Sparrowthorn

The **Sparrowthorn** is a medium Stoker Class dragon that lives in temperate rainforests.

## Official Description

Friendly and playful, the Sparrowthorn is always open to making new friends, whether they be dragon or human. After basking in the warmth of the sun all day, they'll run around the rainforests, hunting for their families and maybe even for a friend. Although they are described as peaceful creatures, some individuals may be snappy, especially if in a colder environment.

## Physical Appearance

### Egg

The Sparrowthorn's egg is a slightly oblong sphere - almost oval-shaped, but not quite. The shell of the egg is a forest green, with small spots of lighter green on it. On the right side, there are three thorns sticking out with sunset-like colors (red, orange, and yellow). It is softer where the thorns connect to the egg.

### Hatchling to Adult

Sparrowthorns are medium-sized dragons that stand upright on two forelegs, and use their forearms for offense and horseplay with other dragons. They have a long neck and short body, with feathered wings that reach almost 16 feet from wingtip to wingtip. There are frills on the back of its head, and it has a beak filled with sharp teeth. It has powerful legs and a long prehensile snake-like tail to keep balance and pick up objects.

## Abilities

### Firepower

The Sparrowthorn is able to breathe a thin stream of fire, and the intensity of its fire depends on the temperature of its surroundings. If it is in a warmer climate, its fire can heat up to 800° F hotter. However, if it's in a colder environment, its fire will weaken, and they may even have trouble "lighting up," or starting their fire.

### Venom

The bite of a Sparrowthorn feels very much like a bee sting. The area will becomes warm and red, and the victim will experience rashes, swelling and itching, but nothing life-threatening. Sparrowthorns will usually bite a victim, then flee.

### Prehensile Tail

Sparrowthorns have a long, prehensile tail that they use to pick up objects. Sometimes, when trying to impress a mate, they'll pick flowers and offer them to the female as a romantic gesture.

### Speed and Agility

Although the Sparrowthorn is winged, they seem to prefer running with their long, well-developed legs. They can reach up to 50 mph on the ground, and 46 mph while in flight. The Sparrowthorn can jump up to two or three times its height (almost 26 feet!). These dragons are capable of making sharp turns on the ground, but are somewhat more clumsy in the air.

## Weaknesses

Since Sparrowthorns live in warm, moist areas, they have adapted to temperate environments and therefore do not do as well in colder environments. On top of having a snappier attitude, the power of a Sparrowthorn's fire is drastically decreased. If they spend too long in a colder area, they may even temporarily lose the ability to breathe fire until they warm up again.

## Personality and Behavior

Sparrowthorns are known to be fun loving, playful dragons. They enjoy having fun and are incredibly friendly towards strangers, although some individuals may be more wary and hostile. They are happy-go-lucky, but can also be lazy.

They love to bask in the warmth of the sun and soak up its rays, similar to Rainwings. In both instances, trainers call these "sun-naps," as after they get up, they seem to be eager and rejuvenated.

Sparrowthorns live in small groups, no more than ten. When one Sparrowthorn is threatened, others will run away for safety, but sometimes the alpha male of the group will attempt to fight back before fleeing himself.

Trainers familiar with Sparrowthorns have observed that their permeable skin constantly need moisture. For this reason, Sparrowthorns tend to dwell in damper regions where they can easily avoid dehydration.

## Training

Sparrowthorns are very obedient, and can almost always be trained no matter what mood they're in. However, when in colder climates, they tend to be more stubborn and hostile.

To tame a wild Sparrowthorn, feed it a fruit or two to gain its attention, then rub any sort of moisture into its skin, whether it be spit, water, or another fluid.

## Trivia

* The Sparrowthorn is remarkably similar to a Struthiomimus, and many suggest that they evolved from the dinosaur species. However, for now, that remains a myth.
* The Sparrowthorn's roar is Cephadrome's roar from Monster Hunter

## Image Sources

1. Tropical Dragon by DragonArt3 on DeviantArt
2. Tropical Dragon Egg from Dragons World