Dragonlings

"Those who want to possess a dragonling as a status symbol should really be aware their larger . . . "cousins" . . . do not appreciate what they perceive as an insult through effigy. If you must have one as a pet, for the gods' sake take good care of it."

— Giles Rebiula, Imperial Naturalist

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Most people see dragonlings as a cute exotic pet to which a large amount of prestige is attached. These cat-sized draconic creatures are a slight bit more intelligent than other pets, meaning they are a trouble to domesticate and keep. Of course, few of the people who want a dragonling as a pet are capable of taking care of one, nor do they truly consider what dragons may think of seeing a kindred species being kept by a "lesser race". Those who do train a dragonling as a pet find they have a loyal and intelligent companion.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Dragonlings resemble their full-sized cousins rather closely, being quadrupedal with wings large enough to carry them. They do, however, come in various colors and combinations which are not reflected in either dragons or dragonkin; there are such things as violet or indigo dragonlings, along with ones whose hide carries crystalline scales instead. The hide is soft and smoother than dragonhide, owing mostly to their scaled-down size allowing the normally pebbly hide of dragons to have it be much closer together. Furthermore, while the larger dragons have weaponized breath, dragonlings instead possess a mildly poisonous bite which helps subdue their prey.

Ecology and Habitats

Dragonlings are found in the jungles of the southern lands, and do not adapt well to colder climates. As a general rule, any land which receives snowfall at a point in the year is unlikely to be comfortable for dragonlings to live in without help. They tend to be solitary creatures, save during mating season and the initial years of the young, creating small nests above ground level and trying to avoid locations which are frequented by predators who are larger or more capable. As pets, they require a great deal of open space to fly in, though this is not recommended to be a truly open sky unless training has allowed them to find their way back and reinforced the need to return there. Otherwise, they return on their own time if they can find the location at all.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dragonlings are very much carnivorous, feeding on any animal smaller than them which they can kill. This includes birds, rodents, mustelids, small felines, young canines, insects, reptiles, serpents, and others of their kind. The difference is the tendency of dragonlings to stick to prey which they can eat in one sitting and leave very little for scavengers. Furthermore, as their flight uses a great deal of energy relative to the rest of their activities, they may feed often during their waking hours. As such, it is recommended an owner avoid underestimating exactly how much food will be needed. Due to their status as aerial predators, food which is provided to a pet dragonling is advised to be alive and not already killed.

Additional Information

Domestication

Domesticating a dragonling is a long process, and begins several generations earlier to raise them among people. Obedience is reinforced, but greater results are reached through positive reinforcement than other methods. It takes a very skilled hand to breed and cultivate them, and training them takes an immense amount of patience for their intelligence and nature of ignoring things which don't interest them. Trying to tame a wild dragonling takes several months to a year to earn their trust, and it should be noted they will never really be a pet so much as a wild creature which sees their "owner" as a trustworthy ally as much as the concept can be grasped by a dragonling.
In short, a dragonling is either a very challenging pet requiring a great deal of personal effort and attention . . . or something which follows you around because there always happens to be an easy meal and security in your presence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dragonlings share many similar perceptive capabilities of dragons, having incredible vision as aerial predators. Included are sharp senses of smell and hearing, and a very swift reaction speed. It should be noted their vision has adapted to pick up on motion much faster than stationary objects, and they have trouble properly perceiving things over human scale properly until they manage to learn more about it. They have shown themselves capable of discerning a difference in materials, though since they also demonstrate a lack of really grasping subtle changes in color, it is unclear what senses they employ to tell the difference between silver and gold. Many studies have suggested it is an innate attribute of draconic creatures, but when examined closely the conclusions tend to fall apart.

Scientific Name

Draconis Minor

Lifespan

25 years

Average Height

1 to 1.5 feet

Average Length

2 to 4 feet