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Glacial Thaldrun

The Glacial Thaldrun are massive winged drakes that serve as the aerial vanguard of the Allfather's children, representing some of the most formidable aerial combatants within the Messianic legions. These ancient creatures, native to the frozen world of Frodheim, have formed an unshakeable bond with their Uraskan handlers through generations of selective breeding and spiritual conditioning.

thaldrun warrior A Glacial Thaldrun and its Uraskan rider soaring above the battlefield during the defense of the Omnium Theocracy

Physical Characteristics

Standing at heights of up to thirty feet when fully grown, Glacial Thaldrun possess thick, armored scales that shimmer with a bluish-white iridescence reminiscent of glacial ice. Their wingspan can reach up to seventy feet, with membranes reinforced by deposits of crystalline ice that forms naturally within their tissue. This unique biological feature allows them to withstand extreme temperatures and provides natural armor during aerial combat.

The Thaldrun's most distinctive feature is their breath weapon - a devastating cone of super-cooled air that can flash-freeze enemies instantly. This ability comes from specialized organs in their throat that can compress and rapidly cool atmospheric gases. When released, this breath can freeze even aberrations solid, making them especially effective against the forces of the dark pantheon.

Cultural Significance

Within Uraskan culture, Thaldrun hold a revered position as symbols of Uzhyr's dominion over the skies. Ancient Uraskan myths speak of the first Thaldrun being born from the breath of winter itself, though modern scholars believe they were likely bio-engineered by the ancient Lort'zyn civilization before their fall. The Uraskans maintain complex breeding programs overseen by specialized handlers called Thaldrun Masters, who dedicate their lives to maintaining the purity of bloodlines and training new generations of these magnificent creatures.

Military Role

In battle, Glacial Thaldrun serve multiple tactical roles. Their primary function is as heavy air support, able to engage both ground and aerial targets with devastating effectiveness. A single Thaldrun can turn the tide of a skirmish, their ice breath capable of freezing entire squads of enemies solid while their razor-sharp talons and fangs make short work of armored targets.

The bond between Thaldrun and their Uraskan riders is legendary, forged through years of training and strengthened by combat. Each drake chooses its own rider, a process known as the Frost Communion, where prospective riders must prove themselves worthy through a grueling ritual of endurance and willpower. This bond allows for seamless coordination in battle, with rider and mount operating as a single deadly unit.

Role in the War for Eternity

During the War for Eternity, Glacial Thaldrun have proven invaluable in combating the aerial threats of the Stygian legions. Their natural resistance to corruption and ability to freeze aberrations solid has made them particularly effective against flying horrors such as Goragers and other airborne monstrosities. Their most notable engagement came during the defense of the unshaped Athenaeum, where a wing of Thaldrun riders successfully prevented a force of biblioclast scribes from completely destroying the repository's highest spires.

Breeding and Training

The breeding of Glacial Thaldrun is overseen with religious dedication within specially constructed eyries in the highest peaks of Frodheim. These facilities, known as Frost Cradles, maintain perfect conditions for hatching and raising young drakes. The training process begins from the moment of hatching, with young Thaldrun being exposed to both martial and spiritual teachings that will prepare them for their future roles as instruments of Uzhyr's will.

See Also