Jiryū

A distant and far smaller cousin of dragons.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Anatomy-wise, they are closer to a scaled serpentine dragon. They have four legs and small wing-like appendages that are used mostly as protection in the summer. Females do not grow manes like their dragon counterparts, but males have long barbels, and intersex has small barbels.

Jiryū are typically lighter but brighter in color, typically bright reds, greens, and blues. Darker colors are less conducive to the tropical island regions of Hoseki, where they live. Interestingly enough, they are not poisonous—the coloring is to scare off most predators. Except the ones that do actually eat them.

Ecology and Habitats

The best environment for them are subtropical climates. In the southern islands of Hoseki, the climate is hot and humid in the summer but mild and a bit chilly in the winter.

Dietary Needs and Habits

For the most part, jiryū are omivorous. However, they have a tendency to eat berries and certain tropical nuts. For meat, they eat insects and sometimes animals as big as a mouse. You know. As a treat.

Biological Cycle

During the winter, they go through what's called 'diapause', in which they slow down all body processes almost to a stop. They typically find themselves hiding under logs and piles of leaves and such for the duration of winter to avoid being eaten by predators.

Behaviour

Jiryū communicate with mostly melodic sounds and vibrations. No scientist has ever been able to decipher the meaning of these sounds and vibrations. Instead, all they can do is simply sit back and listen in awe of the beauty of nature.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Unlike their draconic cousins, these guys do not have much ability to utilize magic, let alone magic bestowed upon them by the gods. Though, they do breathe fire but not much. Just enough to kill their prey in order to eat. No, they don't start fires, I promise. They know how to use just enough fire for what they need and not more than that. Fire is also good for injuring potential predators as well.

Their sight is slightly better than their cousins, though, which they need to be able to hunt and protect themselves honestly.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons