Pseudodragon

Basic Information

Anatomy

Pseudodragons are the smallest form of true dragon, a fully grown common pseudodragon only grows to a length of two feet from snout to tail. They possess reddish brown scales and a ridge of tiny horns. Adult pseudodragons have well developed wings spanning almost 4 feet. Like all dragons, pseudodragons possess perfect dark vision.
Hatching from small eggs, young pseudodragons are only a few inches long. Like all true dragons, hatchling pseudodragons are capable of hunting and instinctual care within minutes of hatching, a hatchling pseudodragon is a voracious hunter and will use its stinger and jaws to hunt anything that moves, usually small forest creatures. If small enough creatures are not available, then the parent dragons will often carry wounded but still living small prey back to the nest.
Another quality of note is the pseudodragon’s poisonous tail. The tail of a pseudodragon is sharp and strong enough to pierce thick hide and some are even known to be strong enough to pierce steel. Each sting delivers a powerful sedative, capable of staggering a full-sized orc or knocking a human unconscious for an hour. The sting can be very harmful to children and Halflings, care should be taken that smaller companions not startle or insult the dragon.

Genetics and Reproduction

Female pseudodragons produce eggs only in the early summer, and only if food has been abundant. Each season will produce between 6 and 12 eggs, with the eggs being infertile unless fertilized by a male. During the 6 week gestation that starts in late spring, the female pseudodragon will find a quiet, undisturbed place to burrow and prepare a nest. Old trees, caves, and soft earth all are common nests. Once a nesting site is established the dragon will return to the nesting site yearly, so long as the site remains undisturbed. At the first sign of any disturbance, especially the presence of a larger dragon, the mother will abandon the nest.

Growth Rate & Stages

Psuedodragons age very quickly for true dragons. They are mature around 5 years and fully adult by 7.

Ecology and Habitats

The optimal place for pseudodragons are temperate forests or biomes close to it.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Pseudodragons are carnivores, devouring insects, rodents, small birds, and snakes, though they sometimes eat eggs, and most also enjoy butter, cheese, and fish. They either hunt on the ground like lizards or look for prey on the wing like a raptor.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Pseudodragons inhabited temperate forests in the wild, but they could often be found as familiars in nearly any environment.

Average Intelligence

Pseudodragons are very intelligent creatures often equal to or greater than some humanoids.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Pseudodragons possessed almost equal perception as other true dragons. They have darkvision and also posses the rare ability called blindsight which allows them to detect creatures and items without relying on sight. Their senses were also heightened in most other senses like hearing and smell.

Civilization and Culture

Major Language Groups and Dialects

All pseudodragons understand draconic and those who find themself in the presence of humanoids often learn common.

Lifespan

160 years

Average Height

Between 12 cm to 30 cm

Average Weight

Between 2,5 kilo to 4 kilo

Average Length

Between 60 cm to 90 cm

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

They had chameleon-like abilities, though their color was usually a brownish-red.