#bahamut fury

[exyglass]

[protocolseben]

Devil in (media) training

[cinderella-gurei]

Headcanon time: Olivier's Unprecedented Eikon Awakening

Olivier is a mild child, not often does he express any emotion other than contentment and even boredom. Because of this, his powers lay very dormant -- practically inexistent. No one would've even expected for a child such as he to awaken to anything, especially having his big brother already in possession of the Eikon of Light. If he kept his life as he has, being pampered by his mother and secluded from any kind of problems and dangers, then he probably would never have awakened to his Eikon, despite having its power just waiting to surface.

It is only when he is driven to a corner, whether it is about a seemingly mild inconvenience that he's never faced before overwhelming him or a very traumatic event (in which he is in control, not like the in-game stuff where he almost didn't have autonomy to actually register what is going on,) that he would awaken to an Eikon not unlike his brother's. A second Eikon of Light, Bahamut's hidden, unnamed twin brother; Bahamut Fury.

Instead of being a stronger version of Bahamut, though, this one is a milder dragon just like Olivier, but strong enough to throw its own rays of light and summon wings, claws, and horns for his little Dominant when semi-primed. When fully primed, a golden dragon manifests itself, eerily similar to Bahamut, but with a completely different vibe. Instead of being larger, he's the same height.

Basically I want Olivier to have the chance to be a Dominant and a kind of foil whatever to the brotherhood dynamic of Clive and Joshua so here you go.

[eleplay]

crisis core is like a very chill game 95% of the time and then the difficulty spikes when you get to some of the bosses 🥲

[aenramsden]

The following is not my idea; it was the original brainchild of a friend of mine named Omicron, with help from various others including EarthScorpion, TenfoldShields, @havocfett and ShintheNinja:

So, you know what I want to do one day? Run (or play in) a D&D campaign in which the Big Bad Super Dragon that is fuckoff ancient and unfathomably powerful and whose actions have shaped history and bent the course of nations and had repercussions on the whole culture and society in the region where it's set; the Bonus Special Boss for some endgame optional quest after you defeat the direct BBEG and win the campaign...

... is a white dragon.

To explain this for people not deep into 5e monster lore; D&D dragons are sapient beings, and known for their instincts and tendencies, and whenever you meet an big evil dragon that's really old it's usually this ancient creature of terrible intellect Smaug-ing it up all over the place.

Except white dragons are fucking stupid. Like, they're still capable of speech and thought! They're just… feral, hungry morons. And you almost never see them portrayed as ancient wyrms for that reason; they lack majesty. Critical Role did it, yes, but even then, Vorugal is explicitly the most bestial member of the Chroma Conclave, and the others are the more intelligent planners and long-term threats. An ancient white as a nation-defining endboss, though; not a thug for a smarter master but as the strongest and biggest threat around is just not the sort of thing you tend to see.

Adventurers: "Oh wise Therunax the Munificent, gold dragon of Law and Good, what can you tell us adventurers of the evil dragons which rule this land?" Therunax the Munificent, 500-year old Gold Dragon: "Good adventurers, know this: this land is torn apart by the evil of Tiamat's spawn. The eastern marches are the dwelling of Furinar the Plague-Bringer, black dragoness whose hoard is a thousand sicknesses contained in the body of her tributes. The southern volcanic mountains are the roosting of Angrar the Wrathful, the fiery red dragon, who brings magmatic fury on all who do not worship him. And the northern peaks are home to Face-Biter Mike, the oldest and most powerful of all, of whom I dread to speak." Adventurers: "F-Face-Biter Mike???" Therunax: "Oh yes, verily indeed; two thousand years has Mike lived, and his eyes have seen the rise and fall of five empires, and a hundred and score champions have sought to slay him; and each and every one he bit their fucking face off."

Like... I want to see a campaign where Face-Biter Mike is genuinely the most powerful dragon in the region, if not the entire world. Where sometimes he descends on a city to grab himself some meatsicles and causes a localised ice age by the beat of his vast wings and the frigid wastes of his mighty breath and by the chill his mere presence brings to everything for miles around him, and everyone just has to deal with that for the next decade. An entire era of civilization comes to an end, an empire falls, tens of thousands starve in the winter, all because Mike wanted a snack. Where his hoard is an unfathomably vast mass of jewels and artefacts and precious stones frozen in an unmelting glacier, except he is a nouveau riche idiot with fuckall appraising skill, so half of his hoard is coloured glass or worthless knicknacks, and he doesn't give a shit.

"Your Draconic Majesty, this crown is… It's pyrite." "Yeah, well, it's brighter than this dusty old thing made out of real gold, it's my new best treasure. Throw the other one away." "…throw the Burnished Tiara of Bahamut, forged in the First Age of Man, your majesty???" "See? I can't even remember its fucking name." "But my lord-" "DO YOU WANT TO BE A MEATSICLE" "…I will fetch a trash bag, your majesty."

But at the same time, he's not stupid, he's just simple, and in some ways that makes him more dangerous than the usual kinds of scheming Big Bad you see in these things, while simultaneously justifying why Orcus remains on his throne (because he's lazy). Face-Biter Mike doesn't make convoluted plans or run labyrinthine schemes; he just has a talent for violence and a pragmatic, straightforward approach to turning any kind of problem he struggles with into a problem that can be resolved with violence. Face-Biter Mike has one talent and it's horrifying physical power, so his approach to any complicated problem is "how do I turn this into a situation where I can fly down and bite this dude's face off?" with absolutely no regard for the collateral damage or consequences of doing so, because those are also things he can turn into face-bitable problems.

"My lord, the dread necromancer Nikodemion is using his undead dragons to attempt a conquest of the eastern kingdom; his agents are everywhere, his plans are centuries in the making, what can we do against such a mastermind?" "I'm gonna fly over the capital and eat the eastern king." "M-my lord???" "The kingdom will collapse without leadership, Nikodemion will win his war, he'll take the capital and crown himself king." "And that helps us… how?" "Once he does I'll fly over to the capital and eat him." "…" "This is why you advisors all suck. You're all about convoluted plans when the only thing I need to win is know where my enemy is so I can fly down there and eat him. Stop overthinking things."

And, like, yeah, it's a simplistic plan, but when you're several hundred tons of nigh invincible magical death, you don't need brilliant strategy; the smartest way to win a war is, in this case, the simplest. He's not even all that clever at figuring out the consequences of face-biting, he's just memorised the common consequences of doing so.

(If you want to go all in on Mike being the major mover and shaker in the region; Nikodemion only even has a pet zombie dragon because Mike killed the last dragon to show up and contest his turf but wasn't going to eat a whole dragon by himself. Nikodemion got to stick around and amass that much power because Mike ate the Hero of the Realm while he was adventuring because he figured the Hero would come and try to slay him at some point. Nikodemion got started because Mike ate half the leadership of the Academy of High Magic who typically keep evil wizards and necromancers in check. And then eventually this product of Mike's casual, careless actions becomes a big enough problem to bother Mike personally, at which point Mike eats him too.)

He doesn't even really fail upwards, either! He is regularly reduced to nothing but the glacier he stores his hoard in, but he's Face-Biter Mike so nobody wants to commit to actually ending him forever lest they get their faces bitten the fuck off. And his hoard's in a huge-ass magical glacier so nobody can get to it without running into the Invading Russia problem; it's hard to wage war when everything is frozen over and you're both starving and freezing to death. Once he's been beaten back to his central lair and has lost all his holdings… I mean, he's still a problem, but he's a far away problem. So he loses his assets and spends a decade in a cave brooding it up while no one dares risk trying to actually kill him, and then a generation or two later he flies down to a kobold colony and gets himself some minions, or a dragon-worshipping mage comes to offer his service against a pittance from his hoard, or a particularly stupid cult starts thinking they can get in good with him and leech off his power, and then he's (hah) snowballing again.

He's also got a very… well, the kind of weird Charisma that Grineer bosses do. Like Sargas Ruk, who's a malformed idiot, but oddly charismatic. As he's a dragon, that makes him a natural sorcerer and thus Charisma is all he needs. He's pretty relaxed when he isn't in a face-biting mood, and he's kind of infectiously optimistic, because his life has taught him that he will succeed as long as he perseveres. So he just believes it.

And sometimes that's really refreshing to work for, as an evil minion of darkness! It's like, you're coming to your Evil Dragon Lord with terrible news; you've worked for evil overlords before, you know how it goes. You fall to your knees weeping and tell him that you've failed to seize the incredibly powerful magical artifact, you think your life is forfeit. And he's just like "Eh, it's okay, these things are all over the place. Better luck next time. You remember the guy who took it, right?" and you go "Y-yes, oh great lord!" and he's like "Sweet tell me his name later and I'll grab it" and then eats a frozen adventurer he kept around as a snack.

His followers tend to quickly realise that if they fail him, bringing some temple's silver or a sack of brightly coloured beads or a couple of dead cows means he's super forgiving because at least he's got something out of the day. "Oh boy, cows? It's been forever since I had those, ever since the Orc Steppe Nomads took over it's all about goats and onions. Today is a good day." He's a master of delegation by dragon standards, in that he just tells you "Just go get it done, I don't care how" rather than micromanaging you and constantly appearing as an image in smoke or taking over your campfire.

The key part of Face-Biter Mike as a threat to players (because he exists in the context of a D&D campaign) works well in that you can rely on several known quantities:

He will not pull sneaky shit that you don't see coming

He will not make convoluted plans that you must work to unravel

He will consistently attempt to come down and wreck you personally if he finds the opportunity and you are a threat to him

You cannot fight him head-on (at least not until the last leg of the campaign, and ideally as an optional boss rather than mandatory)

So as long as you are good at staying under the radar, thwarting his minions (whom he gives broad orders to with almost zero oversight) and not putting yourself in face-biting range, you can deal with him. If you succeed, it won't be the first time Mike has lost his assets and had to go brood in his glacier for a decade or two before rebuilding. It happens; he can deal with it. And that's a win for you within the context of a single campaign, so take the win.

And if you're not going to use him as an enemy, he works pretty well as a quest-giver, too! The costs for failure are obvious and straightforward, and "do whatever, just get me mine" means that players have a lot of freedom in accomplishing their goals. As far as evil overlords go he is actually one of the least dangerous to work for; his pride is relatively subdued by draconic standards, his goals are simple and typically achievable, and he is easily pleased.

(There's also a good chance he is the forefather of any draconic sorcerer in your party, because Face Biter Mike is a deadbeat dad.)

[catulhu333]

Bahamut and Tiamat were aspects of Io/Asgorath in early 2nd edition of AD&D lore?

...as well being the two key archetypes influencing all dragons, and in 1st edition of AD&D, the only gods of dragons?

2014/2015 "Rage of Dragons" miniatures of Tiamat and Bahamut

Wile changes to Bahamut and Tiamat (and deific dragon lore in general) in 5th edition (were Bahamut and Tiamat are the supreme, and only real draconic gods), and to a degree 4th edition (were Bahamut and Tiamat were 2 halves of Io), were controversial; these changes are actually based on far older lore, that was changed mid 2nd edition, with 1992's Monster Mythology and further on.

In 1st edition of Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, Bahamut and Tiamat were the only dragon gods, with worship by dragons being split between them, as seen in 1984 article "Dragons and their deities" in Dragon #86: "Evil dragons worship Tiamat, and good dragons worship Bahamut. That is, for all practical purposes, the extent of common knowledge about the way dragons worship their deities."

The divinity of of two was first outright affirmed in 1980 in "Leomund's Tiny Hut: Rearranging and Redefining the Mighty Dragon" in Dragon #38; with Tiamat kinda earlier in the original 1978's Monster Manual, were she was presented among the Lords of Nine.

Miniatures of Bahamut (or as named in the catalog the Platinum Dragon) and Tiamat (or as named in the catalog the Spectral Dragon), from Grenadier Models 1990 catalogue, originally from the 1989 Dragon of the Month II line from 1989. Special thanks @oldschoolfrp, thanks to who I know of this lines existence. Their original post here. I recommend checking them out.

Paladine and Takhisis from Dragonlance, also debuting in 1984, were often identified with Bahamut (Paladine) and Tiamat (Takhisis). It's rather ambiguous though - the creator of both, Jeff Grubb believing this, but writers of Dragonlance novels, and main architects of the setting, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman (who basically gave them personality and story), believing them as similar, but separate characters/deities.

Official publications either suggested a connection, or stated them to be the same (as well as Bahamut and Tiamat gaining traits of Paladine and Takhisis, like being siblings, and in past, lovers), with 5th edition (with 2021's Fizban's Treasury of Dragons), stating them to be the same.

Constellations of Krynn, in the center Takhisis (left) and Paladine (right) opposing each other, the Gilean' constellation between them. From 1984's "DL5: Dragons of Mystery".

Still, Paladine on Krynn (the world Dragonlance is set in) is/was the leader of the Gods of Good, and Takhisis is/was the leader of the Gods of Evil, and were among the most powerful deities of the setting, equaled only by their brother Gilean and second only to the High God and Chaos.

According to 1989's "Player's Guide to Dragonlance, the two together created the first dragons: "Paladine is Father of Good and Master of Law. During the Age of Dreams, Paladine led the gods in creation. Paladine and Takhisis, Queen of Darkness, infused the raw fury of chaos with form and purpose, creating the first material beings— dragons. Takhisis, jealous the first creations were not entirely hers, corrupted the chromatic dragons to evil. Paladine replaced his fallen children with the good, metallic dragons, but Takhisis’s act began the rift between good and evil."

This origin of dragons on Krynn evolved overtime though, with some changes, but I won't elaborate on this here.

1990's Draconomicon

The draconic pantheon was first expanded with 1990's Draconomicon, though oddly, Bahamat and Tiamat are not among the list of Draconic deities, at least seemingly.

The book instead presents Bahamut and Tiamat instead as seemingly archetypal forms of all dragons (even indeed, the twin Platonic forms of all dragons), even their gods, all of whom (with one exception) are their "pale reflections": " And here the conversation must turn to dragons, for in these species the diffusion theory seems to be the only suitable explanation for their wide-spread existence. Dragons are the only creatures for which there exist archetypal forms. In dragonkind, these forms are Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, and Tiamat, the Chromatic Dragon. All of the core species of dragonkind the good aligned metallic dragons and the evil-aligned chromatic dragons (ignoring for a moment those fringe species like crystal dragons) seem to be pale reflections of their archetypal forms, displaying some but not all of that archetypes characteristics. For example, a red dragon possesses some but not all of the characteristics attributed to Tiamat, while a gold dragon possesses some but not all of the characteristics attributed to Bahamut. Indulging in mathematical language for a moment, each species of dragon seems to be a subset of properties belonging to one or other of the archetypes. Or, conversely, each archetype seems to possess a superset of the properties possessed by the appropriate class of dragonkind. Some sages truly believe this observation to be representative of the truth of the matter. According to this theory, the very existence of the two archetypal forms Bahamut and Tiamat is responsible for the existence of dragons throughout the multiverse. In metaphorical language, dragons are the shadows that the archetypes cast across the planes. As shadows are, in a sense, subsets of the creatures casting them as they must be, since shadows are two-dimensional so are the shadows of the dragon archetypes subsets of those archetypes characteristics and powers."

Two of the dragon gods, Lendys and Tamara, as Platinum Dragons, seem to be even closer to the archetype of Bahamut, both being platinum dragons themselves, but still lesser than him.

In the same book, there is also mentioned the oldest and highest draconic god, Asgorath the World-Shaper, later identified with Io. Asgorath is stated to to be creator of dragons, and the universe (in the sense of seemingly all existence), at least according to dragons.

But, the myth in the same sourcebook (as found in-universe in the Book of the World, a written down red dragon myth, suggests Asgorath is Tiamat: "It is easy to speculate, based on this myth. The plural inflection of the word breath might be taken as implying multiple heads; the Thorass word for renegade is bahmat. It seems almost too close a correlation can Asgorath be Tiamat and the Renegade be Bahamut?"

This is further alluded in Asgorath's description: "Thus, reds believe that Asgorath is Chaotic Evil as implied in the Book of the World mentioned at the beginning of the chapter while bronzes believe Asgorath is Lawful Good."

Suggesting that like red dragons see/perceive Asgorath as Tiamat, Bronze (and other good dragons) would see the World-Shaper as Bahamut. And that the two "archetypal dragons" are themselves seemingly aspects/parts/avatars of Asgorath. Which is further suggested together with Bahamut's description in Draconomicon: "Sages continue to debate the true nature of Bahamut. Is he the archetype of all good dragonkind, the ideal of which all other dragons are merely shadows? Is he an avatar of a greater deity?"

This is quite obviously an inspiration for Io being split in ancient times into Bahamut and Tiamat in 4th edition/Nerath lore. As well as in "Fizban's Treasury of Dragons", presenting Bahamut and Tiamat as the origin of all dragons, and their forms, it even also using allusions to platonic forms, and shadows of higher reality. As well as Bahamut and Tiamat creating the original universe (that split into the multiverse), like Asgorath was stated to.

Io was first introduced in 1992's Monster Mythology, if very probably taking inspiration from Asgorath (with whom he is directly identified in the book), as well as perhaps Krynn's High God. Io is also stated there to be believed by dragons to be their creator, and of all of existence. As well repeating Platonic and Gnostic ideas from Draconomicon about the world being a shadow of a higher, truer reality: "We Dragon-sages make a distinction between the Two Voids; the First Void, wherein only Io had existence, and the Shadow Void, where Io's willingly shed blood created the potential for existence and creation to come into being. Most non-dragon races only know of the Shadow Void, and they do not know of the earlier time outside time when only the Ninefold Dragon existed."

Monster Mythology though, makes Bahamut and Tiamat somewhat lesser in status, making them Lesser Gods, though only Io (as a Greater God) and Chronepsis (an Intermediate God) are above them, the other two gods (Faluzure and Aesterinian), being on the same level of power. Still though, it is a visible downgrade from their grand role in Draconomicon, and of their counterparts (Paladine and Takhisis) on Krynn. Monster Mythology is also the the first to make Bahamut and Tiamat explicitly siblings and "intended mates".

1998's "Cult of the Dragon" sourcebook, combined the draconic pantheons mentioned described in Draconomicon and Monster Mythology, often identifying/conflating some deities between the two (notably Asgorath and Io, though that was done before). Though this also resulted in a seeming further downgrade in status of Bahamut and Tiamat, them being still Lesser Gods (and Bahamut identified with Xymor, made as possible child of Lendys and Tamara), while including multiple Intermediate Gods (Astilabor, Garyx, Kereska, Lendys, Null as the Guardian of the Lost/Chronepsis, Tamara and Zorquan).

[drabblesandimagines]

400 requests. Joshuaxf!reader where reader is seriously injured because she wanted to protect Joshua and with her last breath she confesses her love for him. Go full angst.

Thank you, anon! I hope this is full angst enough... 400 Followers Event details. Exhale Joshua Rosfield x fem reader Angst, blood, more angst, spoilers btw 696 words

For something you’ve done so easily from birth, breathing really shouldn’t be so difficult, should it? Every inhale is sharp, pins prickling at your throat, yet it doesn’t seem to reach the bottom of your lungs. Every exhale is accompanied by another dribble of blood that definitely should not be there.

You shouldn’t be here, laying on the streets of Kanver, dying.

It had all gone horribly, terribly wrong.

“I…” Joshua grunts, tears burning at his eyes, as he tries to summon the Phoenix’s blessing forth, to heal your wounds but the flame will not come. He knew he was still weary after the battle with Bahamut at Twinside, ignoring Tarja’s warning that he needed further rest before travelling but time had been of the essence, especially when word had come that Kanver was under attack.

It had taken nearly all of his strength to heal Clive’s wounds after his bout with Odin, his flame depleted. Clive had returned to the Hideaway on a quest from Mid and you and Joshua had stayed behind to assist her with final preparations to the Enterprise, scouting out the city for additional supplies.

The city was meant to be clear of Akashic, but somehow one straggler remained. It had lunged at Joshua from behind, emerging from the shadows, and you’d acted without much thought, shoving him aside and taking a blade to the stomach. Joshua fumbled with his sheathed blade, withdrawing it just in time to slice down the foe and dropped to his knees by your side, eyes widening at the sight of you.

“Come on!” Joshua almost screams at his palm, his voice raw, but there is barely a flicker of flame before it extinguishes again. All he is rewarded with is a deep cough for his efforts, blood staining his own lips.

“Stop. It’s… all right.” You gasp out, the words feeling all too heavy on your tongue.

“No, it’s not.” His fist clenches in fury. “I can do this.” His voice breaks.  “I will do this, I must do this."

Joshua grits his teeth, seething, digging deep to try and rouse the Phoenix from its slumber but it won’t come, won’t heed his desperate pleads. There’s only sharp pain in his chest from where the skin hardens around Ultima’s prison.

“Joshua…” It’s more a whisper than a word, but he halts in his actions.

“Darling, I…” The tears spill down his cheeks. “Please, I beg you to stay with me. I just need a little more time and then I can-”

You shake your head, lifting your hand to caress the side of his face with limp fingers. He presses his palm against it, keeping it there when your strength begins to falter.

You inhale once more and it comes deceptively easier this time, a brief respite, or a sign that this is your moment.

On the exhale, you say the three words you wished you’d said many more times before now. “I love you.”

“No, stay with me, please.” He whispers, frantically. “I love you, I love you, I-“

Joshua’s heart stops as your hand drops limp against his face, but he presses it back against his cheek, whimpering out your name in denial.

He doesn’t know how long he kneels besides you – minutes, hours – but it’s enough time for your fingers to begin to stiffen against his cheek. He presses a kiss to your forehead then, wiping away a smear of blood from your lips with his thumb.

Joshua won’t leave you here, he could never. He takes your hands and places them over your chest, in preparation for bundling you up in his arms. He’ll take you back to the Enterprise, you deserve to rest as somewhere as pretty as you are.

Were, he corrects, swallowing down the lump in his throat.

Evening has fallen upon the city and he waves a hand, casting a fireball to light his way out of habit. His eyes widen in realization and he drops down to his knees once more, summoning the Phoenix’s blessing. The flames burn over your skin, the wound healing at once.

But it’s too late, of course.

He sobs.

--

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Masterlist . Requests welcome . Ko-fi

[anneapocalypse]

junelezen day 9: deviation

She held in her hands the soul crystal of a sage.

[Content Warning: Heavensward spoilers, major character death, parent death, sibling death, suicidal thoughts]

Since her arrival in Gridania, conjury had been Ariane's chosen path, and she had never thought to part from it. Had the Elementals not chosen her, after all? Had she not wondered, ever since that day she had awakened on the outskirts of the Shroud in the aftermath of Bahamut's fury, inexplicably alive though her family, friends, and neighbors had perished, whether it was indeed the Twelveswood that had saved her?

It had seemed right, for so long. And then—

The wound is too deep. It refuses to mend…

You… you are unharmed? Forgive me… I could not bear the thought… Oh, do not look at me so…

Alphinaud had turned to look at her in those last moments, even before her love had spoken his last words, as she had quietly concentrated enough aether in her staff to drain herself dry. Had whispered, "Ariane, no—" even as Haurchefant had clasped her hand with waning strength and breathed, "A smile better suits a hero."

She had smiled for him, and pushed everything she had into that spell, to force it to cast, even with her mana reserves near spent.

Raise.

The blinding pain had been the last thing she remembered.

-

Hydaelyn's blessing had not been there to protect her. She probably should have died. Should have—if she'd done it right. It was possible to forcibly deplete one's own aether. She'd seen it done.

She'd watched Moenbryda do it.

The world would have survived without her. The Scions would have carried on. They loved to act as though she was unique, but their order contained many others with the Echo—now including Minfilia's newly-arrived friend, Krile Baldesion. The Scions could have found, or trained, someone else to lead the charge against the primals. Ariane was not so special, or so strong, or so skilled, that she could not be replaced.

Even now, she thought sometimes of his spirit, adrift in the aetherial sea, if there was any truth to such stories. Could not his soul still abide somewhere? And in death, might they not be reunited—not only Haurchefant, but all those she had loved and lost? Mother and Father. Gratienne. Even Minfilia…

But then she thought of Alphinaud, seeing her awaken on the couch, and saying quietly, "Pray, never do that again." And she could hardly bear to remember the terror and loneliness in his eyes, the understanding of how he must have felt when he thought she too might die. She could not put him through that again.

So she had to live. It was simple, even if every step in this world without them ached.

But white magic had failed her, and she had failed as a white mage.

Perhaps it was time for a new path.

-

The power she channeled through the nouliths was nothing like what she had wrought with her conjurer's staff. White magic had required stillness, for one—the time and focus required to cast most spells demanded she keep still, and she had grown accustomed to planting her feet and moving only when the tide of battle forced her to. She had been reactive—watching her allies for every blow that landed, any sign of a wound, and channeled healing magic to them in turn. That was what a healer did, was it not? She could conjure earth and wind against her enemies, but her true work came after the blows fell.

(Until it wasn't enough.)

The true work of a sage began the instant they stepped onto the battlefield. Before the first blow was struck, before blood was drawn. As they ventured into St. Mocianne's Arboretum in the Dravanian Hinterlands, Lalah directed her to cast Kardia, a spell that would channel healing magic to her companion from every blow Ariane dealt in battle.

"Now, a barrier," Lalah said, gesturing along the overgrown path to the creatures lurking ahead. Eukrasian diagnosis. A magical barrier settling around her companion, protecting her from harm.

She cast, and she practiced, and it stung like the bitterest Coerthan wind, with every barrier spell she learned.

To protect, not simply react after the fact. Had she known she could do this, could be this—

If only she had had this in the Vault.

---

(From Harsh Light, WIP, not yet posted.)

[veryace-ficrecs]

Prompto/Noctis Fic Recs

This list will include all ratings and tags, so read at your own discretion! :)

all this, and love too by BurningFairytales - Rated G

He’d considered, really, telling Noctis. He had. But Noctis had been so busy lately, and Prompto just couldn’t bring himself to add to that. So he's going to spend his birthday alone. It's fine. He's used to it. Or: The one where Prompto is fully prepared to spend his birthday alone playing King's Knight and Noctis has other plans.

Guys Being Dudes, Dudes Being Bros by musicmillennia - Rated G

Basically, the Lucian media takes one look at Prompto and Noctis and pulls a "gal pal" routine. Prompto tries and fails to ignore it. Noctis is oblivious. But with the help of a sudden ally, there may be some hope for Lucis yet.

Anony-Bro-Chat: the ABC's of cyberstalking by Thwippersnapple - Rated T

Noctis has been online friends with ChocoPrompt87 in Kings Night for over a year. He realizes ChocoPrompt is a classmate and has no idea how to make friends with him in real life because HOW DOES SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH PEOPLE HIS OWN AGE EVEN WORK?!

He messages him but accidentally invites him to the big family group chat instead of a private one. His friends and fam are Trolls of the highest degree. Prom fits right in.

To be Happy, To be Loved by thatoldeblackmagic - Rated T

Twenty minutes ago, Prompto was ready to accept his fate of being locked up for the rest of his life, and now he’s in a group chat with the King and the Prince of Lucis. He’s all but out of breath when he manages to choke out, “This is so fucking surreal.” or, Regis meddles because he just wants Noctis to be happy

Wrong Way Around by artemisgrace - Rated T

Gladio has some assumptions about Noctis's new school friend . . . He's wrong.

Life Imitates by Riona - Rated T

Everyone keeps trying to lecture Prompto on dating Noctis. Which would be fine if he and Noctis were actually dating.

Somebody loves you by anniekinkin (bubblline) - Rated T

Noctis didn’t know how long he could keep doing this. This was beyond ridiculous. It wasn’t even lunch time and Prompto had handed Noctis not one but two love letters very clearly addressed to Prompto. With the words “Hey look, more love letters for you.” He wanted to slam his head against his desk in frustration.

OR: Prompto takes Noctis to an animal shelter to play with the cats and dogs while Noctis tries to work up the nerve to confess to Prompto before he notices that half the student body has a crush on him

Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star by GwiYeoWeo - Rated T

“Watch yourself, kid, or you'll be seeing stars."

“Well, guess what?” Noctis had dropped his knees slightly. And with all the fury of a burning star, he slammed his fist up into the Crownsguard’s jaw in a brutal uppercut before either of them had time to blink. Prompto was pretty sure there was a kungfu movie with a similar title. Fist of the — South? West? — Star or something.

“Twinkle twinkle, motherfucker.”

The Hexatheon were powerful gods, anyone would agree; legends and myths were passed through the generations, some written in dusty old texts or whispered to young ears at bedtime. Others existed out of the circle, obscure as they were considering the fervor given to the big Six, but they still existed. For example, though Bahamut remained their patron god, the Lucians often pay homage to a certain Astral: Noctis, the Stellarian, the Wish Maker. And if the legends were true, Prompto figured it was worth a shot. He just didn't expect the Astral himself to literally drop into his arms like a freakin’ falling star.

im king of the night (wearin’ your shirt) by dreamtowns - Rated G

In Noctis’ defense, it’s not like he meant to keep it a secret that he was married. It’s just that no one bothered to ask. Except for Luna—because unlike his other coworkers, Luna wasn’t an asshole. And Luna wasn’t even a coworker.

[ransprang]

Ko-fi Request

thank you to our anon ko-fi supporter <3

if anyone else would like a paid fanfiction this is the link to our ko-fi :)

Show me your wing (Sephiroth x reader)

Your colleague stumbled at the door of the briefing room as you stood there, engaged in conversation with the scientists. "Y/n, the Shinra director is asking for you in his office," they informed you. You sighed, a little annoyed. "Alright, thanks." You were dressed in a dark blue dress, exuding professionalism, with your long dark hair flowing over your shoulders. Your white stiletto heels complemented your outfit, clanking against the metal floor as you left the room. SOLDIERS saluted you as you passed, abandoning their conversations.

You reached the director's room and approached his desk, with Sephiroth leaning against a spare desk nearby. "Thank you for coming," the director said. "We have a mission for you." You scoffed, showing your reluctance. "You know I don't usually take on missions. Why don't you ask those who do?" Rolling your eyes, you directed your comment at Sephiroth, who stood there with a soft smile, taking the jab in stride. The director appeared concerned. "So, neither of the 1st Class SOLDIERS is going to accept any missions? Great."

Sephiroth chuckled and spoke calmly, "Y/n, we've rarely seen you in combat. Come on, this one's for you." Annoyed, you turned away, realizing he had declined this mission just to watch you fight and be entertained. "Get a grip, I'm out," you told the director. Then, facing him once more, you added, "I'll coordinate the mission with the other SOLDIERS and step in if absolutely necessary." The director nodded, "Very well then. Sephiroth, we've been too lenient on you. Take this one." Sephiroth nonchalantly got up and responded, "As you say," before leaving.

On the day of the mission in Banora village, Sephiroth arrived as you stood alongside Tseng. You spoke into your microphone, "Ten o'clock, Seph, there's a mob." Sephiroth echoed, "Backup." Tseng gave you a sidelong glance. "He's determined, isn't he?" You were furious, stomping your foot and marching off in his direction. Sephiroth could easily take down Bahamut alone but had called for backup against a mob. It was a clear indication that he wanted to see you fight.

When you reached the location, it was empty. Sephiroth had already cleared the area, leaving only the two of you. "What a waste of my time," you muttered, turning to leave. But then, you felt the cold silver of his katana against your neck. Instinctively, you used the dagger you kept attached to your thigh to fend him off. You managed to deflect Sephiroth's attack smoothly, saying, "Try harder next time." He wasted no time launching another rapid attack, and you defended yourself expertly, not allowing a single scratch.

Your eyes narrowed in anger. How could he make you do this? He knew you despised fighting. You began to attack him as he shifted to defense, tears welling up in your eyes as you fought furiously.

Tseng made his way to the location upon hearing the clamor of blades clashing. He shot his gun through the air, snapping both you and Sephiroth back to your senses. You were both too powerful to hurt each other. He had orchestrated this merely to derive amusement. In a moment of fury, you took your knife and slashed into your upper arms, allowing the blood to drip to the floor. "Are you happy now?" you demanded before walking away, leaving Sephiroth behind, looking amazed and shocked.

Later that day, you found yourself in the training room, trying to release the remaining adrenaline. When you heard the door creak open, you stopped and turned around to see Sephiroth stepping in, his boots echoing on the floor. "You are so mysterious... why don't you want to fight?" he asked. You relaxed, keeping the blade in your hand lowered. "I can fight, but must I? I don't want to destroy anything. I prefer creating beauty, art, organizing a team..." Both of you fell into silence, but it felt like he understood you. Your only other friends had been Genesis and Angeal, but recent events had changed their circumstances.

Sephiroth drew near, using his gloved hand to touch the fresh cut you had made earlier in the day. You whimpered softly as he leaned in to kiss your forehead. He remained quiet as he embraced you tightly, and then, gently taking your hand, he led you to his room. Both of your bodies ached from years of pain, but on this day, your heart longed for love. Sephiroth showed care and tenderness, though he may not have recognized his own need for the same love, you certainly did.

Sephiroth kissed your lips as he fell on top of you on the bed. You opened your legs and straddled him as you let your wet panties grind against his leather pants. He began dry humping you as his kisses got deeper. Sephiroth suddenly got up and took off his leather coat, as you scampered to take off your dress. You both were completely naked, you had never been in this position with Sephiroth before despite always being attracted to him.

He leaped forward closing the gap between you two as he entered your entrance with his massive dick. It stretched you out as your closed your eyes in pain, he smiled looking at your state but naturally thrusted slowly, eventually increasing his pace. As you both neared orgasm he stopped, Sephiroth lifted himself in a plank position to look you in the eyes. You were in euphoria and gave him a smile which he returned.

Your eyes widened as he brought our his majestic wing, it flared behind him with feathers flying around the room as one landed next to your cheek softly touching your skin. "Your turn, y/n" he said as he was still inside of you. You bit your lower lip, you never used your wing, hell you never even fought on missions. Your heart thumped knowing no ones ever seen yours. You closed your eyes and your wing opened up behind against the bed. It was beautiful, just like Sephiroths, but yours was on the opposite side. If you two became one youd be a two winged angel. Sephiroth smiled, "good girl" He went back in and began humping.

Sephiroth caught pace again, bringing back the heat and build up to the orgasm you could feel his dick go in and out. He hugged you tightly as your legs straddled him. He used his wing to wrap you as you used yours to wrap him. It was like a cocoon of feathers. As you two orgasmed together, Sephiroth grunted and you left out a loud moan digging your nails into his back.

You both stayed there hugging and wrapped in each others wing for a while. Sephiroth whispered "maybe you will create life today" you softly smiled as you dug you face into his neck gently getting caressed by his soft white hair.

your wing,

Admin Sav

[psianabel-writes]

Dion Lesage / Joshua Rosfield - Flames of Curiosity

Recovering from the fight against Bahamut, Joshua wakes up in the infirmary and finds Dion lying next to him. Yet there is something he feels he needs to do.

[AO3]

Joshua's chest heaved heavily, reality starting to weigh down on him once more as he slowly got aware of his surroundings. Cracks of heavy wood, unintelligible words from far, and a gentle sound of the sea started to grace his ears, but it was the smell of blood that eventually made him open his eyes.

Right. The hideaway, the infirmary. Tarja made him rest and sleep off the exhaustion that riddled his body after such an intense use of his eikon.

The battle against the mighty Bahamut still clung onto his body. And it would still take a while until he could regain what strength he had before.

He clutched his chest as he slowly rose from his spot, feeling the blood running down at the side of his mouth. With a sigh he wiped it away with the back of his hand, turning his head to the second bed that housed this makeshift infirmary.

Dion's eikon signature was unmistakable, Joshua felt the fury raging in the dragoon on his side even though they bested his rage. Yet Dion remained still, asleep, his breath barely noticeable to the point where Joshua grew concerned. He knew there was no real reason to feel like that, especially since he was aware they both have been well looked after, but seeing him like this set forth an emotion difficult to explain.

Maybe it was a mix between curiosity and fondness he felt for his fellow Dominant ever since they first met that made Joshua swing his legs over the edge of his bed and walk to Dion's side, slowly sitting down in hopes to not disturb him. He needed his rest - as did Joshua still - and if there was one thing Joshua could give him as a small token, it was just that.

He extended his hand to Dion's chest and let his flames flicker into a gentle healing spell, having it wash over Dion in his entirety.

"... Terence?"

Joshua stopped at the sudden hoarse voice, barely audible if the room weren't so quiet in itself. Dion still didn't move, but he could see his attempt to open his eyes.

He shook his head and reached for his hand on his side instead, laying it over him for a trusting touch. "No, I'm sorry."

"Phoenix." Again his weak voice was but a whisper, yet this time his hand actually moved and encapsulated Joshua's with tender fingers. The warmth of his spell still played on his skin even if the magic was gone already, but Dion's embrace was a welcoming additional warmth that shouldn't have felt as such a comfort as it had been.

If he stayed longer than this, this might as well be long beyond curiosity now. And Joshua stayed, wanting to watch Dion slowly come to his senses as he woke from his slumber - yet the seconds passed, which must have turned into minutes, and Dion still didn't dare to open his eyes.

"Your Highness?" Joshua eventually called out, but all Dion did was to hold onto him tighter.

If there was a warmth he never felt before from all the flames he experienced in his life, he now felt it swell in his heart - addicting, fiery, comforting.

"Stay." Dion slightly tucked on him, as far as he was able to, and Joshua didn't think twice about that. He didn't intend to leave anyways, his promise to rest still hung in the air and if he was in this position right now, he might as well just do that, too.

With a deep breath he lifted his legs on the bed and turned to face Dion lying down, their hands still interlocked with no intention to change that any time soon.

Again he had to admit the comfort of the flame, be it of that of the Phoenix or that of curiosity, right now this was where he wanted to be. An explanation for that he could still find later, once he had fully rested.

For now he again drifted back to sleep, with Dion on his side doing the same.

[a-world-in-grey]

I was deep-diving through tvtropes and-

I have no idea how accurate it is because I never played episode Ardyn. But please consider.

AU where Ifrit wakes up, sees daemonified Ardyn and goes "Wait, that was NOT the Plan". And proceeds to burn Ardyn (and most of the lab) in the Holy Fire, purifying him and accidentally-on-purpose giving him Ifrit's Blessing. (It was totally on purpose)

(Canon and the Prophecy are Yeeted out of the window)

Been sitting on this, because this? This is brilliant. Raven, you have no idea how badly I want this.

Ifrit's been dead-ish (you can kill an Astral as hard as you like, they just come back like a bad gil) for thousands of years by the time the Scourge surfaces in Somnus and Ardyn's time. Being dead or sleeping doesn't prevent an Astral from knowing things, so Ifrit is aware of House Caelum, is aware of Bahamut's plan to deal with the Starscourge.

(What does Ifrit think of the Scourge? He once loved humanity, may still love humanity despite Solheim's betrayal. Does he regret that he is not there to help? Does he weep for the children he once nurtured, taught, and cherished? Does he weep for the lives that will be lost?)

(Or does he laugh? That the only one to help humanity combat the Scourge is Bahamut, wholly unsuited to face an enemy that cannot be killed with a blade? That the ones who spurned him will now die to something he could have would have saved them from?)

But Ifrit doesn't care to watch Bahamut's flawed plan play out (doesn't care to watch the children of his Sparks waste away in the night) so he turns away from the goings on.

It's the chill (the feel of his lover's kiss) seeping into his bones that wakes him. He wakes, furious, because how dare she, how dare she after she sided with the rest of their kin, with those traitorous humans.

Only, it's not Shiva.

Through the fire and fury coursing through his soul, Ifrit doesn't recognize where he is. It's a human lab - not the same as Solheim's once were, not the same architecture, not quite as advanced.

He recognizes the son of House Caelum.

Bahamut's Chosen Sacrifice.

And here's the thing: Ifrit is the god of Knowledge. More than the other Astrals, Ifrit's power is to know. Anything and anyone, anywhere and any time.

So when Ifrit looks at Ardyn Lucis Caelum, he knows.

He knows this man's love for his people. The lengths he went to help his people. His love for his lover and his kin. His kin's betrayal. His lover's death. Bahamut's rejection. His own people abandoning him.

Two thousand years locked away in the dark with naught but memories and grief.

Ifrit knows how that old Soldier thinks. Bahamut is War. Bahamut is Duty and Sacrifice. Bahamut will sacrifice this healer alongside whoever his new Chosen one will be.

Ifrit hates humanity. They burned him and time hasn't healed that wound.

But... he loved them once. Mortals who burned as bright as they burned short, sparks of ingenuity in their eyes as they took the first staggering steps he helped them achieve and figured out how to run.

Thousands of years later, a little healer took a gift and used it to save lives in a way it was never intended.

Ifrit looks at Ardyn Lucis Caelum. He sees himself staring back.

Ifrit hates humanity.

He hates Bahamut more.

In the mere second after laying eyes on Bahamut's discarded Chosen King, Ifrit burns the lab in Holy Fire.

His new Spark burns with him.

[mahvaladara]

Zenith is a place that leaves in Khal a deep sense of melancolia. He's not sure if its due to the fate of the brood of Midgarsomr, or something hidden deep within his past.

Who knows, if perhaps, he too is the descendant of dragons as unfortunate as Midgarsomr's children.

Bahamut, Tiamat, Nidhog and even the surviving Hraesvelgr have known nothing but pain and suffering, fury and resentment.

There's three left, and at this point he wonders what came of the three dragons of Midy's brood he's yet to meet. Deep inside he hopes they fared better, but knowing the fate of dragons on this world, he's not raising his expectations.

[r-yui]

OG Bahamut & Leviathan lore in Ascension

Other than biblical references, Ascension also seems to refer and incorporate a part of an original Bahamut & Leviathan lore, in quite direct fashion too.

The original lore of Bahamut and Leviathan lies in a particular Persian work on cosmography. In this conception of the world, the earth is shouldered by an angel, who stands on a gigantic gemstone, which is supported by the cosmic beast (bull) sometimes called Kuyutha (most likely from a corruption or misrendering of "Leviathan"). Bahamut carries this bull on its back, and is suspended in water for its own stability.

The very interesting part is how FF16 incorporated the actual mythology into the song considering no other Final Fantasy series did this (or it did but not as far as I recalled). Here's the comparison:

Seven worlds of teardrops falling to the sea

OG lore: There were seven earths that, in some manner, connected together. The earths were originally unstable.

On wings of an angel... Burden shouldered

OG lore: God created an angel of immense size and of the utmost strength, and ordered him to carry the earths on his shoulders.

Fire on ruby mountaintop

OG lore: But there was no support for his feet. So God created a rock of ruby, the size of which none knoweth but God, whose name be exalted; then he ordered this rock to stand under the feet of the angel. This is the part of the lyric that made me curious, like why ruby specifically?

And the whole second to last paragraph of the lyrics just screams OG reference:

Tides of fury flowing, ebbing Mists of malice whorling, wending Veil of nothing, never-ending Dare not seek what lurketh down beneath No!

OG lore: To support the rock, God created Leviathan. And to support Leviathan, God created Bahamut. The earth is upon water ; the water, upon the rock ; the rock, on the back of the bull; the bull, on a bed of sand; the sand, on the fish ; the fish, upon a still, suffocating wind ; the wind, on a veil of darkness ; the darkness, on a mist ; and what is beneath it is unknown (there's an other opinion stated that darkness is at the lowest, not the mist, so the last quote is 'and the knowledge of mankind fails as to what is under the darkness'). Hence, dare not seek what lurketh down beneath.

Surprisingly FF16 Bahamut and OG Bahamut is the one of the trio (Baha, Levi, an angel) who's closest to the darkness, similar to what is depicted in the mural. Also Bahamut in the mural is under Leviathan, same as in OG lore. Who knows, it could be Koji Fox's addition to hint a metaphorical connection between the lore and the game. Maybe Bahamut and Leviathan in game are associated/tied with each other.

[cagemasterfantasy]

Dragonborn Race Traits and Class Rankings (5e)

Guide:

1=Do not play as this race

2=Can play but Not Recommended

3=Decent Choice

4=Perfect

Born of dragons, as their name proclaims, the dragonborn walk proudly through a world that greets them with fearful incomprehension. Shaped by draconic gods or the dragons themselves, dragonborn originally hatched from dragon eggs as a unique race, combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids. Some dragonborn are faithful servants to true dragons, others form the ranks of soldiers in great wars, and still others find themselves adrift, with no clear calling in life.

Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score increases by 2, and your Charisma score increases by 1.

Age. Young dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 80.

Alignment. Dragonborn tend towards extremes, making a conscious choice for one side or the other between Good and Evil (represented by Bahamut and Tiamat, respectively). More side with Bahamut than Tiamat (whose non-dragon followers are mostly kobolds), but villainous dragonborn can be quite terrible indeed. Some rare few choose to devote themselves to lesser dragon deities, such as Chronepsis (Neutral), and fewer still choose to worship Io, the Ninefold Dragon, who is all alignments at once.

Size. Dragonborn are taller and heavier than humans, standing well over 6 feet tall and averaging almost 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Draconic Ancestry. You are distantly related to a particular kind of dragon. Choose a type of dragon from the below list; this determines the damage and area of your breath weapon, and the type of resistance you gain.

Black Acid 5' by 30' line (DEX save)

Blue Lightning 5' by 30' line (DEX save)

Brass Fire 5' by 30' line (DEX save)

Bronze Lightning 5' by 30' line (DEX save)

Copper Acid 5' by 30' line (DEX save)

Gold Fire 15' cone (DEX save)

Green Poison 15' cone (CON save)

Red Fire 15' cone (DEX save)

Silver Cold 15' cone (CON save)

White Cold 15' cone (CON save)

Breath Weapon. You can use your action to exhale destructive energy. It deals damage in an area according to your ancestry. When you use your breath weapon, all creatures in the area must make a saving throw, the type of which is determined by your ancestry. The DC of this saving throw is 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d6 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increase to 3d6 at 6th level, 4d6 at 11th, and 5d6 at 16th level. After using your breath weapon, you cannot use it again until you complete a short or long rest. Instead, you may use your breath weapon a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier. You regain expended uses on a short or long rest.

Damage Resistance. You have resistance to the damage type associated with your ancestry.

Languages. You can read, speak, and write Common and Draconic.

CHROMATIC DRAGONBORN (Fizaban's updated Dragonborn)

Dragonborn with chromatic ancestry claim the raw elemental power of chromatic dragons. The vibrant colors of black, blue, green, red, and white dragons gleam in those dragonborn's scaled skin and in the deadly energy of their breath weapons. Theirs is the raw elemental fury of the volcano, of biting arctic winds, and of raging lightning storms, as well as the subtle whisper of swamp and forest, toxic and corrosive.

Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2 and increase a different one by 1, or you increase three different scores by 1.

Type. You are a Humanoid.

Size. You are Medium.

Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Chromatic Ancestry. You trace your ancestry to a chromatic dragon, granting you a special magical affinity. Choose one type of dragon from the Chromatic Ancestry table. This determines the damage type for your other traits as shown in the table.

Black Acid

Blue Lightning

Green Poison

Red Fire

White Cold

Breath Weapon. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus). On a failed save, the creature takes 1d10 damage of the type associated with your Chromatic Ancestry. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d10 when you reach 5th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 17th level (4d10). You can use your Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Draconic Resistance. You have resistance to the damage type associated with your Chromatic Ancestry.

Chromatic Warding. Starting at 5th level, as an action, you can channel your draconic energy to protect yourself. For 1 minute, you become immune to the damage type associated with your Chromatic Ancestry. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

METALLIC DRAGONBORN (Fizaban's updated Dragonborn)

Dragonborn with metallic ancestry lay claim to the tenacity of metallic dragons — brass, bronze, copper, gold, and silver — whose hues glint in their scales. Theirs is the fire of hearth and forge, the cold of high mountain air, the spark of inspiration, and the scouring touch of acid that purifies.

Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2 and increase a different one by 1, or you increase three different scores by 1.

Type. You are a Humanoid.

Size. You are Medium.

Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Metallic Ancestry. You trace your ancestry to a metallic dragon, granting you a special magical affinity. Choose one type of dragon from the Metallic Ancestry table. This determines the damage type for your other traits as shown in the table.

Brass Fire

Bronze Lightning

Copper Acid

Gold Fire

Silver Cold

Breath Weapon. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus). On a failed save, the creature takes 1d10 damage of the type associated with your Metallic Ancestry. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d10 when you reach 5th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 17th level (4d10). You can use your Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Draconic Resistance. You have resistance to the damage type associated with your Metallic Ancestry.

Metallic Breath Weapon. At 5th level, you gain a second breath weapon. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation in a 15-foot cone. The save DC for this breath is 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. Whenever you use this trait, choose one:

Enervating Breath. Each creature in the cone must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or become incapacitated until the start of your next turn.

Repulsion Breath. Each creature in the cone must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be pushed 20 feet away from you and be knocked prone.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

GEM DRAGONBORN (Fizban's updated Dragonborn)

Gem dragonborn partake of the heritage of gem dragons, who claim to be heirs of Sardior, the Ruby Dragon. The colors and mysterious powers of gem dragons — amethyst, crystal, emerald, sapphire, and topaz — gleam in these dragonborn’s scaled skin and course through their veins. Theirs are the wonders of the mind, the force of will, the brilliant light of insight, and the resounding echo of discovery — but also the desiccation of despair.

Ability Score Increase. Increase one ability score by 2 and increase a different one by 1, or you increase three different scores by 1.

Type. You are a Humanoid.

Size. You are Medium.

Speed. Your walking speed is 30 feet.

Gem Ancestry. You trace your ancestry to a Gem dragon, granting you a special magical affinity. Choose one type of dragon from the Gem Ancestry table. This determines the damage type for your other traits as shown in the table.

Amethyst Force

Crystal Radiant

Emerald Psychic

Sapphire Thunder

Topaz Necrotic

Breath Weapon. When you take the Attack action on your turn, you can replace one of your attacks with an exhalation of magical energy in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC = 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus). On a failed save, the creature takes 1d10 damage of the type associated with your Gem Ancestry. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage. This damage increases by 1d10 when you reach 5th level (2d10), 11th level (3d10), and 17th level (4d10). You can use your Breath Weapon a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Draconic Resistance. You have resistance to the damage type associated with your Gem Ancestry.

Psionic Mind. You can telepathically speak to any creature you can see within 30 feet of you. You don’t need to share a language with the creature, but the creature must be able to understand at least one language.

Gem Flight. Starting at 5th level, you can use a bonus action to manifest spectral wings on your body. These wings last for 1 minute. For the duration, you gain a flying speed equal to your walking speed and can hover. Once you use this trait, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

Source: Player's Handbook and Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

Artificer 4 Dragonborn’s breath weapon offers a helpful AOE damage effect to complement the Artificer’s spellcasting. Artillerist’s canons will totally outshine the Dragonborn’s breath weapon but other varieties of Artificer may enjoy an AOE damage option that doesn’t eat precious spell slots

Barbarian 4 a Strength increase is absolutely crucial for the Barbarian and the Dragonborn’s breath weapon provides a helpful way to handle crowds of enemies which is often difficult for Barbarians. The standard Dragonborn’s Charisma increase is wasted.

Bard 3 College of Valor is the most obvious option for a Dragonborn Bard but Strength-based bards are a difficult build. Without a Dexterity increase you’ll want to fight in medium armor so start with 14 Dexterity and try to keep yourself alive until College of Valor grants you Medium Armor proficiency at 3rd level. Or you can just build a Caster Bard but when fighting at range your breath weapon will be much less impactful

Cleric 1 nothing about Dragonborn supports Cleric’s strengths. If you want a divine feel Paladin is a much better option

Druid 1 no Wisdom increase

Fighter 3 a Strength increase works really well for Fighters and Dragonborn’s breath weapon provides a helpful area damage option for a class that usually doesn’t have a way to handle crowds easily. A Charisma increase works great for Purple Dragon Knight

Monk 1 Monk is too MAD (again Multiple Ability Dependent for those who don't know tabletop lingo) to work with a race that doesn’t provide either a Dexterity or Wisdom increase

Paladin 4 the standard Dragonborn’s ability increases are perfect for Paladin and the damage resistance is a nice addition to the paladin’s already spectacular durability

Ranger 2 Dragonborn racial traits offer nothing which nicely complements Ranger. If you need an AOE from time to time use Hail of Thorns. You can build strength based Rangers in medium armor but that’s not enough to make Ranger a good option for Dragonborn

Rogue 1 no Dexterity increase

Sorcerer 4 Draconic Bloodline makes a lot of sense thematically for Dragonborn and between the 2 you can damage resistance to 2 damage types. Dragonborn’s breath weapon provides a helpful complement to Sorcerer’s spellcasting but expect to rely more on spells. The spell Dragon’s Breath may prove either enticing or frustrating. The damage is better than Dragonborn’s breath weapon and you can use it every round for a full minute. You can even twin it allowing you and a friend to share the benefits.

Warlock 4 like Sorcerer Warlock benefits from Dragonborn’s Charisma increase and damage resistance and since Warlock has fewer spell slots to spend on AOE spells Dragonborn’s breath weapon is more impactful. The Strength increase is tempting for Pact of the Blade but Strength is largely worthless for Hexblades and if you’re building Pact of the Blade without Hexblade you’re doing something really weird

Wizard 3 Dragonborn’s breath weapon offers a helpful area damage option similar to Burning Hands but expect to rely primarily on spells and to stay well away from melee. If you want an Intelligence based Dragonborn spellcaster Artificer is a better choice. The spell Dragon’s Breath may prove either enticing or frustrating. The damage is better than Dragonborn’s breath weapon, and you can use it every round for a full minute. You can even cast it on your familiar turning you cat or owl into a roving flamethrower

[phoenix-flamed]

To say that everything within the palace was in disarray would have been an understatement. The former Holy Emperor was dead, and the Empress and the child Emperor were nowhere to be found -- not that anyone would have stopped to search for them while Bahamut was assaulting Twinside from the skies above. Staying was a fool's errand because of the crumbling walls and ceiling.

Elwin -- or rather, Miles -- was a fool, and he accepted it willingly.

For so many summers, he had lived as a Bearer to the Holy Empire's royal family. Almost everything had been stripped from him after The Night of Flames -- his family, his friends, his people... his freedom, and even his own name. But there were some things that would never fade, some things that no amount of beating and humiliation could steal: pride and pure, unadulterated anger. Rather, it had grown with each new scar left upon his body, nurtured by every day spent serving the very two people who had betrayed him.

Sylvestre had betrayed their alliance. But Anabella... she had betrayed so much more than that. It was for her that his fury, raging as a wildfire within his breast, burned hottest. It burned with enough intensity that it felt as though it would burn him to ash, and if that should be his fate for his crimes, then he would make sure to drag her into the deepest pits of hell along with him.

Clutched tightly in one hand was a dagger. Meanwhile, both hands were consumed by fire, and the blade of the weapon glowed an unforgiving red from the burning heat overtaking it, courtesy of the Phoenix's blessing imbued within him so long ago by the previous Dominant. He slowly stalked the halls towards the personal chambers of the royal family. There were few places where Anabella could hide at this point, and fewer still that she would likely retreat to, especially with Olivier in tow. But if he knew her well enough... his first guess would be her beloved son's room, a thought which left such a bitter taste in his mouth that he spat on the carpet to his side, as if that would rid him of it. (Of course, it didn't.)

The tip of the dagger was pressed firm against the wall. Miles proceeded to drag it along, producing a high-pitched scraping sound with each forward movement, and leaving behind a trail of sparks and a thin line of scorch marks in its wake.

"Anabella," he snarled at the top of his lungs, never mind how it agitated his voice to do so. "Come out, my dear."

Would she remember him? Did she know that he had been alive this entire time, lurking right beneath her nose, biding his time until the perfect opportunity to strike? The flames reflected in his green-blue eyes were not just from his magic. The darkness that had rooted itself within him could be seen within them, in turn darkening his narrowed gaze.

Oh, how long he had waited for this moment. For the chance to stab her once for each Rosarian she had killed, and once more after that for every year she had stolen from their boys.

"You cannot escape your past, Anabella. I'm here to remind you of it."