Drakes

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragons are wingless reptilian quadrupeds of the Dragon family. They have a digitigrade stance. Each of their four feet have four digits, including a dewclaw, capped with a sharp claw. Drakes are covered in thick, platelike scales over their bodies, with ridged plates along their spines. They have long, reptilian snouts with horns and thick ridges, well suited for their charge and ram hunting and fighting methods.

Genetics and Reproduction

Drakes are solitary creatures by nature, only coming together to mate. Males and females mate sexually, with females laying clutches of 6-10 eggs. After a few weeks, these are left to fend for themselves until and after hatching. Typically, 1-3 drakes survive into adolescence, with most casualties coming from their siblings. Only the strongest drakes survive this ordeal and strike out to create their own lairs.

Ecology and Habitats

Drakes prefer cool, damp environments, often seeking out caves or burrows in wetlands or river valleys. They are capable of burrowing, but are equally likely to seek out shelter in caves, stolen dens or even built structures. Drakes have no compunctions about taking over a remote farmhouse or ruined shepherds hovels.
A drake will usually stake out a large area roughly circular around this den, hunting and defending its territory with aggression.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Drakes are carnivores, living on a diet of hunted prey, primarily ungulate species such as deer, cattle or sheep, but these opportunistic hunters will also feed on fish, small mammals and even the Tuath. A properly motivated Drake can easily clear a small family settlement or hamlet, although they are more likely to seek out isolated prey, such as children, lone travelers and outsiders.
Drakes hunt by lying in wait for their prey, the suddenly charging at full speed towards their prey, attacking with teeth or claws, or in some cases, ramming a creature with their horned, plated heads to disorient and disable the prey, allowing the drake to kill and eat their meal at relative leisure.

Biological Cycle

Drakes are creatures of Summerule, often entering a hibernation state shortly after Kalan-Goañv and emerging around Kala-Hañv.

Behaviour

Drakes are solitary and highly aggressive.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Drakes are found in low, wet areas throughout Kornôgel, and in lesser extent in the Fortunate Isles, especially Albia. A variant exists in Alkebulan, living along the Kemi River South of Pharos.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Drakes are keen hunters with excellent senses of sight and smell. They are thought to possess the strongest example of the latter of any dragon species.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Scientific Name

Taniyn Mustanqae

Geographic Distribution

• Alkebulan
• Fortunate Isles
• Kornôgel