Dragonbreath is a magical form of fire used by the inhabitants of the Lung Archipelago for heat, light, warfare and spells. It is known to humans as Imperial Flame.

Properties

Unlike chemical fire, dragonbreath does not consume fuel nor extinguish due to the lack of oxygen. It is "aware" when it is used for warfare or cooking, capable of burning flesh, wood and many kinds of stone. Otherwise, it does not burn substances it touches, and when used for gentle heat or lighting, it can be manipulated by hand.

Origins

All the dragonbreath in the Lung Archipelago originated from the belly of the last living god, The Giant Sleeping Emperor; or, it is ancient dragonbreath from the legendary gods, like Ketzal and Akylo.

Dragonbreath in the human realm originates in a magical conversion ritual. Because it is so difficult to put out, the formula for its creation is closely protected by Alchemists, the keepers of the practice of Awakening.

Uses

Different kinds of dragonbreath have different characteristics.

On the mainland, dragonbreath created from Lunstones appears to have only destructive and offensive capabilities. It always emerges as a burning force, and it is as difficult to control as natural fire.

Imbuing written text with dragonbreath turns it into a whispering rune. The whispering can be heard by animals that ordinarily cannot hear. Imbuing text written by the ancient gods this way taught Dragovian scholars how the ancients sounded.

A Vohlok initiation rite into the warrior class starts with the young warrior's first drink of dragonbreath.

Exceptionally ancient dragonbreath has been found in ruins deep underground, constructed by mysterious progenitors of the present Dragovians.