Herdlings

Herdlings are small, earthy-toned dragons known for their steadfast loyalty and invaluable role in rural farming communities. Their bond with both humans and animals has made them an enduring symbol of protection, teamwork, and harmony with nature.

Appearance

Herdlings possess compact, muscular bodies covered in earthy brown or grey scales, which allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Their scales are rough and textured, resembling bark or stone, providing them with excellent natural camouflage in grazing fields. Males sport four short, curved horns, while females have two, both of which are used more for show or light sparring than combat. Their large, soulful eyes exude a sense of calm and reassurance.
Despite their small stature—no larger than a medium-sized dog—Herdlings carry themselves with an air of quiet confidence. Their sturdy wings, though rarely used for extended flight, are powerful enough to allow short bursts of agility when needed.

Habitat and Role

Herdlings thrive in farmland environments, particularly in open pastures and grazing fields. Their primary role is to guard livestock, working closely with farm dogs to ensure the safety of sheep, goats, and cattle. Farmers often train Herdlings to patrol their land at night, where their exceptional night vision and keen senses make them unparalleled protectors.
While Herdlings do not actively hunt large prey, they are skilled at driving off smaller predators like foxes or wild dogs, using their low, rumbling growls and quick, darting movements to intimidate.

Diet and Feeding

Herdlings are omnivores with a preference for meat. They subsist on small game, such as rabbits or rodents, supplemented with scraps provided by farmers. Their diet also includes roots and tubers, which they forage during lean times. Herdlings have a curious habit of burying food for later consumption, a behaviour that endears them to farmers as they unknowingly aerate and fertilise the soil.

Behaviour and Temperament

Herdlings are exceptionally social and cooperative creatures. They bond deeply with their human caretakers and the livestock they protect, often forming life-long attachments. Herdlings exhibit playful behaviours when interacting with animals, herding them with gentle nudges or playful chirps. They show immense patience with young animals and children, often serving as companions to both.
Towards intruders, however, Herdlings are fiercely protective. When threatened, they raise their scales to appear larger, emit sharp, barking cries, and use their powerful tails to create dust clouds to obscure visibility. Despite their small size, Herdlings have an unshakable courage that makes them formidable defenders.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Herdlings reproduce at a slow but steady rate. Females lay clutches of 2–3 eggs every 200 years, which are typically buried in warm, soft earth for incubation. The hatchlings remain with their parents for the first decade of life, learning the skills they will need to protect their future flocks. Herdlings have an average lifespan of 1,000–1,500 years, remaining active protectors well into their later years.

Cultural Significance

In rural communities, Herdlings are revered as symbols of loyalty, guardianship, and prosperity. Farmers often celebrate the arrival of a new Herdling with communal feasts, and these dragons are seen as bringers of good fortune. Folktales often describe Herdlings driving away malevolent spirits or saving entire herds from disaster, further cementing their legendary status.
Herdlings are more than just guardians of the fields—they are cherished members of the communities they protect. Their steadfast loyalty, gentle nature, and courageous hearts have made them indispensable to the lives of those who depend on them.

Scientific Name

Drakonys pastoralis