The Nysl is one of the smallest dragons to live in Caelereth, second to the butterfly dragon. It stands at an average full height of twenty-seven nailsbreadths and seventeen nailsbreadths at the shoulder. Because of its size and supposed origins, the Nysl call themselves the "Dwarf Dragons". This small creature makes its home in the Vale with the Llaoihrr Brownies, being quite content with such small company. The oopper Nysl in the Vale have been integrated into the Brownie society for a variety of purposes, being companions and mounts for those who they have found favour with as well as providing armour. Some of the Nysl have found the knowledge the Llaoihrr possess to be intriguing, and find conversations with them to be fascinating as well as stimulating. They have also taken a liking to the Redbarks in particular, having a curiosity for the Life Magic these Brownies practice. Though they have magic of their own, they are eager to learn new things and have been attempting to grasp some basic concepts of what Life Magic contains, but find it to still be beyond what they understand. Like their cousins, the drakes, they are known for a prolonged lifespan of nearly 200 years.

Appearance. These dragons come in three colours: gold, silver, and copper, ranging in rarity depending on their colouration. The gold are the rarest amongst the Nysl while the copper are the most common. The silver, though very friendly, shares a similar rarity with the gold, but lacks the awe-inspiring reaction created when a gold Nysl is seen. The scales of the Nysl are like small fingernails in shape and design, but despite their brittle appearance, they are a strong defense against many larger predators. The scales of the gold and silver also have a metallic sheen to them, making them shimmer in the sun's light. Yet the copper Nysl's scales are flat, not containing the shimmer the others' possess. These hard scales cover most of their body except the wings and underbelly. Their underbelly scales are much softer and less durable than the ones which cover their backs, being much like that of a snake's skin.

The Nysl range in size but not greatly in shape, retaining a similar structure in both facial features and body build to each other as well as their larger kin. They are long and lean creatures with compact muscles and a swift agility, making them formidable predators in their own right. Their height expands from about twenty nailsbreadths to thirty-five nailsbreadths tall. They also reach a good length of 100-110 nailsbreadths, and a wingspan of anywhere from ninety nailsbreadths to 105 nailsbreadths. The copper Nysl, being the smallest of the three, has made a great mount for the Llaoihrr because of its comparative height of a horse to a human. Also, with their small size and aptitude for flight, they do not weigh much, being an average of about thirty ods. In these respects, they share an approximate size with the Aohu'o's skyters, though their differences are quite numerous.

For each, the facial features are fairly similar: a short yet pointed muzzle. The tip is quite sharp, as it is used for tearing and ripping meat. A curved shield-like bone structure decorates the back of their head. It is not large, nor does it stand upright. It mostly curves around the the head as a frontal protection for the neck. At the top of this plate are two mildly sharp horns which match the colour of their scales. They serve little purpose in life, but have found a use amongst the Brownies as weapons and various tools because of their strength and durability. Their talons are long, curved and black in colour. They are used for grabbing hold of branches and rock cliffs with ease, being very sharp and sturdy, as there is nothing known to be able to damage them.

• Gold
  With scales of shimmering gold, these dragons are the rarest of the Nysl and are considered to be the most beautiful of their kind. The golden Nysl is the largest of the three, being about thirty-five nailsbreadths tall and 110 nailsbreadths long. Their wings, spanning about 105 nailsbreadths wide, are one of the more fascinating aspects which had been observed, as they are quite unlike the others. Instead of being the traditional skin stretched between wing bones, they are shaped somewhat like that of a butterfly's and look like a curved spine descending from their shoulders to the tip of their tail. The bones are evenly spaced, pointing outward from the body and have what seems to be a flexible cartilage material between them. The creatures fly by moving these wings in a continual wave like motion, propelling themselves through the air with a majestic grace. The gold Nysl are amongst the wild Nysl in the Vale, and seem to display the most aggressive disposition of the three Nysl. Their existence is extensively recorded by one particular researcher, Syalah Redbark, who has been studying the Nysl for a good many years. But still, not much is known about this particular Nysl. Syalah assumes, in her notes, that they take on many of the personality characteristics their larger counterparts emit. Because of some distinct characteristics which sets it apart from the other Nysl, it is debated whether the creature is actually a different type of dragon all together.

• Silver
  The second rarest Nysl to be recorded, this creature has been observed much more closely and a little more is known about them. Their eyes are silver in colour, and are slitted like that of other dragons. Having the traditional style of wings, a long continual piece of strong and flexible skin which is stretched between four wing bones, these Nysl resemble their larger kin much more closely. The scales of the silver Nysl shimmer with a metallic sheen like that of the gold. They are also of a mild temperament, being one of the more friendly and trusting Nysl. Syalah even had the opportunity to speak with the creature, and has found their knowledge of the world to be quite extensive. Standing at a full height of thirty nailsbreadths, they run the middle road of the Nysl size. Their wingspan is close to 100 nailsbreadths and they are a 105 nailsbreadths long. They also possess an extensive knowledge of what Ximaxians would consider "wind magic", but little is understood of this observantly innate ability.

• Copper
  The copper Nysl, which has made their home with the Llaoihrr Brownies, are the most common and well known Nysl of Sarvonia. Known to be the smallest of the Nysl, these creatures are about twenty-five nailsbreadths tall and about 100 nailsbreadths long. Their wingspan is nearly ninety nailsbreadths wide. Size is of little consequence when it comes to these creatures as their scales are strong and durable, even after death, and are often used for armour amongst the Llaoihrr because of their strength and lack of metallic sheen. Copper eyes are full of curiosity, eager to learn new things and to share the old. The copper Nysl are of a mild temperament and are more curious than anything else. A short attention span often makes it difficult to work with them, but the Llaoihrr have found ways to work around their pesky characteristics. Magic is something which is second nature to these creatures, but it is not often used other than for showing off. They find little need for it on a daily basis, but cannot resist studying it on various levels, learning from the Brownies and visitors to the Vale.

Special Abilities. It is believed these creatures have the ability to speak to each other through mysterious means of the mind. From what has been observed, they would seem to be lost in thought or have a far away look in their eyes. Though, during conversations with these creatures, they often lay hints to such an ability, but they keep it under a thick web of secrecy. It is one of the few things they are not willing to explain further to those around them, even though they have the intense desire to both share and obtain knowledge.

Their magic is also something of interest that many have tried to study and comprehend, but it is a complex ability, an innate ability, something which is so a part of them it isn't something they even have to think about to accomplish. Though, they are eager to share the information and abilities they have learned over years of existence, it has been observed that their magic is much like what a wind mage may practice. Learning magic from the Nysl is much like the task of the Nysl trying to learn magic from the Redbarks; complicated and frustrating at times, but the Nysl are not ones to give up easily when it comes to understand something new.

Also, like their larger kin, they have the ability to breathe fire. This is known to be true for all three of the Nysl, and it is generally their first line of attack or defense. One must often be careful not to startle the Nysl, or they may quickly find themselves singed from the flames emitted from their small mouths. It is not understood how they are able to perform this ability, but there is some speculation that it is a form of magic they possess.

The ease of communication is something which has made the Nysl an invaluable addition to the Llaoihrr society. Not only can the Brownies learn new languages through the Nysl, but they can communicate on the same level with their own language, as the copper Nysl have learned to speak the native language of the Brownies. This has created a strong bond between the two groups, making them a force to be reckoned with on many levels.

Territory. The Nysl consider the Vale, and the surrounding mountains, their home. Being found as far north as Kor Doníon and as far south as the northern edge of the Quallian Forest, they can be seen fully within the boundaries of the Vale. The copper Nysl never leave the Vale, even as it has been tried, they have been adamant about remaining where they were. The gold and silver Nysl will skim the edges of the Vale's boundaries when hunting, but they will be very careful to stay within the imaginary lines.

Habitat/Behaviour. The Nysl that live amongst the Brownies live much like that of cats but are much more inquisitive and aware. They thrive on learning and stimulating conversations, though, compared to their larger kin, they are far from the most intelligent. Also possessing a mild temperament makes them quite enjoyable companions, and aggression is rightfully noted as rare with the exception of between other Nysl. The copper Nysl also have a closeness to each other and are usually found with at least one other as a companion, giving them another to rough-house with to keep their temperament even.

The copper Nysl prefer the closeness to the Brownies to the typical mountainous regions the other Nysl call home. Living primarily with the Llaoihrr at Sorceress' Peak, it seems they are drawn to this place, and why is quite a speculation. Many believe it is partly because of the mystical properties the Brownies who live there possess, but the copper Nysl are not just found with the Llaoihrr at Sorceress' Peak. They can be found all over the Vale.

The Oha-ooy is something the Nysl find curious, especially because it is used by the life mages, an aspect of Brownie life the Nysl find quite fascinating. Though the Nysl cannot use the Oha-ooy as a staff, they do try to mimic the way Brownies use it when storing 'magic' within them. The Nysl are also the primary method the Llaoihrr use to access the wild Oha-ooy, as they have a similar mindset when dealing with the tree.

The gold and silver Nysl, unlike the copper, prefer the loneliness of the mountains than the companionship with the Brownies. Yet, they find themselves drawn to Sorceress' Peak, much like that of the copper Nysl, and this is something still being studied. While it is generally unheard of, there have been a few cases of the silver Nysl finding companionship with a Brownie or even an Elf, but the Nysl seem to find no connection with any other races, which is still under observation by researchers. The golden Nysl is the most aggressive of the three, and the most protective. It will guard its territory and 'treasure' with a great ferocity. This is countered by the silver who is known to be more friendly and much more like the copper Nysl.

The Nysl like to talk, especially when it is on a topic they are quite passionate about, and they are more than eager to chatter anyone's ear off who is willing, or even not willing, to listen. They are also great listeners, asking questions and learning whatever they can get their ears on. Many of the Brownies find this trait quite intolerable some days, as they feel a day should be more productive on a more noticeable front than just discussing the philosophies of life.

Diet. Coming from a long line of meat eating creatures, the Nysl are no exception of their kind, finding small game quite tasty. They will eat just about any small animal they can get their mouths on, but this varies greatly from creature to creature.

The copper Nysl, as much as they dislike to admit it, have been domesticated enough to know what they can and cannot eat in the Brownie villages. Their diet usually consists of whatever meat they are given by their companions, but they do not complain as long as they are fed. This has led to a great level of trust between the Brownies and the copper Nysl, and the Nysl will not be the ones to say they regret their 'domestication', even though they do not like being associated too closely with that term.

The silver and gold Nysl take joy in taking down wild game, be it from the sky or on the ground. They are sufficient hunters, having no difficulty in catching the prey they go after: rabbits, sheep, goats, and some fowl. Sometimes, they will band together to take down larger prey such as horses or deer. When a kill is made, the corpse is ravaged and nothing is left of the creature when the Nysl are done tearing it apart.

Mating. The ritual performed by these creatures when they mate is nothing spectacular, but it can be beautiful to observe if one has the time. The Nysl are in no rush when they mate, taking their time to enjoy each other's company and pleasures. They are very affectionate creatures, and will display this with their mates with rubbing their bodies together and lick each other's faces much like that of a dog to its master. When the time comes for them to commence with intercourse, the female must give the male permission. She does this by becoming a bit more aggressive towards him, nipping, scratching and growling at him for attention. There have been times observed that she would become so determined, blood would be drawn in her attempts. When the male finally relents to her aggression, or has had enough of the torment, he will mount his mate and proceed with a persuaded momentum.

Not every encounter will be for impregnating the female. In fact, she is only fertile enough to conceive four times in her lifetime and most females will lay eggs twice in a lifetime. In a batch, there will usually be two to five eggs, and an average of three to four baby Nysl, often referred to as an Eiti, reaching adulthood. The Nysl find pleasure in each other, both through intercourse and through being in each others company. Being fiercely loyal creatures, the Nysl will defend their mate to the death, no matter who or what dares to stand between them. This has made the copper Nysl a troublesome creature to live with from time to time, especially if they are newly joined to a mate. Yet, many find this trait beautiful, understanding the love one has for the other and will not try to fight it.

When the female lays her eggs, she will guard them for about three months until they hatch, not leaving them alone for a second. The egg itself often reflects the colour of the Nysl, being either copper, silver, or gold, but it is just colour and it retains no actual metal within them of any value. They are also almost perfectly round, much like that of a fish egg, but with a much stronger shell. Though there is a huge trust between mates, the female will not leave the eggs alone with their mate. She relies on her mate to take care of her while she tends to the eggs, bring her food, water, and companionship.

Once the eggs hatch, the Eiti will emerge as a small and very round version of its parents, being a mere palmspan in length and eight nailsbreadths around at the belly. Most Eiti are born as a shade of purple. This hue ranges from almost white to a dark rich colouration depending on the colour of the parents. Gold Nysl will usually have a medium shade while the silver Nysl will be much closer to that of white. The copper Nysl usually have the darkest hue when they are born.

The Eiti don't grow at a very fast pace, relying on their parents greatly for the first fifteen years of their life. When they reach twenty-five, they are considered adults, and the females have reached their first fertile period. Most do not conceive during this period, but it has been known to happen from time to time. Once they have reached adulthood, their parents leave them to fend for themselves, as they will most likely have chosen a mate by their twenty-fifth year.

Usages. The copper Nysl, having grown accustomed to the company of the Brownies, have allowed their little companions to take to their backs from time to time. This is a jovial experience for both parties, and no aggression is expressed in this manner of riding. The expression of freedom which the Nysl emits when flying, they are more than willing to share with the close companions. The Nysl also do not mind participating in various games in which they carry riders, but they will often become bored with the game unless it stimulates their mind, and there have been times they have taken out their boredom on the one thing the Brownies needed to continue their play.

The scales of the Nysl, after they have been shed, do not lose their strength properties and are used to make some of the best armour available to the Brownies of the area. The scales are not shed often, so it may take years to put together one piece of armour, depending on its size. This also makes the amour very expensive to have made.

The teeth of the Nysl never dull, remaining sickeningly sharp even after years of steady use. It is because of this the Llaoihrr have found them to be great for all sorts of tools and weaponry. The claws are also used for similar purposes because of their razor-sharp nature, and even more useful because they are stronger and last much longer than the teeth.

Myth/Lore. Where these creatures originated from has been a great debate amongst researchers. Some manuscripts state the Void as a possible place of origin, while others explain why the Tanadala Highlands is a more appropriate place. Yet, if you ask the Nysl themselves, they will tell you a different story, as they firmly believe in their close kindred to their larger counterparts. They believe in this fact so distinctly, that they often refer to themselves as the "Dwarf Dragons". When the Nysl actually arrived at the Vale has been long lost and forgotten, but the Brownies will never forget their first encounter with these creatures.

It was this unlikely pair which made Nysl history, as none had felt the courage to do such a thing on their own. To leave Brownies meant certain death, even with their adaptable nature. People would be fearful of them, even with their diminutive size, and would rally against them, slaughtering them on sight. Yet, they hoped over the years the opinion of them would be changed by Kalína Dalá'isyrás, and they would be able to make an appearance in their old homeland without the fear of persecution.

Researchers. Syalah Redbark is well known amongst the Llaoihrr Brownies for her work and study of the Nysl. She has spent many years trying to understand the creatures and others have found it helpful in learning how to live with these fascinating creatures. Syalah spent many years studying the works of various researchers of drakes and dragons in the attempt to properly classify the Nysl, specifically Morcaanan and Kalína Dalá'isyrás. Only after extensive research on both the Nysl, and the other researchers' work did she come to classify the Nysl as a dragon.

3rd Rising Sun 1671 a.S. Information provided by Kaliná Dalá'isyrás