Dragon

Dragons in Tanaria are ancient and powerful beings, renowned for their intelligence, strength, and individuality. While they are unified by their draconic nature and their connection to the twin-headed goddess Drakor, each dragon is unique, with its own ambitions, personality, and values. Drakor, the goddess of Drakoria, represents a duality that all dragons understand: one head, Drakoris, embodies wisdom, humility, and the pursuit of knowledge, while the other, Drakoth, symbolizes greed, ambition, and dominance. Dragons are not born to fulfill one path or the other—they are individuals who navigate both aspects of this duality throughout their lives. Though some types of dragons may have tendencies that lean toward one side of this dual nature, they are not bound by them. Every dragon has the potential for both greatness and ruin, for both knowledge and ambition. As such, they play an important role in shaping Tanaria, often becoming rulers, scholars, or legendary figures who leave their mark on history.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Dragons are massive creatures, their bodies covered in thick, armored scales that shimmer in a variety of colors depending on their lineage. They possess powerful wings, sharp claws, and tails that can be used as deadly weapons. Dragons are also highly adaptable, with each type of dragon developing specific traits suited to their environment.

Size: Dragons grow throughout their lives, with the largest among them towering over castles and mountains. Older dragons, known as Ancient or Elder Dragons, can live for thousands of years, making them among the most feared and respected creatures in Tanaria.
Breath Weapons: Many dragons have elemental breath weapons, whether it be fire, ice, lightning, or other primal forces. These abilities are a reflection of their connection to Tanaria’s natural and magical elements.
Scales and Physical Resilience: Dragon scales provide formidable protection, acting as natural armor against both physical and magical attacks. Some dragons, particularly those with draconic ancestry linked to magical elements, may have resistance or immunity to certain types of magic or elemental forces.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dragons, as complex and intelligent beings, have intricate mating rites that vary between different types of dragons, but several commonalities can be observed across most Basks. Dragons approach mating with a mix of instinctual drives and, in many cases, emotional connection, which evolves over their long lifespans. The mating rites of dragons are often spectacular displays of power and grace. One common ritual, shared among many types of dragons, is similar to the aerial courtship of eagles. A dragon pair will take to the skies, flying at tremendous speeds before locking talons and diving toward the ground in a breathtaking spiral. This display serves as both a test of strength and trust, as neither dragon will release the other until the last possible moment. This symbolic act represents their mutual commitment to each other and to the future young they may bear. For some dragons, this ritual may also include a display of elemental breath weapons or feats of magic to impress their chosen mate. In some cases, this bonding flight becomes a long-lasting tradition, with the pair repeating the ritual every mating season as a reaffirmation of their bond.

Young Dragons and Mating

While young dragons can biologically mate, they often do so driven by instinct rather than deep emotional connection. These young dragons are rarely prepared for the responsibilities of parenthood. Mating at this stage is often fleeting, and clutches of eggs are sometimes abandoned in remote or hidden places, where the parents believe the eggs might have a chance of survival. However, many of these eggs are left vulnerable to predators or environmental dangers, and the few that survive often hatch into dragons that must fend for themselves from a young age. These abandoned hatchlings may develop an exceptionally fierce or independent nature, but they also face greater challenges and shorter lifespans due to the lack of parental guidance.

Adult Dragons and Parenting Instincts

By the time dragons reach adulthood, even the most selfish or ambitious dragons have developed a strong parental instinct. These dragons take great care to protect their eggs, often placing them in their well-guarded lairs, where they are shielded from threats. Most dragons will fiercely guard their eggs, ensuring that they remain safe throughout the long incubation period. Even dragons that lean toward ambition and greed, like those more connected to Drakoth’s influence, will set aside their desire for treasure or dominance during this time to focus on protecting their offspring. In many cases, mated pairs will remain together until their eggs hatch, sharing the responsibility of guarding and tending to the clutch. However, it is not uncommon for one parent—typically the female, but sometimes the male—to take on the role of sole caretaker if the other parent is absent or too focused on other pursuits. In some Basks, adult dragons will continue their partnership even after the eggs have hatched, forming strong familial bonds and raising their young together.

Eggs and Hatchlings

Dragon eggs are highly prized and well-protected, with each dragon ensuring the environment for incubation is perfectly suited to their type. Fire dragons may surround their eggs with molten rock, while ice dragons prefer deep, frozen caves. The eggs themselves are tough, almost impervious to casual damage, and take anywhere from a few months to several years to hatch, depending on the type of dragon. When first laid, a dragon egg has resistance to the damage type produced by the parents’ breath weapon. (Mixed breed dragon eggs have resistance to one parent’s damage type, and don’t survive if the other parent is incautious with his or her breath.) As the egg nears hatching, the shell grows harder but more brittle, and that resistance diminishes. By the time the wyrmling is ready to hatch, the egg has no resistance at all. Once hatched, dragon hatchlings are vulnerable and rely on their parents for protection and guidance. Adult dragons, especially those more aligned with Drakoris’s wisdom, may take great care in teaching their young the ways of the world, instilling them with knowledge, magic, and survival skills. Hatchlings grow slowly at first but begin to rapidly develop both physically and mentally after the first decade. Dragons raise their young with an understanding that they are future embodiments of Drakor’s dual nature, encouraging them to embrace both ambition and wisdom as they mature.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragons in Tanaria undergo a series of distinct growth stages, each marked by both physical and mental development. From the moment they hatch, dragons are powerful creatures, but their abilities and instincts evolve significantly as they age. The stages of a dragon’s life—Hatching, Wyrmling, Young, Adult, Elder, and Ancient—reflect not only their growth but also their increasing mastery over their powers, knowledge, and environment.

Hatching

0 - 1 week
When a dragon is ready to emerge from its egg, the process of hatching is as much a trial of strength as it is the beginning of its life. The wyrmling inside the egg begins to feed on the inside of the shell, absorbing the last of the egg’s nutrients to gain strength. This feeding both nourishes the dragon and weakens the egg shell. Once sufficiently strengthened, the wyrmling uses a combination of brute force and its innate breath weapon to crack the shell. Clawing and pressing against the shell, it blasts at it intermittently, testing its power for the first time. When the shell finally breaks, the wyrmling emerges sodden and awkward, but ready to begin life. This process not only ensures that the young dragon is strong enough to survive outside the egg but also demonstrates the dragon's resilience and tenacity from the very start of its life.

Wyrmling

0 - 50 years
Upon hatching, a wyrmling possesses a full array of abilities—albeit weaker than those of older dragons. A wyrmling’s claws, breath weapon, and flight capabilities develop rapidly, allowing it to fend for itself against lesser predators and immediate threats. Though still clumsy within hours of birth, the wyrmling can run, and within a day or two, it can take to the skies, though its flight is far from graceful. Wyrmlings are born with acute senses, fully capable of perceiving the world around them. Dragons are unique in that their centers of memory and instinct are tightly interwoven, and as a result, wyrmlings emerge from their eggs with a basic understanding of their own nature, their parents’ identities, and the world’s general structure. They instinctively know how to use their innate abilities and are acutely aware of their place as one of the most powerful species in Tanaria, even at such a young age. Although wyrmlings are born with this imprinted knowledge, they still lack the full memories of prior generations and must learn many things through experience. Their superiority complex often starts early, as they inherently understand their potential for power and dominance. Parents, if present, might accompany wyrmlings on their earliest hunts, teaching them how to efficiently hunt and kill prey. However, wyrmlings left to their own devices must leave the nest within a few days of hatching to begin seeking food and sustenance on their own.

Young

50-200 Years
By the time a wyrmling becomes a young dragon, it has grown significantly, reaching roughly the size of a large horse. At this stage, a young dragon's territorial instincts begin to flare, and the desire to claim a lair and start hoarding treasure becomes an almost overwhelming urge. If still with their parents, young dragons are driven to leave the nest as their independence and greed create tensions that could escalate into rivalry. Most dragons understand that this separation is necessary to avoid violent conflicts between parent and offspring. Young dragons begin to act on their territorial instincts, staking out regions where they can build a lair and amass wealth. They may start small, attacking travelers, caravans, or poorly defended villages, scrounging for treasure in any form. Though their methods are often unsophisticated at this age, young dragons grow more cunning with time, and their hoards gradually increase as they refine their tactics. Some young dragons are reckless, challenging even stronger foes in their quest for dominance, while others take a more measured approach, learning through observation and caution. In terms of social interactions, relationships between young dragons and their parents can vary. Many maintain loving ties, though they live apart, offering aid when needed. Others develop a sense of competition, viewing their parents as rivals for territory and resources. In rare cases, this rivalry can lead to bitter and violent confrontations.

Adult

200 - 800 years
Adult dragons are at the peak of their physical and mental power, confident in their status as apex predators. By this stage, they have honed their abilities and expanded their hoards significantly, no longer bothering with petty targets like small caravans unless for sport or necessity. Adult dragons grow more selective, often targeting larger, wealthier prey or those who pose a significant challenge. Their tactics become more refined, focusing on efficiently accumulating treasure and power while minimizing risks. Though not as patient or cunning as their elder counterparts, adult dragons begin to develop long-term schemes. Some establish rudimentary contacts with humanoid communities, merchants, or even rulers, using a combination of bribery and threats to gather information about valuable treasures or potential threats. While their negotiation strategies lack the complexity of elder dragons, adults understand the importance of forethought and planning. They may even form alliances or manipulate others for their benefit, though this is often done with brute force or intimidation rather than subtlety. At this stage, many dragons seek to expand their territories dramatically, often clashing with other dragons or territorial creatures. They might also relocate their lairs, seeking larger, more fortified sanctuaries or even constructing new lairs to suit their growing needs. Combat between dragons is most common in this phase, as adults strive to assert dominance and claim the best territories.

Elder

800 - 2,000 years
By the time a dragon reaches its elder stage, it has likely secured a permanent lair, fortified and hidden away from easy discovery. Elder dragons have amassed significant hoards, often so vast that adventurers or rival dragons seek them out for both wealth and status. At this stage, the dragon’s territorial ambitions usually stabilize—most elder dragons are content with their holdings, unless forced to expand due to environmental changes or threats. They are more likely to defend their territories from younger dragons than seek new domains. Elder dragons have mastered the art of patience and manipulation. No longer focused solely on immediate gains, they adopt a long-term perspective in their plans. Many elder dragons gather loyal minions, sometimes entire armies, to manage their territories or expand their influence. These dragons are skilled at subterfuge, using agents and intermediaries to manipulate nearby humanoid societies. From kings and priests to merchants and guild-masters, an elder dragon’s reach can extend far beyond its immediate lair. Those dragons who choose to engage in such practices often pull the strings of entire cities or small kingdoms, turning them into pawns in a larger game for wealth or power. Despite their age and wisdom, elder dragons can grow bored of their vast influence, seeking challenges or entertainment. Some might manipulate mortals for sport, while others enjoy the pursuit of knowledge, delving into ancient rituals, magic, or history. These dragons are often the puppet masters behind great political shifts or cataclysmic events, though their motivations vary between wealth, power, and simple curiosity.

Ancient

2,000+ years
An ancient dragon is one of the most powerful beings in existence, its name known across Tanaria among both dragons and humanoids. By this stage, the dragon has become a living legend, its hoard rivaling the treasuries of entire kingdoms and its lair nearly impenetrable. The dragon’s territory spans vast regions, and few creatures dare to challenge its supremacy. Ancient dragons command respect and fear from all beings, and many have survived far longer than most nations or civilizations. At this stage, ancient dragons often find themselves with little left to conquer. Their power is unmatched, their territory secure, and their hoard beyond measure. This lack of challenge can lead to a profound sense of ennui. Some ancient dragons choose to hibernate for decades or centuries, content to count and recount their treasures. Others seek out conflict, invading the territories of younger dragons or instigating wars among mortals to pass the time. Ancient dragons often develop strange hobbies or obsessions to fill their seemingly endless lifespans. Some devote themselves to religious beliefs or pursue new spiritual paths, while others dive deep into arcane studies, seeking forgotten rituals, ancient knowledge, or even planar exploration. These dragons may kidnap sages or seek rare artifacts to quench their thirst for new experiences. In some cases, they become reclusive scholars or eccentric collectors, forever searching for the next intellectual or magical pursuit. For an ancient dragon, the greatest challenge is often finding something to occupy its time. Some revert to their youthful behavior, indulging in raids and hunts simply for the thrill, while others manipulate the political or magical landscapes of entire regions just to see what will happen. Whatever their focus, ancient dragons shape the world around them through sheer power and influence.

Death

Despite their immense power and near-immortal lifespans, even dragons are not exempt from death. With the exception of those who extend their existence through unnatural means, such as magic or dark rituals, all dragons eventually succumb to the inevitable. Most dragons do not die quietly; they perish in battle, defending their territories from rivals, attacking other wyrms, or falling to the weapons and spells of adventurers bold enough to challenge them. For many dragons, death in battle is seen as an honorable end, particularly for those who have lived long and accumulated vast wealth and power. A dragon that falls in combat is remembered for its strength and dominance, whether it died at the claws of another dragon or in a final confrontation with mortal heroes. Slow Decline
Some dragons, particularly those who survive into ancient age, do not die in battle but instead face a slow, inevitable decline. As their immense bodies grow weaker with time, they enter a period of twilight—slowing both physically and mentally. This gradual weakening can be intolerable for dragons who once ruled over vast territories and amassed incredible hoards. Though some dragon varieties possess the ability to will themselves into death, most do not, and those that survive into their twilight years are forced to experience the slow decay of their once-unstoppable might. Death with Honor
Most dragons dread the idea of wasting away into obscurity and insignificance. Instead, many choose to go out in what they perceive as a final, glorious blaze of power and destruction. These dragons seek a climactic end, throwing themselves into battles they know they cannot survive but are certain will be remembered for eternity. Ancient dragons often invade the territories of lifelong rivals, challenging them to one final, calamitous confrontation. These battles between dragons can level mountains and decimate entire ecosystems, with the victor often emerging grievously wounded, if they survive at all. Other dragons, especially those without rival dragons to face, turn their wrath on mortal civilizations. In the final days of their lives, they unleash their full power, razing cities, towns, and kingdoms, challenging the greatest heroes of the age to come and stop them. These dragons with death wishes have no regard for the consequences of their actions and seek only a worthy challenge to end their lives in a blaze of glory. The destruction they can cause rivals the worst natural disasters, with entire regions rendered uninhabitable after their rampages. For mortals, facing a dragon intent on death is among the gravest of threats. Such dragons are no longer concerned with self-preservation, making them far more dangerous and unpredictable. Yet, to those who survive, defeating such a dragon often becomes a legendary tale, as these death-seeking wyrms leave behind legacies of both terror and awe.

Behaviour

Dragons are among the most intelligent creatures in Tanaria. Their long lifespans give them time to accumulate vast amounts of knowledge, and many dragons use this to their advantage, becoming scholars, strategists, or rulers. A dragon’s personality is shaped by both their experiences and their interpretation of Drakor’s dual nature. Some lean more toward wisdom and restraint, while others pursue wealth and power. Despite these differences, all dragons share a sense of pride in their individuality. They are not easily swayed by the opinions of others and often see themselves as superior to other species. However, they are also aware of the delicate balance between wisdom and ambition, and many dragons strive to maintain harmony within themselves, embracing both aspects of their divine lineage.

Dragon Hoarding

If dragons in Tanaria are known for one trait above all others, it is their insatiable greed. Even the kindest and most noble dragons are driven by an overwhelming desire to accumulate wealth and possessions. Dragon hoards are the stuff of legend: vast piles of gold, shimmering gems, powerful magical artifacts—treasures so immense that they could buy and sell entire kingdoms. Yet, despite the staggering wealth they accumulate, dragons rarely spend it or use it in any practical way. They collect not to spend but simply to have. The drive to build a hoard is deeply ingrained in a dragon's psyche, perhaps even their biology. This need is as powerful and pressing as a human's instinct for companionship or shelter, and it drives dragons to dedicate their lives to growing their hoards. While there may be rare dragons who resist this urge, hoarding is a defining trait of their race. As to why dragons hoard, the answer is uncertain. Some dragons believe it to be a gift—or curse—from Drakor, reflecting her own dual nature of greed and knowledge, while others assume it evolved as a way to impress mates or ensure survival.

Types of Hoards

While the stereotypical dragon hoard consists of gold, jewels, and enchanted items, Tanarian dragons are far more diverse in their hoarding habits. The nature of a dragon’s hoard often reflects their personality, preferences, and even elemental alignment, and it can be as varied and unique as the dragons themselves. Traditional Hoards: Many dragons, particularly those connected to Drakoth’s aspect of greed, prefer the classic treasure hoard—gold, gems, rare artifacts, and magical items. These dragons revel in their wealth, counting and organizing their treasures endlessly, often viewing their hoards as a reflection of their status and power. This form of hoarding is the most well-known and most feared by mortals, as these dragons frequently raid cities or caravans to grow their collections. Knowledge Hoards: Some dragons, particularly those influenced by Drakoris’s wisdom, covet knowledge above all else. These dragons hoard books, scrolls, and ancient tomes, amassing vast libraries that rival those of entire kingdoms. Such dragons are often scholars, historians, or even advisers to mortals, protecting their knowledge fiercely. A dragon with a knowledge hoard may engage in delicate negotiations or manipulations to acquire rare texts or forgotten lore, rather than seeking material wealth. Mundane Collections: Some dragons display hoarding behavior that seems strange to outsiders. They might collect mundane or unusual items—polished stones, seashells, rare plants, or even musical instruments. While these items may hold little monetary value, to the dragon, they are priceless. The reasons for these preferences vary, from aesthetic appreciation to personal attachment, but these collections are no less precious to the dragons that gather them. Living Hoards: A particularly rare but fascinating type of hoarding involves dragons that see groups of people—such as entire cities or villages—as their hoard. These dragons may fiercely protect their “hoard” of mortals, ensuring their safety from invaders, rival dragons, or natural disasters. In return, the people may view the dragon as a guardian deity, offering tribute or gifts to their protector. However, this relationship is not always benign; some dragons impose strict control over their people, ruling them as possessive overlords while still considering them part of their treasure. Elemental Hoards: Dragons aligned with specific elements may hoard items or materials that resonate with their elemental nature. For example, a fire dragon might hoard rare flames, embers, or magical relics related to heat and destruction, while an ice dragon might collect crystalline structures, frozen treasures, or enchanted ice. These hoards are often stored in lairs perfectly attuned to the dragon’s element, making them incredibly difficult to steal or access without severe consequences.

The Psychology of Hoarding

The act of hoarding is more than a habit for dragons; it is a deep, psychological need. Dragons feel incomplete without a hoard, and they derive immense satisfaction from seeing it grow. This compulsion can drive dragons to great lengths, from raiding distant lands to forming alliances with mortals or other creatures to acquire their desired treasures. Dragons that lose or are separated from their hoard often experience intense psychological distress, akin to grief or withdrawal. Such dragons may become irrational, aggressive, or even violent in their attempts to reclaim what was taken from them. In some cases, dragons that are long-separated from their hoard might die from the emotional trauma of the loss.

The Origin of Dragon Hoarding

Where this insatiable greed comes from is a question dragons have pondered for ages. Some believe that Drakor herself instilled this trait in them as a reflection of her duality—Drakoris representing the drive to amass knowledge, and Drakoth embodying the lust for wealth and power. Others theorize that hoarding is a natural evolutionary trait, designed to impress mates or to display power. Whatever its origin, hoarding is as much a part of a dragon’s nature as its breath weapon or wings, and few dragons question the urge. While some dragons attempt to resist their greed, especially those who seek a more peaceful or introspective life, even the most humble dragon feels the pull to collect. For dragons, hoarding is not just about wealth; it is about defining their identity, their status, and their legacy.

Additional Information

Social Structure

While dragons are often solitary creatures, living in lairs far from civilization, they do have a social structure that is both complex and fluid. Dragons may form alliances, either with one another or with other powerful beings, when their goals align. These alliances can last centuries or dissolve quickly depending on the personalities involved. Dragons are organized into groups or "Basks", each type of dragon forming its own Bask based on shared traits and tendencies. However, individual dragons are not required to stay within their Bask—they are free to wander and forge their own paths, answering only to themselves. Dragons also maintain a deep respect for knowledge and power, often engaging in lengthy debates or duels over matters of territory, magic, or philosophy. These contests are seen as a way of honing their skills and proving their superiority, though true enmity between dragons is rare. Most conflicts are resolved through displays of strength or wisdom, in keeping with Drakor’s dual nature.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Dragons are among the most powerful and dangerous creatures in Tanaria, and as such, they are often sought after for their unique and valuable byproducts. Though many cultures view dragons as sacred or too dangerous to exploit, others risk life and limb to capture or kill dragons for the incredible wealth and resources their bodies can provide. Dragon byproducts are rare and highly prized, used in everything from magical artifacts to alchemical concoctions.

1. Dragon Scales

Dragon scales are incredibly tough and magically resilient, making them one of the most valuable materials for crafting armor, shields, and magical artifacts. Each scale is uniquely enchanted based on the dragon’s type and element, with some providing elemental resistance (fire, ice, lightning) or added strength and durability.

Use: Dragon scale armor is coveted by warriors, as it offers unparalleled protection against physical and magical attacks. It’s also a favored material for enchanted artifacts and jewelry.
Exploitation: Harvesting dragon scales requires either the cooperation of a dragon or the slaying of one, making this a dangerous and highly regulated practice in some societies. Poachers and adventurers often seek out fallen dragons for their scales.

2. Dragon Blood

Dragon blood is a potent substance, rich in magical properties and often used in alchemy and potion-making. The exact effects of dragon blood vary depending on the dragon’s element and age, but it is known to enhance strength, magical abilities, and healing.

Use: Dragon blood is a critical ingredient in powerful potions, including healing elixirs, strength enhancers, and magic-boosting tonics. It can also be used in rituals to imbue weapons or artifacts with draconic power.
Exploitation: Capturing a dragon to extract its blood is a dangerous practice, but some cultures may seek to keep dragons imprisoned for such purposes. Alternatively, blood can be harvested from fallen dragons, though it loses potency over time.

3. Dragon Bones

Dragon bones are imbued with latent magic and are incredibly durable, making them useful in crafting weapons, armor, and magical constructs. Bones from ancient or elder dragons are particularly prized due to their strength and magical density.

Use: Weapons made from dragon bones are exceptionally powerful and durable, often used by elite warriors or in the creation of legendary magical artifacts. Dragon bones are also used in necromancy and rituals to create constructs or summon dragon spirits.
Exploitation: Harvesting dragon bones is both dangerous and rare, often requiring the death of the dragon. The bones are prized by both warriors and spellcasters, leading to significant demand in black markets or among poachers.

4. Dragon Teeth and Claws

The sharp teeth and claws of a dragon are often used as materials for weaponry or talismans. These items retain traces of a dragon’s elemental power and are believed to grant their user enhanced combat abilities or magical prowess.

Use: Dragon teeth can be fashioned into daggers or spearheads, while claws are often used in the crafting of enchanted weapons or protective charms. Some cultures also use dragon claws in rituals to bless warriors before battle.
Exploitation: Like other dragon byproducts, obtaining teeth and claws usually requires slaying the dragon, though these items may also be taken from a dead or dying dragon.

5. Dragon Hide

The hide of a dragon, while not as hard as its scales, is still incredibly durable and flexible, making it valuable for crafting leather armor and clothing. Dragonhide is often used in magical garments, imbuing the wearer with protective or elemental resistance.

Use: Dragonhide is favored by mages and archers, as it offers flexibility without sacrificing protection. It is also used in the crafting of spellbooks, scrolls, and enchanted pouches due to its natural resistance to elemental forces.
Exploitation: Dragonhide is difficult to harvest without killing the dragon, and poachers often target younger dragons for their hides as they are more pliable.

6. Dragon Breath (Glands or Crystals)

The source of a dragon’s breath weapon is often contained in specialized glands or elemental crystals within their bodies. These organs hold concentrated elemental power and are prized for their ability to create devastating weapons or enhance magical spells.

Use: Dragon breath glands are used to craft magical staves, wands, or siege weapons capable of replicating a dragon’s breath attack. Alchemists may also use them in potent explosives or in creating enchanted items with elemental properties.
Exploitation: Extracting a dragon’s breath weapon is extremely dangerous, as it requires knowledge of the dragon’s anatomy and considerable magical expertise. Many mages and alchemists will pay fortunes for even a small portion of this power.

7. Dragon Eyes

The eyes of a dragon are often harvested for their magical properties, particularly for their ability to see through illusions or detect magical auras. Dragon eyes are used in the creation of powerful divination tools, scrying orbs, and enchanted amulets.

Use: Dragon eyes can be used to craft items that grant the wearer enhanced vision, allowing them to see invisible creatures, detect magic, or even gaze into the future. They are also highly valued as scrying foci for mages.
Exploitation: Harvesting dragon eyes requires the dragon to be incapacitated or dead, as dragons will protect their vision at all costs. The process is rare and considered taboo in some cultures due to the importance of a dragon’s eyes.

8. Dragon Heart

The heart of a dragon is said to contain the essence of its power. It is often harvested to create powerful magical items or as a focal point in rituals designed to grant immense strength or immortality.

Use: Dragon hearts are used in rituals to grant individuals draconic strength or resilience. Some magical weapons are crafted with a dragon’s heart at their core, making them nearly indestructible. Legends speak of mages seeking dragon hearts to unlock eternal life or unparalleled magical power.
Exploitation: Harvesting a dragon’s heart is often viewed as a final act of defiance or greed, and it is among the most dangerous parts of the dragon to obtain. The heart is a symbol of life and power, and its theft is considered an affront to many dragon-worshipping cultures.

Exploitation and Poaching

Dragons are heavily hunted and exploited for their resources by poachers, adventurers, and even governments seeking to use their body parts for military or economic gain. However, the act of killing or exploiting a dragon is considered sacrilegious in many cultures, particularly in Drakoria, where dragons are viewed as divine or semi-divine beings. This has led to a black market for dragon byproducts, where many items are traded illegally. Some dragons willingly give up a few scales or drops of blood in exchange for treasure or favors, but most resist any form of exploitation, defending their territory and hoards fiercely. As a result, dragons remain both one of the most sought-after and dangerous creatures to hunt or exploit in Tanaria.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

All dragons possess a natural affinity for magic, though the type and strength of their magical abilities vary depending on their lineage and individual training. Many dragons are capable of spellcasting, wielding powerful magic that rivals that of the greatest mages of Tanaria. Their magic is often elemental in nature, tied to their breath weapons or the forces of nature that they embody.

Elemental Affinities: Dragons have a strong connection to the elements, with each type of dragon drawing strength from a particular element. Fire, ice, lightning, earth, and wind are common, but some rare dragons may even wield time, shadow, or celestial magic.
Mental Abilities: Dragons also possess powerful mental abilities, including telepathy and, in some cases, limited foresight. They are highly perceptive, able to sense changes in the environment, detect lies, and even communicate with other species without speaking.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Dragons, particularly those of immense power and influence, often form symbiotic relationships with various species, using their allies to help maintain and expand their territories. In return, these creatures gain protection and, in some cases, magical boons from their draconic patrons.

Drakes: Smaller, less intelligent relatives of dragons, drakes often serve as protectors of a dragon’s lair. In return, they benefit from the safety of the dragon’s presence, and the dragon tolerates their presence as guards or scouts. These creatures are fiercely loyal to the dragon and defend their territory from any intruders.
Kobolds: These small, reptilian humanoids often form close-knit, worshipful relationships with dragons. Kobolds are known to serve as workers and defenders within a dragon's lair, helping to maintain the lair’s security and even assisting in hoarding treasure. Dragons provide them with protection and guidance, while kobolds view the dragon as a god-like figure, gaining status and purpose from their servitude.
Wyverns: Though more independent than drakes, wyverns sometimes act as aerial sentinels for larger dragons, particularly in remote or mountainous regions. Wyverns gain security from the protection of a more powerful dragon and help control the skies surrounding a dragon’s lair.
Humanoid Worshippers: Certain humanoid cults or societies view dragons as deities or creatures of immense wisdom and power. These groups might serve dragons in exchange for protection or magical knowledge. In return, the dragon can gain influence over mortal communities, using them as agents or pawns to further their schemes.
Elemental Creatures: Dragons with strong elemental affinities (such as fire, ice, or storm dragons) often attract or align with elemental beings. Fire elementals might inhabit the lairs of fire dragons, assisting in defending the territory or maintaining its harsh, inhospitable environment. In return, they benefit from the dragon’s presence, feeding off its elemental power.

Civilization and Culture

History

Dragons are said to be the direct offspring of Drakor, created when the goddess gave form to her twin-headed nature. As beings born from divine essence, they carry within them a connection to the world’s primal forces—elements like fire, water, air, earth, and magic flow through their veins. Their origins are tied to both the natural and supernatural, and dragons are deeply entwined with the fate of Tanaria, serving as both protectors and conquerors depending on the choices they make.

Genetic Descendants

Scientific Name

Genus: Drakorii
Species: Varies by type and color (e.g., Drakorii Ignis for fire-aligned dragons, Drakorii Glacies for ice-aligned dragons, Drakorii Aeris for wind-aligned dragons, etc.)

Lifespan

2,000 - 4,000 years.

Average Height

Young dragons: Roughly 2.1 to 3.5 meters (7 to 11 feet) at the shoulder.
Adult dragons: Stand between 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 feet) at the shoulder.
Elder and Ancient dragons: Can reach heights of 7 to 10 meters (23 to 33 feet) at the shoulder.

Average Weight

Young dragons: Weigh between 900 to 1,800 kg (2,000 to 4,000 lbs).
Adult dragons: Weigh 2,000 to 4,500 kg (4,400 to 10,000 lbs).
Elder and Ancient dragons: Can weigh up to 10,000 kg (22,000 lbs) or more, depending on the species.

Average Length

Young dragons: Range from 10 to 15 meters (33 to 50 feet) in length.
Adult dragons: Typically reach lengths of 20 to 30 meters (65 to 100 feet).
Elder and Ancient dragons: Can grow to an immense 35 to 50 meters (115 to 165 feet) or more.

Related Organizations

World Encyclopedia

Kingdoms of Tanaria

World Atlas

People of Tanaria

Creatures of Tanaria

Tales of Tanaria