Jungle dragons

Never have I seen such a disregard for personal space and morality. One moment I thought they are going to invite me in. Blargh. Good thing they are small and can be crushed easily.

— Blackspine - a disgusted Fire dragon

Basic Information

Anatomy

The standard body structure of a Jungle dragon consists of a relatively tough but colorful fur-covered hide combined with a pair of wings that also sprout vibrant feathers, some of which can be found lining their backs. Generally, either no horns or only short ones sprout from their body. They also have 4 eyes, one bigger set for dimly lit areas and one smaller set for bright sunlight.

Biological Traits

Females have longer feathers along their sides and longer tails. They generally have only two colors in darker shades.
Males have up to 5 different colored feathers and possess horns on their head. They generally have three or more colors in brighter shades.

Genetics and Reproduction

They can breed at any time of the year but they have an increased libido after eating a high amount of food.
Very virile and capable of laying up to 5 eggs per clutch after 4 weeks of gestation. It is everyone's responsibility to care for the eggs and prevent their harm, for this purpose they build special stone structures known as "hatcheries" that house everyone's eggs and they can distinguish them by scent.

Growth Rate & Stages

They reach sexual maturity in 10 years and become full adults in about 12 years.
Young dragons form groups and pursue their interests in different schools. Their first school is teaching the basic education to the newly-hatched and is aimed at discovering talent and interests from the young.
The most talented and notable among the dragonets get adopted into Noble houses, to eventually inherit and adopt their house's ideals, while the rest is assigned to schools where they would learn the skills required for their professions based on their talents.

Ecology and Habitats

The jungle dragons prefer area with direct sunlight and as such prefer to cut down any trees and outcroppings above them. The prefer the humidity of living close to the rainforests but they don't like to be surrounded by wilderness - simply because there are many dangerous things that can eat them.
They build communal areas and wooden structures out of the trees surrounding their tribes for shelter and protection.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Omnivores, their diet will be consisting mostly of nuts, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and eggs.

Biological Cycle

Day and night cycle means little to them as they are frequently active throughout the day and night, thanks to their vision. It is estimated that they need only 4 hours of sleep per day but can also function normally for a few days without any sleep.

by Danero

^{Female Jungle dragon using Dreamburn}

Additional Information

Social Structure

Tribes are ruled by a noble family, generally one, but bigger tribes can also have several families plotting for more power. The position of a noble is open to those that amass a particularly high amount of wealth and respect. The bigger tribes requiring a greater sum of wealth and smaller tribes requiring a great deal of respect.

Facial characteristics

The most obvious one is their 2 pairs of eyes that may have red, blue, green. They may have horns and their ears sprout small feather tufts.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Southern parts of the continent but mostly around the edges of rainforests and close to rivers and lakes.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Strong sense of smell and great sight during day and night with their four eyes. Able to sense the dreams within others, and can learn how to exploit them via Dreamburn

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

They are symbiotic with a ███████ species

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Male names: Xov, Zach, Zar'koi, Nah'rachash, Poxrah
Female names: Areta, Azaxa, Oliyxia, Aporania

Major Organizations

Three major political noble houses that influence the neaighbouring areas. It is presumed they have their claws in assassinations, blackmail, kidnapping, theft and intimidation. The houses are Otoko, Talontor and Axion.

Beauty Ideals

Males are expected to be as ostentacious and colorful as possible. To impress, they decorate their bodies with numerous trinkets, gemstones, tattoos, body paint and jewelry to show off.
Females on the other hand are very much stoic and expected to be courted by males. However, this stereotypical distinguishment between sexes has lately fallen out of favor and jungle dragonesses have started to decorate their forms as well.

by Danero

^{Male Jungle dragon head close up}

Courtship Ideals

The courtships are actually very simple and straightforward. The relationships between the male and a female can be long-lasting or very short-ended. Given that the youngsters can be cared for by specified dragons, a core family may not necesserily exist or be reduced to brief visits from their parents as well as other members of the community.

Relationship Ideals

Families don't form strong bonds with one another given the dangerous environment they live in and possible loss of life for their offspring. Since everyone in the communtity cares for everyone else's offspring, the bonds are mutual and less dependant on direct offpsring.

Common Etiquette Rules

They are welcoming towards other draconic races, considering that they generally are bigger and thus it makes Jungles feel safer to be in their vicinity. As such, they are willing to bend the rules of their common practices and etiquette when it comes to foreigners.

Common Dress Code

Commonly wear simple trinkets, feathered necklaces, bracelets, hide armor, tattoos and body paint. It is customary to wear at least one piece of jewelry when heading outside, but generally more is better.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Their culture is basically one big festival that they perform each evenings and involve feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling. This is also when most couples get together.

Common Customs, Traditions and Rituals

Dusk feasting is of course a tradition that Jungles revere vehemently. Each feast is provided for free to all tribe members thanks to the abundance of food.
Celebration of Waking - smaller in scope, generally very informal and simple.
Celebration of Passing - This celebration is accompanied by fireworks pursposed for this celebration in particular. The fireworks are extremely rare and their construction is shrouded in mystery.

Common Taboos

For Jungle dragons, it is unheard of to be avoiding the celebrations of Dusk feasting and to not seek out any sort of partnership or companionship. Living a lone life or speaking out against the life of revelry is considered a taboo.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

They are very open and very free to negotiate with other draconic species, especially if they can make something out of it. They are very capable Purveyors and their wares are sought after.

Jungle dragons by Danero

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Genetic Descendants

• Hybrids

Scientific Name

Midrast Draconius Tropikol

Origin/Ancestry

80% Moon Dragons 10 % Sun dragons 10% Unknown

Lifespan

50 years

Average Height

1.5 -1.9 m

Average Weight

80 kg

Average Length

3 m (including 1.2 m long tail)

Average Physique

Scrawny and small. Their hide is fairly tough but their bones are fragile.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Wild shapes of different colors, especially vibrant for males. Common colors are purple, green, black, brown, yellow, red, dark blue. Markings are positioned around the eyes, flanks, tail, wings, legs, underside and neck.

Dreamburn

Some Jungle dragons are able to call upon their close connection to the Dreamscape and use it to twist their enemies' mind and perception of reality. This skill is innate only to Jungle dragons, but it does not come without a cost as each time they use it, their physical form drastically weakens. Still, the ability to temporarily blind or deafen their adversaries has saved many dragons in battles.