Dragons
Basic Information
Anatomy
Most dragons share the same principal features: wings, tails, four or ore limbs, and narrow heads. However, the element of a dragon plays a major factor in their size, skeletal structure, and physical appearance.
Water & Sea Dragons
Dragons who heir from the sea are the most amphibious of all their kin. They possess both lungs and gills; webbed feet and wings. Their size is not in their bulk, but in their length. Some sea dragons grow to be as long as the most massive whales. They can have up to 6 legs, but their limbs tend to be shorter than most of their kin. On land, they walk closest to the ground. Their faces and spines are accented by various arrays of jagged fins, and occasionally tendrils or long whiskers (more common in deep-sea dwelling dragons.) Sea Dragons come in all different shades of blue, blue-green, and silver.
Storm & Ice Dragons
Storm and Ice Dragons are from the same lineage as Sea Dragons-- but their amphibious capabilities are where the similarities between them stop. Storm Dragons' bodies are shorter and sturdier than their parent dragons, often with four limbs and two sets of strong wings, and long tails. They also have fins and webbed feet, but spend much more time airborne than their parents. They are among the most fearsome dragons, with the ability to manipulate both water and electricity, and impressive strength. These dragons are usually dark shades of grey and blue, with some silver accents. Ice Dragons, by contrast, are among the most skittish and elusive of dragons. They are quite small comparatively, with the standard four legs/one set of wings. While they are almost exclusively land-dwelling, the similarities between them and their amphibious parents show in their slightly webbed feet and their low-to-the-ground stature. These small dragons range from light blue, to almost purely silver or white.
Reef Dragons
One of the rarest tiers of dragons know to exist are the reef dragons. They live to be ancient and massive. Reef dragons spend their lives entirely underwater, travelling slowly; they have one of the most intimate relationships with their surrounding environments. These dragons, as their name implies, literally grow coral reefs along their entire body. They are host to thousands of species of fish and plants, and often times they will stop moving entirely as they age, allowing the plant life on their backs to consume their entire bodies.
Gemstone Dragons
Deep within the Earth, mountains, and caverns, Gemstone Dragons (or simply Stone Dragons) were formed. Their anatomy is bulky and powerful. They are heavily armored in natural minerals, which form and grow on the over time. In some cases, large chunks of gemstones will grow in patches on the dragons' anatomy (usually on their backs, faces, or tails.) Unlike most of their kin, these giants do not have wings. Spending their lives primarily underground rendered them unnecessary. Instead, they have immense natural armor, 4-6 eyes, and extremely dexterous, powerful tails. They also have much more notable horns than other dragons, which grow from their temples or jaws. Their scales will often take on the colour of the mineral forming them, as well as sleek grey and brown tones for camouflage.
Fire Dragons
These common dragons are the closest in appearance to traditional European dragons, with sturdy builds, four legs, strong wings, and long, tapered tails. However, they do tend to be on the smaller side for most of their lives. They'll usually peek around 6 feet tall until they're several hundred years old. Because of their relatively small stature and their commonness-- and their affable, energetic natures-- fire dragons are a favorite for many tribes and villagers. They come in a wide array of colours, including dark red, smokey purple, brown and grey, and creamy white.
Air & Sky Dragons
These dragons are nearly as common as their fire dragon kin, but much more aloof. They are built for long flights and turbulent winds: light bone structure, slender bodies, and long, powerful wings. Their tails are ridged with variations of tail-feather-esque structures, for enhance aerodynamics. They have longer legs than most dragons, and the most impressive talons. These serve as their only form of aggressive defense. Their slight, angular frames are not nearly as battle-hearty as their kin. They are typically light blue, grey, or white, and occasionally have light orange or pink colourations.
Ethereal Dragons
The most mysterious of their kin by far, Ethereal Dragons (a.k.a. Void Dragons) came to Earth directly from the Ethereal plane. Those that have been seen all have very similar (and basic) body types-- their physique is neither intimidating nor meek. A single defining physical feature is their tails, which split off into three thin tendrils. However, it is hard to tell what they actually look like. Their scales are various iridescent shades, or a black so dark that it's hard to see. Their breath comes out as wisps of black steam. They all have four or more eyes, which are typically either pure white or pure red. Their speed is incredible; unmatched by any of their Earthly kin. Very little is known about their actual biology or formation.
Genetics and Reproduction
When a dragon lays an egg, it can take anywhere from 1-3 years to hatch. The fastest eggs to hatch, surprisingly, are Gemstone Dragons-- taking only around 6 months to break free. Of course, once they're out, their growth rate is incredibly slow. Some Dragons (like Ice and Air) take much longer to hatch, but once they do, they are already past the "toddler" stage of growth, and coming up on adolescence.
Growth Rate & Stages
Most dragons have very similar lifespans and growth rates, with a few unusual exceptions. But for the most part, dragons grow at a very slow rate once they've hatched, reaching maturity around age 40. Even after that, they continue to grow slowly until they're in their hundreds. There is very minimal natural biologic deterioration in dragons until they're nearly a thousand years old. If a dragon seems decrepit, it is probably due to illness or injury, not age.
Exceptions to this basic structure includes Fire Dragons, who continue to grow until well into the 500 year age range; Gemstone and Reef Dragons, who's slow and well-protected lifestyles lead them to living multiple times as long as the rest of their kin; Air Dragons, who reach maturity as soon as age 12, and are much more susceptible to illness and injury, so their lifespans tend to be much shorter.
Ecology and Habitats
Water & Sea Dragons
These amphibious dragons are usually found where the land meets large bodies of water-- especially around islands, beaches, and swamps. They hang out on rocky coasts and sandy shores, and usually make their nests in underwater caves. Reef Dragons are relatively rare to find close to any land masses, but two well known ones are found around an island a few miles away from the mainland, and the other in a fjord protected by a small village.
Ice Dragons
Ice dragons are partial to staying on land, unlike their parent dragons. They heir from frozen tundra, glaciers, and sparse arctic forests.
Gemstone Dragons
These sturdy fella live in rough terrain; canyons and deserts, caves, and deep underground tunnels. Some groups of Gemstone Dragons have dug massive, well-protected underground tunnels and caverns in which to lay their eggs and store shared food. When they do make their ways to the surface, these dragons are partial to hot, arid environments with minimal trees or bodies of water; they are slow and cannot fly, so while they can climb rocky surfaces and dig wonderfully, any other form of maneuvering is more trouble than it's worth.
Fire Dragons
Nearly as adaptable as humans, Fire Dragons are found in numerous environments around the world. Especially common are mountains, deserts, thin forests, and valleys-- but these stubborn fucks will make their nests just about anywhere, as long as it provides enough food and cover.
Air Dragons
Aloof Air Dragons spend an incredible amount of time flying and migrating. They will even sleep in the air, taking turns carrying members of their pack while they rest. When they do land, it is often atop sheer mountains and cliffs, away from most other species. They have also been known to travel through valleys is skies are too rough for flight. Since they would much rather flee than fight, Air Dragons will stay in wide open spaces when possible.
Ethereal Dragons
Very little is known about where these dragons reside, although it is assumed they usually stay within the Ethereal plane. Some say they've seen these dark dragons in shadowy forests, dark caves, and in the night sky-- but where the make their nests is unknown. These are the only dragons capable of travelling between planes at will.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Nearly all dragons are omnivores, and have no trouble finding food in the lush, wild world. The only notable exception is Gemstone Dragons, who are mostly herbivores (although they digest food very slowly, and need to eat infrequently).
Additional Information
Domestication
No.
Average Intelligence
Dragons are intimidatingly intelligent. Literally sent from the Gods to restore the Earth, they possess other-worldly knowledge and instincts beyond anything a human could comprehend. They're pretty much as smart as octopi.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragons possess extraordinary sense and perception, as well as the ability to manipulate whichever natural elements they are genetically closest to.
Lifespan
1190
Conservation Status
Currently, dragons have solidified their spot at the top of the food chain. They are thriving.
Average Height
Ethereal, Fire, & Reef Dragons
6' 10' - 8' 10"
Gemstone & Storm Dragons
12' - 13' 5"
Water, Ice, & Air Dragons
6' - 7' 5"
Average Length
Ethereal, Fire, & Ice Dragons
10 ft
Gemstone & Storm Dragons
15 ft
Water & Reef Dragons
35 ft - 80 ft (Reef only)
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