Dragon Birthing

Regardless of the changes necessitated in the process of mating, the birthing process of dragons has changed very little even in spite of the damage done to their numbers during the Dragon Wars. As with mating, much of the process is steeped in centuries of instinct and tradition and many parts of it are a secret known only to female dragons.
==Before Nesting==
As a measure against unsafe nesting conditions, female dragons have the ability to choose when to lay an egg once a successful mating takes place. The amount of time they can keep the egg inside varies, but it can be kept safe within the female's body for years while she seeks suitable nesting grounds, usually a cave or some other remote place.
==Incubation==
Once an egg is laid, the incubation period begins. The length of the incubation period varies on the conditions of the nesting grounds, the species of the dragon, and the location of the nest. It can last anywhere from a few months to over a year. A warm egg hatches sooner than a cold egg. If an egg is left in the cold for an extended period of time, it may take a very long time to hatch, or perhaps never hatch at all.
Some regions of Durn are better for nesting than others, and perhaps the least hospitable place is Brighthollow. The powerful magic of the region disrupts the egg's development and the fertility of female dragons.
==Hatching==
Dragon eggs are not easily broken; the hatchling simply will not emerge until it's good and ready. When the hatchling begins to emerge, it will chip away the egg from the inside, seemingly effortlessly breaking through the thick, crystalline structure with its infant claws. Mother dragons watch their young carefully all throughout nesting and hatching. It is rare that a person or even a male dragon is allowed to witness a hatching.
For more information, see Dragon Hatchlings.
Category:Dragons