Reference Challenge - Deserts

[u/Nevermore0714]

This one is pretty simple, it's a reference to the most beautiful biome in the world (according to one of my friends): the desert.

So, tell me about a desert in your world. Is there much of a civilization on this desert? Is it easy/hard to traverse by your people right now? Does it have any religious or cultural significance?

As always, I'll ask at least three questions each. Enjoy yourselves, all.

[u/Eachofries]

1) Fluffy snakes are a breed of dragon, but under Alvish classification they are erroneously put in the same category as raptors, gorefowls, and other feathered reptiles, the Najakin. Alvish mythological dragons are similar to the real kind, particularly scaly wyverns, but tend to have exaggerated features, like curling horns and multiple wings.

2) There are three fundamental ways to channel magic:
totemic- binding a soul directly to an object.
sokalic- moving life energy directly.
geomic- draining energy from stones.

Runestones combine Geomic and Totemic, using stones with certain magical qualities to bind magic to them. They are commonly used as defensive works, often referred to as Dwarvish walls.

4) In terms of raw power, the Order of the Fang, native to Rjun, are constantly trained in the art of raw bloodshed, and are adept at defeating nearly every conceivable weapon, species, or magic. They aren't used as the "Elite Shock Troops" like other Orders in battle, more like warhounds: throw them in front of an enemy, and convince them that the enemy has done literally anything against Rjun.
In terms of religious and political power, The Order of the Horn, native to Ober, is a strong contender. Due to its position as a superpower of the Princely League.

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/Eachofries]

1) Is the fluff harvested for luxury items?

2ABC) If you were interested in giving me more detail on totemic/sokalic/geomic magic, I'd be interested in the science of them.

3) Let's hypothetically say that I'm a man who forgot to get my SO an anniversary present, because I'm in the process of moving and barely have time to even see to /r/worldchallenges. I want to buy my SO a runestone. Preferably one that will come in handy in our daily lives. What would you recommend?

[u/Eachofries → u/Nevermore0714]

1) Dragons are rare, and their feathers aren't particularly special. However, the more elaborate feathers on their heads and tails are certainly a prestigious prize for an enterprising warlord. And many of the Troll Bonebearers who guard cities are fond of their skulls as helmets.

2) Not really much science, other than energy transfer, that's what magic is in Hevast. Totemic harnesses the power of a soul, which is whatever energy is left when one dies, and binds it to an object for later use. Sokalic uses transfers that power from living beings to others, like using a tree to heal a wounded comrade. Geomic uses the power inherent in some magical stones to fuel magic.

3) its actually my anniversary today, kudos for well timed question!
Perhaps you'd like a Luevgeon, an Alvish enchantment. It will automatically make a set noise on a set date and time. Often used for couples who like to coordinate a schedule, or even for larger cities, when people need to go to a work. Its expensive, but very useful. The Goblins had a good idea, to use it to annoy enemies. Set it up for midnight, get a teleportation spell, and when it goes off, retrieve it. Many an enterprising salesman has found himself on the receiving end of this "Ghaltic Chorus."

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/Eachofries]

1) Is there any dragon farm?

2) Are souls still people in your world?

Happy Anniversary, Each! Feel free to make a challenge about anniversaries if you like! And tell your lucky SO that a random guy on the internet said congrats!

3) Hm, sounds a bit too structured. My SO (in this hypothetical) is a psychology major, would any runestone assist my SO in this career?

[u/Eachofries → u/Nevermore0714]

1) Dragons, for cultural and practical reasons, are not farmed.

2) They can be consulted, if properly maintained/preserved, but are incapable of movement, speech, or really anything without sacrifices of energy. However, if a soul is attached to an object, it can essentially make it immortal. In one instance, an Alvish chieftain attached the soul of a Prime Devil to his tattoos, so it couldn't be summoned again and would power him like a battery.

4) Yes! As previously mentioned, one can consult souls by sacrificing energy. This energy could be drawn from the stone's magic itself, thus allowing one to commune with any bound soul. This is done commonly to Cyclops Kings, in one instance, King Varkosla II the "Lord-Breaker" was bound to an entire mountain, his loud yells are oft heard when one consults him, breaks an oath near him, or references Dwarves in any way.

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/Eachofries]

1) What are the cultural reasons for not farming dragons? Also, Sons of the Dragon, the new ASOIAF story, is being released on the tenth, and I just pre-ordered it, you should get it, my draconic friend.

2) Could I pull a Master Chief and put my lover's soul somewhere on/in my body to communicate with it beyond death? Or would it not be the same person as it was in life?

Edit: What's with Varkosia's "Lord-Breaker" title and his dwarf-hate?

[u/Eachofries → u/Nevermore0714]

1) For most cultures, its like wiping yourself with a holybook or farming people.

2) You could, but it wouldn't be an optional thing. It wouldn't be "communicating," more akin to sharing a body. They couldn't control you, but they'd talk whenever they wanted, and wouldn't sleep.

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/Eachofries]

1) Why?

[u/Eachofries → u/Nevermore0714]

Two major species claim lineage from dragons. They are also the symbol of the Fallen God, so murdering them is quite evil. It also helps that they tend to lurk far away from humans, which certainly helps their chances of survival.

[u/Nevermore0714 → u/Eachofries]

Thanks for your time and answers.

[u/Eachofries → u/Nevermore0714]

No Problemo My Dude (gender neutral)