Dragon
Dragons are, inarguably, one of the most powerful creatures in all of Wyrth. Considered one of the primary races in the Hunter's Skepsis, or, at the very least, a point of comparison for discussing the physical and qualitative elements of various creatures, Dragons are also a vital area of research.
As the vast majority of history became oral in the Age of Isolation, there is very little known about the actual nature of these elemental behemoths. Many scholars believe Dragons are the stranded kin of even greater beasts that lived before the Great Fracture; confined now to the Elemental Orbits. Various religions engage with the mythos of Dragons in various ways, but two notable ones are the beliefs of the Eldritch Church and Church of the Deep, especially with regard to the figure of Aninrae.
The Eldritch Church teaches that, when the Dreamers - the Old Ones if you prefer - created the gods in their slumber, Aninrae was among them. They further teach that Aninrae in turn went to sleep and dreamed of many children, thus creating the Dragons.
The Church of the Deep, conversely, believes that - while Aninrae was the progenitor of Dragonkind, it occurred differently. They teach that the Dreamers are a product of the Ætherial Sea of Perdium. In turn, they believe that Aninrae was born of the Smoldering Lake of Nazir. However, they teach that he drank of the Deep, obtaining a Soul. From there, he created the rest.
The truth is much less centered on Aninrae, though the confusion is understandable. In actuality, Dragons were born collectively of the Smoldering Lake as one of the Progenitor races. Though there are many Dragons that have been born since the originals and many have also died over the millennia, they were not created by a single entity, but rather born of the Deep in the same way as the other Progenitors.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Though their species has been used as the categorical title for creatures that resemble them, the proper morphology of a Dragon is a quadrupedal, reptilian creature, with an affinity for fire, and wings. While there are rare Dragons born with other elemental associations, these are not standard for the species.
Though the dragons of Yugawa are called as such, they aren't true dragons.
Biological Traits
Dragons are biologically attuned to fire. This trait develops from a resistance to an outright immunity over the course of their life, but it also allows them an innate command of it. This is most famously displayed by their ability to breathe fire, but they are also able to cast certain inherent spells.
Genetics and Reproduction
Dragons reproduce the same as reptiles: eggs. However, unlike mortal beasts, they don't fertilize these eggs, but rather have them filled with energy from Ignethon, not unlike a Dwarf creating another of its kind.
Despite the existence of Dracolings and their indicated parentage, true Dragons are not the progenitors of the Dracoling race as they are incapable of assuming a humanoid form. The exception is Aninrae, who did, in fact, sire some of the first Dracolings. The rest, however are descended from the False Dragons of Yugawa.
Growth Rate & Stages
Dragons have four stages of growth.
The first stage, Hatchling, goes from the time they hatch to roughly one year. They will be able to stand roughly ten minutes after they are born, but their wings will be extremely undeveloped, keeping them grounded.
The Juvenile stage begins when they are able to fly. They will have been able to glide for a while, but once they are able to self-propel in flight, they are considered a Juvenile. This stage will last until they are sexually mature - roughly five years.
Third comes the Adult stage. This stage lasts for four hundred years, give or take a decade. Once they reach this period, females will begin to lay eggs. These eggs have a nearly indefinite period wherein they can become fertilized.
Finally, there is the Elder stage. This is when a Dragon is at their most powerful. Once they are an Elder, they are Immortal, living until they are killed by some other creature.
Ecology and Habitats
Dragons tend to prefer climates that are well suited to them and don't drain on their power. An example of this would be a Dragon in Baliklav. The climate would likely make the Dragon sick. However, within certain reasonable parameters, Dragons are adaptable.
The larger issue for them is the balance of seclusion and food. Dragons are sentient, and thus are aware of the danger civilization may pose to them. Also, contrary to common belief, they are not malevolent or wicked, and thus also don't inherently want to attack people. However, they still need food, leading to them occasionally stealing cattle.
Dietary Needs and Habits
When they are Hatchlings, their mother or father will usually chew the food for them then spit it out so the Hatchling can eat the mush. Once they have teeth, they are able to eat normally.
Despite the fact that they have fifty-two sharp teeth in the front three quarters of their mouths, Dragons actually do have molars and are able to eat plants if they so choose. However, doing so will make them less energetic, and, if done for an extended period prior to Adulthood, may stunt their growth.
Biological Cycle
Dragons are known to hibernate for three months out of the year once they reach Adulthood, but it seems to be unrelated to any specific season.
Additional Information
Domestication
A Dragon could be considered capable of domestication, but adoption would be more accurate. They are far more intelligent than any creature that could domesticate them, but it is possible to raise one from Hatchling to Adulthood.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Some say that the reason Dragons are so feared and, in turn, dislike "scaleless" folk is because of a propaganda campaign to promote the hunting of Dragons for their byproducts. Their scales and hide can be used to make armor. Leather made from their skin is highly sought after. Their bones can be used in medicine, their glands are good for potions, and their hearts can be used in enchantments.
Facial characteristics
Dragons have varied facial shapes and features, but consistent aspects include horns of some shape and number on the head, two eyes, and slitted nostrils.
Average Intelligence
A Hatchling is akin to a very smart dog when first born. They act mostly on instinct, but are capable of some basic problem solving when properly motivated. By the end of that stage, they are able to say a few words and are much better at reasoning, having the mental capacity of a five year old Human.
Once in the Juvenile stage, their capacity will accelerate rapidly. They'll pick up languages very quickly and learn much faster than most other sapient creatures even in adulthood (save perhaps an Elf). Within months, they'll go from childlike to adolescent, and match an adult mentally by age five.
In Adulthood, they will surpass nearly every other mortal race for intelligence.
As Elders, they will equal Celestials for wisdom and understanding, some mortals even worshipping them as gods.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragons have an incredible sense of smell and can see for over a mile with perfect clarity.
Scientific Name
Draconis Draconae
Lifespan
Upwards of around 2000 years
Average Height
27ft or 8.23m in Adulthood
Average Weight
1350lbs or 612.35kg
Average Length
50ft or 15.28m
Average Physique
They are rather lean in build, being shaped more like a wolf or lion than a lizard, with a thicker tail and longer neck.
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