Drake

Drakes are small to large draconic creatures which are most comparable to mastiffs or even horses. While most Drakes are, in fact, wild and ferocious, some breeds of drake are trained and kept by Dragonborn, Wizards, Nobles, and even Commoners. The largest domestic breeds of Drake are often kept by Dragon Knights with whom they form a special bond.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Drakes are four-legged draconic creatures which possess hard, bony plates which protect most of their body and are only supplement by the Drake's finer draconic scales. Rare War Drakes possess a pair of wings and are capable of flight over short distances.

Genetics and Reproduction

While practices after egg-laying vary between Drakes, they tend to be solitary creatures. They mate infrequently but with large broods of dozens of eggs. Baby drakes are comparable in size to a kitten but develop at an even more alarming rate.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Like other Dragons, Drakes do not require a great deal of sustenance, instead of being partially sustained by the draconic magic which flows through them. For this reason, if a Drake has decided to hunt you it will persist unless you prove too clever or strong for it.

Additional Information

Average Intelligence

Normal Drakes are not intelligent creatures but possess honed predatory instincts.

Grand Drakes are the most intelligent of the Drakes as well as being the most powerful with the oldest Grand Drakes being comparable to Young Dragons.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Drakes tend to lack the breath weapon which makes true dragons unapproachable, however, it is not impossible for a Drake to develop or be born with a breath weapon. Grand Drakes, which grow throughout their lives like True Dragons are known to be born with a weak breath weapon. Other drakes, specifically those who are bonded to a Dragon Knight, especially one who is a Dragonborn, often develop weak breath weapons.

Civilization and Culture

History

Grand Drakes are the most prominently intelligent of the Drakes and have themselves possessed a long history which follows in the tails of True Dragons. Often being mistaken for True Dragons, Grand Drakes are primarily selfish creatures which have been known to gather in numbers to attack the lair of a True Dragon for plunder. In cases where their plan fails, the Dragon may subjugate the Drakes as its personal slaves. The dragon will often allow the Drakes to reproduce before killing the whole generation and raising the next as obedient servants. Grand Drakes who manage to defeat a Dragon and take over its Lair will often become full of themselves and begin terrorizing the local area. In this situation, it won't be long before an army or a group of well-trained Dragonborn will silence the group.
Solitary Grand Drakes tend to be very confident and egotistical in the face of non-draconic races but may enter a state of paranoia when seeing even one Kobold, as they assume it is under the command of a True Dragon. For this reason, Grand Drakes are most likely to lair in remote places or to offer their services to civilizations. However, the promise of a Grand Drake cannot be trusted for long.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragon