True Dragon, General

Andraous (Discontinued)    Wildlife    Draconic      True Dragon, General

This ancient lineage of draconoids has many diverse species around the world, and holds the fear and respect of many different folk and creatures. Researching these creatures is a very difficult and dangerous endeavor. One of their most defining characteristics is their ability to breathe fire, something that no other draconoid can do.

Basic Information

Anatomy

These creatures are a highly diverse group, with many species varying on size, color, markings, horns, and crests. However all are scaled quadrupeds with a pair of leathery/scaled wings on their back. They have long tails and necks, and hollow bones that make them lighter in order to be able to fly. Horns, neck frills, and crests decorate their heads, and sharp teeth line their mouths. Sharp claws allow them to take on large prey and to defend themselves. Males tend to be more brightly colored than females.

Biological Traits

Defense In addition to using fire, true dragons will also slash with their claws and bite threats. While younger individuals usually rely on their brute strength to fight off threats, older individuals use their cunning and experience. They often use techniques such as using their tail to sweep an opponents feet out from under them. Hatchlings and small species will also puff their scales out to look bigger.
Fire Breathing All true dragons have the ability to "breathe" fire using a highly volatile liquid excreted by a gland in the back of their mouth. They can only produce this liquid so quickly, so are typically limited to breathing fire a few times a day, so it is often used as a last resort.
They are also capable of changing the color of these flames. Regular colored fire is typically used in hunting or for defense, while a colored flame is used as part of a mating display, and can vary based on species.
Some individuals are born, or wounded to the point where they are unable to breathe fire. While they can learn to live without it, it means its harder for them to defend themselves or attract a mate.
Flight The vast majority of true dragon species are capable of flight and are considered strong fliers. They take off and land using a vertical technique, and can fly for long distances without needing to stop and rest.

Illnesses They are prone to arthritis and fractures, especially as they age.
Magic There has been some debate on whether or not true dragons are capable of using magic. It is known that they are resistant to any magic used on them.
Venom Some species has a venomous bite.

Genetics and Reproduction

When young true dragons reach sexual maturity the males will try to attract a female using special calls and flame displays. Once a male has got a female's attention they will bring each other to their dens to show off their hoards. The bigger the hoard the more attractive a dragon is to other dragons. If the male and female decide to take the other as their life mate, they will combine their hoards and breed once every couple years to once a decade.
True dragons typically have around 4 eggs per clutch, and are highly protective of their eggs and young. A mated pair will work together to care for and defend their young, and will take turns hunting while the other one stays with their young. Once the young reach a few years old they will leave their parent's nest. If more than one chick survives long enough to leave the nest they will stick together until they become sexually mature.

Ecology and Habitats

True dragons can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but most are found in temperate to tropical regions. Mountains and seaside cliffs are often considered prime dragon territory.
A dragon's territory is often massive, though its size can depend on food availability. While they do patrol their entire territory, they typically have 1 or more lairs, often situated somewhere up high. These lairs  give them a place where they can observe their territory, more easily take flight, and protection from threats. They are very protective of their territory, and have been known to fight to the death over territory rights.

Dietary Needs and Habits

True dragons are fearsome hunters, needing abundant quantities of meat to thrive. They have highly efficient metabolisms, and have been known to scavenge if needed. A large meal can allow them to go several months between meals.

Biological Cycle

Some species are capable of hibernating during times of low food or poor weather. Don't wake sleeping dragons!

Additional Information

Social Structure

True dragons are either solitary or found in bonded pairs. Due to being highly territorial they will often attack intruders on sight.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

True dragons are both feared and respected among the many different folk around the world. Royals and nobles often use imagery of them as a symbol of power, strength, and majesty. In a few cases they have even used the dragons themselves as guards for treasure.
Their bodies have also been proven highly valuable to many folk. Many different magical resources can be extracted from their flesh, and their tough hide can be used to make strong armor and other goods.
In addition to how valuable their bodies are, none can deny the value in a dragon's hoard. Gathering shiny or magical items, their hoards tend to be filled with items made from rare metals such as gold and silver, gemstones, jewelry, magical items, etc. They spend a lot of time maintaining and growing their hoards, and individuals with especially big hoards have been known to have coins and such embedded in their scales after lying in their hoard. Stealing a dragon's hoard can leave one with riches beyond their wildest dreams, that is, if they can escape the dragon's wrath.
Some folk despise true dragons and their kin, and have started campaigns to completely eliminate them. Certain settlements have been completely taken over by true dragons, either by smaller species that directly hunt folk, or by larger species that are only pacified by regular sacrifices of livestock or gold and gems.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Found across the world.

Average Intelligence

True dragons are considered to be highly intelligent, with some scholars suggesting that they be elevated to sapience status.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

True dragons have keen eyesight, and decent dark vision.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Recently there have been reports of some populations speaking a previously unknown language among themselves, as well as a few reports of them speaking known languages.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

• Feared by many races.

Lifespan

Long lived, can live several centuaries.

Average Length

Length: 75'-100' Wingspan: 100'