Guide to Dragons

Serpentine Dragon

Name: Serpentine Dragon (Draco ophites) 
Element: Fire
Size: 6 - 7 feet (1.8288 - 2.1336) tall, 8 - 10 feet (2.4384 - 3.048 meters) long, 900 - 1,100 pounds (408.233 - 498.9516 kilograms)
Diet: Wild boar, cattle, goats, sheep, and some birds of prey
Habitat: Mediterranean climates

Description:

There was once a time when this was considered the biggest dragon of all. Then people started wondering what "biggest" meant.

They went with more specific classifications after that.

The term "serpentine" is used in regards to something being snake-like. I guess that's another point where whoever named this failed.

Although, Serpentine dragons do look like serpents (snakes) if you take away their legs and wings. But then again, doesn't every dragon?

From what little writing I've found on this dragon, I think that they were used to heavy labor. It makes sense. Although I've never really seen this happen, the record is that a Serpentine Dragon pulled a cart full of gold. I never heard the dimensions of said cart. 

Serpentine dragons are notable not only for their bulk and strength, but also for their trust. A loyal companion, but difficult to tame. However, once you get over that hump, their faith in you will remain for eternity.

Some may view that as a bad trait. In some circumstances, it might be.

This behavior can be exhibited in hatchlings as well, so it's most likely just a natural instinct.

Serpentine dragons mate once a year in the spring. Males fight each other to impress females, and the females ultimately pick whichever they thought fought better.

A breeding pair will stay together until the eggs hatch. The male guards the female in her den as she watches the eggs. The incubation period is roughly 6-9 weeks.

After the eggs hatch, the male watches the chicks, but at a distance. He's the first defense if something attacks. And it's because of the father that the chicks have peaceful childhoods.

Baby serpentine dragons are much like birds, in the fact that they have to "imprint". For birds, that means something totally different from the dragon meaning.

Hatchlings must learn to trust each other and their mother. This process can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Personal preference, I suppose. 

Same as when this happens with humans, once the little dragons gain that initial trust, it will never be lost.

This relationship goes beyond the time that they grow up. If a serpentine dragon sees its mother or sibling, it will greet them as if, in dragon terms, they were an old friend.

Chicks stay with their mother until they're about nine months old, then they leave, to spend much of the rest of their lives alone.

Once again, although these dragons are solitary, they do seem to enjoy being around others of their kind.

And that goes for other dragons as well. Serpentine dragons enjoy other peaceful dragons for company, of course, unless that dragon attacks them.

These dragons are neutral towards humans, until that imprint happens, and treat them as inferior, typically ignoring any humans that come near them.

Oh, and just because they can imprint doesn't mean that you should go out and try and find one to keep as a pet. Besides, they don't do well in houses.

In any case, I am legally required to write down how to defend yourself. Know that I do not do this voluntarily.

Your best bet is to get away from the angry dragon coming towards you.

There, I did it. Now, go use your common sense and ask yourself, "Do I really want to become a pile of ashes?"