Draconic Grace Official Blog

Main blog @cheesebreadgremlin Worldbuilding, Characters, Story, and Art of the dragon fantasy novel Draconic Grace.

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Welcome to Draconic Grace

Hello there. If you stumbled onto this blog, you’re likely a fan of dragon fantasy. This blog is for the novel Draconic Grace, a dragon fantasy novel about a woman who is in the Victruslundi military under an alias to find her brother. This blog is to provide details about the world that aren’t mentioned often, along with the characters themselves. It’s also a place for questions and answers about the novel and its’ world! The excerpts are posted on Wattpad, but please note that they’re all excerpts from the drafts. They are in no way polished, and there’s no way that I can get a beta reader with the pandemic going on.

Here is the masterlist if you want to find something specific!

What to expect here: Concept art, explanations of the world, character profiles, and much more.

My main blog is @cheesebreadgremlin, it’s basically a jumbled mess of shitposts, some art, and all that jazz. This blog is dedicated entirely to this specfiic novel. If you’re going to ask a question, it must be related to Draconic Grace. If you made fanart, post it and tag this blog in the post.

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Michaelis Cathal now has a new name. Michaelis is a nice name, but it doesn't exactly fit where he's from (since his homeland's based off 1800s Germany).

His new name is Matthias Cathal, and now I gotta replace all mentions of the name Michaelis with Matthias.

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Tempted to just use a name generator for the merchants when I rewrite chapter 1 fully.

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(Physical)Disabilities in Dracokin

Placing some Trigger Warnings right on the bat for mentions of slavery.

Please note that this only includes physical disabilities and deformities, since neurological/mental disabilities and/or neurodivergence can vary by cultures when it comes to how people view those with those conditions and neurotypes. Also note that this mostly talks about Thaladrakin, because they are canonically the most advanced when it comes to technology helping disabled Dracokin.

Many Dracokin, especially if they were previously enslaved, have physical disabilities. Winged Dracokin who were previously enslaved are the most likely to be disabled, with their wings often severely disfigured from being broken to prevent escape. Sometimes, their wings are fully cut off, and only stubs remain of what there once was. If they reach Thaladrakin, they are taken care of by fellow Dracokin.

Note: Dracokin who had their wings cut off are considered amputees.

Due to the technology of the time period Draconic Grace is placed, there aren’t any fully-functional prosthetic wings. However, there are advancements being made in Thaladrakin to make improvements to prosthetic wings so they don’t require arm movement. There is no way for wings to fully return to their former state if they were fully cut off. However, if the wings are simply broken, it’s possible to perform surgery to fix the bones and make it possible to fly. It takes a long period of time (most of it being recovery time), but it is possible.

It's best to add that, in regards to Thaladrakin, there are many different kinds of entrances for different Dracokin. Because of this, they both have entrances that people can fly into and entrances people can simply walk into.

When it comes to tails being broken, they typically place the tail in a cast of some sort. If it’s the type of tail that acts like a kind of sail or fin, a prosthetic is made. Think of Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon as an example of what those prosthetics would look like.

For horns being cut off, given how they're made of the same material as hair (similar to a rhino) their horns can simply grow back. However, this only applies to certain Dracokin. Those who have antlers, if they don't die of blood loss, can take even longer to regrow their antlers. It's even possible that they're incapable of regrowing their horns/antlers at all. Horns aren't all that significant, while they are used as weapons depending on the type, losing horns usually isn't a death sentence. It all depends on circumstances and what draconic traits they have.

For those who have limps, or any other disability (injury-caused or genetic) that restricts movement, there is technology to help them. Some use canes, others use walkers, and there are wheelchairs that are being improved upon in Thaladrakin for easier transportation and use.

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I finally rewrote the prologue (which now has a title) of the story! I'll update the Wattpad of the excerpts when I get home, I'll have to rewrite the 1st chapter completely.

[clairelutra]

you know what’s a better question than “is this too self-indulgent?”? “is this self indulgent enough?”

because, like, damn, maybe there just aren’t enough kitty ears in this story! maybe there isn’t enough homoerotic tension! maybe that character’s backstory just isn’t tragic enough!! we won’t know until we really ask ourselves these questions.

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The question I ask myself is are there enough dragons and the answer is Not Enough Dragons.

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Guardians of the Dragons' Kin: Overview

This organization is made for the purpose of protecting Dracokin, helping them assimilate into Thaladrakin, and helping enslaved Dracokin escape to a safe location.

While this organization has stations all over the continent, the main base of operations is in Thaladrakin. They're incapable of setting up posts nearby countries whom enslave Dracokin, primarily out of the possibility of the post being destroyed and the ones at the post being murdered or enslaved. However, this does not stop them from their duties.

The Guardians of the Dragons' Kin has connections with Nordsberg, Victrusland, Hestilios, and various other nations. Although the alliance is mostly kept secret from ones outside the countries' governmental bodies, this is the main reason why the organization has the reach it has.

Nobody knows how long the Guardians of the Dragons' Kin has existed, but estimates usually say they have been existent for centuries, possibly longer than Thaladrakin itself. Their first ever duties were to help Dracokin coming to Thaladrakin with obtaining citizenship, getting education, and setting up jobs for those old enough. They still carry these duties to this day, and are one of the primary duties of this organization.

There have been many leaders of the organization, but the current leader is special. Matthias Cathal, the current leader of this organization, is the son of a military general. Specifically, he's the son of Aldegund Cathal, who is the son of Conall Cathal: the well-known Wolf General. Due to his familial ties, they have a well-established alliance with Victrusland. His twin sister, Maude Cathal, is a messenger for the organization who frequently brings messages from Victrusland to Thaladrakin.

While most think that being the leader of such an organization is an exciting job, it's mostly paperwork. While there are members who help with the paperwork, it all needs to be read by the leader for approval. It involves everything from political alliances to helping a refugee child be enrolled in school.

The Guardians of the Dragons' Kin is closely tied to the government of Thaladrakin, mostly because of the role the organization plays with getting refugees to the country safely. While they are technically separate entities, they are closely tied to one another.

The role the Guardians of the Dragons' Kin is important in the world to help Dracokin get to a safe place where they won't get kidnapped and forced into slavery. Their duties are fundamental to the protection of the world as the people of Thaladrakin know it. However, they might have a more brutal role if Leitlein goes to war with Victrusland, Nordsberg, and/or Hestilios. Until then, they are peaceful until violence is neccessary.

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I'm tempted to just enable asks but I need to make some Rules for that and I don't have enough posts (imo) for people to really ask questions.

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The temptation to make more shitposts but about the characters this time is VERY STRONG.

I have nothing to lose or really gain, I just want to make people laugh and maybe check out the excerpts of my novel if they're intrigued about the characters I use for the shitposts.

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Me: Okay the Lightning Dracokin can have horns, and they can conduct electricity.

Also me: HORN TASER HORN TASER HORN TASER

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Draconic Grace: Character Sexualities

Since it is Pride Month, I'd like to mention that some characters in the story are, in fact, queer. I plan on implementing a nonbinary character in the story (might not appear in the first book of the series, but they'll be there) along with other characters. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I want to create representation that truly shows how much of a spectrum it is, and how beautiful it is.

I plan on drawing some of the characters with the pride flags representing their sexualities, but given how my life is I might only be able to do one illustration. However, I am going to list the characters who I know have a defined sexuality.

Disclaimer: Some of these characters aren't in the excerpts but in the written story or they are only mentioned. I'll make an updated list next year when I fully know all the characters' sexualities.

Elysia Aria: Bi-curious Lesbian

Ikaros Zephyr: Bisexual

Clover Farley: Demiromantic Pansexual

Maude Cathal: Fluid, mostly shifting from being attracted to women and men.

Matthias Cathal: Queer, seldom has the time to explore his sexuality.

Xavier Blakely: Homosexual, married to Timothy Laurens.

Timothy Laurens: Homosexual, married to Xavier Blakely.

Flint Phoenix: Demisexual

Chiara Le'Draca: Bisexual

Currently, that's all I have for the characters. I left out the protagonist because she has no defined sexuality. I know this list is short, but this isn't even half of all the characters, and it doesn't include some important characters, let alone romantic orientation and gender. As I stated earlier in the post, I'll make an updated list which includes the romantic orientations and gender identities of the characters.

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Nordsberg (Basic Information)

This is all the basic information about Nordsberg, one of the countries in the world of Draconic Grace.

Nordsberg (Which literally translates to North Mountain in English) is a country separated by large mountains north of Victrusland. It’s based off the countries that make up Scandinavia, mostly Norway and Sweden, and is strongly influenced by Nordic culture.

The government of Nordsberg is largely democratic, with one person chosen as the Nordsbergi Representative to represent the people when dealing with foreign affairs. Other than that, there is no true leader of Nordsberg. The current Nordsbergi Representative is Elias Nordskov.

Characters from Nordsberg: Eira Nordskov/Kris Laurens (Protagonist), Gwyneira, Jöhannes, Jakob, Magnus, Elias, Anette, Camilla, Johanna, and various merchants.

There are two ethnicities in Nordsberg: Northern/Elven, and Southern/Dwarven. The differences between them are subtle in modern day due to interbreeding, but can be noticed if you look at the smaller details. Elven Nordsbergi are slim, with longer ears and nimble legs. They usually have longer hair, and it’s often lighter in color. Dwarven Nordsbergi, on the other hand, are stockier in build with denser bones. They also pack more muscle, as the majority of Dwarven Nordsbergi work in mines or in metalwork. The men have larger beards, but the women are stronger than the average Elven Nordsbergi.

Nordsberg is the home of most ice dragons, though their population is small. One of the most notable ice dragons is Gwyneira, who’s the mother of the protagonist.

Nordsbergi have a tendency to outbreed with those of different nations, primarily Victruslundi folk. This results in there being no “pure” Nordsbergi indivudual. However, it’s next to impossible to find a Nordsbergi with dark/tan skin due to the distance between Nordsberg and the countries who have a darker-skinned population.

Nordsbergi are taught to fight at a young age, the average age being 6 years old when a Nordsbergi first picks up a weapon. If a Nordsbergi individual wants to be in an actual military, then they go south to Victrusland.

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I'm gonna have to write out that kidnapping subplot

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Thaladrakin (Overview)

This technically applies to two categories: Countries and Dracokin. I’m just gonna put this in the Countries category since this is mainly referring to the country.

There is a place in the middle of the eastern and western continents that is rife with dragons and Dracokin alike. This nation was founded by some of the first Dracokin themselves, and it’s a safe haven for Dracokin and their families. There are also dragons either living there or visiting frequently, mostly due to their children, grandchildren, and/or other descendants residing in Thaladrakin. Due to the various cultures the Dracokin (along with their families) come from, it’s considered a melting pot of cultures and traditions.

Whenever non-Dracokin individuals come through or visit, they describe the atmosphere as extremely welcoming and with hospitality better than most locations. Even prior to departing for their destinations, they say that those residing in Thaladrakin give them care packages with food and supplies for their travels.

Thaladrakin is considered the best place for a Dracokin to live, as it was built from the ground up by Dracokin. There are various schools for developing magic and flight skills, along with the various skills anybody needs for their day-to-day lives.

The government is a socialist democracy, and there are various policies put in place to keep it that way. There are many reasons as to why that is, but it’s mainly to help equality for everyone, including those who aren’t Dracokin.

Thaladrakin is also the base for the Guardians of the Dragons’ Kin, and the organization helps Dracokin and their families on their journey to coming to Thaladrakin and gaining citizenship, along with other duties such as figuring out schooling and healthcare for those who are injured during/prior to their journey to Thaladrakin.

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Dracokin and Magic

Y’all thought I’d vanish for weeks without posting? You’ve been fooled, some of these things I’ve written MONTHS ago and didn’t post! Time to talk about magic!

All Dracokin are capable of wielding magic. Most notably, they are strongest using the element that their draconic parent wields. Therefore, they have a high affinity for that specific element.

The uses of magic for Dracokin vary on their careers, aspirations, and personality. A Dracokin who works at a restaurant would use magic differently than a soldier or healer.

The element they have affinity with can also influence what elements they’re incapable of using. As an example, the protagonist (Eira Nordskov/Kristoffer Laurens) is an Ice Dracokin. She has a high affinity to ice magic, but she’s incapable of wielding fire magic or earth/ground magic.

The elemental magic Dracokin have affinity with can also influence their careers. Fire Dracokin have the most flexibility in terms of possible careers, but most choose to either be blacksmiths (or any job requiring metalwork) or cooks/chefs.

However, there are Dracokin who are inexperienced with magic, and they are usually slaves. Unless their duties involve the element they have high affinity for, enslaved Dracokin usually never use magic in their entire lives. This results in a lack of control of said magic, which can be catastrophic.

TL;DR: Dracokins’ elemental affinity influence the magic they use, and can influence careers.

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Sexual Dimorphism in Dracokin

Okay guys this was deleted when I originally wrote this sometime last month (I didn't go with the original doc I use so it was completely different) so y'all getting a new version that's completely rewritten.

The main thing to note about the sexual dimorphism (for those who aren't familiar with the term, it's the physical differences between the males and females of a species) is that there isn't much in regards to what their more human traits are. In terms of those humanoid traits, the sexual dimorphism is in fact lacking. The most of those differences is that female Dracokin are curvier, and that male Dracokin are usually taller and heavier (not by much, especially since some of them need to be light enough to fly).

When looking at the draconic traits, the sexual dimorphism becomes interesting, and more similar to birds. However, it is also influenced by the element of the Dracokin themselves. A nature or light Dracokin has more sexually dimorphic traits than, for example, an ice or fire Dracokin. The key thing here is to look at birds. I'm not even joking, the ones with wings tend to have more sexual dimorphism than those with tails and horns.

The traits to look for are the colors. Female Dracokin usually have more muted colors, while male Dracokin have colorful wings. It also depends on the type of Dracokin they are, not all Dracokin have the same type of wings.

The Dracokins with the most dimorphism are the nature and light Dracokins. Nature Dracokin are the most varied, as they aren't limited to one specific wing type. However, the males are always more colorful. Light Dracokin have wings that give off a similar effect to stained glass, but the males have different colors than the females. Since there are two light Dracokin in the story (as of currently writing it), I'll be able to show examples of their sexual dimorphism when I eventually get around to drawing them on my drawing tablet.

Please note that I will make a post showing visual examples, and I will hyperlink the post here when I create it. Until then, I'll just vanish off the face of the Earth until I eventually return with some actual drawings to show y'all.

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Me: Please brain... I need to design some of the older characters!

My brain: Haha Dracokin go brrr