Dragons

'We rule because we are meant to, it is truly that simple. As you squabbled among the forests, we soared the skies above, untouched by mortal troubles. You are small, weak, and defenceless, while we are fire-breathing mountains. Why shouldn't we rule? Is it not fitting that our god is god of kings, and king of gods, as we are gods and kings of mortals?' - Dragon-Emperor Giosael

Believed by many to be the oldest sapient race of Ratha, dragons have ruled the skies since before there was land. Titanic lizards, with four legs and a pair of wings, the largest on record having a wingspan of over 100 feet, an adult dragon is a sight to behold. Each species has a 'breath-gizzard', a specialised organ in the throat which allows them to spit fire, lightning, acid, or a number of other elements - which element is most easily identified by the colour of the dragon's scales, which can range from jet black, to a vibrant crimson, to pristine gold. Having ruled the Ales Empire since time immemorial, few can debate that the dragons are kings among the races of Ratha.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

The preferred habitat of a dragon depends greatly on the species, with dragons being found in almost any environment. They typically prefer to make their lair in a natural structure such as a cave or crater.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dragons are obligate carnivores, though the exact type of meat depends based on environment and species, from livestock to fish. As sapient beings, dragons are perfectly capable of negotiating for food, but many still choose to steal from the other races, due to selfishness or laziness, leading to the many tales of dragons carrying away livestock or taking entire fishing boats. When gravid, a female dragon will consume metals - precious metals, such as gold or silver, are preferred, but even simple iron or tin will suffice - which form the shells of her eggs. The shells are consumed by the young shortly after hatching, the minerals allowing them to grow their supernaturally strong scales, teeth, and talons. Sometimes, after an adult dragon is seriously injured, it may consume metal to aid in the regrowth of these structures. It is for this reason that many dragons hoard precious metals.

Biological Cycle

A female dragon will lay a clutch of eggs perhaps once a century - they live for over a millennium, so even with this relatively slow breeding, their populations remains fairly constant.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Dragons' names are almost always a single Draconic word, usually defining a virtue the dragon strives for. Dragons are not named by their parents, rather taking a name for themself upon reaching their hundredth winter.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Draconic is the main language of the dragons. Their anatomy makes properly speaking most other languages difficult, but not impossible.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Culturally, dragons pride power and wealth - whether they attain this by aggression or benevolence is primarily up to the dragon.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The relationship of dragons with other species largely depends on the area and individual dragon, with them being anything from benevolent rulers, to friends, to terrors, to tyrants.

Genetic Descendants

• Dragonborn

Lifespan

Upwards of 1000 years

Average Height

15-20 feet when stood on all fours

Average Weight

Typically over 1 ton

Average Length

30-40ft