[RACE] Dragons

[Panther385]

NOTE: This will be a very long and on going project, and will update as I learn mroe Dragonology. All of this information is based on realistic dragons and should be treated with all the respect of a dictionary, or the Wikia I will place this: ~*~ Next to the name of a solely fantasy type breeds.

No doubt but there is none other beeste comparable to the mightie dragon in awesome power and majestie and few so worthie of the diligent studies of wise men.

-Gildas Magnus, Ars Draconis, 1465



An Overview (Skip the first two paragraphs if you want):


Of all the natural sciences, dragonology is perhaps the most rewarding, being at the same time one of the oldest and the least reasearched. Dragons have been studied since mankind's earliest days and yet, they are one of , if not the, least known of earth's inhabitants.

As dragonolgists, we must be prepared to refute thosewho claim dragons unreal. Consider ow many creatures there may be that are still unknown to accepted science. When our scientists first heard of the duck-billed Platypus in 1797, they laughed. How could an egg-laying mammal with a duck's beak and webbed toes exist? Even when shown evidence, they cried "fraud"! Yet by 1884 even the most sceptical had changed their opinion. Ever heard of the Okapi? With giraffe's horns and zebra's legs, many thought it to be a fluke. Yet there is not one who is willing to munt an expidition to give dragons the respect they deserve!


AND SO LIFE BEGINS.....: After a long courting session and pregnancy, the mother dragon will lay eggs that vary in color and shape from species to species. She will incubate them for a pre-determined amount of time (Also varies from species to species) by breathing a bout of flame over the eggs every three to four hours, as the eggs retain heat remarkably well. The Marsupial Dragon (Draco Marsupialis) , however, will keep the eggs in her puch until they begin hatching.

While Eastern dragons usually let the young fend for themselves, Western dragons watch over the young until puberty, quickly developing a strong bond with the dragonlings.

BREEDING: Like the bowerbirds of New Guinea, the male suitor woos a female by creating an elaborate 'nest' decorated with large, shiny treasures. Frequently, a male will attempt to gain favor with his bride by presenting her with a particularily coice gemstone.

SPECIES:

While it is likely all Western species are closely related, the keen dragonologist will note a number of interesting differnces between them. The most common are fire-breathing, courting, and anatomy.



EUROPEAN [Draco occidentalis magnus]

Known to most by thier breathing of flames and love of shiny objects, this species is now confined to a few remote areas. Effective at speaking the human language, they shed their skins triennally.

LAIR/NEST- Mountain or sea-cave in a remote area.

DIMENSIONS (Adult) - 45 feet long, 13 to 17 feet high.

COLORATION - Red, green, black, or occasionally gold.

FORMS OF ATTACK- Flame, tail, claws, horns.

DIET- Cattle, sheep, humans [The latter only is no other food is avalible, due to the bitter flavor.]