arin's beginning

A Compendium on Draconids

Complied and updated by The Council of Riders

Introduction

There are 4 species of draconids; wyverns, dragons, drakes, and lyndwyrms. All are intelligent, and all are dangerous. It is not advisable to approach a wild draconid. In the wild draconids are numerous, but do not like to associate with humanity. they have no ruling body, but when a dragon bonds with a human, the draconid will adapt to life in human society over time.

draconid eggs can wait centuries or millenia to hatch, at the draconids choosing. this may be because of a destined rider's proximity, current events, or even boredom. Draconids are aware of events outside their egg and can learn while still in the egg. Draconids do have a memory of things their ancestors learned, making even newly hatched draconids far wiser and more intelligent than even the oldest humans

Draconids come in all sizes, the smallest have been recorded to be no larger than a horse, and the largest have been known to be larger than houses in the Upper City. Often newly hatched draconids are about the size of an extra-large cat, or a large dog.

It takes a draconid 5 years to grow to what we humans call late adolescence on average. From there a draconid changes little, varying from species to species. This compendium will discuss the details of each species of Draconid, from descriptions to behavioral traits.

-Lyndwryms

Little is known of Lyndwyrms, as they are the only non-land draconids we know of. They are elusive and none have ever bonded with a human. lyndwyrms do not venture on land if they can avoid it.

Lyndwyrms have long bodies, two short forelegs, and spined dorsal fins that run the length of their body. A lyndwyrms tail tapers down to a single spike made of the same material as its scales that it uses to jab into its prey for a quick kill.

Many sailors claim to have seen a Lyndwryms tailspike rise from the surface of the ocean and dive back down in the blink of an eye, leading us to believe that Lyndwryms can reach lengths of several hundred feet long.

Lyndwyrms, according to the few sailors who have survived their attacks, claim that the lyndwyrms have scales of blues and greys and black. So few lyndwryms have been sighted that it cannot be said to what extent their colors range.

Unlike other Draconids, Lyndwrym's remains are unable to be studied, so further conclusions cannot be drawn. Little else is known about lyndwyrms other than they are extremely territorial and will attack ships that pass over them or through their waters without hesitation.

-Wyverns

Wyverns are draconids with 2 wings, two hind legs, a mid-length tail, and a mid-length neck. wyverns have dorsal spikes that run the length of the spine and tail, as well as a variety of spikes jutting out from the jaw and skull.

wyverns naturally prefer to nest in the mountains, as high up as they can get. wyverns are the cleanest of the draconids, constantly preening their scales and talons. wyverns hate getting dirty.

wyverns are ambush sky predators, much like falcons. preferring to soar high above prey, and dive down at breakneck speed to catch and return to the nest. The Wyvern has the hottest, most dangerous fire of the draconids, being able to breathe a stream of fire at temperatures hot enough to melt steel in mere minutes. This stream of fire can only extend a meter or two at most. Wyverns are also capable of coalescing fire into a condensed ball and spitting the fireball at great speed and moderate distances. this fireball is known to be sticky and splashes akin to oil-based fire.