Dragon
Basic Information
Anatomy
Dragons are inherently magical creatures which represent the peak of raw power in Tourceia. They are covered in scales as tough as steel, with individual scales being known to grow to the size of a human hand on older dragons. Their large sinewy wings are powerful enough to launch them into the air at a moments notice, and share a similar structure to those of a bat. Their wingspan is often greater in length than that of their actual body, which allows them to support the weight of the dragon in the air. They walk on four well-muscled legs, each of which are fixed with a foot that boasts five razor-sharp claws—each the size of a large blade. Their powerful tails act to stabilize the dragon while in the air, and serve to help the dragon balance while on the ground. Their tails also serve as a weapon during ground combat, able to sweep foes off their feet with crushing force. The head structure of dragons differs greatly by species, with some having great horns, and others with spines running downing their head to their tail, however all dragons share razor-sharp teeth within their jaws.
The interior structures of dragons are perhaps as interesting as their exteriors. Dragons are warm-blooded creatures, however the temperature of their environments can have varying effects on their bodies, depending on the species of dragon.
The interior structures of dragons are perhaps as interesting as their exteriors. Dragons are warm-blooded creatures, however the temperature of their environments can have varying effects on their bodies, depending on the species of dragon.
I have never seen a species use temperature in such a way. The two wyrmlings which I have studied have used temperatures closer to their natural environment in order to charge themselves, almost like some sort of battery. For instance, after the red wyrmling had bathed in lava, his blazing breath burned the brightest I had ever seen. Meanwhile, after the white wyrmling sat covered in snow and ice, the moisture in the air around their stream of frosty breath crystallized into ice—something that had never occured prior.While they tend to share the same basic organs as most creatures (heart, lungs, stomach, etc.), they do have one organ completely unique to them—an organ known as the Primordium. Named after the elemental energies of the Primordial Sea, the Primordium is the organ responsible for conglomerating the elemental energies which flow through the blood of the dragon. While normally one could see the energies flow throughout the entire dragon's scales, when a dragon prepares to use it's breath weapon, the energies can be seen rushing to the Primordium—which is located near the stomach. Once the energies are within the Primordium, they are concentrated into a stream of said element, which then visibly travels up through the dragon's esophagus—which has evolved to handle the effects of the dragon's breath weapon—and out through the dragon's mouth and towards the dragon's unfortunate target.
Anatomical Drawing of a Dragon's Front
Genetics and Reproduction
Dragon reproduction is an interesting phenomenon within the world of Tourceia—as there are multiple ways for dragons to reproduce.
Sexual Reproduction
The most common of these reproductive methods involves two dragons of different sexes mating and producing a clutch of eggs. While usually this involves dragons of the same breed (i.e two blue dragons), it has been thought possible for two dragons of different types to mate and produce a crossbreed. Although, this phenomenon has not been observed due to the prideful nature of dragons wanting to keep their bloodlines "pure."Death's Bloom
When an adult or older dragon dies, it is possible for eggs to form within the corpse of the newly deceased dragon. For instance, eggs may grow like plants from the open maw of a decomposing green dragon. Perhaps, an egg is found in place of the heart of a dead golden dragon. One may even have to mine through the translucent corpse of an amethyst dragon to reach the visible clutch of eggs that have crystallized in its rib cage.Primal Birth
Dragon eggs form naturally in certain regions, oftentimes near the magical leylines of Tourceia. These eggs tend to form in underground veins of metal ore or gems for metallic and gem dragons, respectively, or in extreme environments (volcanoes, frigid tundras, deadly jungles, etc.) for chromatic dragons.
Amethyst Dragon Egg
Passing/Transference
Passing—also known as Transference—is a phenomenon sometimes performed by older dragons. Deriving its name from the saying of "passing the torch," Passing is an event in which a dragon allows itself to go into a trance—eventually dying—in order to create a new egg in its place. Only one egg can ever possibly come from a Passing, as the dragon transfers all of its energy into one focal point. There are a few reasons a dragon may do this. If a dragon has lived for a long time and gotten tired of the monotony of life, it may choose to "Pass" in order to give another creature a chance at life, while it goes on to the afterlife. A dragon may also choose to go through the Passing after the death of a lifelong mate, or if it feels that its own demise is inevitable. At any rate, Passing is seen as an honorable fate by dragonkind, although few dragons have committed it throughout the ages.Growth Rate & Stages
Dragons grow extremely quickly in their early stages of life, with wyrmlings being the size of a large horse after only a few years. While their growing does slow after their first century of life, dragons never actually stop growing—making some older dragons the size of entire cities. In addition, there are four natural stages to a dragon's life: Wyrmling, Young, Adult, and Ancient.
I've only heard tales of a 5th stage to a dragon's life... I wonder if there is any truth to such legends...
Wyrmlings
This first stage of a dragon's life last for about five years. It is during this time that they grow the fastest, reaching the size of a fully-grown horse at the end of the five years. It is during this stage that they learn how to fly, whether through the instruction of their parents or their own trial and error. Their magical energies are mostly uncontrollable during this stage, but their growing Primordium allows them to begin using their weak breath weapon sparingly. While still stronger than most creatures, wyrmlings are still weaker than many creatures as well. As such, they often rely on their parents or make companions of animals to help protect them. The territory of a wyrmling is usually no more than a few square miles, and may be part of their parents’ territory—if they have parents.
Red Dragon Wyrmling
Young Dragons
A young dragon denotes a dragon who has past their five years of wyrmlinghood, but is still within their first century of life. At this stage, their growing Primordiums allow them to have more concentrated breath weapons, making young dragons much more dangerous than wyrmlings. This stage is also when most dragons begin to stale territorial claims and begin creating their lairs. An average young dragon’s territory is about 50 square miles. After establishing their territory, most dragons will begin trying to grow their hoard. It is at this point that their magical energies begin binding them to their hoard, and affecting the land within their territory. Some dragons during this stage even start to develop their spellcasting abilities.Adult Dragons
After a dragon passes its first century of life, it is considered an adult dragon. At this stage, their fully developed Primordiums allow them to have extremely concentrated breath weapons—making them unmatched predators in Tourceia. At this point they have also gained mastery over the skies, perfecting their flight and combat maneuvers, making them able to rain down destruction from above. In addition to this, dragons also gain the ability to shapeshift during this stage. It is also in this stage that most dragons can be considered skilled in spellcasting, having had centuries to learn how to hone their magical abilities. The territory of these dragons often takes up an entire region, while overlapping with the territories of younger dragons. However, adult dragons generally only allow these territorial overlaps if they don't consider the younger dragons to be a threat. Dragons at this stage often care most about expanding their hoard, or perhaps creating an additonal lair. Their magical connection with their hoard grows with each new addition, which is thought to add to their overall power.Ancient Dragons
Once a dragon is 800 years old, they are considered an ancient dragon. At this stage, their Primordiums have only grown stronger, making a dragon's breath weapon even stronger. In addition to this, the dragon is more able to control the elemental energies within them, and some have been known to spread it throughout their bodies to give themselves a magical sort of boost to their scales. These dragons are powerful enough to alter the futures of entire kingdoms, or perhaps even their entire world. These dragons are also usually masterful spellcasters, their innate magical prowess honed by centuries of experience. The territory of these dragons often take up larger regions than before, and sometimes even entire countries. By this point, the magical effects surrounding a dragon's lair can be felt for hundreds of miles, potentially making very dangerous areas of land. These dragons often have hoards large enough to pay for the construction of entire kingdoms, but oftentimes they never spend any of it—preferring instead to bask in the glory of their wealth. Still, these hoards boost the dragon's power, and they guard it jealously.
Sleeping Ancient White Dragon
Ecology and Habitats
The optimal environments for dragon's differ from breed to breed, however they tend to settle in more extreme environments. However, the effects they have on the land around their lairs are striking. The land surrounding a dragon's lair often changes to fit the dragon's personality. With good natured dragons having positive effects on their environments, and more dastardly natured dragons having negative and dangerous effects on their environments. More detailed ecology and habitat information can be found on specific dragon breed pages.
Dietary Needs and Habits
In general, dragons tend to be carnivores by nature. Some dragon species have been known to be herbivores, but those are few and far between. A typical dragon eats multiple large animals in a day, and will typically spend a week or so at a time hunting for a stockpile of food. Specific prey will vary depending on the breed of dragon, but these gigantic creatures have an immense caloric intake.
Additional Information
Social Structure
The social structure of dragons is something that the scholars of old had long tried to figure out, eventually coming to realize that it is similarly complex—or perhaps even more complex—to humanoid societies. Dragon society is defined primarily by three things: competition, cooperation, and dominance. For example, dragons often compete to expand their territory and grow their hoards, form alliances with other creatures and dragons to assist in their goals, and attempt to be the dominant force in their region.
Domestication
As a general rule, dragons cannot be domesticated in the wild. Due to their intelligence and pride, most dragons would not choose to be subservient to a humanoid master. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
If one were to acquire a dragon egg, it is possible to domesticate a dragon. When a humanoid is in possession of a dragon egg, a strange phenomenon occurs, known as an “Awakening.” A dragon has a small level of consciousness while in its egg, and a level of control over when it hatches—so that they do not hatch while in danger. An Awakening occurs if the dragon within the egg chooses to hatch within the humanoid’s presence. When this happens, a magical bond is formed between the humanoid and the dragon. Oftentimes, an identifying mark—known as a Dragonmark—such as a tattoo appears on the humanoid. At this point, the humanoid becomes known as a Drakewarden. The bond between a dragon and Drakewarden is sacred, as the bond allows the Drakewarden to experience some of the dragons magical abilities. Due to humanoids being good magical conductors, they are often able to focus the magic of the dragon into spells—at a much earlier age than the dragon would be itself. For more information on Drakewardens, see their specific page.
A Copper Drakewarden's Dragonmark
Facial characteristics
The facial characteristics and features of dragons vary wildly depending on the breed of dragon, and is often one of the first ways—after coloring—that one can identify what breed a dragon is. While all dragons have large eyes with draconic pupils and vibrant irises, that is where the similarities end. Some dragons have horns, others have crests, and others still have frills. For more information on the specific characteristics of a dragon breed, see the breed’s specific page.
Average Intelligence
The average dragon is just as—if not more—intelligent than your average humanoid. While some breeds of dragons tend to be smarter or more cunning than other breeds due to evolution, it is wise to determine a dragon’s intelligence on a case-by-case basis.
When dealing with dragons, I've found it is important to treat them with the utmost caution and respect. There are few things worse than being caught on a dragon's bad side...
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragons are extremely perceptive creatures, which is part of the reason they are so dangerous. As their most powerful perceptive tool, a dragon's eyesight is even greater than that of a humanoid. They are able to see more of the color spectrum than humanoids, although some colors are more prominent to different species of dragons. For instance, a red dragon is able to see brighter reds than other dragons. Dragons are also able to see more detail at greater distances, which makes it easier for them to stalk their prey at long range. Their eyes are more sensitive to movement than a humanoid's, making it very difficult to sneak up to one of these creatures. The eyes of a dragon also adjust quicker to changes in lighting conditions, making them just as perceptive during night as they are during the day.
In addition their eyesight, a dragon's hearing and smell are also extremely good—and once again, better than a humanoid's. A dragon can—on average—hear sounds from about half a mile away depending on the volume. They are also able to focus their hearing on specific sounds, so as to tune out unwanted noise. Their sense of smell is so acute, that they are able to smell dead or dying animals from about five miles away. Not to mention that since dragons are innately magical, some are able to use spells to enhance these senses even further. These senses are so powerful, that blinded dragons are still terrifyingly effective foes in combat.
In addition their eyesight, a dragon's hearing and smell are also extremely good—and once again, better than a humanoid's. A dragon can—on average—hear sounds from about half a mile away depending on the volume. They are also able to focus their hearing on specific sounds, so as to tune out unwanted noise. Their sense of smell is so acute, that they are able to smell dead or dying animals from about five miles away. Not to mention that since dragons are innately magical, some are able to use spells to enhance these senses even further. These senses are so powerful, that blinded dragons are still terrifyingly effective foes in combat.
Civilization and Culture
Major Organizations
There are two known major dragon organizations within Tourceia. They are the Metallic Order and the Cult of Chroma—two opposing factions of dragonkind.
The Metallic Order
The Metallic Order is comprised of the six Metallic Patrons and the Inhabitors of the Catalyst Gem. The organization used to much larger, but was destroyed many years ago. Their primary mission was to stop the Night Terror, but they also wish to stop the Cult of Chroma from taking over the world.The Cult of Chroma
The Cult of Chroma is comprised of the Great Wyrm, the five Old Ones, the Dragon-Chosen, and their minions. Their goals are primarily to gain territory and influence throughout Tourceia, but the members all have individual personal goals as well. They are a secretive organization, and are known by few throughout Tourceia.
Scientific Name
Drakonas
Lifespan
1000+ years of natural life
Average Height
Wyrmling: 4.1ft.
Young: 7.2 ft.
Adult: 12.3 ft.
Ancient: 16.4 ft.
Average Weight
Wyrmling: 320 lbs
Young: 2,500 lbs
Adult: 20,000 lbs
Ancient: 160,000 lbs
Average Length
Wyrmling: 16 ft.
Young: 31 ft.
Adult: 55 ft.
Ancient: 85 ft.
Average Physique
Of all the known creatures in Tourceia, dragons are the epitome of raw physical power. Dragons are well-muscled creatures by nature for a few reasons. The first of these reasons is that they must carry their massive weight, both on land and in the air. They spend a large amount of time hunting, which works out their muscles very well. The other reason for their physical fitness is that it is a biological necessity for such an innately magical creature. Even more so than humanoid spellcasters, their bodies must be extremely physically fit in order to survive the stresses of the magic that flows through them.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
The coloring of dragons is generally the best way to differentiate between different breeds of dragons—save for Brass and Bronze dragons—so much so that dragon breeds are generally named after the color of their scales. Metallic dragons’ scales tend to have the lustrous shine of metals, gem dragons’ scales tend to have the slight translucence of gems, and the scales of chromatic dragons tend to be matte in nature. As a dragon ages, the color of their scales tend to darken, which is usually one of the easiest ways to tell a dragon’s age at a glance.
Geographic Distribution
Related Organizations
Related Myths
Draconic
