Guide to Dragons

Common Dragon

Name: Common Dragon (Draco communia)
Element: Fire
Size: 5 feet (1.524 meters) tall, 9  - 10 feet (2.7432 - 3.048 meters) long, 800 - 1,000 pounds (362.874 - 453.592 kilograms)
Diet: Mainly livestock (cows, sheep, horses etc.), deer, and fish occasionally 
Habitat: Can live anywhere though they prefer castles and caves

Description:

When you think "dragon", (before reading this book, I'm sure) you might have pictured something like the Common Dragon. And you were right to think of it.

This dragon's name is well suited. As it suggests, this is the most common type of dragon. Well, not actually, but it was the most famous. 

Although they never hoarded treasure, Common Dragons have a lot in common with the "traditional" legends. They live in caves or sometimes castles. They enjoy eating livestock, and all breathe fire.

Besides all of the behavioral similarities to legends, these dragons also come in the full spectrum of colors. They can be black, blue, red, yellow, green, purple... You name it, there's probably a Common Dragon with that color scales. 

These dragons also have a myriad of different mutations that make them slight differ from each other. One might have spade tail, another may have a club on their tail. One might have a regular tongue, while another's is forked. They could have a box head, or maybe a narrow head. Large wings or small. The options are endless. 

Especially when bred with other dragons. I've done some research, and I've come to the conclusion that these dragons, if mated with another species, will have offspring that have features similar to both parents. Another difference from most other species. 

This dragon lacks specific courtship rituals. Females are picky. Males will have one chance to impress their potential mate. Supposedly, the male decides the best way to do tat, whether it's a show of strength, maneuverability, or wits. 

If the female doesn't like it, the male will likely not be able to swoon her. Females are also merciless. 

Once mated, the female goes off on her own to lay and raise the eggs. Since females are larger than males, it's in his best interest if the male does what she wishes. 

However, some males will occasionally bring food to the female and her clutch, meaning that the chicks will still have some connection with their father.

Females lay between 3-9 eggs in the early fall. This late time of year provides the eggs with safety from most predators and also they will have a whole season to get their bearings before they go out into the world. 

The chicks are playful and carefree around their mother. However, once they go outside, they become extremely cautious, a trait not often seen in any species' chicks. 

The chicks leave their mother at almost a half a year old, but stay in their clutch until they reach about two years. Some will remain in hunting packs. Few do, though.

This is a relatively aggressive dragon. Although they have personal territories, the only dragons they don't mind on these are other Common Dragons. They have little interest in humans. 

However, they will still attack you. My recommendation, don't get remotely near to one. I know this will be hard for some of you, so here's how you defend yourself:

Best thing, run. Being aggressive, standing them off will not help the situation. So, run and pray it doesn't decide to make you a snack.