Zmei

Zmei are shapeshifting Dragons, with red or green scales and huge iron claws in their natural form. They usually have multiple heads, and are more interested in humanity than many other dragon species. They have been known to take the shape of anything, from a broom to a golden goat. If they wish, they could even take the shape of a Human. While some good Zmei do exist, and are beneficial to humanoid species by chasing away evil species like Lamia and Halla, far more Zmei are evil and dangerous.

Civilization and Culture

Historical Figures

Zmei Gorynych

The multi-headed, fire-breathing zmei from the tale Dobrynya and Marinka, who liked to take the shape of a dashing young man to seduce and capture unsuspecting maidens. He was defeated by Dobrynya the bogatyr.

Tugarin Zmeyevich

An evil half-zmei, with the appearance of a man but the strength, wings and appetite of a dragon. He was eventally defeated by the bogatyr Alyosha Popovich.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

Zmei are the most likely of all dragons to interbreed with humans when in shapeshifted form. The offspring are known as Half-Zmei (in the same vein as Half-Elves or Half-Orcs). Many of these half-zmei grow up to be strong and noble (if not always moral) fighters, referred to as Zmei Bogatyrs.