Dragons
Dragons are majestic and powerful creatures that captivate the imagination of its inhabitants. They are awe-inspiring winged beings with scaly bodies, sharp claws, and long, muscular tails. Their most renowned ability is the ability to breathe fire, making them fearsome adversaries in battle.
The dragons possess large, bat-like wings that allow them to soar high above the lands, ruling the skies with grace and elegance. Their intelligence is comparable to that of a child, which means they can be both cunning and unpredictable in their actions.
What sets dragons apart is their telepathic nature. They have the ability to communicate through thoughts and emotions, allowing them to connect on a deeper level with certain individuals. This connection enables them to imprint and bond with members of the Skysworn guild, a select group of individuals who are chosen to serve as the protectors and keepers of the skies.
Dragons come in various colors, each representing different traits and personalities. For example, the Blue dragons may be known for their calm and even-keeled demeanor, while Red dragons are characterized by their deep passions and fiery tempers.
The bond between a dragon and their Skysworn companion is a special and sacred connection, often considered an honor and responsibility. Skysworn members gain access to the dragon's wisdom and guidance, and in return, they protect and serve their dragon companions, forging an unbreakable bond.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The anatomy and morphology of dragons are fascinating and awe-inspiring. Let's delve into the details of their physical characteristics:
- Number of Limbs: Dragons typically have four limbs. They are quadrupeds, meaning they have two powerful hind legs and two strong forelimbs, which are equipped with sharp claws for various tasks.
- Wings: Dragons have two large, bat-like wings attached to their back. These wings are a defining feature that allows them to achieve flight and glide gracefully through the skies.
- Head: Their heads are adorned with various features, such as horns, crests, or frills, giving each dragon an individual appearance. They have a pronounced jawline with sharp teeth designed for tearing apart prey.
- Scales: The bodies of dragons are covered in tough, protective scales. These scales vary in size and density, providing both protection and flexibility.
- Tail: Dragons have long, muscular tails that extend from their bodies. The tail acts as a counterbalance during flight, aiding in their aerial maneuvers.
- Internal Fire Breathing Glands: The ability to breathe fire is facilitated by specialized internal glands within a dragon's body. These glands produce and store flammable substances, such as combustible gases or volatile liquids, allowing dragons to expel fire at will.
- Muscular and Skeletal Structure: Dragons have a robust and powerful muscular and skeletal system to support their immense size and weight. Their bones are strengthened to withstand the stresses of flight and combat.
- Respiratory System: The respiratory system of dragons is adapted to accommodate their fire-breathing abilities. They have large lung capacity and specialized air sacs to store the necessary gases for fire production.
- Eyes: Dragon eyes are typically large and come in various colors, often described as mesmerizing and intense. They have excellent vision, providing them with keen sight even in low-light conditions.
- Brain and Intelligence: While dragons' intelligence is comparable to that of a child, they possess a well-developed brain capable of complex thoughts, emotions, and memories.
- Color Variations: As mentioned earlier, dragons come in various colors such as blue, red, green, black, and more. These colors are not only aesthetically striking but also represent different elemental traits and personalities.
- Telepathic Abilities: Along with their physical attributes, dragons possess the unique ability to communicate through telepathy. This ability allows them to form deep emotional connections with individuals of the Skysworn guild, establishing strong and meaningful bonds.
Genetics and Reproduction
The reproductive process of dragons is both spectacular and fascinating. When the mating season arrives, potential mates engage in a breathtaking aerial courtship display. The two partners take to the skies and fly high together, showcasing their agility and grace. As they soar, they demonstrate their mutual attraction and compatibility, engaging in acrobatic displays that are a blend of loveplay and a reflection of their affinity for speed and risk.
When the time is right, the two dragons enfold each other in their wings, forming an intimate bond as they descend in a thrilling free-fall. At the crucial moment, just before reaching the ground, they open their wings, slowing their descent, and land safely together. This adrenaline-filled mating ritual further cements their connection, and the exhilaration of the flight adds to the depth of their bond.
After the successful mating, the female dragon proceeds to lay eggs, similar to reptiles and birds. These eggs are protected by a hard shell, which provides a secure environment for the developing embryos. A typical clutch consists of about five eggs, though this number may vary slightly among individuals and species.
The incubation period for dragon eggs is significantly longer than that of typical birds or reptiles. It spans a year, during which the female dragon vigilantly guards her precious eggs, displaying maternal instincts to ensure their safety. During this period, the female dragon is incredibly protective, allowing only her bonded rider or trusted individuals of the Skysworn guild to approach the nest.
One of the remarkable aspects of dragon reproduction is the potential variety in egg colors within a single clutch. While certain colors might be more common, there is always a chance that a dragon clutch could contain eggs of any color, including rarer hues. The diversity of egg colors adds an element of surprise and wonder to the world of dragons, reflecting the mysterious and magical nature of these majestic creatures.
Growth Rate & Stages
The growth rate and life stages of dragons vary depending on the species and the world's specific lore. However, here's a general outline of their life stages and growth:
Domesticated Dragons live for the lifetime of the rider they impressed upon. Upon the death of their rider, Dragons fall into a deep depression and waste away. In extremely rare cases a Dragon may impress upon a new Rider, but this is the exception to the rule (and has only ever been recorded in the case of a Rider who's dragon had died), and the dragon will never have quite the same bond with the new rider as they did the first.
- Hatchling: Dragons start their lives as hatchlings, emerging from eggs after a period of incubation. At this stage, they are small and vulnerable, relying on their parents or guardians for protection and nourishment. Hatchlings are often unable to fly and may stay close to their nesting site.
- Wyrmling: As dragons grow older, they enter the juvenile stage. During this period, they experience rapid growth and development. Juvenile dragons begin to explore their surroundings and practice their flying abilities. Their scales and wings continue to strengthen, preparing them for adulthood.
- Young: The adolescent stage is a critical phase for dragons. They become more independent and may start developing their unique personalities. At this point, they begin honing their combat skills and refining their magical or psionic abilities. The process of imprinting and bonding with members of the Skysworn guild typically occurs during this stage.
- Adult: Once a dragon reaches adulthood, it attains its full size and power. Adult dragons are fearsome creatures, possessing their signature fire-breathing abilities and other magical or psionic powers. They become influential beings in their world, often holding a significant role in the ecosystem and society.
- Elder/Ancient: Dragons that have lived for an extended period enter the elder or ancient stage. At this point, they become wise and experienced, accumulating vast knowledge and insight. Elder dragons may serve as respected leaders or sages, guiding younger generations and playing pivotal roles in the world's events.
| Stage | Size | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | Small | 0-3 months |
| Wyrmling | Medium to Large | 3 months - 1 years |
| Young | Large | 1-30 years |
| Adult | Large | 30 - 100 years |
| Ancient | Large | 100 years or more |
Ecology and Habitats
Dragons thrive in diverse environments that cater to their unique characteristics and needs. However, their optimal habitat encompasses a combination of elements to ensure their well-being and dominance in the ecosystem. Large open spaces provide them with ample room to spread their wings and take flight, a fundamental aspect of their identity as sky-bound creatures. These open spaces grant them the freedom to soar high above the lands and survey their territories, reinforcing their sense of majesty and power.
Mountainous regions hold a special allure for dragons. The rugged terrain grants them secluded nesting sites and lairs where they can protect their eggs and young hatchlings from potential threats. The high vantage points in the mountains also offer ideal locations for dragon roosts, allowing them to keep a watchful eye over their domain and detect any intruders or rival creatures.
Magical nexus points are of particular significance to dragons. These sites resonate with powerful magical energies, which can further enhance their innate magical or psionic abilities. As creatures attuned to the magical fabric of their world, dragons are drawn to these places as sources of strength and connection to the mystical forces that flow through the land.
The presence of adequate prey and resources is vital for sustaining the dragon population. Dragons are formidable predators, and their large size demands a substantial intake of food. In regions with abundant prey, such as large herds of animals or other magical creatures, dragons can maintain their strength and vitality. Additionally, access to natural resources, such as fresh water sources and minerals for their scales and bones, is essential for their physical well-being and maintaining their impressive appearance.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Dragons are formidable predators with diverse dietary preferences. Their diet primarily consists of various creatures, including large mammals, other magical beings, and sometimes even livestock from human settlements. To hunt or forage for food, dragons utilize a combination of their physical prowess, magical abilities, and intelligence.
When it comes to hunting, dragons leverage their exceptional aerial agility and speed to their advantage. They often employ stealth and patience, silently soaring through the skies to spot potential prey from great distances. Once they have identified a suitable target, they dive with incredible speed and precision, using their sharp claws and teeth to capture their quarry. The element of surprise and their swift attacks make them formidable predators, instilling fear in those who dare to cross their path.
For larger and more elusive prey, dragons might use their magical or psionic abilities to their advantage. Some dragons possess the power of mesmerization or illusions, allowing them to deceive and disorient their targets before striking. Others might use telekinesis to immobilize or manipulate their prey, making the hunt more effortless and efficient.
Dragons are known for their intelligence and strategic thinking, and this extends to their approach to food storage and protection. They might establish hidden lairs within mountainous regions where they store excess food reserves. These lairs serve as secure caches, safeguarding their precious food sources from scavengers and rival predators. The nesting sites for their eggs are often strategically chosen to provide a safe and well-guarded environment for their young, ensuring the continuation of their species.
Additionally, the maternal instincts of female dragons play a crucial role in protecting their food sources. During the incubation period of their eggs, the female dragon remains fiercely protective, keeping a watchful eye on the area surrounding the nesting site. She will deter any intruders, ensuring that no other creatures, be they predators or curious explorers, can disrupt or threaten the safety of her clutch or nearby food caches.
Behaviour
The generic behavior exhibited by dragons can vary depending on individual personality, age, and species, but there are some common traits seen across these majestic creatures.
Toward members of their own species, dragons often display a mix of camaraderie and territoriality. While they may form close bonds with their chosen Skysworn companions and exhibit loyalty and protectiveness towards them, encounters with unfamiliar dragons can lead to territorial disputes. Dominance displays, aerial contests, and vocalizations are some ways dragons communicate their status and assert their boundaries. However, when it comes to their own kind, dragons are also capable of forming alliances and cooperating for common goals, such as protecting their habitats or safeguarding their eggs.
Regarding predators, dragons are formidable apex predators in their ecosystems, and they are often at the top of the food chain. While they may face challenges from powerful magical beings or other ancient creatures, dragons are well-equipped to defend themselves. They use their aerial agility, fiery breath, and potent magical or psionic abilities to deter and confront potential threats. In some cases, dragons might even engage in direct confrontations with rival predators to establish dominance or protect their territories.
Towards species they predate on, dragons exhibit a mix of stealth and calculated hunting techniques. They are intelligent hunters, capable of discerning weaknesses and exploiting them to their advantage. While they are apex predators, they are also part of the natural balance of their ecosystems, and their hunting behaviors help regulate the populations of other creatures.
In general, dragons in the wild demonstrate a sense of dominance and power, often securing their position as respected and feared creatures. Their interactions with members of their own species, predators, and predated species are shaped by their innate intelligence, territorial instincts, and their adaptability to diverse environments. Overall, the generic behavior of dragons in OE reflects a mix of majesty, cunning, and the primal instincts that make them awe-inspiring and essential components of the fantasy world they inhabit.
Additional Information
Domestication
Domestication of dragons is a rare and special occurrence. It begins with a unique process known as imprinting. When a dragon hatches from its egg, it instinctively chooses its rider, forming a profound psychic link with them. This bond is deep and unbreakable, transcending mere companionship and forging a connection that goes beyond the physical realm.
Imprinting is a complex process, and dragons tend to choose riders who share similar personality traits and drives. This alignment ensures that the bond between dragon and rider is harmonious and complementary, enhancing their ability to work as a team and understand each other's thoughts and emotions.
Domesticated dragons become loyal and devoted to their chosen riders. They are more inclined to cooperate and work alongside their human companions, using their immense power and abilities for the greater good. The bond of trust and telepathic communication between dragon and rider enables them to form a formidable partnership, making them an indomitable force against threats to the world of OE.
On the other hand, wild dragons prefer seclusion and solitude. They retreat to remote and secluded areas where they can indulge in their own whims and vices without interference. These untamed dragons are reclusive and challenging to tame. While not impossible, the process of finding and forging a bond with grown wild dragons is a daunting and nearly insurmountable task.
Facial characteristics
A dragon's head is typically adorned with an array of distinguishing features. Their eyes, often large and alluring, have an intense gaze that can mesmerize those who meet their gaze. The eyes might come in various colors, reflecting the dragon's emotions and magical affinity. These eyes possess keen vision, allowing dragons to spot prey from great distances and see through darkness with ease.
Atop their heads, dragons boast a variety of crests, frills, or horns, each unique to their species and age. These features add to their regal appearance and serve as a means of communication and display during territorial encounters or mating rituals.
Their jaws are lined with sharp, fang-like teeth, capable of tearing through flesh and bone with ease. These formidable jaws are well-adapted to their predatory nature, allowing them to consume large prey in swift, powerful bites.
The facial scales of dragons are an extension of their protective body armor. These scales provide them with a tough exterior, shielding their faces and heads from potential dangers and enhancing their overall resilience in combat.
When they communicate with their riders or other dragons, their facial expressions play a crucial role in conveying emotions and thoughts. Despite their inability to speak verbally, the movements of their facial muscles, the glint in their eyes, and the flaring of their nostrils serve as non-verbal cues that convey a wide range of emotions.
Average Intelligence
The average intelligence of dragons is equivalent to that of a small child. This level of intelligence allows them to comprehend basic concepts, emotions, and form meaningful bonds with their riders and other dragons. However, there are instances where individual dragons have been recorded to be more intelligent, showcasing a wider range of cognitive abilities.
The abilities of a dragon can be influenced by the bond they form with their rider. If their rider possesses strong intellectual capabilities, the dragon's cognitive abilities may increase. This bond enhances their understanding and communication with their rider on a telepathic level, allowing for a deep connection and seamless exchange of thoughts and emotions.
While their intelligence does not conflict with their ability to understand their rider, communicating with the general populace might be more challenging. Dragons are incapable of speech in the traditional sense, but they make up for it through their powerful telepathic abilities. They can speak directly into the minds of their riders and other dragons, establishing a strong and efficient means of communication within their bonded community.
Their inability to verbally communicate with non-dragon individuals might lead to some misunderstandings or challenges in interacting with the general populace. However, their telepathic communication with their riders and fellow dragons makes them an indispensable asset to the Skysworn guild and a crucial element in the defense and protection of the skies.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dragons possess a diverse range of sensory abilities that allow them to gather information about their environment and the world around them. These sensory abilities go beyond the ordinary senses
- Enhanced Vision: Dragons have exceptional vision, allowing them to see great distances and even in low-light conditions.
- Enhanced Hearing: Dragons may have acute hearing, allowing them to pick up on sounds beyond the range of normal human hearing. This heightened sense can help them detect approaching dangers or locate prey.
- Telepathy: As mentioned earlier, dragons in OE are telepathic beings. This powerful ability allows them to communicate directly with individuals of the Skysworn guild and possibly with other sentient creatures they encounter.
- Infrared Vision: Some dragons might have the ability to see in the infrared spectrum, allowing them to detect heat signatures and locate living creatures, even in complete darkness.
- Echolocation: While not all dragons possess this ability, certain species might use echolocation like bats or dolphins. By emitting sound waves and interpreting their echoes, dragons can "see" their surroundings, especially in dark caves or when hunting at night.
- Psionic Powers: Some dragons may possess innate psionic abilities, such as telekinesis, mind reading, or psychic communication. These powers can augment their natural senses and provide them with a deeper understanding of the world.
- Magical Sensing: Dragons are often attuned to magic in their world. Some possess an inherent ability to sense magical energies and the presence of other magical beings or artifacts.
- Aura Reading: Dragons might be able to perceive the emotional or magical auras of other creatures. This ability could enable them to understand the intentions and emotions of those around them.
- Environmental Empathy: Some Dragons have a unique connection to the natural world, allowing them to sense changes in the environment, weather patterns, or disturbances in the natural balance.
- Divination: Some dragons might possess the ability to see into the future or gain insights through divination, granting them knowledge of events that have yet to unfold.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
The naming traditions of dragons are shrouded in mystery and wonder. Dragons are born with a name, a unique identifier that they share with their chosen rider upon imprinting. The process by which they receive their names remains a baffling enigma, as no one truly understands how they come to possess this information. Even the dragons themselves seem unable to explain the origin of their names, simply responding with the assertion that "it's my name, why wouldn't I know it."
Various rumors and speculations circulate among the inhabitants of this fantastical realm, attempting to unveil the secret behind this mysterious naming tradition. Some believe it could be an ancestral memory, passed down through generations of dragons, linking them to their ancient lineage. Others speculate that the name is somehow embedded into the egg at the moment of its creation, a sacred essence that accompanies the dragon throughout its life.
Regardless of the various theories, the truth behind the dragons' innate knowledge of their names remains elusive. The enigmatic nature of this naming tradition adds to the allure and mystique surrounding these majestic creatures. Their names hold great significance, serving as a powerful symbol of their identity and forming an unbreakable bond with their chosen riders.
Common Myths and Legends
The Legend of the First Rider
There are legends of the first rider and who they could be. The fact of the matter is that no one knows for sure who this was, but childhood stories do span in wonder about who it could be and the beauty of that first ride.
"No, it was bloody awful is what is is. So this giant lizard you see, who wouldn't want to see if they could catch it. Honestly I thought it was some kind of crocodile. Ya Ya I know it had wings, that's beside the point. Well he was loud and pissed that I was on his back. So he took off, first one to do it though. What did I do? Well I wasn't going to let go when I was a few hundred feet up in the air. So I held on. The whole time he's roaring and blasting flames everywhere like a temperamental oven with wings. Did he land? What no, He surrounded himself in fire and I ended up more than singed. I think that was time 2348 that I nearly died. Do not recommend" -Carl Carelson
Genetic Descendants
Scientific Name
Draconem
Average Physique
The average physique of dragons is truly awe-inspiring. These majestic creatures possess a powerful and imposing presence, reflecting their dominance as apex predators. Their size varies depending on their age and species, but even young dragons exhibit a formidable stature. Hatchlings are small and vulnerable, but as they grow, they develop into awe-inspiring beings with muscular bodies and tough, protective scales covering their entire form.
The typical adult dragon boasts a large, robust body, with some species reaching lengths that allow them to dwarf buildings or span several carriage lengths. They have a prominent head adorned with sharp, fang-like teeth and horns or crests that add to their regal appearance. Their eyes are often intense and mesmerizing, reflecting their intelligence and innate magical affinity.
One of their most defining features is their immense, bat-like wings that span great distances and grant them the ability to take to the skies with unmatched grace. These wings are supported by strong bones and powerful muscles, enabling dragons to achieve incredible speeds and perform intricate aerial maneuvers.
Dragons possess powerful limbs, including two hind legs and two forelimbs, each armed with sharp claws that serve both as deadly weapons and tools for catching and manipulating prey. Their long, muscular tails extend from their bodies, adding balance and strength to their aerial movements.
Related Organizations
Comments