An illustration of Avangion Metamorphosis
Avangions are mystical advanced beings of light and life on the dying world of Athas. Born from the path of preservers, avangions are the antithesis of dragons. Where dragons embody defiling magic, greed, and destruction, avangions stand as guardians of life, balance, and renewal.
Origins[]
In the entire known history of the Tyr region, there has never been a preserver who has advanced far enough in experience to mimic the metamorphosis of defilers and become an advanced being. But it is possible. Secretly the Sorcerer-King Oronis has begun this transformation.
The transformation forces the preserver to pass through a series of steps to become an avangion, but where the defiler/dragon metamorphosis is characterized by massive destruction and great pain, the preserver/avangion blend is a more serene, peaceful process of light, water, and the life-giving properties of the dying world of Athas.
Only those who were both extremely powerful preservers and psionicists were capable of becoming avangions. The transformation is time-consuming and extremely difficult, but ultimately rewarding.
A preserver who transforms into an avangion undergoes a series of magnificent changes. In the earliest stages of this metamorphosis, the avangion retains almost all human characteristics. Closer to the ultimate form, the flesh becomes radiant silver, and wide, elegant gossamer wings sprout. Eventually, the preserver’s arms and legs become less and less useful. In the end, the legs are too fragile to support body weight, the arms too delicate for anything but fine manipulation.
A thri-kreen part way through avangion metamorphosis
Like dragons, avangions are effectively immortal. The passage of long periods of time mean nothing to their physical form. Avangions also powerful innate magical and psionic abilities unique to them.
Nature and Personality[]
An alternate depiction of avangion metamorphosis
Avangions retain—and even enhance—their intellect, wisdom, and compassion as they ascend. Unlike dragons, who often succumb to savage, animalistic instincts, avangions grow more serene and insightful. They become deeply attuned to the rhythms of life, able to sense the subtle pulse of Athas itself.
Despite their power, avangions are humble beings, driven by the hope of reversing Athas’s decline. They dream of bringing back green lands, clean water, and skies free from the choking red sun. Many see them as heralds of a new age—a vision few dare to believe possible.
Unlike dragons, avangions go through no animalistic stage where they lose their mental faculties. On the contrary, as an avangion progresses through the stages of its metamorphosis, its intellect increases notably.
These extremely powerful creatures are concerned with adventures of epic proportions — they have the power and influence to do so. They are the first of their kind in recorded history, a focus of change toward good, and perhaps are the most powerful good creatures on Athas.
Advanced beings like the avangion are extremely powerful, but large numbers of lesser creatures can still bring them down. The downfall of many dragons is their inability to work as a team.
Role on Athas[]
Avangions stand as the natural enemies of dragons. Whenever these mighty beings encounter each other, conflict is inevitable. Their battles are cataclysmic, shaking the land and scarring the skies. Dragons often rely on overwhelming physical force and destructive magic, while avangions counter with cunning tactics, defensive sorcery, and potent psionics.
Even so, an avangion knows they cannot save Athas alone. They often gather allies and inspire others to walk the path of preservation. Yet their metamorphosis demands periods of seclusion, during which they undergo powerful rituals that further distance them from mortal concerns.
Korgunard an Early stage avangion.
Known Avangions[]
References[]
- Dragon Kings. 2nd Edition. TSR Inc.
- Arcane Shadows. 2nd Edition. TSR Inc.
- Dark Sun Campaign Setting. Dungeon & Dragons 4th Edition. Wizards of the Coast.