Dragonets

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonets all have quadrupedal builds, with two hind legs and forelimbs with four fingers- the fourth being a long outstretched bony finger that holds up a wing membrane. They are all covered in a small coat of fuzzy fiber, similar to fur or to downy feathers. Other details vary- beaks or teeth, long or short tails, and some with complex crests.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragonets grow quite quickly, reaching sexual maturity quickly (within a year). Smaller dragonets don't reach full adult size for a year or so after reaching maturity, though the larger dragonet grow comparatively faster and reach full size by a year or two of age- eating quite a lot of food.

Ecology and Habitats

The many different species of Dragonet have varying ecology and habitats, though almost all are exclusively carnivorous- whether they eat insects, fish, small animals, or dinosaurs. Due to their ability of flight, dragonet are widespread in various biomes in the areas they are native.

Additional Information

Domestication

Many types of dragonets are domesticated- the various catdrakes, hunting dragonets, and the larger fisherdrakes. Some people in Xiujia have domesticated- or at least tamed- the air titans, species of dragonet that are the size of some dragons, but these titans are rare outside of Xiujia.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

There are dragonet species native to all of Xiujia as well as the oceans around Korthos and the coasts of western Beshabha. They have also been distributed and introduced across Aborea, and have spread and hitchhiked to many other locales due to their ability to fly.

Scientific Name

Occasionally referred to as "pterosaurs" by those of biological persuasions

Conservation Status

A widespread group on Xiujia, some pterosaurs have followed humanity's exodus as pets, domestic animals, or simply as stowaways. Those smaller pterosaurs- the majority called dragonets- are widespread in Aborea, and western Beshaba as well. However, the larger ones, although not in danger of extinction, are extant only to particular locales in Xiujia.

For Player Characters:

A Character with the Animal Companion feature may take a Dimorphodon (also appropriate for small pterosaurs such as Wukongopterus, Darwinopterus, or Pterodactylus), Pteranodon (also appropriate for large oceanic pterosaurs such as Nyctosaurus, Ornithocheirus, or Cearadactylus), or Queztacoatlus (also appropriate for predatory land-dwelling pterosaurs such as Hatzegopterus, Tupuxuara, or Istiodactylus) as an Animal Companion. A Character with the Familiar class feature may take a Rhamphorhynchus (also appropriate for very small pterosaurs such as Sordes or Carniodactylus) familiar, or take an Anurognathus familiar, using the statistics for bat familiars.
The following feat is meant for a character wishing to use a Dragonet companion:

Master of Dragons

Your upbringing in traditional human culture means that the dragonets you train are stronger and faster than usual.
 Prerequisites: Handle Animal 1 rank, Animal Companion or Familiar class feature, Human or Native to Godless Munavri, Tannica, or Celadine
 Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Handle Animal skill checks when dealing with any species of Dragonets , and a +2 bonus on Diplomacy skill checks to improve the attitude of any creature with the Dragon type.
In addition, choose one of the following types of Pterosaur: Anurognathus (use bat statistics), Rhamphorhynchus, Dimorphodon, Queztalcoatlus, or Pteranodon. Any of your animal companions or familiars of that type gains a +2 to one physical ability score of your choice.
 Normal: Humans don't gain any special bonuses for various types of companion.