flesh, bone and blood, as superb and pristine as fallen stars."
Dragons are amongst the oldest of all living creatures in the mortal world. They predate the first coming of Chaos into the world, and rode the thermals of ancient volcanoes long before warm-blooded creatures ruled the world. They are wise and aloof, viewing those around them with a perspective that only the eldest creatures can share.[1a]
Every land has its legends and folk tales concerning Dragons: legends of fanged mouths that belch scorching flame, and of taloned claws sharp enough to slice through stone. In such tales, Dragons are cruel and whimsical tyrants, given to the slaughter of peoples and the ruination of cities. Certainly, Dragons are capable of such things, for their raw power exceeds that of any other living creature, and their minds are every bit as wise and cunning as the Elves.[1a]
On the High Elven island-continent of Ulthuan, Dragons are the subjects of legends quite different to the terrifying folk tales of other lands. Without the Dragons of Ulthuan, the High Elves would have been annihilated thousands of years ago, for the Dragons are the Elves' oldest and greatest allies. Within Ulthuan, the realm of Caledor is the home of the Dragons, and in ancient days, those noble beasts seemed almost without number. However, times have changed. Now, in colossal caverns found deep within the Dragon Spine Mountains, the Dragons sleep away the centuries. A mysterious languor that began in the earliest years of Tethlis' reign has caused more and more Dragons to enter a slumber from which only ancient Caledorian songs can rouse them.[1a]
The songs of Dragon-waking, called "Dragonsongs," are an ancient and closely-guarded trust. Any who learn their secrets are then bound by a dolorous enchantment that will bring about their doom should ever the covenant between Dragon and High Elf be betrayed. Secrecy is essential for the survival of Ulthuan's Dragons, for the Dark Elves both covet and hate the mighty creatures. Though there are few Dreadlords that do not desire to command such a beast, most would as soon butcher every last one, just to deny them to the High Elves. Whilst the Dark Elves have some few Dragons of their own, they are black-hearted monsters twisted by hate -- a poor comparison to the noble beasts of Caledor.[1a]
Few young Dragons are hatched now on Ulthuan. The youngest Dragons are referred to by the Elves as "Sun Dragons," in reference to their hot tempers and the rich, warm hue of their scales. Those Dragons that surpass the Sun Dragons in might and enlightenment are known as "Moon Dragons." The oldest and most powerful of Ulthuan's Dragons are referred to as "Star Dragons," for they are truly as ancient as the very stars of the firmament. While any Dragon can savage an entire regiment of warriors, tear a Manticore apart or rip the head off a Wyvern, a Star Dragon is so physically powerful that it can battle against even the Greater Daemons of Chaos and prevail.[1a]
Notable High Elf Dragons[]
- Deathfang — Deathfang is the mount of Asarnil the Dragonlord, an exiled Prince of Caledor who became a mercenary in Tilea.
- Galrauch - Galrauch was once called the "Gold Drake," prior to his Daemonic possession and transformation into a two-headed Chaos Dragon.
- Gordinar — Gordinar was a Sun Dragon who was also called the "Champion of the Flame."[4]
- Indraugnir (Deceased) — Indraugnir was the companion Dragon of the first Phoenix King Aenarion.
- Kalamemnon — Kalamemnon was the mount of the High Elf Archmage Caledor Dragontamer.
- Lamoureux — Lamoureux was a Moon Dragon who was also called "The Frozen Breath."[4]
- Maedrethnir — Maedrethnir was the mount of the Phoenix King Caledor I and the son of Indraugnir.
- Minaithnir — Minaithnir is the mount of Imrik, the Crown Prince of Caledor.
- Nightfang — Nightfang was the mount of Mentheus of Caledor.
- Rilgaur — Rilgaur was a Sun Dragon and the mount of Caelith Fireheart, the first Dragon Mage.
- Vranesh (Deceased) — Vranesh was the mount of Liandra Athinol, a Dragon Mage who served during the War of the Beard.
- Ymwrath — Ymwrath is a Star Dragon who is also called "The Eternal."[4]