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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The Spine-back dragon is more commonly referred to as the Ridgeback dragon for the ridge of spines that run down the dragon's back. This ridge is made up of a single thick, long row of sharp quill-like spines with two to three rows of smaller spines on both sides of the main row. It is one of the more noticeable features of this species of dragon. The spines even continue down the tail to the tip where it merges with the spiked club that forms there. It's forelegs are more muscular compared to most other dragons, which it uses when climbing or swimming. Both of its taloned feet have a small webbing between the fingers and toes, which aid it in the water. The wings are large and easily fold flat against it's back. Noticeably, this dragon has a bump on the end of it's snout and "spurs" (a sharp growth on the back of the hind legs) which are larger on the males. The bump is mistaken for a horn, and it's use is unknown. Ridgebacks prefer to live by rivers and mountains, normally seen wallowing in the muddy banks of the river bend.
Coloration of this dragon varies from dark brown to a rusty orange, sometimes as a red clay color, all with lighter undersides. The ends of their spines, their teeth, and nails are the same yellow-white color. The later coloration is rare, and the hide is greatly sought after. No matter the outcome of infant's coloration, the eggs are a dull brown with streaks of bright orange-yellow that add color to the egg.
The life cycle of this dragon is strange in comparison to humans and a few other species. An egg is incubated in a nest covered with dried mud from a nearby river. During the three month incubation period, the mother lies motionless by the nest, much like crocodiles do today, and occasionally breathes a jet of fire at the nest when it gets too cold. When the first egg hatches in the nest, the hatchling will turn to the egg nearest and aid the infant inside hatch and the trend continues until all the eggs in the nest have hatched. At this point, they work together to break the shell of the mud nest, outside their mother waits with some fresh food and a mouthful of water for her young.
The young are later relocated to a den near the river. The mother will periodically return with food for her young, brining solid foods at three and live prey at six months, and at a year of age taking her young hunting with her. By two years they are mature enough to hunt for themselves, however the females tend to stick with mom to help raise the next batch and sometimes raise their own with mom. At four years of age when they are fully grown.
The rut, as many dragon mages call it, occurs during late fall and early winter, when food is scarce. The males fight one and another for territory claims on the muddy beaches. They bellow, sway their head and tails, and even fight each other for these locations. The females only have to search for the best nesting spot, and right mate. Then their job is transferred to rearing the young. The males however will continue to protect their territory year round, but not as aggressively as they do during the rut.
The abilities of a Ridgeback is it's flame breath, which control, longevity and power of the flame increases with age, gained around two years (the age they're sexualy mature), and the fact that their horns (which grow from behind their eyes, curl around their ears and end in two pointed tips.), spikes, fangs, and claws continue to grow and usually sharpen as they age. The downfall however is that these guys are temperature sensitive. They don't revert to reptiles if it gets colder or hotter, rather that they lose their flame ability if it gets too cold, and overheat quicker when it get hot. So when walking around Ridgeback territory, know never to tick one off otherwise run up the mountain where its gets too cold for their deadly flame breath.
Other tips. Ridgebacks are easily tamed. An infant wandering from the nest is common, so once you find one you can feed it meat from a wild pig, it's favorite food, or any porky swine until it turns two years of age. They are fairly common where they live and have a hardy, patient nature. But beware, Ridgebacks are prideful creatures and are quick to protect their own and their master from insult or danger. It is recommended by many dragon mages to carry cooked ribs when wandering through their territory, for if you meet one, it may come in handy to avoid many of the dangerous outcomes.
