Dragons, general

Class:Traditional Myth Beasts, Folk and godlings

The term "dragon" covers a wide range of creatures. While some typical groups of dragons can be usefully described, it should always be born in mind that any such description can only be a generality; any particular group is sure to have its own particular quirks. As a point of fact, the majority of dragons are so individual as to fit in no particular group save that of "unique draco-form creatures."

The term "families" is used rather than species because it seems that, size permitting, all dragons can - and do - interbreed. This is why they have such a range. Usually they mate with only similar individuals, but if none similar is available, their tastes may broaden.

SEE specific dragons for details.

Dragon hybrids

Dragons seem to enjoy and be fertile with creatures of quite different species, although some majical intervention may account for this. Dragon hybrids regularly give rise to whole populations of curious creatures. Dragon-lions, dragon-serpents, and many more are known. Some of the species commonly called phoenixes are actually dragon-bird hybrids.

Dragon hybrids prefer to mate with their own kind, which may create a stable population such as may eventually be described as a species. They may, however, also breed with either of their groups of relatives. This may give rise to groups of creatures with only a trace of dragon blood, or to dragons with features suggestive of other creatures.

As a result of this hybridization, cross-breeding, and back-breeding, it can be difficult to define many universally common traits among creatures considered dragons. Most dragons are covered with heavy scales, but there are examples of dragons with fur, feathers, or even frog-like skin. Most dragons have very heavily armoured heads, but some have heads resembling other creatures. Most have four legs, two wings, and a tail, but some are limbless, others have one or more pairs of legs but no wings, some have one or more pairs of wings but no legs, and multiple tails and/or heads are also common.

Having adult sizes ranging from wee to gargantuan is just the beginning of dragon diversity. Dragon intelligence varies just as widely. Some families of dragon are no smarter than the lizards that they often resemble, while other families of Dragon are more brilliant than any mortal mind. Unfortunately, there is no way to know where in the range an individual falls from its physical appearance.

Appearance alone may give no clue to the variety or power or supply (frequency of use) of breath weapons or majical ability. Oddly enough, some families of dragons seem to have considerably majical ability with only limited intelligence.

Dragon-Lizards

Dragon-Lizards may be hybrids of dragon and lizard, or simply lizards that, although lacking any true dragon blood at all, are thought to resemble dragons. This is generally due to enormous size, but wings and perhaps a chemical "breath weapon" are possible. Being relatively realistic beasties, dragon-lizards are the least individualized of dragons, or dragon-like beasts.

Lizard-dragons

This is a general class of dragons that have in common a generally lizard-like appearance, are scaled all over, and usually have four legs. Wings and multiple heads or tails (that slash or sting) are common "options," as is some sort of breath weapon. Most are but the brute beasts they appear to be, but some are intelligent - some very much so.

Wyverns

This is a general term for two legged dragons with a single pair of wings. Generally scaled, some are feathered or furred. Most have only a single head and tail, with fire or ice, poison or acid being the most common breath weapons. Most are no more intelligent than an eagle or perhaps a wolf, but, as with all groups of dragons, exceptions make the rule.

Wyrms

Wyrms are either gigantic serpents with dragon-like characteristics or dragons with such serpentine characteristics as being legless and generally wingless; the classes of creature overlap and blend.

Dragonkind

Dragonkind are the Dragon Folk. These are intelligent Dragons, some with wit on par with an average Humanoid but some having god-like brilliance. Dragonkind generally have quite a bit of majic at their command, either as an inherent part of their nature or as a product of having extremely long lives and a penchant for preserving those lives; it is never a mistake to address a Dragon as m'lord.

Some Dragonkind have made themselves into Divine Dragons. This is neither surprising nor difficult; when one has such tremendous natural advantages, it is easy to become a god to ordinary folk, and, when one spends centuries being a local god, one develops other divine qualities.

Divine Dragons

Divine Dragons are not merely Beings of vast intelligence and power. More distinguishing is their spiritual connection with the Earth Herself, or as a manifestation of some other divine principle. Divine Dragons are generally connected to some geological feature such as a mountain or valley, lake or river, much as a nymph or dryad is connected to her pool or tree. Others are connected directly with a celestial palace or heaven.

Vladpup Home       RPG Home       Bestiary Index       Last update
Apr 4, 2006