Gaming
 

Dragon

From L5r: Legend of the Five Rings

Please note: This article is about the magical creature. For the Great Clan of the same name, please see Dragon Clan.
Dragon of Void

A dragon is a manifestation of the primal forces that exist in the physical world and the spiritual realm. They are similar to the minor kami in that they represent power beyond the mundane. Unlike the kami, they do not represent a certain element, but strong ideas. For example, the Dragon of Fire represents inspiration, intensity and the driving force within every soul. The Dragon of Thunder is not even connected to an element, but to the heroic nature inherent in mankind.[1]

Contents

[edit] Appearances

The appearances the Dragons can take vary. They are able to take any form they wish, but often appear as physical embodiments of their elements. The Thunder Dragon could appear as a swirling form of thunder clouds, or the Fire Dragon could appear as a chaotic flaming mass with blazing eyes. The Dragons are even known to take human form on occassion, but almost always to teach someone a lesson in virtue. Their demeanor towards humans can be as incredible as they can be terrible, and should any mortal try to attack them they would simply tear them apart. [2]

[edit] Dragon and other Races

[edit] Humans

The Dragons saw the creation of humans with fascination, and offered gifts to those deemed worthy and gave them places to live among the Celestial Heavens. Lady Sun and Lord Moon grew jealous and lifted the Heavens away from Rokugan to prevent the interference of the Dragons leading to the destruction of the Empire. The Dragons could still watch the humans, and attempted to learn more about them without violating the enforced separation.[3]

[edit] Nezumi

One day a Dragon saw a Nezumi hunting in the hills of the Shadowlands and, thinking it was a man lost in the darkness, came to his aid. The Dragon said the Nezumi was brave to have ventured this deep and would reward him with a place in the Celestial Heavens. The Dragon picked up the Nezumi and began to fly to the stars. The Dragon asked if the Nezumi was from the Empire, and the Nezumi wishing to steal some of the Dragon's treasure said he was one of the Emperor's sons. The Dragon suggested the Nezumi would then know of Otosan Uchi and the Nezumi, who thought Otosan Uchi to be a samurai, claimed he was one of his dearest friends. The Dragon cast down the Nezumi upon hearing such a blatant lie, but when he turned to further punish the ratling he could not find the creature. The Nezumi had burrowed deep into the earth to avoid the Dragon's wrath, and to this day Nezumi live in burrows deep underground, hiding from the anger of the Heavens.[3]

[edit] Known Dragons

[edit] Elemental Dragons

The Elemental Dragons are the most well known Dragons. There are five of them, representing each of the five elements. The Earth Dragon is the most recognizable, always taking the same form. It appears as a long scaled, serpent apparently made out of stone and mud. The Fire Dragon is also equally identifyable, appearing as an endless coil of flame. The Water Dragon however is known to never keep the same form, varying it's form with additions of coils, talons and fins. The Air Dragon is rumored to be invisible, but none know for certain. Last is the Void Dragon, which has only appeared in the dreams of heroes. None can recall it's form.[4]

[edit] Thunder Dragon

Some have claimed to see a dragon during violent storms, naming it the Thunder Dragon. In truth it was the manifestation of the fortune of Fire and Thunder, Osano-Wo.[4] In truth there is a Thunder Dragon. It was the mother of Osano-Wo, but what became of her after giving birth to the son of Hida is not entirely known.[citation needed]

[edit] Togashi

The Kami Togashi was able to take the form of a Dragon. It is believed that all the Kami were able to do this, but only Togashi would be able to say for certain. Togashi's relationship with the other Dragons was shrouded in mystery, but he would occasionally travel to their home realm. Even bringing mortals with him occasionally.[4]

[edit] List of the Known Dragons

Besides the dragons above, there are also several minor dragons or mortals with dragon forms:

Dragons

References

  1. ↑ Fortunes and Winds Page 73.
  2. ↑ Way of the Dragon Page 83.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Dragon and the Nezumi
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Way of the Dragon Page 84.



This magic or religion related article is a stub. That means that it has been started, but is incomplete. You can help by expanding this article.
Retrieved from "http://l5r.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon"