Dragon
Dragons have an incredibly long lifespan, living for centuries or even millennia. They are also quite intelligent and individualistic, with each dragon having its own unique personality, preferences, and abilities. Each dragon possesses a breath weapon that varies from species to species and is often the primary means by which dragons defend themselves. The iconic breath weapon is the ability to breathe fire, while other types include acid, frost, lightning, and poisonous gas.
Dragons are territorial, protecting their lairs and the treasures they have accumulated over their long lives. They are also resistant to magic, and some can even cast spells. In general, dragons are seen as powerful and majestic creatures that inspire awe and fear in those who encounter them. Their ability to fly adds to their awe-inspiring presence, as they soar through the skies with grace and power. Dragons are known for their intelligence and cunning, making them formidable adversaries in battle. Legends and tales of dragons have been passed down through generations, further adding to their mythical status.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragons in the world of Dessend are in a category of their own, with characteristics of mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, and fish. The characteristics of dragons can vary greatly among the many species, but some are common to all true dragons.
All true dragons are quadrupedal, with a pair of enormous wings attached above their shoulders and a long, thick tail. Dragon wings can be membranous, feathered, or chitinous, and all dragons are covered in scales, though many also have some fur and/or feathers. Other "appendages" can vary from species to species, including horns, spikes, antennae, fins, and barbels. Dragon skulls are angular, with sharp fangs and eyes with vertical pupils that emit a small amount of light in otherwise completely unlit areas.
All dragons are warm-blooded, lay conical, hard-shelled eggs, and nurse their young with milk for the first year of their lives. Dragon milk ducts are hidden in slits in their abdomens, like those of dolphins. Dragon whelps hatch with a beak-like egg tooth that falls off within a day of hatching. Dragon whelps are covered in soft, downy scales that gradually harden as they grow older. These scales provide them with protection from predators and the elements. As they mature, dragons develop their distinctive features, such as horns and spikes, which continue to grow throughout their lives. Additionally, their wingspan expands, allowing them to take flight and soar through the skies with grace and power.
Biological Traits
There are many dragon species, each named after the primary color of their body. This is because dragons with the same primary color often share other physical characteristics, preferred habitats, and behaviors.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dragons undergo a ten-year cycle of estrus, with a peak of one year during which they have a strong urge to mate. Because of their shape-shifting abilities, dragons have the flexibility to take on either a maternal or paternal role in the care of their offspring. Courtship rituals vary among dragon species, but copulation is like that of many quadrupeds.
After fertilization, the mother dragon will carry the eggs for approximately three to six months before laying. The eggs hatch about six to nine months later. While it's believed that dragon eggs must be exposed to the element of their parents, the truth is that dragon eggs contain elemental energies that manifest themselves in the egg's shell. For example, red dragon eggs are searing to the touch, and white dragon eggs are icy cold. These elemental energies are crucial for the development of the baby dragons inside. As the eggs incubate, the elemental powers within the shells interact with the growing embryos, shaping their characteristics and abilities. This unique process ensures that each dragon possesses innate control over their respective element from the moment they hatch. It is truly a remarkable sight to witness the hatching of these majestic creatures, as the elemental energies burst forth, depending on the type of dragon.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dragons grow somewhat slowly compared to other races, taking 15 to 20 years to reach adolescence and almost as long to mature beyond it. They grow slowly but steadily throughout their lives, and no one knows the maximum size a dragon can reach. There are legends that some islands and other landforms are actually incredibly ancient, hibernating dragons. These legendary dragons are said to be so massive that their bodies form the very landscapes they inhabit. It is believed that these ancient dragons, dormant for centuries, hold unimaginable power within them. Some brave adventurers have set out to awaken these slumbering giants, hoping to harness their wisdom and strength. However, cautionary tales warn that disturbing these dormant dragons may unleash catastrophic consequences upon the world.
Ecology and Habitats
Dragon habitats on Dessend are influenced by a combination of their species and individual preferences. Dragons have a deep affinity for places that align with their elemental nature, allowing them to thrive and fully utilize their inherent abilities.
Fire dragons are naturally drawn to areas of intense heat and fire. They find solace in deserts, volcanic regions, or even fiery caves nestled within mountains. These environments provide them with the ideal conditions to bask in scorching temperatures and unleash their powerful fiery breath.
Frost dragons thrive in cold and icy landscapes. They are most at home in snow-capped mountains, frozen tundra, or regions near the poles, where they can withstand freezing temperatures and use their icy breath and frost-related abilities.
Lightning dragons are often found in coastal habitats where they have access to the immense power of tropical storms. They may also inhabit other regions prone to the formation of intense and electrifying weather patterns.
Acid dragons thrive in swamps, marshes, and other types of wetlands. They can also live in rare poison forests, where the air is saturated with toxic fumes and the flora itself possesses poisonous properties, providing an environment that suits their affinity for acidic elements.
While dragons generally exhibit these habitat preferences based on their elemental nature, there can still be individual variations within each species. Factors such as territory availability, food sources, and the unique preferences of individual dragons can also influence their choice of habitat.
Dietary Needs and Habits
As hypercarnivores, dragons consume a diet consisting primarily of meat, including muscle tissue, organs, marrow, and even bones. Their powerful jaws and digestive systems are well adapted to extract the necessary nutrients from these protein-rich sources. Their jaws are equipped with razor-sharp teeth that can easily tear through flesh and crush bones, allowing them to make the most of every meal. Additionally, their digestive systems are incredibly efficient, breaking down the toughest of proteins and absorbing every bit of nutrition.
While meat makes up the majority of their diet, dragons also incorporate non-carnivorous elements for nutritional balance, including various fruits and fungi. Dragons have the ability to metabolize these carbohydrate sources for energy. This dietary versatility allows dragons to sustain themselves in different environments, as they can adapt to both meat-rich and plant-rich habitats. Despite their ability to consume a wide range of foods, dragons still prioritize meat as their primary source of sustenance due to its high protein content, which is essential for maintaining their muscular bodies and immense strength. Overall, their efficient digestion and adaptable diet make dragons formidable predators and survivors in the animal kingdom.
The exact composition of a dragon's diet varies depending on the species, habitat, and individual preferences. But, the primary reliance on meat and the inclusion of mushrooms and fruits as carbohydrate sources is a general characteristic of their dietary habits.
Behaviour
Dragons, both as a variety of species and as individuals, exhibit a wide range of characteristics, but there are several traits that are associated with them. Foremost among these traits is their deep pride. Dragons are acutely aware of their immense power, which sets them apart from the common races, and they hold themselves in high esteem.
Bravery and ambition are also prominent characteristics of dragons. They are known for their fearlessness and constant pursuit of new challenges and opportunities for personal growth. Dragons do not shy away from struggle or adversity, but rather face it head-on.
There is a common misconception that dragons are greedy creatures. But for many dragons, their hoarding tendencies stem not from greed but from a genuine curiosity and interest in the world. Dragons appreciate the artistic value and unique qualities found in every piece of treasure they collect, whether it is man-made or natural. They see treasure as a collection of both beauty and imperfection and value each item for its individuality.
From a dragon's perspective, every coin in their hoard has some individual marker. Be it a pit, a divot, a scratch, a chip, a crack, or some other flaw, every single coin has some minor imperfection that makes it unique. To the dragon, these imperfections are not seen as flaws but rather as marks of character and history. Each coin tells a story—a tale of its journey through time and the hands it has passed through. These imperfections are like battle scars, adding to the allure and charm of the treasure. The dragon takes pride in the fact that their hoard is not just a collection of shiny objects, but a testament to the richness and diversity of the world.
It is important to note that while these traits are often associated with dragons, there can be variations between individuals, and not all dragons will embody these traits to the same degree.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Among their own kind, dragons are primarily solitary creatures. A few like-minded pairs will stay in each other's company for long periods of time, but most dragons keep to themselves. Each dragon claims a large territory for themselves. Dragons from neighboring territories meet to discuss events in their regions, form alliances, and mate. There is no hierarchy among dragons, only an understanding that the older a dragon is, the larger and more powerful it will become.
Most dragons maintain a constant population of servants or slaves. These are usually kobolds, but individuals of other races have also been observed serving them. The organization of a dragon's servants depends on the dragon's own personality; a very organized dragon will have a well-structured hierarchy of servants.
Average Intelligence
Dragon intelligence varies, but even the most average dragon would be considered a genius among the common races. At worst, they are still at least as intelligent as most humans. However, some dragons are driven by their instincts and only use rational thought when faced with a situation where their instincts cannot prevail.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragons have very keen senses. They can see in environments that are either too bright or too dark for most common races. They have acute hearing and senses of smell and taste. Most surprisingly, they have a very acute sense of vibrations through mediums such as stone and water. With their ability to sense vibrations through these mediums, dragons possess an uncanny awareness of their surroundings, making it nearly impossible to sneak up on them. Whether it's detecting the subtle ripples in water or the faint tremors in the earth, dragons can effortlessly navigate their environment and remain one step ahead, proving to be formidable creatures indeed.
Civilization and Culture
Gender Ideals
As all dragons have the ability to shape-shift, which allows them to change their physical form, including their gender presentation, traditional gender ideals and roles have no meaning within the dragon races. Each dragon has the freedom and ability to change their gender presentation as they see fit, according to their personal preferences or circumstances.
Courtship Ideals
Interactions between dragons are predominantly transactional in nature, and this dynamic extends to dragon courtship. Unlike many other species, dragon courtship does not involve elaborate displays of affection or a focus on compatibility. Instead, dragon courtship is seen as an extension of the usual negotiations and exchanges that take place when dragons gather.
The transactional nature of dragon courtship emphasizes the practical aspects of forming alliances and ensuring the continuation of their bloodlines. It focuses less on emotional attachments or romantic expressions, and more on the mutual benefits and strategic considerations that result from such unions.
While this transactional approach to courtship is common among dragons, there can be variations in individual preferences and approaches to courtship.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
All dragons have an innate understanding of the Draconic language, which is rather guttural and consists of many hisses and low growls. Many members of the common races have learned the language, but have been forced to create an adapted dialect that is easier for them to speak. While still intelligible to dragons, it often sounds quite amusing.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Dragons who live near settlements of common races are often fascinated by all the events, intrigue, and drama. As a result, many dragons take the form of familiar, often overlooked creatures, such as cats or rats, in order to observe them up close. Others may take the form of one of the common races and attempt to integrate themselves into their societies. In either case, the dragon is careful not to reveal its true nature unless it finds someone it deems trustworthy enough.
Genetic Descendants
Related Organizations
Related Myths
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