MML Basics Tutorial: Draconics
Jan 4, 2023 19:05:19 GMT -6
Post by NPC on Jan 4, 2023 19:05:19 GMT -6
Intro to Draconics
All Draconics are a race of people that existed long before humans did, one of the first races of the world. Created by the 'gods' to guard the world's treasures (treasures that range from gold, to water, to anything else depending on the opinion of each individual draconic), the race of Draconics are simply Dragons. Draconics are not, and have never been 'pets', they are all a character race, even if they may not be player-characters in the traditional sense. They are another race of intelligent beings (like your regular Humans, Kapper, Mammalian, etc.) even though they are not played in the same way OOC.
Historically, upon the rise of humanoid races, the race of Draconics awoke from a deep slumber that had taken ahold of the world. The humanoid races controlled the world upon their awakening, and they could not rise up. Hunted down by humanoid races and persecuted, draconics withdrew from humanoids, knowing them only to be warlike. Eventually, Draconics and Humans made a great pact in order to provide peace.
The pact, designed to keep humans safe from the much physically stronger Draconics, and to keep the Draconics safe from the power of the humanoid races, binds two hearts- two souls even, tighter than that of any lover, friend, or family member. During the so-called Soul Binding, a single Draconic is bound heart and soul to a single humanoid, creating a single individual split between the two bodies.
The draconic and human protect each other, for if the humanoid dies; so does the draconic. If the draconic should die, the human takes a fate worse than death, forever a wraith looming over the bones of their partner. Because of this ancient pact, neither would allow harm to come to the other.
The soul-binding can never be undone, but the partners provide much more than protection to each other. Companions for life, the pair can provide comfort, family, and love. The draconic's near boundless (unless killed) life extends that of their soul-bound partner boundlessly. Where their friends may pass, a draconic and their bond will remain as time passes like a light breeze in comparison. If a draconic can fly, why would they deny their partner passage? If a humanoid can oil their draconic's scales, why would they let their partner suffer an itch? A person's interest will fall to their partner, other concerns pale in comparison.
As you can imagine, the soul bond is an irreversible, permanent bond and is not taken lightly.
Draconics can be friends, they can be foes, they are varied as people often are. Individuals that treat a draconic as they would a pet are thought of as a disgrace to the sacred alliance and pact that was forged between the draconic and humanoid ancestors. More often than not (as many are aware humanoids have very many exploitations, even against each other) draconics are helpless to report such things outside of the Canyon, for fear of being harmed by humanoid races again on a large scale. However, they will not accept anyone seen as a Pact-Breaker into the canyon ever again. Perhaps it is a small price to pay for the continuation of the pact, the suffering of a few for the protection of the whole.
Exceptions will always be made; of course, in cases of extreme violations of the pact. No Draconic would ever allow their DNA to be stolen so that the Labs can create monstrosities from them. This disgrace to draconics will harm the draconic's family and the bonded draconic. Nothing is more important to the draconic than their family, and this destroys the family unit. No one breaking this rule will be allowed to ever enter the Canyon again, their family will abandon them and each other in grief, and search for other families. Draconics tend to stay away from the Labs City, save for bonded, due to being opposed by honor to the atrocities of slavery that the labs often commits.
Draconics are not like Harachiu (meant to be children, often forced into slavery and not allowed to leave when they grow up), Tat-Lungs (sentient, but dumbed down by the labs to be 'good for the home' regardless- even if they do think they are better than you), or other enslaved races (like the ones sold by the veil), due to the pact, and due to being an elder race. Do remember that they are people, and would never be subjugated due to the pact. A player does not own a draconic any more than they would own a roommate. A draconic would never try to own a humanoid, since it is radically opposed to their ideals as a natural Ancient Culture and as a people. They are not a beast, when they are adopted they are adopted as children, and not as a rescue dog. While the Labs may not mind selling sentient beings into slavery, the Canyon denizens would certainly be appalled.
A group of Draconics that live in the same 'area/cave/building/etc' are known as a Clan, and they are a family. More important than literal blood ties, a draconic would never breed within their clan. Though many, many dragons can live in a clan, they would still see each other as family.
Draconics have a vast variety of intelligences. Unlike humanoid races, that are all roughly a '5' on the sentience scale (OOC), Draconics are an open people, and each draconic is blessed in some way. Socially, Draconics of a 'higher' intelligence number Do Not look down on draconics of a 'lower' intelligence number. There are different kinds of intelligence to be blessed with, and often Draconics believe those with a 'lower' intelligence number to be exceptionally blessed. Ideologically it is common among Draconics to believe those of 'lower' intelligence numbers to be exceptionally blessed in their hearts, so much so that it required their intelligence to be lowered to accommodate. They are treated with respect at the very least, as opposed to disgust.
Labs-created beings must be taught a language if they can learn one at all. Even if it is 'natural' it costs training points (TP) because it is difficult. However, Draconics as a race are as inclined to speech as a humanoid race is. Assuming that a child draconic is interacted with and spent time with and assuming that it has the proper intelligence level (starting at '4' though with more ease as it goes up from there; refer to the list), they learn whatever language is spoken to them naturally as they grow to adulthood (no TP needed). Remember that draconics not intelligent enough for speech/complex thought are thought of as 'blessed in heart' so much that they had to give up their 'mind blessing' so to speak. Draconics do not tend to have enemies based off of their deity ties. More about Deity ties here!
Draconic is a language, but it is a learned language. It is not known by all draconics, only the ones that learn it. Characters my learn Draconic from books, but it does not allow them a free pass to speak with all draconics. A draconic being raised up must be taught to speak a language (remember, they pick it up naturally when being interacted with), therefor draconics do not all naturally know draconic! Draconics are purported to have a sort of 'body language', but this simply does not have the finesse of a spoken language. A draconic could not 'perform a speech' in this body language, but they could cut across specific ideas in broad strokes (like a human's body language, one cannot really 'speak' using shrugs, nods, and such; it is not like sign-language <sign languages use the same mental paths as verbal language>). REMEMBER a draconic CAN ONLY learn a language from interaction, and only a language spoken to them!
Draconics that cannot communicate verbally do have a difficult time communicating in any way with other draconics. However; like a person can tell when a cat is sleepy, wants to be petted, is hungry, or other such things, a draconic can tell such things about a draconic that cannot communicate verbally.
Draconic Intelligence Levels
1 - These Draconics have the intelligence of a dog. Not even a very bright one at that. They must be told many times what to do, and are quite difficult to train because of their lack of intelligence. However, they are also extremely loyal to their friends and bonded. They would do anything for someone they loved. Cannot learn a language.
2 - These Draconics are a bit more clever, but they are still far from smart. They're about as clever as a parrot. They can learn a few words of a language. They also learn to pick up tricks with relative ease... as long as it isn't too complicated. Cannot learn a language.
3 - These Draconics are the lowest level of Intelligence that can learn to actually speak a language. Very poorly, and with a great amount of practice. Their grasp of language is simple at best with very few words in their vocabulary. "Lug like shiny rock." Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single (broken, short-sentenced version) language at level 20.
4 - These draconics can learn to speak, but it takes quite a bit of effort. They are about as smart as a human child. They can also learn all the trades a human can... well maybe not all the trades. To learn anything that a normal human can do is a struggle for these Draconics, but they can do it! It just takes a lot of repetition and frustration. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 15.
5 - These Draconics have the average intelligence of an average adult human. They can learn to speak a language, maybe two, and can generally learn quite a few skills - but nothing too extraordinary. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 10. Can learn a second language at level 15.
6 - These Draconics are more intelligent than the average human, but their intelligence does not go beyond that of a human. They can learn to speak if taught, and can learn many human skills. They learn more quickly than the average human, and are usually able to do quite a bit of mathematics and sciences - just like a really smart human. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 5. Can learn a second language at level 10. Can learn a third language at level 15.
7 - These Draconics seem to be born smart. From their hatching, they are able to (barely) speak a single language. A language that they may have "heard" when in their egg, perhaps. They can't speak it very well though, and need quite a bit of practice. Learning things comes naturally to them it seems. They are quite independent, and are naturally less trusting and dependent on their human kin. Are born speaking a single language (the one their parent or caretaker has spoke), and are fluent by level 5. Can learn a language once every 5 levels until level 20.
8 - These Draconics hatch with the ability to speak a single language clearly - no doubt the language that one of their parents spoke. They can easily learn more languages, as well. They also seem to hatch with a few skills already in mind, though only practice makes perfect. They're able to learn almost anything. Though, they also tend to get into trouble for their constant need to learn something new. Are born speaking a single language fluently. Can learn a single new language once every 5 levels until they reach level 20.
9 - These Draconics seem to know everything, be it the mysteries of the universe, or the words of the deities. Their mysticism seems to hold no bounds. They are born with the ability to speak any language it seems, and are often the Draconics to learn a great deal of potent magic. Can speak any language at birth.
10 - Very few know anything about these special Draconics. Their limits seem endless as far as the mind is concerned... and it's rumored that they are so powerful in the mind, that they can move objects with a single thought! But, that's only rumor, right? Who knows? Possibly Telepathic? I sure don't.
*A bonded Draconic can speak with their partner telepathically starting at level 5, within limitations of their intelligence.
2 - These Draconics are a bit more clever, but they are still far from smart. They're about as clever as a parrot. They can learn a few words of a language. They also learn to pick up tricks with relative ease... as long as it isn't too complicated. Cannot learn a language.
3 - These Draconics are the lowest level of Intelligence that can learn to actually speak a language. Very poorly, and with a great amount of practice. Their grasp of language is simple at best with very few words in their vocabulary. "Lug like shiny rock." Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single (broken, short-sentenced version) language at level 20.
4 - These draconics can learn to speak, but it takes quite a bit of effort. They are about as smart as a human child. They can also learn all the trades a human can... well maybe not all the trades. To learn anything that a normal human can do is a struggle for these Draconics, but they can do it! It just takes a lot of repetition and frustration. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 15.
5 - These Draconics have the average intelligence of an average adult human. They can learn to speak a language, maybe two, and can generally learn quite a few skills - but nothing too extraordinary. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 10. Can learn a second language at level 15.
6 - These Draconics are more intelligent than the average human, but their intelligence does not go beyond that of a human. They can learn to speak if taught, and can learn many human skills. They learn more quickly than the average human, and are usually able to do quite a bit of mathematics and sciences - just like a really smart human. Can learn a language, will naturally pick up a single language at level 5. Can learn a second language at level 10. Can learn a third language at level 15.
7 - These Draconics seem to be born smart. From their hatching, they are able to (barely) speak a single language. A language that they may have "heard" when in their egg, perhaps. They can't speak it very well though, and need quite a bit of practice. Learning things comes naturally to them it seems. They are quite independent, and are naturally less trusting and dependent on their human kin. Are born speaking a single language (the one their parent or caretaker has spoke), and are fluent by level 5. Can learn a language once every 5 levels until level 20.
8 - These Draconics hatch with the ability to speak a single language clearly - no doubt the language that one of their parents spoke. They can easily learn more languages, as well. They also seem to hatch with a few skills already in mind, though only practice makes perfect. They're able to learn almost anything. Though, they also tend to get into trouble for their constant need to learn something new. Are born speaking a single language fluently. Can learn a single new language once every 5 levels until they reach level 20.
9 - These Draconics seem to know everything, be it the mysteries of the universe, or the words of the deities. Their mysticism seems to hold no bounds. They are born with the ability to speak any language it seems, and are often the Draconics to learn a great deal of potent magic. Can speak any language at birth.
10 - Very few know anything about these special Draconics. Their limits seem endless as far as the mind is concerned... and it's rumored that they are so powerful in the mind, that they can move objects with a single thought! But, that's only rumor, right? Who knows? Possibly Telepathic? I sure don't.
*A bonded Draconic can speak with their partner telepathically starting at level 5, within limitations of their intelligence.
Draconics have a specific set of Stats other than Intelligences as well, they will be discussed below.
Draconics have a special place to be roleplayed at too, The Canyon of Eterra. Your Draconic clan lives in a single (OOC Thread) interconnected area in the Canyon City. You may interact with your draconics (go on adventures!) in the Inner Caverns. Draconics can be taught/trained in the Mesa. Your Draconics may find love or want to have a nest, and decide to have a clutch; if they do they will need to Get a Room at the Clutch Temple. If you and your draconic partner decide to soul-bond and feel ready, you must meet with the keeper of the soul stone in the Shrine of the Soul Stone. The River Below is for fishing, which has it's own set of rules and does require a draconic for safety.
The so-called 'Barracks' is not currently open...? Will it ever be?
We will go more into bonding and breeding below, as well as how to adopt (as in, like a humanoid child NOT as an animal) your new friend or clan member(s)!
Do remember, draconics are an optional part of the gaming experience for Users, but they have a different set of rules, regulations, and game experience than the rest of the site. Please don't expect to play draconics the same way one would play training their labs-created beasties from the MML side of the game. For ownership purposes, a USER (you the player, not the character) own a draconic, but your character of course does not 'own' a draconic person in this manner.