The Greatmaw Dragons - An Ancient Fanbreed
Vast and stalwart, the Greatmaw dragons were created ages ago by the Lightweaver to prevent the rise of further Emperors. Greatmaws were able to stride across active battlefields, shrugging off any and all attacks due to their sheer size and magical defensive prowess. Tasked with finding and consuming the corpses of fallen Imperial dragons, they carried out this sacred rite, believing it the highest honor a dragon could be given.
Greatmaws were able to absorb any lingering magical potential in the bodies they consumed, using it to bolster or heal their allies by their mere presence. If an Emperor did rise, they would lay it back to rest, two or more of them gathering around it, tearing it to pieces with their jaws and devouring it. To have one’s ancestors or relatives consumed by a Greatmaw is considered a blessing by Imperial dragons, who will brag about it for generations.
Outside of battle, Greatmaws were pious, respected members of the Light, often serving as priests and counselors, especially for those who were grieving. They understood death as no other and were grateful to help in spiritual ways as well as physical. None were more devoted to the Lightweaver than they.
However, there came a time when Emperor dragons seemed to be no more. There was far more care given to deceased Imperials, and the threat had diminished. Their large bodies were difficult to sustain without as many corpses to eat. The Lightweaver saw the Greatmaws no longer served their original purpose, and the species heeded her word to cease having hatchlings, content to die out if that was her wish, but…
There is always room for contingencies. Dozens of eggs were saved and lay dormant, waiting for the day the Emperors rise again. With a war on the horizon, they may be needed sooner than anyone thought.
Individual images and tert gene sketches under the cut:
