Dragon

Dragons are arguably one of the oldest of the sentient species in Solia, spanning back eons before recorded history, before the arrival of the Nuaira.
Dragons are, by and large, reptilian creatures often imbued with magical, supernatural, and unusual abilities. Most often, they are capable of flight, either with wings or magic.
The information presented is for True Dragons, the beings of myth and legend. Other subspecies of dragons exist, such as the Dracolisk, the Dragon Turtle, the Drake, Sea Serpents, Wyvern, Tatzlwyrms, Wyvaran , and Kobolds, the latter two classified as part of the Species of the Wild

Basic Information

Anatomy

Draconic skeletal structure consists of a large head, long neck, broad shoulders, thick legs, a strong tail, and very large wings. The bones are very strong, hollow, and light, allowing for flight. Dragons have strong, powerful muscles. Their masseter muscle in the jaw and can easily crush bones to bits.
Two large muscles are found near the chest area, known as the Supraspinatus and Flexor alae major (the flight muscles). The huge, leathery wings usually seen on a dragon are similar to those of a bat. The bone structure of the wing is similar to a hand. It has a humerus, elbow joint, wrist, and phalanx, or fingers. These wings are supported in four places to the body, as opposed to being supported in only two places like those of a bird. Such wings can carry more weight, such as the amount of force to lift and maintain a dragon’s body in flight. The wing is usually bigger than the dragon’s body, to accommodate its mass. The wings can also be used as weapons, but since they aren’t as tough and rugged as the rest of the body, this is typically a last resort. If the membranes of the wing are severed, the dragon may never fly again.
The way a winged dragon actually flies is by scooping the air with the wings and forcing itself upward. Baby dragons learn to fly in much the same way as baby birds. They jump from high spots and learn to control themselves in flight.
All dragons are covered with scales. When born, a dragon’s scales are as soft as tissue paper, and slowly harden while the dragon grows. The process of getting scales as tough as they can get takes about one year after being hatched. Some have horns or spikes on their heads and running down the spine. Other species of dragons have developed ornamental plumage, often replacing or occasionally in tandem with the horns or spikes located around the crest of the head.
The eyes of the dragon also vary according to breed. Some have pupil-less eyes, while some have vivid purple eyes with pupils.

Genetics and Reproduction

Since the reproductive system of dragons is internal, it can be tricky to determine if a dragon is a male or a female. The general behavior and subtle differences can provide information about the dragon’s gender, dependent on species:

1. Male dragons have slightly more muscular limbs, and/or thicker wings.
2. Females dragons have slimmer muzzles (includes jaws, mouth, and nose).
3. Females may have slightly bigger eyes.
4. Male dragons have larger horns and broader arrowhead tails. The females’ horns may be slightly shorter or slimmer, and the arrowhead portion of the tail end is more slender.
5. Males may be depicted with a higher degree of aggression and impulsiveness, as compared to female dragons. They might look more commanding.
6. Females may have an air of mysticism about them. Mysticism as an inspired feeling of mystery and artistic wonder in those observing a female dragon.

In the mating process, the two partners fly high in the sky. When the time’s right, they enfold each other in their wings and make free-fall. At less than a hundred feet from the ground, they open their wings and land. This process is due to the dragons’ attraction to speed and risk, elements that are added to their love play.
Dragons lay eggs like reptiles and birds. The eggs are protected by an extremely hard shell. The incubation period varies among species. The range is approximately one to ten years.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragons continuously grow in physical and magical power as they age. Dragon researchers, including dragons themselves, have divided a dragon's lifespan into twelve age categories. From youngest to oldest they are:

1. wyrmling or hatchling (0–5 years)
2. very young (6–15 years)
3. young (16–25 years)
4. juvenile (26–50 years)
5. young adult (51–100 years)
6. adult (101–200 years)
7. mature adult (201–400 years)
8. old (401–600 years)
9. very old (601–800 years)
10. ancient (801–1,000 years)
11. wyrm (1,001–1,200 years)
12. and great wyrm (1,201+ years)

Ecology and Habitats

Dragons live in a wide variety of habitats depending on their type, but most prefer to live solitary lives. Driven by an unexplained biological urge, most dragons enjoy collecting large amounts of treasure, known as a hoard. These hoards vary by species but often consist of coins and other objects of great value, upon which a dragon sleeps. It is not uncommon for dragons to possess artifacts (historical and magical) of forgotten civilziations.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Generally carnivorous in nature, dragons are known to eat unfortunate adventurers who happen upon them unprepared. In times of famine, dragons have been known to be capable of digesting all manner of things, including rock, metal, and soil. Some sages speculate that the dragons hoard for times of famine, believing them capable of digesting the treasures for nutritional value.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dragons tend to be solitary creatures. Depending on the species, dragons might take a mate for a period of a decade or two, but before long even a pair of dragons can overwhelm an ecosystem, forcing the dragons to separate in order to survive.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Dragonhide is coveted for its toughness and its ability to provide some resistance to the energy associated with the dragon it was harvested from.
The choicest, most malleable skin from a dragon’s underbelly can be added to any weapon with a hilt or handle. Dragonskin grips may be added to an existing weapon or incorporated into a new weapon during crafting. The skin provides extra grip, making it harder to disarm the weapon.
Dragon Blood has many effects, depending on the manner of its use. In addition to its use as an alchemical reagent, Drinking dragon blood heals wounds and brings clarity of mind and strength of body. Bathing in dragon's blood reverses the effects of negative energy on the body, requiring at least three vials of dragon's blood. Depending on the dragon's species, additional effects can result.
Dragon Musk is used to create an exotic (and expensive) perfume. While only mildly fragrant itself (to everything except a dragon or dragonkin), dragon musk can elicit a variety of effects when added to a perfume. The effect depends largely on the other ingredients in the perfume, but a single application of draconic perfume lasts only 1 hour, regardless of its specific properties. Some of the more common additives are listed below.

Rosewood and myrrh: This concoction is an aphrodisiac, and any creature wearing this perfume is received as more diplomatic and charming. Any charm spells cast by the wearer is harder to resist.

Sage, bergamot, and cedar ash: This pungent aroma has an imposing effect. Any creature wearing this perfume is seen as more intimidating, even to creatures larger than itself.

Sulfur and honeycomb: This aroma is sometimes called “Hell’s Smell” or "Hell's Honey." Any creature wearing this scent finds their lies more believable, and their compulsion spells harder to resist.

A dragon’s stomach contains highly corrosive acid that can be crafted into an alchemical item called dragon’s gut. When thrown, it erupts in acid, causing damage to creatures and objects nearby. When used in place of traditional acids in spells, a dragon's gut provides additional effects:

• Acid Arrow: The spell lasts for 6-18 seconds longer than usual.
• Acid Fog: The fog clings to anything caught inside of it, lasting another six seconds after leaving the cloud.
• Acid Spray: The spell is more intense, dealing increased damage.

Dragon Pesh is produced by mixing dragon blood and the narcotic pesh to create a more potent high and less immediate disadvantage. It is highly addictive, more so than traditional pesh.
Dragon Bile, found in a dragon's liver and gall bladder, make an excellent poison.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragons and dragonkin exist on every continent and every biome of Solia.

Average Intelligence

Even the dullest of dragons tend to be smarter than the average Human. Some dragons, particularly those with a century or more of experience, have god-like levels of intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

When it comes to the senses of a dragon, their senses are like a Human's (sight, hearing, smelling, touch/balance, and taste), but much more extremely acute. Their regular five senses are incredibly sensitive. Some possess a sixth sense that enables them to “read” the emotions of another being. This sense is very accurate at close range.
The most acute senses are those of sight, smell, and touch. Most dragons can see in a full-color range. Nocturnal and subterranean species have enhanced night vision, with more rod cells.

Genetic Descendants

• Dracolisk
• Kobold
• True Dragons
• Wyvern

Scientific Name

Reference Race: Dragon

Lifespan

1200+

Average Height

10 - 20 feet / 3.048 - 6.096 meters at the shoulder

Average Weight

10 - 25 tons / 9,071 - 22,679 kilograms

Average Length

35 feet / 10.668 meters