# Bloodlines of Aetheris
One of the greatest gifts left behind by the Primordial Dragons was the creation of the Bloodlines.
Long ago, when dragons still walked the world, they blessed certain humans with fragments of their power.
Over generations, those blessings became hereditary.
Today, bloodline magic can be found throughout every city of Aetheris.
Some bloodlines are ancient and noble.
Others are common.
Some are celebrated.
Some are feared.
No two bloodlines are exactly alike.
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## How Bloodlines Work
A bloodline is a magical trait passed down through families.
Bloodlines may grant:
* Elemental magic
* Enhanced physical abilities
* Transformation abilities
* Healing gifts
* Unique senses
* Rare magical talents
Most people inherit only one dominant bloodline.
Some inherit none at all.
A rare few inherit multiple bloodline traits.
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## Dragon Guardian Bloodlines
Separate from ordinary bloodlines are the Seven Guardian Houses.
These ancient families were entrusted with protecting the Primordial Dragons themselves.
The most famous example is:
### House Veyrion
Guardians of the Fire Dragon.
Motto:
*"Our Flame Never Fails."*
Members of House Veyrion are known for powerful fire magic, courage, leadership, and an almost legendary level of stubbornness.
## House Valaryn (Willing to negotiate name)
One of the oldest and most influential bloodlines in Aetheris.
For centuries, House Valaryn has served as a counterbalance to House Veyrion and the other powerful dragon-affiliated bloodlines.
Where some bloodlines wield overwhelming magical power, the Valaryns possess the rare ability to suppress magic itself.
### Nullification Magic
Members of House Valaryn can disrupt magical energy at its source.
Depending on skill and strength, they may:
* Weaken magical abilities
* Disrupt spellcasting
* Suppress bloodline powers
* Create zones where magic becomes unstable
* Temporarily render powerful mages powerless
Because of this ability, House Valaryn has historically served as a safeguard against magical catastrophes.
Many rulers view them as a necessary balance to the world's most powerful bloodlines.
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### Reputation
The Valaryns are known for:
* Discipline
* Logic
* Control
* Duty
* Strategic thinking
Where House Veyrion often acts first and asks questions later, House Valaryn prefers careful planning and measured action.
The two families have been politically connected for centuries.
Neither family particularly enjoys admitting they need the other.
(Kaida's romantic love interest is from this house)
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### Ancient Saying
"There is no flame without a shadow.
No storm without a calm.
And no Veyrion without a Valaryn."
Many dismiss the saying as an old proverb.
History suggests otherwise.
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# Known Bloodline Types
## Firebloods
Common throughout Pyraeth.
Abilities may include:
* Fire manipulation
* Heat resistance
* Flame shaping
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## Shadowbloods
Most commonly associated with the Shadow City.
Often mistaken for vampires.
Abilities may include:
* Enhanced senses
* Shadow manipulation
* Blood-based magic
Many myths surrounding them are exaggerated.
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## Tidebloods
Common in the Sea Dragon City.
Legends claim some families possess traits similar to ancient merfolk.
Abilities may include:
* Water manipulation
*Breathing underwater
*Being able to grow a tail and gills when submerged in water
* Underwater adaptation
* Healing gifts
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## Shifter Bloodlines
One of the rarest categories.
Certain bloodlines possess the ability to transform into animals.
Examples may include:
### Wolf Shifters
Often associated with Pyraeth.
### Cat Shifters
Associated with another city.
### Bird Shifters
### Bear Shifters
### Fox Shifters
Many more may exist.
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## Dragon Shifter Legends
One of the oldest myths in Aetheris speaks of Dragon Shifters.
According to legend, certain individuals possessed the ability to transform into dragons themselves.
Most scholars dismiss these stories as fairy tales.
No confirmed Dragon Shifter has existed in recorded history.
Or so people believe.
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# Creating New Bloodlines
Members are encouraged to help expand the world by creating:
* New bloodlines
* Noble families
* Magical abilities
* Cultural traditions
* Historical legends
Questions to consider:
* What city does the bloodline come from?
* What abilities does it possess?
* How rare is it?
* How is it viewed by society?
* What myths surround it?
The world of Aetheris is vast.
Many bloodlines remain undiscovered.
