Dragons

Dragons are creatures similar to non-mammalian synapsids (Dracomorphs) inhabiting the world of Ixotis.

## Biology

Dragons, contrary to popular belief, aren't reptiles, but rather Dracomorphs in the family Dracodontia, which they share with wyverns, among others.

Dragons are genderless by nature (almost always going by they/them pronouns unless they identify otherwise) and reproduce asexually. They can simply lay an egg whenever they want (after taking the necessary preparation time), always only one at a time, out of which a young dragon will hatch after usually six months. The dragon hatching from the egg will either be the same Element as the parent (50% chance) or a completely random other Element (also 50% chance).

Dragons are always connected to an Element, as there are no Neutral dragons.

## Appearance

Dragons are known for their wide array of appearances. One thing that is unique about this species is that, as previously mentioned, they are always Elementals. This shows nearly always in their appearance (for example, Plant Elemental Dragons are nearly always green of color, Fire Dragons red/orange, etc.).

Generally, Dragons look like huge reptiles (despite not being them) with four legs with three to five claws on their paws. They have wings on their backs which are capable of flight when grown into the right proportion. Dragons will usually have forked tongues which they stick in and out of their mouth rapidly for "scent tasting" similar to a snake. They are almost always homodont, with their teeth having a similar shape, size and function. There are known exceptions to this, though, where these creatures do have distinct fangs. Pupils are usually vertical slits. They have strong tails used for steering while flying, often times with spikes at the end of it for defense. Most if not all dragons have horns and scales.

    Being synapsids, dragons may occasionally have patches or ridges of fur, which separates them from reptiles, for example. They may also have feathers present, though this is much rarer than having hair.

Offspring does not have to resemble the parent in any way.

## Range

Dragons have historically been found everywhere across the continent, though not in big numbers. For reasons unknown, however, they've recently been massively leaving Ixotis, causing only few dragons to remain.

## Behavior and diet

Dragons are traditionally proud and mighty creatures. They have little concern for what is going on with other species, seeing themselves as above the rest. There are few dragons that truly even talk to "lower beings". Still, there are some notable exceptions that aren't as proud and will take part in whatever mortal beings are up to. This is just an extreme rarity.

Dragons are usually solitary creatures, though young will stay with their parent for a certain amount of time. They generally aren't very talkative, even to their own species. Dragons don't live in one set place, but rather travel all across Ixotis and sometimes even beyond. They can fly humongous distances without rest, and even survive at altitudes that would leave other creatures breathless. Dragons are known to fly for days above the clouds.

Being apex predators, these synapsids hunt what they can find. They need to eat quite a lot in order to stay healthy. Dragons in the past used to eat anything, Men, Elves and Ymmyes included, but nowadays choose to eat only non-sentient creatures. They are still seen as dangerous creatures that should be feared by many, however. Dragons' favorite prey include hircams and ferrukas.

## Abilities

Dragons have the same abilities as others of the Element they are, but much stronger and on a bigger scale due to how strong their connection to their Element is. Something that is unique to this species is that they also have Elemental breath abilities. This can be in an obvious way, such as a Fire Dragon being able to breath fire, but also in more subtle ways, such as Plague Dragons having a breath that decays anything it touches.

This species also has immense healing powers. If a Dragon were to get injured on their vital organs the organs would simply restore themselves and the wound would close, leaving only the bare minimum of scarring. The only wounds that Dragon bodies cannot heal are those to their wing membranes (hence why a lot of Dragons have notches and holes in them) and severe head wounds. Once a Dragon dies, its body, bones and organs included will mostly turn to dust and drift with the wind. The only thing that will remain is the skull, no other bones. The skull will turn to stone in a day's time after death and become nigh-indestructible.

## Aging

Dragons are somewhat similarly to Elves, as in they stop aging at a certain point. Dragons are in their juvenile phase the first 30 years, teens in their forties, young-adult in their fifties, and adults beyond. They continue to slowly develop even in adulthood until they're 100 years old, which is when they reach the "Yora" stage and stop aging physically. Dragons are practically immortal at this stage, immune to any disease. The only way they can die is to be physically killed by having their brain impaled, which is incredibly hard as Dragon skin, as well as their skull, is thicker than the strongest armor.

## Naming conventions

Dragons go by "noun-names" (e.g. Scorch, Grass) until they reach the Yora age, which is when they pick a name in the Ancient Dragon Language (e.g. Micrador, Eldaron).