Drake

Drakes are one of the few species of dragonkin which remain into the modern era. Though bearing a distinctly similar physically appearance to their larger ancestors, drakes lack wings (some breeds have retained small, vestigial wings much too small to support their bodyweight) and are the sole dragonkin incapable of sustained flight or gliding.
Drakes most often find their homes in dark, forested regions or thick jungles. They are particularly attracted to damp, cavernous locations within these environments and for territory with dire bears, chimeras, and the occasional manticore. These disputes weigh in the dragonkin's favor most frequently, as a drake's hide is coated with multiple layers of coarse, flexible scales of a thicker and more sturdy build than those of other surviving draconids. While not overly hostile, drakes are incredibly territorial creatures and will react with extreme violence towards outsiders which they believe are intruding on their territory.
Unlike the natural armor of their ancestors, drakescale is not often appropriated for use in arms or armor. Not only are the individual scales far less metallic than those of a dragon, and thus impractical for forging together into steel alloys, but the immense weight and size makes them equally as impractical for protective equipment. Occasionally, drakescale may be outfitted as the centerpiece on a shield or breastplate, though this serves more as a symbol of status or accomplishment than any great increase in protection.

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Drakes are less temperamental than other wild beasts of their size which, alongside the added protection of their scaled hides, makes them much more suited to mounted companionship than a chimera or manticore. In opposition to this, however, sit the territorial fervor and animalistic sense of pride which the dragonkin so often exhibit. Unlike more traditional mounts, a drake cannot be 'broken-in' or otherwise tamed, and the concept of a "domesticated" drake is one foreign to any who have attempted to work hands-on with the creatures. For all their bestial fury, however, an average drake will possess an intellect comparable to that of a wild hound or wolf, and can be adequately 'trained' should enough trust be built between the draconid and its handler.

by Josh Corpuz

Even in such situations, success is rarely guaranteed. Many accounts exists of drakes who have felt displeased or otherwise angered by their riders and turned on them without warning, swiping the poor kith from off their backs and goring them in seconds between claws and teeth and horns. The incredible usefulness which these creatures offer if properly employed as a mount, though, has resulted in no shortage of individuals willing to put their lives at stake in attempts to forge a bond. When properly outfitted, even a single soldier atop the back of a mounted drake is enough to turn the tide of many a battle.

by Taran Fiddler