Pygmy Dragons

The Pygmy Dragon is a mythical familiar native to Eithne. They are small, reptilian carnivores capable of flight and fire breath. As the heraldic animal of Aodh, they are revered above all other animals, and considered the symbol of their nation. 
Pygmies are known for their feisty temperaments, and their natural inclination to hoard anything and everything that glitters. They are prone to stealing, and maintain treasure hoards that they guard with not-so-intimidating hisses and huffs, as well as the occasional fireball. Both domesticated and wild Pygmies hoard, so any missing kitchen utensils, jewelry and horseshoes are likely to be found in the lair of the family pet.
Behaviorally Pygmy Dragons most resemble cats - they enjoy playing and grooming, get up to weird mischief and despite their loyalty, are not generally known for their obedience.
== Abilities ==
Pygmy Dragons are completely fireproof, and can not be hurt by fire or heat - whether natural or magical. They in fact enjoy heat, and can thrive even in extreme temperatures. They thrive in the naturally warm climate of Eithne, but do not do well in colder climates. While not cold-blooded, in chilly weather, they appear somewhat sluggish and generally seek out warm nesting places. They succumb quickly to freezing temperatures, and are vulnerable to ice and to a lesser extent water magic.
Pygmies are capable of breathing fire; they develop this ability as hatchlings, but the fire reaches full potency as the dragon matures (around the age of 5). Pygmies can not sustain a long stream of flames, but their breath is capable of causing serious harm, easily causing major burns, setting things aflame and even causing softer metals, like gold, to partially melt if directly exposed. Pygmy Dragons appear to have some control over the heat of their flame, and when only mildly irritated (such as when sassing their owner) they puff out relatively harmless “cold” flame, or sometimes simply warm smoke.
Pygmy Dragons are good fliers, and although not the fastest or most agile aerial predators, they can match pegasi in speed, and easily weave through cityscapes and the thick forests of Aodh. They are naturally sentient, making them capable of outsmarting most creatures in the wild that would stand a chance of harming them.
== Lore ==
Pygmy Dragons are ancient creatures, and one of Ignacio’s creations - although a contentious legend claims Alya had a part in their creation. They existed in the time of the ancient kirins, but with the larger and far more impressive wyverns available, they held little to no cultural significance. They were more pets than serious companions, suitable for children, although a Furia was often preferable as a family pet. Most of them lived wild, stealing trinkets and hunting small game. 
Wild Pygmy Dragons can be found throughout modern Eithne. During winter months, most choose to nest in the warm embrace of Mt Oriel, although some choose to stay in New Valore, where plentiful food and trinkets are available. The spring migrations are a sight to behold, as hundreds of Pygmies fly across Eithne.
Pygmies are encountered both in the wildest, most rural places, and in the very hearts of cities. As a cultural icon and the symbol of the herd, wild Pygmies that settle in towns have an easy life, and are often fed by the residents. It is considered good luck to have a dragon nest on your property, although Aodhians must also be careful to not have the Pygmies nest in inopportune places - such as within chimneys. Killing wild Pygmies is a serious crime that nets a thousand shard penalty, unless it's in self-defense.
Pygmy Dragons are highly desired familiars throughout Aodh thanks to their prestige factor and famed loyalty towards their owner. They are considered a valuable gift for any high ranking Aodhian, and presenting a favored Adviser or Flamine with one is more or less tradition. Pedigree Pygmies can command astounding prices, and come in all manner of flashy colors and beautiful frills. Their wild born cousins tend to look less magnificent, but are no less valued by their owners when tamed.
=== Bonding ===
As Pygmy Dragons possess sentience and can not be uplifted, bonding with one is not a matter of simply uplifting. That being said, having lived as partners of the Aodhians for hundreds and hundreds of years, even the wild Pygmy Dragons are relatively tame, and can easily be enticed to become permanent companions with shiny trinkets and plentiful meat offerings. Although wild Pygmies can be dangerous, they are rarely inclined to seriously harm equines unless they feel threatened, making establishing initial contact quite easy. Wild, self-tamed Pygmies tend to be a bit more independent, although tempers vary.
Pedigree Pygmies are usually sold young, and bond very strongly with their owners via feedings and playtime. The strongest bonds are formed when an equine is present for the hatching, and is the first thing the Pygmy sees - but most breeders prefer to sell already hatched fletchlings for quality control.
Pygmies generally bond for life, and although they will usually warm up to the owner’s loved ones and consider them a part of their flight, they will rarely accept another master if their old one dies or they become separated.
Few creatures are as ferocious as a Pygmy Dragon coming to the defense of their owner. They will do everything within their power to keep their bonded owner safe, up to and including sacrificing their own lives. 
== Creation Rules ==
=== The Dragon will always: ===
* Be reptilian in appearance, with a mix of scales and leathery skin
* Have four legs and two bat-like wings
* Be completely fire- and heatproof
* Be exceptionally loyal to its owner
* Breathe fire and smoke
* Have cat-like pupils that dilate depending on lighting and stimuli
=== Dragons can: ===
* Come in nearly any color, but not neons
* Have naturalistic markings on their bodies
* Have eyes of any color, but most often vivid and intensely saturated
* Be studded with some spikes and fins
* Be thin and cat-like, or more stocky in build
* Range in size from 12” to 22” at the shoulder
* Have horns on their head
* Be much lighter than one would assume
=== Dragons can not: ===
* Have less or more than two wings (naturally)
* Have less or more than four legs
* Breathe any element other than fire - no electricity, ice etc
* Be excessively covered in spikes and/or fins
* Have feathers and/or fur
* Be uplifted; they are naturally sentient
Category:Mythical Familiars