Drake

In Ludwag’s ancient history telltale signs of great unknowable beasts remain common. These legends speak of beasts of truly awesome power- though none have been found to confirm if these stories are true. The only inkling of what once was is none other than the Drakes, a beast of truly magical proportions. In recent history they have been subject to a dwindling population and a growing mythic reputation. Alas, it may not be long until they too are also a fading memory. Hope is not lost though; many across Ludwag see the Drakes as a beast to be revered over feared.

#### Physiology and Anatomy

Drakes are grand reptilian beasts with the likeness of late depictions of ‘Dragons’, noticeably with the lack of wings. Their scales are large and emerald-colored, glistening with a coating under sunlight. Drakes secrete this coating from pores beneath the scales- producing a protective barrier between itself and the elements. This covering ensures that debris does not get beneath their skin but curiously has become far more useful in modern times. Drake scale coating is vitor-heat absorbent, allowing the Drake to ignore the effects of heat-based magic to the degree of Master. Though this is an effective defense, it begins to decay once the Drake has expired. Wearing Drakescale will allot the wearer protection against heat-based magic but only to the degree of Expert. Outside of magic, a Drake's scales are fairly mediocre; comparable to studded leather.

In terms of weaponry the Drake is equally extraordinary. Though its claws and teeth are fairly mundane, Drakes have a wholly unique method of defense. At the back of their mouth a vertical slit welcomes a specialized organ. This organ is shaped like a tube with a valve that can be closed by exercising the throat muscles. At the end of this tube are a collection of fuels, when exhaled, ignite on the flint-like strike of the Drake’s teeth. Depending on the fuel, a Drake’s fire can vary. Oils like cactus juices and fats produce a typical orange fire whereas metallic fuels produce blue flame. Drake’s orange flame is able to rapidly burn away organic materials but does little to warp metal or earth; the same cannot be said for blue flame which can reduce and warp metal in a matter of moments. Drake-fire is notably long-lasting with their special oils allowing flame to burn for hours without access to abundant fuel.

Drakes have a varied diet as their native territories are too scarce to specialize. Though they prefer meat, Drakes also occasionally eat cactus fruit and other nutrient-rich vegetation. Drakes are one of the few animals adapted toward eating cooked or burnt flesh and may actively prefer their prey well-done for the fats it produces. Drakes can store this additional energy in fat reserves running along their tail, allowing them to stave off long periods without food while they search for opportunities.

During the wet season, Drakes begin to lay their eggs. A female may have a clutch of six eggs, each the size of a baseball, though usually only three or four survive. Drake eggs can only hatch under very specific parameters and require constant attention from the parents. Heat-based, if a clutch is too hot it will result in all the hatchlings being female- the same being true for all-male clutches in the absence of heat. Juvenile Drakes lack a developed fuel-chamber and thus are incapable of spitting flame. In order to defend themselves, Juvenile Drakes instead strike their flint-teeth together to produce sparks. Though this method is less effective than adult Drakes, it can cause small brush fires if allowed to catch on kindling.

#### Psychology

Drakes are opportunistic predators, any and all potential meals may be acted upon given the scarcity of food in their arid homes. Drakes are persistent predators too, wearing down their victims through attrition. Drakes also exhibit hunting behavior wholly unique to themselves, smoking out prey by intentionally lighting fires in brush or in dens. Drakes hardly need worry about these fires but they can often get quite destructive. As a result, sapient races often seek out Drakes in the fear that they may cause a disaster.  The older a Drake gets the more tactful they become with measuring the extent of their fire and mitigating unnecessary damage.

Drakes are by no means social and actively territorial throughout most of the year. In the wet season pairs may form though these are hardly cooperative either. Male Drakes will attempt to ensure that the nest is either too cold or too hot depending on the abundance of Drakes in the area while Females will attempt to maintain a balance. Disputes between mates are fairly common and may even prove violent. Eventually, one will chase off the other permanently. As nests require constant attention the remaining parent will slowly starve themselves to ensure their brood hatch. Drakes often turn to cannibalism once hatchlings are born which further weeds out weaker specimens. Drake hatchlings will try to time their hatching between nearby nests to ensure that they have the best chance of escaping to higher ground.