Dragons

Dragons are a large and imposing race that came to being during The Frostmarch. They are a very social race unlike their leviathan counterparts, and are more than willing to share spaces with other races. Dragons of all serve factions worship one of their dieties, and those born into a faction territory are sworn to the deity for life. Dragons greatly value strength and loyalty, often hold competitions to prove their strength. These competitions are the inspiration of the Valor Games, even though dragons themselves have not been invited to play. An oath or promise from a dragon is more important to them than their life, so gaining one is considered to be a great feat.

Due to their conflicting beliefs and religious views dragons cannot and do not believe in Yormir, and in extension, the modern world. Because of this, the Union has very hostile views of dragons. With most considering them to be little better than leviathans, and others considering them to be barbaric cultists. As a result, the hostilities between these two factions lead to frequent skirmishes in areas with a high dragon population. Even with the longstanding Treaty of Lands, faction homesteads are far off from Union cities, though there have been numerous incidents with the Union attempting to establish cities within or near draconic territories.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragons are large reptile-like creatures that, are an extremely diverse species. Dragons can either be scaly, furry, chitinous, or feathered, though there have been a few mutations with leather-like skin. Because of their diversity they are usually split up into three groups; Dragons, Wyverns, and Drakes. A standard dragon will have forelimbs and wings, a wyvern will have wings in place of forelimbs, and drakes lack wings entirely.

Genetics and Reproduction

All dragons lay eggs, though the size and shape may vary. The gestation period for these eggs is between ten months and a year, and three eggs are usually laid at a time.

Growth Rate & Stages

Dragons grow very quickly, with it taking only five years for a dragon to reach adolescence and eight to reach adulthood. During the formative years all dragons shed due to the softer protective layers that cover them. While scaled and chitinous dragons will usually grow more colorful and defined during these periods, feathered and furred dragons will often have tufts of fur and feathers poking out from between their scales.

Ecology and Habitats

Dragons usually live in areas that allow for them to stretch out their limbs, though the exact environment varies. Dragons are considered to be the apex predator to many environments, and used to out-compete most other predators. Now dragons are extremely mindful of their place in the ecosystem, and never hunt for more than they need.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Diets vary, though most dragons prefer to hunt for their own food. Dragons have stomaches capable of handling raw magic, so if their primary food source is low they will switch to magic beasts.

Biological Cycle

Dragons have summer and winter sheds that usually dictate the passing of seasons.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dragonkind is split up into several different factions based upon the eight dragon gods. The families founded under their creating deity rule these faction within the land claimed by their gods. Faction territories are split between family, and the true leader rules them all.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Hard dragon shedding are often used for armor and weapons, while the softer kind is used for nests, clothing, and fine items.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dragons have made their home on all the continents of Teruna, however some areas are only inhabited by those of matching magical attributes.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dragons as a whole have incredible sight, which is credited to the fact that many of their ancestors spent most of their life in the air. Though snow and seafaring dragons, (with the addition of most drakes) have much better smell.

Civilization and Culture

Common Taboos

Unnatural strength enhancers like drugs and magical pacts are considered to be taboo. Strength is a major factor in draconic social structures, and if one is found enhancing themselves unnaturally, they will be shunned and considered an outcast.

History

Dragons gained sapience during The Frostmarch, where it was a necessity to survive. It is unknown just how they gained sapience, but shortly afterwards these creatures began to group up with each other to survive. Eventually, dragons and Keracore began working together to survive. The combination of sheer power and cunning traps are what allowed for these two species to survive Frostmarch, and the alliance between Dragons and Chimedae is the strongest interspecies relationship in Teruna. In the wake of Frostmarch, dragons were not received well by the other races, mostly due to their leviathan origins. It wasn't until the end of the War of Dragons that they were official recognized as another race.
The Treaty of Lands has allowed for Dragons to establish their faction territories as long as they don't bring non-affiliated states into political conflicts.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

There is no stronger relation in Teruna than the relationship between Chimedae and Dragons, with both sides going out of their way to help another in need.
Invectar often ask or employ dragons to help with safe passage in exchange for honeys and other similar items. It isn't uncommon to see these races mingling.
Dragons recognize skyfliers of the Keracore as fellow skyfarers, and will often help another in need for a price. Other than that, these races are amiable at best.
While humans do recognize dragons as a sapient race, they hold no respect for them and are often hostile. With all human-dominated cities banning dragons from. living there. Dragons and humans do not like each other.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Leviathans

Origin/Ancestry

Dragonic, Wyvernian, Draken

Lifespan

500 years

Average Height

4 meters - 35+ meters

Average Weight

500 kg- 6000+ kg

Average Length

6 meters - 25+ meters

Related Organizations

• Majawa Swampwatch