GUIDE TO DRAGONS

[ETERNAL]

Dragons 1: Introduction & Overview
For centuries dragons have been one of the greatest wonders abroad. Dragon's are known to be superior and fierce. No beast can outmatch, out think, or out magic a dragon. Before the other races there were the dragons. However, due to war, draconic culture began to be lost to the winds of time, thus the wheel turned and so came the first age. In this post the many facets of the dragon will be discussed.

Dragons 2: Species

RIDER BREEDS

Rider breeds are ones that have given up their lives from the point of hatching to serve the greater good. In dragon culture it's an honor to serve as a guardian. A proud race, they're very protective of their riders and usually will die when they do. The bond between dragons and riders is unbreakable. Rider dragons are the best of the best and hold the most regard in dragon clans.

Drae'kyn (Der-ray-kin) - DRACO
NEUTRAL COLORS | MEDIUM | UNCOMMON
This common breed of dragon comes with a set of wings, four legs, and a stout body. They come between 20 to 50 feet in height on all fours. They can come in a variety of metallic neutral colors. Their wings can be bat, feathered, or tapered in design. Many have spikes, horns, and pikes of some shape on there tails as well as have scales, fur, or feathers and shed their skins. This dragon type will take either male or female riders.

Abysril (Ah-bis-rill) - DRACO
DARK COLORS | MEDIUM | UNCOMMON
This common breed of dragon comes with a set of wings, four legs, and a stout body. They come between 20 to 50 feet in height on all fours. They can come in dark colors with light markings all over. Their wings can be bat, feathered, or tapered in design. Many can have spikes, horns, and pikes of some shape on there tails as well as have scales, fur, or feathers and shed their skins. This dragon type will take either male or female riders.

Celestus (Cell-lest-us) - DRACO
LIGHT COLORS | MEDIUM | UNCOMMON
This common breed of dragon comes with a set of wings, four legs, and a stout body. They come between 20 to 50 feet in height on all fours. They can come in light colors with dark markings all over. Their wings can bee bat, feathered, or tapered in design. Many can have spikes, horns, and pikes of some shape on there tails as well as have scales, fur, or feathers and shed their skins. This dragon type will take either male or female riders.

Draco Magnus (Dray-co Mag-nus) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | COMMON
This common breed of dragon comes with a set of wings, four legs, and a stout body. They come between 20 to 50 feet in height on all fours. They can come in a variety of vibrant colors and have no markings. Their wings can be bat, feathered, or tapered in design. Many can have spikes, horns, and no pike on there tails as well as have scales, fur, or feathers and shed their skins. This dragon type will take either male or female riders.

Draco Animus (Dray-co An-e-mus) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | COMMON
This common breed is much like its cousin the Draco Magnus. The only difference is they look partially like earth animals in build like dogs, cats, birds, etc. They too take male and female riders.

Lung Magnus (Lung Mag-nus) - WYRM
ANY COLOR | SMALL | COMMON
The Lung Magnus is a wingless cousin to the Draco Magnus and stand 20 feet tall on all fours. They have a much more slender and longer body, which makes them better ground and stealth runners over sky flying. However, the magic they live off of lets them fly like there winged cousins. This breed takes both male and female riderS.

Lung Animus (Lung An-e-mus) - WYRM
ANY COLOR | SMALL | COMMON
Same as its Draco cousin, it too has that animal look trait. This breed take both male and female riders.

Ampithere Avian (Amp-theer Av-ian) - DRACO
LIGHT COLORS | LARGE | COMMON
Bird like in wing and HUGE in size ranging from 50 to 70 feet on all fours, these dragons are built for cargo loading. They look much like there smaller Dragon Magus cousins. These guys would be the proverbial door busters for any army. This breed takes male and female riders.

Amphithere Wy'vern (Amp-theer Wi-ver-in) - DRACO
DARK COLORS | LARGE | COMMON
Bat like in wing and HUGE in size ranging from 50 to 70 feet on all fours, these dragons are built for cargo loading. They look much like there smaller Dragon Magus cousins. These guys would be the proverbial door busters for any army. This breed takes male and female riders.

Magnus Minus (Mag-nus My-nus) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | sMALL | COMMON
The Magnus Minus looks like the larger draco magnus with four legs, strong build, and winged. They hatch there young in large clutches. The Magnus Minus is very spirited and usually can only wield one breath element. They come to 15-20 feet in height on all fours. They can come in a variety of vibrant colors and have no markings. Their wings can be bat, feathered, or tapered in design. They have no spikes, short horns, and no pike on there tails, have scales, fur, or feathers and shed their skins. This dragon type will take either male or female riders.

Lunis (Loon-iss) - WYRM
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | COMMON
These guys do not have wings, but they are four legged still and have a snake like build. Lunis get to about 40 feet in height on all fours. There flight is built more on their magic. These dragons are best for raids, stealth, and assassinations. They birth their young from eggs that look like big round pearls. Lunis are very loyal. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Wy'vern (Wi-ver-in) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | COMMON
The four legged and bat winged, small yet bulky Wy'vern tends to stand more upright on its hind legs. Wy'verns stand 20-40 feet on their hind legs. There upper arms are much more slender than there back ones. But what they lack in immovability they make up in power and force. Their eggs are medium in size. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Marsupis (Mar-soup-iss) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | COMMON
The other upright dragon, it is the only dragon to live birth its young instead of an egg. Marsupis stand 20-40 feet on hind legs and are furred. These dragons are best for long runs, healing, and other such related tasks. There not the most popular dragon, but they are greatly compassionate. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Apthon (App-th-on) - DRACO
ANY COLOR | LARGE | RARE
One of the largest dragons, they are huge when born and there huge when they grow. Apthons reach 50-70 feet in height. They're best for large supply runs, just because they have immense size does not mean they are more powerful. It is said the bigger they are the harder they fall. They bare eggs as well like their Ampithere relatives. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Knuck (Nook)- WYRM
DARK COLORS | SMALL | COMMON
A ground runner, this dragon doesn't get off the ground much. They look like a mix between the magnus and the lunis. They stand 20 feet high on all fours at max. These dragons are fast, agile, and stealthy. These particular dragons make great recorders for their ability to mimic sounds and are great for stealth runs. They can climb walls better than any of the other Wyrm types as well. This dragon bares eggs, but their eggs are small and done in large clutches. Knucks are more feisty and their sense of smell is amazing. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Lindus (Lin-dus) - WYRM
LIGHT COLORS | MEDIUM | COMMON
The sand dragon, these dragons can swim the sands of the desert well and can make tunnels through solid rock. They're great diggers and are good for building natural pathways underground. Used most often for mining, they are not the most usual rider’s dragon. These dragons lay almost natural looking eggs that are hard to tell from the stone around them and can range in size. Some are not the nicest, yet they can be great for secret invasions though. This dragon type will take both male and female riders.

Widow Maker - DRACO
BLACK | SMALL | UNCOMMON
This small dragon was once as common in realm as any of the others, but has been nearly hunted to extinction due to its terrible temper and habit of preying on livestock. Black in color with spikes, short horns, and no pike, this dragon takes to its name of Widow Maker by the silk it weaves through secretion glands in it's hands, even from birth. They reach about 20 feet on all fours.

Winchester - DRACO
GREY-PURPLE | MEDIUM | UNCOMMON
Uncommon, they are a grey-purple with no spikes, short horns, and no pike. This breed of lightweight dragon known for speed. Winchesters are said to fly so fast a passenger could feel as if they're in danger of being blown off the dragon's back. De to the small size and speed, eggs have to be hatched always indoors in a barn or similar structure. They can reach about 15 feet in height on all fours. Given the Winchester weight, they do not commonly require a rider to be on board, and often fly solo.

Greyling - DRACO
GREY | MEDIUM | COMMON
Small lightweight dragon, with a grey color. They can reach about 15-20 feet in height. They are the result of crossbreeding the larger Widow Makers with the smaller Winchesters. It is stated that Greylings are able to stay in the air with only 1 wing beat every hour max.

Long Wing - DRACO
WHITE | MEDIUM | RARE
This large dragon is capable of a vitriolic attack (acidic venom). As its name implies it has an impressive wingspan with distinctive markings ranging from orange to blue over a cream body. Long Wings average a length/height of 60 feet but have a wingspan of 120 feet. These dragons are best for long and high flights.

Copper - DRACO
RED, YELLOW, GREY-GREEN | LARGE | RARE
This dragon exceeds all known breeds and have unusually large air sacs allowing longer high duration flight. Females are usually larger than the males. Coppers breed infrequently making them very valuable and rare. Coppers have vivid colors ranging from red to yellow with an occasional pale greenish-grey dragon cropping up, and are very far-sighted.

Gold Reaper - DRACO
GOLD | MEDIUM | RARE
Breed of dragon with golden coloring. Reapers are fairly rare and are known for their even temperament. Reapers have contributed their genes towards almost every other line of realm dragon, giving most realm dragons their temperaments, which is in stark contrast to some mixed dragon breeds. Yellow Reapers have an average wingspan of 80 feet and are generally around 50 feet long/height.

Silver Reaper - DRACO
SILVER | MEDIUM | RARE
Breed of dragon with silver coloring. Reapers are fairly rare and are known for their even temperament. Reapers have contributed their genes towards almost every other line of realm dragon, giving most realm dragons their temperaments, which is in stark contrast to some mixed dragon breeds. Yellow Reapers have an average wingspan of 80 feet and are generally around 50 feet long/height.

Angle Wing - DRACO
BROWN | SMALL | RARE
Golden brown and spotted with bright yellow markings, Angle Wings are small dragons and note able for their oddly angled wings that allow them to make sharp, unpredictable turns. They make great battle dragons seeing as they can make turns that many other dragons cannot and are great for strafing.

Nettle - DRACO
GOLD | MEDIUM | UNCOMMON
Like the other heavyweight breeds of the realm, the Nettle is not a native breed, but one that was created through cross-breeding. This dragon is very useful in battle and possess spiked pike tail which can be used in a manner similar to a morning star. The Nettle is gold colored with brown stripes.

Parnasian - DRACO
DARK PURPLE | MEDIUM | RARE
A small breed, the Parnasian’s has retractable talons, spikes, and pike. This dragon also has fur, feathered wings, a dog like muzzle, and a magnus style build. Its color is purple with black markings. They stand 30 feet in height on all fours.

Sharp Spitter - DRACO
GOLD | SMALL | UNCOMMON
A venomous small breed that is green in color with translucent wings. They can blend with their surroundings if they are in a tree due to their coloration. Build wise they are very slender. They can jump from tree to tree to chase prey and they are great for speed.

Xenica - DRACO
ANY COLOR | MEDIUM | RARE
Little is known about this breed.


Dragons 3: Physiology & Circle of Life

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Dragons are similar in the way they are born, grow up, and function. Some just have more parts than others, but overall, most dragons have the same cycles and the same structure. If not it’s usually due to the breeds style. Either way, below are some things that are similar in most to all dragons.

STAGES OF LIFE

• Egg - Dragons all start as eggs, except for one. Inside resides the dragon and outside the shell that harder than stone, not much can get at an egg. All eggs come in many shapes, sizes, colors. Often the shape, size, and color determine what the dragon would be. So if one were to look at an egg carefully, they could determine its breed.
  
• Hatchling - This is the second stage. Dragoms are the most vulnerable at this stage. There small, most being no bigger than a large dog. This stage lasts about one human year. At this stage they cannot fly, their wings are still not developed and there "egg skin" begins to shed at this time. So they tend to scratch a lot. At this point of life they are very much a handful to parents unless they are a dragon riders dragon, then that is a different story all together.
  
• Child - The third stage of life. At this stage a dragon is about the size of a dog to about the size of a pony. Normally they are at this stage from 1-10 human years. They tend to be very eager to do things and learn. This is when they begin to learn the basics of what it is to be a dragon such as flight, hunting, and other such basic needs. This is the most crucial point of survival for a dragon in its growing up. They also start learning the basics of magic. Again this does not apply to dragon rider dragons!
  
• Wyrm - The "teen stage" is when they are the most fierce and most ambitious. Size wise they range from about the size of a pony to about that of a large car or limo. It’s very hard to harm a wyrm. There bones at this point are the strongest and all the spikes, talons, and teeth are at their best. Most of the time there hormones are starting to peek in and they age like this normally from 10-20 human years, again this does not apply to dragon rider type dragons.
  
• Adult - Growth finishes and aging slows to almost a crawl. Powers are full blown and they can focus on other tasks. This is one of the longest stages that can last years. This starts at 20-whenever. This is when most of the time "Dragon aging" begins, which could be years for humans. However that would only be adulthood. Size wise they are fully grown. The largest known dragon, which is technically a brute by even dragon standards, is with only one wing alone well over 100 feet, whereas, the most intellectual dragon largest size was that of 50-70 feet. Most rider dragons hit this stage very quickly cutting the growing up stages almost in half or more and then severely slowing down.
  
• Elder - After age 50 in dragon years the stage of elder hits a dragon, this is when powers become ripe and the dragon’s knowledge is completely endless. These are the masters of the skies and they know it. To them the next best great adventure is the afterlife.
  
• Twilight - This is the last and end stage of a dragons life. This usually ends the dragon’s life cycle. The years that they are at this stage are there last 5 years. most know they are going to die and leave the masses when they are ready.
  

PHYSIOLOGY

Dragon bones are sturdy, light weight, and unbreakable. Strong and durable, their muscles make them a powerhouse. One of the strongest is its tail, tongue, and chest. The most important internal organs of the dragon are its stomachs, heart, and well...bowls. A dragon pumps blood very fast, thus also the magic that flows through the veins. This keeps the magic flowing through the body for immediate use. Special berries enhance the power of the magic and strengthen the body. Magic collects in the second stomach. It then is release through a second shaft that goes through the lungs and throat and then out the mouth. This is only one form of magic use however. The rest is pooped out and used in a form of other magical uses such as potions, antidotes, and poisons. It depends on the dragon what the strength the hide is. However all dragons have an "under" hide that is the same and is strong. The "over" hide is the determining factor as to how protected a dragon is. All outer hides have an advantage and a disadvantage. Dragons have very sharp teeth that are made out of the same material as their bones and they loose them often just to regrown newer and stronger ones. Spikes, like teeth are hard, but spikes are more durable. Some are sharp, while others are spaded or curved more. The "horns" are the largest spikes on a dragon and are the ones that are always pointed at the end. Claws have that same thing like the teeth do and spikes do, and come in any colors depending on the dragon.

Dragon's breath can be the best ally or the worst enemy to those around. And its breath can be any element. It rises up through the lungs into its "Breath Chamber" the secondary pipe in its throat. The "magic within" is the magic that runs through the blood veins. It can be catalyst for powers that can be cast through the paws, core, eyes, or other body parts.

Some dragons have wings, while others do not. Those that do can have wings a variety of ways. Bat wings are like the average bats on earth. Feather wings
are just like a birds, but bigger. Moth/Fae wings are butterfly looking wings, but are more durable than a moth or a butterfly.

A "skin" or "outer hide" on a dragon is referred to type of scaling. Their are different types of dragon "skin". Dragon Scales are scales that overlap each other and are hard, but flexible. Reptile Scales are scales that don't overlap, and lay flat along the body. It tends to shed more as a whole rather than flake off. Fur is like any animals, and it sheds. Hide is not scaled or reptile like, its smooth and tough. Element is rare, and the body is covered all over in their element.


Dragons 4: Sociology & Behavior

Dragons in general can be solitary beings, though dragons have learned to build social ladders, their structure is that of Monarchy or pack/tribe/clan isms. They tend to hold deeds in a certain regard. Many find themselves in may similar fields of work. They don't do to well with outsiders, but if they treat the dragon with respect they will treat the outsider with respect back.

Dragons 5: Religion

In general don't have "religion" yet their kowledge is vast and has many belief roots, some more structured than others. Of course they have gods, but they believe their goddess fell. Everything, including magic stems into a belief.

MAGI'KA

The story of the creation of magic date back to the beginning of time. The dragons tell the story of how magic began the best.

A long time ago, before our kind lived on the earth or our wings touched the sky, there was something born called magi'ka (magic). This flow of energy is what made everything that is, including us dragons. We became from that to which created us. Magi'ka was created however from that it which is just that, creation. It was created when the heavens above got together to decide to create something. They fought over who would be the first to create something and in the fight they had they instead burst an immense amount of energy out, thus magi'ka came. It slowly formed things in uncontrolled ways and the god and goddess, Eon and Infinity, began to fight again throwing things everywhere and making them collide. Once they were done fighting again they noticed that they had created what we know as galaxies and the universe. This pleased them and so magi'ka flowed as a song in this place.

However, after some time, there time of course they got bored with just this expanse that went on forever. So with another expansive burst came the true four, son's and daughters of the Eternal Ones. Each was blessed with an element, there own special magi'ka. First there was the daughter Life who breath the world into being, thus our tree's and such she founded the element of earth. Her foundation giving birth too lead the way. All seemed well with things until brother Death came along he brought famine and waste to the the plants. This ended up making Life weep. So naturally Death took on the element of water to show his deepest sorrows and that he would only take what was needed from then on.

Thus the oceans that housed life and death. This worked out harmoniously for quite some time. However, as time passed things became dull yet once again. Life and Death were growing up, so naturally their brother Chaos became the new rebel. Well this rebellion sure spiced things up. Destruction began to happen. He was granted the element of fire. His element tore through all of there hard work through fires and volcanic eruptions and eventually got out of hand.

So the two older ones tried to stop him with earthquakes and high waves. Luckily Chaos' onslaughts were diminished and he began to behave some. Though deep down inside his heart burned to keep right on going. So for some time the madness lessened a bit. Yet again after much restlessness it started all over again. This time it was not stoppable. They were getting desperate. Finally the fourth and last came along.

Sister Peace who was granted the blessing of wind or also known as air. She soothed his raging storm for some time blowing wind over everything gently. Thus she made the waves work better the plants go farther and the heated magma to cool down quicker. The place thrived with magi'ka now. However, soon came along two more, twins this time. Luna and Sol, the daughter and son of the celestial objects. Luna was the guardian of the moon and the night, she was granted the gift of shadow. Thus the land drew shadows every evening.

While Sol was granted that of which was part of creation, light and energy. It diminished the shadows for a couple hours leaving them a break from darkness. He was the protector of the stars, the constellations and of the astral plane. Dreams fell into this category. Our soul selves so to say. Thus the universe began to sing a new song. Things were now different again. Yet as all things go the universe became unrest again. That's where we came along...

---Yen'su Great Dragon Chronicler

BIRTH OF THE DRAGONS

A tale of the birth of dragons states that when Infinity fell, she came in her most maginficent form. It was the precurser to the dragons of today. Her magic was seperated from her, and was put into what became dragon eggs. Ages had passed and the dragons hatched and grew in numbers with the goddess infinity still sleeping deep underground. It's said that that is why dragons used to first live solely underground and why they are called to its depths. If she wakes, however, it would mean the end of the world.