The first in a series of dragon guide books that goes deeper into the know information about the dragons of Calluncia. Published in the year 1958 D.E. (Dragonotic Era) this book is considerably old, however is the only guide about dragons.
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Dragons are a strange phenomenon within our world. Here in Calluncia, it is no different. There are hundreds of species and breeds of dragons, some documented while others yet to be discovered, and each are built in different ways. Not all dragons breathe fire, have a single pair of wings and four taloned limbs, even their habitats differ! Now this guide will start you off with the basics of identification, lifecycle, and habits of the fifteen known species. Maybe even a little bit about the reclusive Dragon Mages.
Identification is the most important part of figuring out if a dragon is one that's been discovered, or one that hasn't. It also helps with further investigation, such as finding out it's temperament and how dangerous it is. Here is an example of a commonly mistaken species of dragon. Commonly called the "Falseblade", Draco coeloxipho (Hollow Sword Dragon) is a smaller breed of the Bladed Dragons. This family includes the rare "Iceblade", Draco frigoxipho (Cold Sword Dragon), extremely rare "Shadowblade", Draco atroxipho (Black Sword Dragon), and the common "Ridgeback" Draco styraconoto (Spike-back Dragon) whom all have sharp ridge of spines shaped like blades running down their spines. The Falseblade, much like its relatives, is built moderately the same; A long tail ending in a club of spines pointing to the back, four taloned legs that hold it's body off the ground, a pair of large, bat-like wings, a medium sized neck, and a broad head covered in thick armor from the snout at the top of their maw, down to their spined tail tips. However is pretty small.
The best way to identify this species is by their long skinny legs, petite body size, and tendency to flee on site. Falseblades are the commonly mistaken species due to their style of adaptation. They mimic whatever cousin breed of dragon that occupies the same area. Thus the common reports of smallish Ridgeback, Iceblade, and Shadowblade dragons fleeing after stealing food from a village are actually Flaseblades whom are immature, too old, or desperate to get food.
A dragon's life cycle consists of five stages. The Egg, The Hatchling, The Adolescent, The Adult, and The Elder. How long an egg takes to incubate depends on the species of dragon. Fast hatching breeds like the "Dragonfly" dragon, Draco diplodiptera (Double-winged Dragon), take only a single month to incubate, while the legendary "Cronos" dragon, Draco titanorex (Gigantic King Dragon), is said to take a thousand years to incubate. This is the second most important stage for in some uncanny way, the dragon imprints on it's parents/guardians near the end of the incubation period. This is important for anyone, especially a Dragon Mage, who wishes to raise their own dragon. The most important part is the hatchling stage, this is when the young develop and learn about themselves. Dragons learn how to breathe fire and ect by experimenting, only attempting the skill after watching their parents do so for the first time. Adolescent is the final part of a dragon's developmental stage. this is when they typically learn to hunt and often venture off to survive by themselves. This is the stage that is called by many "the do or die age" which means that this is the time when decisions are vital for one's survival. Many dragons die off at this age for multiple reasons. As a mature adult, a dragon is at their prime. Fully grown, these dragons are said to be dangerous even if they are passive by nature. This is the time and age where they focus on staying alive and preparing themselves to bring in the next generation. An elder is the last stage of a dragon's life cycle, and like human elders, are seen as creatures with vast wisdom and startling mood shifts. They are the more common age group that goes off hunting humans. It is said that knowledge obtained from an elder dragon, especially a Cronos, will give you enough power to rule an entire kingdom... So far it's just an old saying.
The habits of dragons are said to differ with each individual. However there's been numerous documents stating quite the opposite. It is common belief of those who have experience handling dragon that both of these accusations are true. Dragons tend to act like any other member of it's species/breed, only opening up and showing its individual personality. Smaller dragons tend to have more drastic shifts between personalities than larger ones, though even that may be incorrect. However until more is discovered about these mystical creatures, this is all we have to go by.
Dragon Mages is a term used for any one able to handle dragons. Though the term is incorrect because a vast majority of members are not actual mages. Many are simple people who just have a knack for the stuff. Now don't let this simple intro fool you, this occupation is fairly hard and quite dangerous. More than half of the cadets die attempting foolhardy acts of bravery and intelligence that they couldn't master. The sad part is that this once grand sect used to include entire families, not just father and son as they do now, but wives, mothers, and daughters as well as people unrelated to the dragon mages. It was due to the grand reform of 1893 D.E. decreed by King Juvol (U-vole) stating that all female dragon mages are heretics and traitors to the crown that must be eliminated. All females are barred from becoming dragon mages, and to prevent such atrocities, dragon mages are barred from teaching anyone outside of their family. (for more information, look to the History Of Calluncia Vol 7.) Thus Dragon mages are now as rare as an Iceblade dragon...
