Earwig Dragon

The **Earwig Dragon** is an epic dragon of the Chrysalis element.

## Lore

*Deep in the lush green forests of the Lost Land of Burcadia lived a close-knit tribe of Earwig Dragons. Much like their insect namesake, Earwig Dragons had a long segmented body and fan-like tail, but with shimmering metallic scales. They were a timid and peaceful species that kept to themselves in the decaying hollows of old trees.*

*Not far from the Earwig forest lived a colony of gentle Gildamane Dragons in a flowering meadow. One morning, a curious young Gildamane ventured too close to the edge of the forest. Suddenly, his foot got caught in a tangle of vines. He cried out for help but his calls disturbed the sleeping Earwigs.*

*The Earwig tribe's elder, a wise old dragon named Drusilla, emerged from her tree hollow to investigate the commotion. She saw the frightened Gildamane struggling in the vines and took pity on him. Slowly and quietly, Drusilla and her tribe crept from the forest to free the little dragon.*

*The Gildamane's name was Gil and he thanked the Earwigs profusely. "I must return to my colony now, but please know you all are welcome to visit," said Gil. From that day on, a friendship formed between the Earwigs and Gildamanes of Burcadia. The tribes would often meet in the forest grove where Gil was rescued to share stories, songs and treats.*

*The peaceful Earwig Dragons, once so reclusive, began to open up to their new Gildamane friends. And the Lost Land of Burcadia gained two tribes that would live in harmony for many seasons to come.*

## Habitat

### Regions

The Earwig Dragon is native to the Lost Land of Burcadia, specifically the dense forests that span its eastern region.

### Preferred Home

Moist wooded areas beneath the canopy of large, ancient trees. It prefers the shade and sheltered areas near decaying tree trunks/roots.

### Nesting/Sheltering

The Earwig Dragon nests and shelters in hollowed out dens it excavates beneath fallen logs and tree stumps. Using its claws, it chips away at the soft wood over months to form rounded living spaces. Multiple Earwig Dragons may share one den system, which contains multiple branching tunnels. It lines its tunnels and nesting chambers with soft mosses, ferns and wildflowers to keep its dwelling warm and comfortable.

## Lifestyle

### Diet

Herbivorous, it sustains itself on forest plants, mushrooms, berries and moss.

### Behavior/Personality

Timid and curious. It keeps to itself but is friendly to other dragons. Loves exploring forest treasures but always returns home by dusk.

### Social Order

Lives in family units within dens. The eldest female is leader and decides best times to forage/nest. Offspring stay and help until ready to find own mates and dens.

### Relationship to Wizards

Though rarely seen, early wizards studied Earwig Dragons from afar out of respect for their privacy. Some wizards act as guardians for the forests and send minor healing charms to help if the solitary dragons grow ill or injured. The dragons live peacefully with nature and wizards but avoid direct contact.

## Discovery

The Earwig Dragon was first discovered by Burcadians in a dense, ancient forest located in the eastern region of their lost land. A group of Burcadian herders had gone into the woods searching for a lost beast herd when they came across a hollowed out tree stump.

Peering inside, they were amazed to see a small family of Earwig Dragons - unlike any breed they had seen before. The dragons' long bodies, fan-like tails and glittering metallic scales intrigued the Burcadians.

After observing from a safe distance and detecting no signs of aggression, the herders notified scholars of their discovery. A group of Burcadian naturalists then ventured into the forest to carefully study the Earwig Dragons.

Through watching their behaviors and interactions from afar, the scholars learned the timid dragons lived in networked tunnels beneath fallen trees. They also noted the Earwigs' herbivorous diet of forest plants and funghi.

News of the discovery excited the Burcadians, who had long studied local dragon species. The Earwig Dragons were given a place of honor in Burcadian bestiaries as the newest magical creatures found within their lost ancestral lands.