Dragon

The rarest of Monsters, Dragons are seen in old fairy tales told by man and Fae alike as being fearsome creatures, powerful and revered. History books describe them as forces of nature, at their prime. Now, they find their numbers far more scarce, as the Cwyld tears through the continent. But despite all this, one would be wise to avoid underestimating them - their pride certainly won't allow it, and neither will their powers nor their business sense, as they find ways to survive.

**A Dragon can be of any eastern or western type, so long as it has four limbs (besides tail)**. As such, they can't be of the wyrm variety, but can be of wyvern variety or qualify as a sea serpent so long as it has the four limbs.

### Mandatory Changes

* Dragons have large, sharp curved teeth similar to most lizards, and equally sharp claws. Their mouths are often wider to accommodate for this, and claws can be non-retractable or semi-retractable, though most will find themselves in the possession of the latter.
* Scales - and, in some cases, fur or feathers - along the body. Larger patches come in around the shoulders, arms, back, and legs. Smaller ones can be seen everywhere, such as little accents around the eyes, mouth, hands, and feet. The texture, size, and shape of scales will vary vastly from Dragon to Dragon.
* Scales, fur, and feathers alike can lead into horns, and what are affectionately known as whiskers. Horns can be of any variety - straight, curved, antlers, pronged. Whiskers, as well, can be long or short, should the Dragon have them.
* Pointed or even more animal-like ears - these can sit under, behind, or above horns depending on the individual. They can also remain on the side of the head or move further up along the skull per player choice.
* Wings, where applicable - these can be arm wings (typically considered the wyvern class) or on back, like Harpies. However, not all Dragons have wings, and some even have wings that are more decorative than functional. Wings may come scaled, leathery, furred, or feathered - or a combination!
* All Dragons have specialized sacs for their breath ability, separate from but connected to their lungs. These are typically closed when not in use, to prevent them from literally wasting their breath. Dragons who only have one breath ability will only have one, decently sized sac, whereas the few that have two abilities will find themselves with two, smaller sacs. Depending on the individual, this may result in a larger ribcage, chest, and diaphragm to better accommodate the organ(s) and their use.
* Like the tales of old, all Dragons have a hoarding instinct - however, it isn't always for the typical treasure seen like gold and jewels. It varies from individual to individual, to the point that no two hoards will ever be identical. It could be anything the color blue, a colony of cats, or more food than anyone would ever know what to do with. Whatever it is, a Dragon will find themselves collecting it.
* While Dragons have a secondary form that they can take, they're still held in the sway of the full moons like the rest of the Monster populous. For them, it manifests as more of their dragonic traits spreading - more scale coverage, bigger teeth and claws, more reptilian eyes, as well as possible spines or an increase in size. A more feral mindset will also hit Dragons that have a harder time with their less human instincts, the ones that fight the change, and this can result in extreme aggression.

### Optional Changes

* Further scale and/or fur growth along the body, and more dragonic or reptilian traits. Rough-skinned hands, larger claws, less humanoid feet and legs (may be digitigrade as opposed to plantigrade). Eyes with less visible sclera and slit pupils.
* Spike, spine, and/or horn growth. Fur along jaw, joints, or back like a mane - may continue from the hair on the Dragon's head, or be a separate strip.
* A tail, of a type that varies depending on the Dragon's needs. Whether it's long and serpentine, rigid and useful as a rudder during flight, or powerful for the aid in swimming.
* Additional digits on wings that allow for grabbing, especially in those with arm-wings.
* Lethargy, torpor, or even outright hibernation in cold weather (or hot weather for ice-based Dragons).
* Specialized lungs for aquatic Dragons, as well as webbed hands/feet and traits that may better aid in swimming.
* An increase in size when not in their dragonform, with some individuals standing at 10ft tall when unshifted - Dragons are among the largest of the Monsters, on the opposite end of the spectrum from Fae. Many of the accommodations in Aefenglom in terms of high ceilings, large doorways, and better access to the bigger members of society were made both for architectural aesthetics and with Dragons in mind.
* Additional muscle growth around the chest, shoulders, and/or back to further support their wings. This may manifest as making the Dragon in question look like they have a second set of pectorals, for example.
* Dragon blood may have non-gamebreaking magical properties based in dragon lore, for example, causing a small loss in inhibitions when drunk.
* Possible psychological changes that come with Dragon lore, and reptilian if players explore that option. This can range from how they prefer to build their hoards, how they nest, their levels of aggression towards those near them, whether they're inclined towards stealing livestock for lunch, and possibly a penchant for kidnapping people they find aesthetically pleasing or attractive. Dragons may also sit on completely opposite ends of the social spectrum, depending on the individual -- Dragons will either prefer to live as loners, or surround themselves with others, with little to no in between.

### Strengths

* **Breath ability**, such as fire, ice, poison, acid, etc. It's common for a dragon to only have one of these, but they can have no more than two if they have multiple.
* **Impervious to magic and elements dealing with their breath-type.** A fire breathing-dragon won't be affected by fire magic, one that spits or breathes acid/poison won't be able to be hurt by either, etc.
* **The ability to take a more draconic form** - this can range in size from that of a house cat to that of an elephant. The more energy and power they have at the time, the easier it is for them to take the larger form; the smaller one helps to conserve and recover energy.
* In addition to the above, **Dragons are the physically strongest Monster in Geargadas**; even their smallest form has enough strength to break an ordinary human's bones if proper precaution isn't taken.

### Weaknesses

* **More susceptible to the Cwyld**, resulting in their dwindled numbers. Monsters of the Dragon variety will need routine inspections to ensure that they don't have untreated infections, as even the smallest trace can get out of control if not intercepted.
* **Dragons are weak to their element's corresponding opposite.** A few examples: ice Dragons are quick to melt against fire, but excel at freezing air and utilizing water for a greater spread of ice. Poison and acid dragons are generally effective against all types without being particularly effective against one certain type, but are weak with water and air. Fire dragons can raze the earth of foliage, melt ice, and only get stronger with the wind in their fire, but can be doused by a good splash of water or dirt.
* When in their draconic forms, **Dragons each have a weak-point that is unique to them and can be anywhere on their bodies**. The scales will be softer and easier to damage or pull away in that spot; attacking them there causes major damage. To combat this, Dragons often cover the spot with hard material, such as jewels, pieces of armor, and so on.