Mountain Drake

Mountain Drakes, often shortened to Mountaineers, are one of the two draconic species in Havenfield along with Serpent Drakes. Mountaineers are fewer in numbers than their more reptilian cousins, but they are also more adapted for colder climates, thus often being found living in mountain ranges or taking care of secluded temples. Mountaineers are endothermic, and despite their close resemblance to Serpents, are actually biologically classified as therapsids.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mountaineers' body structure is very similar to Serpents, but more often than not Mountaineers have far less noticeable differences among themselves than their highly genetically diverse cousins. All Mountain Drakes have highly developed wings and can fly for quite long distances due to their high stamina, and have external ears instead of exposed openings like Serpents. Mountaineers' horns tend to be smaller but also tougher, and some Mountaineers don't have horns at all. They're generally more sturdy when faced with environmental dangers and physical attacks. Their facial structure is more blocky and heavily armored, and their snouts tend to average on the shorter side. Mountaineers also have whiskers and short, somewhat coarse fur that can bunch together into longer tufts, usually on the scalp, tail, upper back and shoulders. Some Mountaineers carry a gene mutation that causes them to grow longer fur, but this is a completely harmless and somewhat common mutation.

Genetics and Reproduction

Ovoviviparous reproduction, younglings usually come in clutches of one to three.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mountaineer younglings develop slightly slower than Serpents, but their wings usually develop faster early on. Younglings can start learning magic as teens.

Ecology and Habitats

Mountaineers inhabit less biomes than Serpents, but where they do live, they thrive. They often prefer cooler climates, like highlands and mountain ranges, although the one environment they will never go near is the Devil's Horn. Mountaineers tend to live further along the edges of Havenfield, thus they often work as priests or temple guardians. Their biggest native habitat is Zeowen, and it is also home to the largest Mountaineer city in Havenfield.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mountaineers have a more flexible diet due to the scarcity of food in the colder climates they live in, but this also allows them to digest just about anything edible. Insects, fruits, plants, meat, eggs, anything goes as long as it's not entirely rotten. Their powerful stomach acids allow them to digest partially spoiled food with no major issues in an emergency, although fresh food is still very much preferred.

Biological Cycle

As opposed to Polar Serpents, Mountaineers do not hibernate. They usually hunt and forage a great amount of food for stockpiling and barricade themselves into their homes until the weather gets warmer again.

Additional Information

Facial characteristics

Snout is on the shorter side, very blocky and rectangular. Face is slightly more heavily armored than Serpents. Earlobes are visible and positioned at the sides of the head. Horns are somewhat stubby but very durable. Pupils are round and have a tapetum lucidum. Sensitive whiskers are placed at the front of the snout.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Mountaineers are usually scattered near the edges of Havenfield's territory, often residing in highlands or mountain ranges.

Average Intelligence

Sapient and highly intelligent.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mountaineers' sense of hearing and sight are superior to their other senses, and while they can smell very far and well, it's not as powerful as Serpents' sense of smell. Mountaineers also have an ability that is completely unique among Drakes - sensing vibrations at pinpoint accuracy from even the smallest of ground tremors or shivers of the surrounding air by their incredibly sensitive whiskers. Mountaineers can search for food from miles away, making them extremely good hunters.

Civilization and Culture

Average Technological Level

Mountaineers have existed comparatively longer than Serpents despite their smaller numbers, and as such have had more time to study magic and its uses. After the fall of the First Civilizations, Mountaineers were the ones to keep the practice of Necromancy from falling into oblivion in case the prophecy of the Corruption came true. Necromancy is extremely rare nowadays, so much so that even currently existing Mountaineer priests have little knowledge of the full ritual, and most consider the act far too gruesome and ethically questionable to be commonplace.

Common Myths and Legends

Mountain Drakes are one of the oldest native species of Havenfield, and a great number of common legends came from Mountaineer mythology. The prophecy of the Corruption is one of the oldest - and the most obscure. Only some older Mountaineers remember the ancient warning, and have vowed to keep the practice of necromancy from being forgotten, should the need to reawaken a fallen protector arise again.

Genetic Descendants

• Guardian Drake

Scientific Name

Draco lophos lanatus

Lifespan

Caps at 150 years.

Average Height

Mountain Drakes can vary from 6ft to 7ft tall.

Average Physique

Mountaineer bodytypes vary greatly, though they often average on the heavier side due to their colder habitats.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Mountaineers tend to be very dull, earthy colors. Faded purple, grey and shades of brown are the most common, and marking and pattern variation often consist of faint stripes, duller dark patches and occasionally leopard spots.