Red Dragon
Basic Information
Genetics and Reproduction
Mating between red dragons is a perilous journey as potential mates are also often rivals. Successful red dragon relationships typically involve a younger dragon and an older dragon, as younger dragons are less threatening to their elders. After a successful mating, the younger dragon of the pair guards the eggs. However, once the eggs hatch, the hatchlings are left to fend for themselves.
Ecology and Habitats
Red dragons adore mountains, though they will make their homes wherever they can find high vantage points to survey the land they claim as their own. Large mountain caverns that penetrate deep into the earth are perfect for red dragon lairs. This is particularly true for tunnels that are geothermally or volcanically active.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Younger dragons, whose scales make them more visible, tend to move about at night rather than during the day. However, as they get older, they gradually take to the skies more often during daylight hours. A red dragon's preferred meal is a humanoid, and they are known to hold entire villages hostage, demanding regular sacrifices from them.
Behaviour
Red dragons are highly territorial creatures, even towards others of their own kind. They are intimately familiar with every inch of their territory and have meticulously memorized every item in their hoard. In the eyes of a red dragon, anything it considers its own is something no other creature is strong enough to claim. They view theft as a major offense and it is a death sentence. If a thief is not found, the dragon will make anyone and anything it can find pay dearly. A successful theft is a sign to the dragon that it was not strong enough to protect its hoard, which it sees as an opportunity for other dragons to take more. This fear of thieves and their territorial nature makes them solitary creatures, constantly on the lookout for trespassers and other dragons. Entering their territory uninvited is a sure way to provoke a red dragon into attacking.
Despite their reputation, red dragons often employ humanoids as informants, messengers, and couriers. However, this is rarely a safe arrangement for the humanoid in the long run, as red dragons have no loyalty towards such servants and will kill and eat them at the slightest provocation, even just for bringing bad news. When fighting, red dragons are fierce and refuse to retreat. They will spend years planning attacks from different points within their territory and will use any advantage they can find. Withdrawal is a last resort, and they will only do so in the most dire of circumstances. They will fall back and contemplate how to strike again, this time for the final time.
When dealing with a clearly weaker foe, a red dragon will attempt to force it into its service, with refusal being a death sentence. When dealing with a large number of weaker foes, it may leave a few alive, even if not forced into service, just to ensure that the tale of their defeat is spread.
Despite their reputation, red dragons often employ humanoids as informants, messengers, and couriers. However, this is rarely a safe arrangement for the humanoid in the long run, as red dragons have no loyalty towards such servants and will kill and eat them at the slightest provocation, even just for bringing bad news. When fighting, red dragons are fierce and refuse to retreat. They will spend years planning attacks from different points within their territory and will use any advantage they can find. Withdrawal is a last resort, and they will only do so in the most dire of circumstances. They will fall back and contemplate how to strike again, this time for the final time.
When dealing with a clearly weaker foe, a red dragon will attempt to force it into its service, with refusal being a death sentence. When dealing with a large number of weaker foes, it may leave a few alive, even if not forced into service, just to ensure that the tale of their defeat is spread.
Additional Information
Facial characteristics
Red dragons have two massive horns that sweep back atop the head, some twisting and others straight. These horns are often equally diverse in color, ranging from bone white to night black. Rows of smaller horns run along the top of the head, cheeks, and lower jaw. Its snout is beaked with a small nose and slight chin horns. A red dragon’s tongue is long, thin, and forked. Flames flicker out of its nostrils when flared in anger. Its fringed ears slowly merge into the cheek horns over time. The dragon's many teeth remain visible even when the mouth is closed, and its back frill runs from the back of the head all the way down to the tip of its tail. Its eyes will change over time to resemble orbs of roiling lava.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
~2,500 yrs.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
A newly hatched red dragon has glossy scarlet scales, which turn deeper just before adulthood. As the dragon matures, the scales lose their glossy texture and become dull but smooth. The dragon's wings have a blueish-black gradient at the tips of the phalanges, brightening into vibrant red as the wing membrane reaches the alar limb.
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