Mountain Dragon

Mountain dragons are terrifying predators, dwelling in high caves and descending to feed upon whatever they feel like. Mountain dragons are strong and cunning, their inherent magical powers giving them control over fire and earth. But beyond these qualities, which are found in most dragons, what really sets them apart is their sadistic tendencies. Mountain dragons, by their very nature, enjoy inflicting pain. Prey is usually battered about and chased down in long games reminiscent of a cat playing with a mouse, only ending once all entertainment has been extracted from their target.
This love of tormenting others even extend to their kin. Mountain dragon rivalries are full of examples of cruel ingenuity and few of these dragons remain unscarred for long. And those who earn their ire usually have a long time to regret it, as they find out what happens when the dragons combine their inherent sadism with actual malicious intent.
Despite what some may think, mountain dragons are fully capable of forming loving relationships. To them, their games of cruelty are fun and exciting, so earning a painful wound or two does little to ruin a relationship, though it may make it hard for outsiders to discern whether two given dragons are on good terms or not. They even demonstrate some restraint when it comes to physically weaker species if they are on good terms with them, though they never quite let anyone forget how easily they could hurt them.
In battle, these tendencies are fully weaponized. Mountain dragons excel at finding weak spots to exploit and can easily leave gruesome, agonizing wounds that can cripple even the strongest foe. Combined with their lethal breath weapon which allows them to spew a steady stream of lava, they would excel at killing quickly if most of them didn't so enjoy dragging things out.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Mountain dragons are huge members of their kind. Their scales tend towards a reddish brown in coloration. Their claws and teeth are extremely sharp, enough so that mountain dragons can carve out lairs in their lofty homes. Eaten rocks merge with the natural heat of their stomach, allowing the dragon to spew out a stream of molten lava. Their connection to the flow of natural energies is strong, especially in their mountain homes, where they channel it into themselves to enhance their natural healing.

Genetics and Reproduction

First born mountain dragons usually originate in spheres that feature their namesake geographical feature, mountains. Egg born dragons are birthed in cluthes of one to two eggs, which hatch after a period of time between one and two years.

Growth Rate & Stages

Mountain dragons experience the most growth during the first twenty or so years of their life. After this, their growth slows down considerably, though the difference between centuries of age is still notable between individual dragons.

Ecology and Habitats

Mountain dragons unsurprisingly prefers to dwell in rocky areas of high altitude. They often carve their own lairs, hollowing out the mountain with their teeth and claws. These caverns are solidly built and can last for many ages, long after the dragon itself has moved on, serving as home to many different flora and fauna.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mountain dragons are omnivores, but with a strong preference for meat. Using their flight, they can cover much ground looking for prey, only subsisting on greenery if necessary.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Mountain dragons are for the most part loners, living at most in pairs or with their young until they can set off for their own territory. Like most dragons, mountain dragon interactions are filled with games of dominance. With mountain dragons, these competitions often have a notable theme of sadism to it, each dragon trying to maneuver its rival into a position where they will have to endure some form of agony, even when said other is a beloved mate or close friend.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

A common species of dragon, mountain dragons can be found in many spheres.

Average Intelligence

Mountain dragons are quite clever and observant, quick witted and calculating.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dragons retain the ability to see even in the faintest of light and a strong sense of smell.

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Mountain dragons use common dragon naming conventions. Their title names usually has a foreboding nature to them hinting at a capacity for violence, like Goreclaw, Sharptooth, Deathgrin and so on.

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Derkomai: Like most dragons, mountain dragons inherit this language from their first born.

Scientific Name

Draco Saeva

Origin/Ancestry

Dragon

Lifespan

Circa 1000 years, unless they become wyrms

Average Height

6.5 - 7.5 meters

Average Weight

7000 - 9000 kilo

Average Length

9 - 10 meters