Tautanion Dragon (tau-tan-ee-on)

Tautanion (from Enxetite Tartanion, also rendered as Tautanon) are an extinct species of dragon. They are believed to have existed either in the most ancient part of the Dynastic period or in the pre-Dynastic age, in the time of the Gods. Tautanion are shown as a winged serpent, covered in feathers (though variations of this are also common). The oldest known representation of a Tautanion are painting and carvings found in the caves on the cliffs in the western region, just beyond the main inhabited part of the river-land. While simplistic, these drawings show the most traditional depiction of a Tautanion and have been reproduced for countless centuries.
In the Old Kingdoms, the Tautanion was revered as an agent of the Gods who were sent to aid mortal kind. Sadly, they were not immune to the conflicts that arise between mortals and so many chose a side in the old wars. Many died and many fled the mortal world. It is believed that there were still a few alive in the early to mid Dynastic period, but they have long since died out with the only survivors having fled to the Lands of the Gods to escape the ancient wars. A few scholars argue that the larger reptiles and serpents found around the Fiyek may be primitive descendants of the ancient Tautanion but few give their arguments credence.
Tautanion are regarded as both wise and incredibly strong. Many of the oldest heroes of Enxetite myth proved themselves by slaying hostile Tautanions and surviving the battle. Likewise the oldest kings of the pre-unified age had Tautanions as their advisors and aids, such was their wisdom. In the modern age, Tautanions are frequently used as symbols of might and intelligence in regard to a myriad of contexts. The Royal government uses Tautanions to denote a royal officer and many shops use Tautanion as good luck charms and in signage.

Pronunciation Guide
Tautanion: tau-tan-ee-on
Tartanion: tar-tan-ee-on
Tautanon: tau-ta-non
Fiyek: fee-yek
Enxetite: en-he-tight