Draconology

Draconology or ‘The Study of Dragons’ is the research and study of the genus Draconidae and related genres. Its history as a scientific field is one plagued with mystery. Following the destruction of The Pyrosi Empire much of the information around these now extinct reptiles was lost to the sands of time. Left to decay in the barren sands of the desert. Recently the study of these creatures has made a resurgence in part by the rise of several curious developments. Together those with a newfound interest in these creatures have come to catalog a number of extinct and extant groups of this ancient race. An attempt to turn back the clock on knowledge lost. Still, much is fragmented given the rocky history of dragons at large, events are skewed and confusing. Though a great task to fulfill, many have taken up the mantle of unlocking the secrets of the creatures before our time. A time when dragons roamed the earth.
History of Previous Documentation
The earliest record of Draconology comes from the pre-arrival Amare. Detailed in a series of papyrus dated to nearly three thousand years ago is the first record of what would become this study. Known as the ‘Dracoliber’ its few fragmented pieces go onto catalog a number of draconid animals; most prominent of which the mighty Lindwurm. While a number of other animals are at least noted in the Dracoliber, little remnant of the papyrus indulges them to the extent of the Lindwurm.
“A mighty beast indeed. Our journey men were atop our Oahs when the beast rose from the waterway. Such a magnificent sight! Great rows of enormous teeth and talons as long as you or I. Why, it was so gigantic that it made our Oahs flee at the mere sight of it. Fortunately it appeared to have little interest in our posse, returning to the waters with little more than a grumble.”

• ‘The Lindwurm’ is believed to be one of the first encounters with such an animal.

Much of the information regarding these animals was kept in a location known only as ‘The House of Knowledge’, a great keystone in Amarean history. Through means not entirely understood this mighty house of information saw ruin centuries after its initial opening, believed to have been caused by a fire. This fire which would later come to be known as the ‘Scalding’ of Draconology erased countless records of not just lindwurm but the entire draconidae family. This single event would hamper the growth of the field for centuries to come as scholars and academics worked vigorously to find such lost information.
It is believed at this point where the now expansive Pyrosi Empire took interest in dragons as a whole. Given the on-going study of these mythic creatures a series of profound developments arose regarding the practical use of particular bodily components. One such being the Lindwurm’s Skeletal properties which surged to modern use after a major discovery of a live specimen. Still we do not fully understand the true use of dragons beyond this, though given the nature of such a prospect, it is believed that dragons held an incredible power even in death. It is uncertain what occurred thereafter this discovery, much of the context behind the carvings left drawn on ruined walls torn asunder. Whatever the case, dragons as a whole abruptly disappeared from the record. This event is believed to have coincided with the growth of the Pyrosi Empire, suggesting their possible extinction by elvish hands. While this theory presents some merit it is not without controversy. While the fragmentation of reports from such a time have made a definitive answer impossible, various documents have been pulled from sources across the late Pyrosi territory to grant a greater understanding of encounters with these creatures.
“Serpent of wing came down on patrol. It spat [ancient pyrosi untranslated, presumably fire], at one of my fellow warriors. No arrow would pierce its skin. We shot volley after volley at it. Eventually one of us managed to dart it in a weak scale around the face. It let out a fear-inspiring snarl before leaving us in our ruin. I dread the day the serpent returns ‘lest I end up like my warrior in arms.”

• ‘The Patrol’, thought to be a record of a Pyrosi military report.

“Marched to the beaten drum we met. Talons aflame and land beset. A monster so great it bloated out the sky. Mere ants we were, you and I. It came with a crashing roar. A boat of thunder marking the score. For our blades did nothing to stop its assault. Delaying the inevitable was each man's fault. We wrestled back time until our superiors decreed. ‘No man shall falter upon slacks or steed’. For the plan they devised- so cunning were thee. Marked the great beast with a bolt of sheer breeze. With an enormous thud the beast fell. From beyond the dunes you could hear them yell. For a serpent's bounty is far greater than our own. Worth of blood spilt and broken bones.”

• ‘The Hunt’, a poem pertaining to a flaming reptile.

These records are but few of the several fragmented reports and tales of ‘winged serpents’, they range in polar points from mighty triumphant battles to unending losses. Dragons at least by the narrative of old were far less than a conquerable force. Even so many have been quick to cite the developments of some reports hunting to support their claim. Regardless we know that for a time draconidae was a commonplace sight across Ludwag. Given the vagueness of this event many have come to accuse more supernatural forces as the cause for the dragon's sudden disappearance. Though any documentation of this is yet to be found, some dragon remains have shown remnants of vitoric residue akin to typical magics on their fossilized bones. Whatever the case was the D-R extinction wiped the slate *almost* clean.
It was at this point that Draconology shifted from a biological study to a paleontological one. Any effort to preserve information from the past was all squandered by the firing of the arcus. So modern Draconologists have been picking up the pieces ever since. Several different private benefactors and agencies have begun their own private research into these animals and their history, coupled with the growing interest of the wider public, much of these lost segments of information are being found. Fossilized dragon skeletons are irregularly dug up across the entire continent albeit fragmented and incomplete. Slowly adding to the jigsaw that is these creatures' history.
Study and Findings
Recent breakthroughs in modern efforts in this field help to paint a bigger picture of draconology as a whole. These events have allowed many to begin the arduous process of cataloging and identifying individual specimens. Currently these ventures are focused on the identification of individual species and the brackets they fall into, allowing a glimpse into the confusing family web of Draconidae.
Firstly, not all dragons are created equal. The line between what we know as mystical beasts beyond natural barriers and those of simply powerful animals is often skewed. Fortunately work has been done to categorize dragons into two categories. True Dragons or ‘Draconis’ who possess magical properties beyond natural vitor, and Lesser Dragons or ‘Draconomorphs’ (Dragon Shapes) who are merely bound to the vitor they possess as beings or do not harness magic at all. These groups are also varied in terms of intelligence, with members of the Draconis clade expressing far more cognitive growth than their sister clade. Currently dragons are segmented further into seven different distinct branches, each of which has a whole host of species of interest. What follows is a full catalog of all the current dragons discovered- extinct or otherwise.
EXTANT (SURVIVING)
Branches under this classification have at least one living descendant in the modern world though they may include extinct species depending on the record at hand.

1. Vesperalaidae | Wyvern
2. Draconomorphidae
3. Critically Endangered

Wyverns are the greatest of the lesser dragons and sport the greatest sizes and stature of any dragon save for perhaps the mightiest of true dragons. Their flimsy flight bones are impartial in the fossil record but it is believed that they at least partially flew the skies of Ludwag by the end of the D-R extinction. Living specimens are clear proof that they survived the otherwise cataclysmic end for many of their cousins- though not in one piece. Vesperalaidae is represented by only one extant species (Nubedactylus | Common Ludwagian Wyvern) but study of fragmented remains suggests there may have been upwards of three individual species of wyvern.

• Extinct genus Curvadon was significantly smaller than its extant relative- believed to only reach sizes akin to an albatross. It is only known from three specimens across ludwag of which only one preserves the skull. This skull eloquently preserves a set of hollow fangs in the jaw. It is believed that it used these fangs to inject or spit a potent venom to make up for its smaller size.
• Procellatherium was also smaller than its modern relative albeit not as dwarfish as Curvadon and rivaled the likes of the Lattish hippogriff in wingspan. Muscle impressions left in sediment indicate that this particular wyvern was of noteworthy muscularity-possessing similar muscle structures to Ludwagian Sea Snakes. It’s uncertain what these sorts of muscles may have been used for.

1. Ingisilinguanidae | Drake
2. Dracnomorphidae
3. Endangered

Drakes are likely the closest any lesser dragon can get to commanding the mythical power that the true dragons did. It is the only draconomorph genus that expresses natural vitoric properties. It’s known by two extant species (Luxocolli | Raoan Qilin, Ingislinguana | Common Drake) as well as a larger extinct species. Together they’ve been recorded across much of ancient Pyrosian history- coveted for their arcane properties. They’re not just known from fossilized remains but also archaeological remains found in depictions of drakes upon ceramics and pottery. Extinct Ingislingquana Rex was the largest of the drake family growing to sizes almost three times that of the Common Drake. It is known from a number of skeletons though much of its remains have been lost to collectors or waste bins deeming them as whale remains. Nevertheless the mighty Drake-King held a particular notoriety within the earliest moments of Ludwagian civilization- often depicted eating or otherwise maiming warriors in their dozens.

1. Serpentopodidae | Lindwurm
2. Draconidae
3. Critically Endangered

The last of the true dragons, the mighty Lindwurm. Believed extinct after the end of the Pyrosi era brought back through the anomalous return of the Amare. It appears quite often in Amarean and Pyrosi documentation on account of its bones and its stature as a true dragon. It’s well documented its first extinction was caused by over-hunting by the late Pyrosians, leading to its ultimate decline across Ludwag. Today a small population of Lindwurm has carved out a new habitat in the Amare impart assisted by the beneficiary protectorates surrounding the species. It’s known by only one species (Salmopelta) and can be found in an assortment of fossilized remnants.

1. Serpentomimidae | Wyrm
2. Draconomorphidae
3. Least Concern

A convergent cousin of the Serpentopodidae, the Wyrm family- snake mimics- are by far the most common type of draconomorph in the modern world. Despite its numeracy it is only represented by a single living species, though it once had dominion over several other niches. Currently its family is upholded by the extant (Spinaguera | Nera’nak) who holds a powerful position across the Ludwagian seas.

• Extinct Mareguera was a large completely aquatic species of Wyrm which found its home within the gulf of the Emerald Sea. In life it is believed that it rivaled small whales in true stature though few of its bones have ever been found. While the lack of material has made accurately identifying behavioral characteristics difficult it is known that it possessed no vitoric or biological armament. A cold dracnomorph. Draconologists have suggested that Mareguera utilized its immense size to subdue and kill prey instead.
• Extinct Parvuonyx lacked arms like its extant cousin and instead had tiny claws which jutted from its serpentine body. It was thought that it would use these claws to burrow into sediment. It was also cold like its common cousin and used constriction to suffocate its prey.

EXTINCT (DECEASED)
Branches under this classification have no living descendant species and were believed to have disappeared following the events of the D-R extinction.

1. Caesadraconidae | Spiritudraconidae | Leviadraconidae Lacertaen Dragons
2. Draconidae
3. Extinct (?)- FUNCTIONALLY EXTINCT

Recounts of great monsters or wise beasts of the woods are often tacked to a single genus, the Lacertaen Dragons. They are believed to have been the most powerful creatures which naturally roamed the realms- forged in the birthplace of life unseen. History and myth tell varying accounts of these creatures, some were wise, others were greedy, but all indulged in the immense power they commanded. Legends tell of them as monsters capable of wielding great magics of the vitoric arts who used their power to serve the various interests they once had. It was for this reason that some believe they were butchered- carved up for their material. Dragons of this caliber have no one size or stature and may be truly enormous or stay miraculously small. As such classification isn’t based on any anatomical form and is instead based on the power and origin of the particular dragon. Currently there’s three identified species of dragon and they go as follows:

• Caesadraconidae or Emperor Dragons are by far the most common of the three. They’re known to have inhabited Ludwag for at least a few thousand years pre the arrival of the Mon. Comparatively they are the weakest of the three lacertaen dragons in terms of magical capability as they have only ever been recorded practicing one of the elemental arts. Most Emperor Dragons practiced the art of pyrokinesis but some have been depicted spitting lightning or balls of light in the archaeological remains of pottery and papyrus.
• Spiritudraconidae, the Spirit Dragons, are far less documented than Emperor Dragons. Their nature is widely unheard of and their exact level of power isn’t certain- though believed to be weaker than the magical proes their larger cousins possess. The only living documentation of the Spirit Dragons comes from Geikad- believed to be the last of his species making Spirit Dragons functionally extinct in Azura. It’s currently unknown what the extent of a Spirit Dragon’s abilities are though given Geikad’s presence it’s at least theorized they have a broader elemental field.
• Leviadraconidae, Sea Dragons. Believed to be the greatest of all dragons, with Shijonian stories telling of their ability to split the storm and rip holes into the aether. Such a beast is one of great majesty and importance. Without it the men of Trepheon would not walk upon Ludwagian soil. They were last mentioned in-life in the Shijonian Migration where it is believed the last of the Sea Dragons split the storm for them to pass; Ultimately ending its own existence.
• Mih’hrack was a fabled Sea Dragon of the larger Trepheon. Recorded across Dormian and Shijonian history respectively. His actions are not well understood though he is believed to have been a benevolent creature. Stories tell of an old wise dragon decorated in plants and pastures. It is uncertain the extent of power this creature once had. Given the reference of the migration event it is at least considered to be immense.

1. Shijonidraconidae | Leungs
2. Draconidae
3. Extinct

The descendants of Shijon speak of a species of creature that rivaled the likes of the Lacertaen Dragons of old, a group of creatures so magnificent and awe-inspiring that up until recently they were deemed as little more than myth by draconologists. The mighty Shijonidraconidae family, the Leung. Unlike their other fellow true dragons the Leung do not have much in the way of history. Their skeletal remains are increasingly rare on Ludwagian soil and no complete specimen has been found. Leungs are known from the impartial remains of the skull which suggests the animal it belonged to could’ve rivaled Emperor Dragons in stature. Alas save for a few teeth and loose vertebrae an accurate estimate of the Leung’s size will remain uncertain. While unnamed leungs are often mentioned in Shijonese folktale no known named leung has ever been found. Their lives, power, and history are lost to time.

1. Zuladraconidae | Volantean Dragons
2. Draconidae
3. Extinct

Spoken of fondly in both Cimexian and Lizardkin tribes, the Zuladraconidae family is one of exotic majesty. Volantean dragons as they are more commonly called are a species of true dragon, one of the few to possess feathers. Much like Lindwurms which are believed to be their close cousins they had few limbs, possessing only a set of feathery wings on their serpentine bodies. Through legend and eye-witness accounts the Volante Dragons are known to be immensely powerful, capable of using magic and their immense size to dissuade predators and robbers from their nests. Like all true dragons their intellect was far greater than the lesser dragons, said to be capable of speech by the Legends of the Aether. The last known instance of a living Volantean Dragon was known as The Quetzal- capable of creating lizard warriors to serve on his behalf, the Quetzal proved to be a powerful adversary for the denizens of Ludwag. Unfortunately, the Quetzal met his end following an attempted rescue effort from the Corruptor’s Tower, ultimately rendering the species extinct.