Dragons are a species of intelligent creatures native to the planet Aless.
Biology[]
Dragons physically were giant reptiles with wings, akin to huge flying dinosaur. Though they have wings, they alone physically would not be enough for flight, but like most monster species on Aless they contained a magic stone in their bodies that granted them energy to liftoff. Dragons were related to wyverns, though the former was said to be more dangerous. Unlike wyverns dragons can breathe fire, though more accurately speaking it would be akin to a gigantic blaze. Some can also spit out something similar to Fire Ball magic too. They are also capable of perceiving magic power, enabling them to take evasive measures when fighting magic casters. Dragons are able to consume magic stones of different monsters to grant them enhanced strength.
Juvenile dragons were around the size of twelve meters, while adult dragons grew to over fifteen meters.
Dragons were similar to a species call satirons on a genetic level as well as makeup of the body tissues such as the nervous system and brain.
They are intelligent beings, and while unable to speak human tongue have their own language composed of grunts and roars.
Culture[]
Dragons are regarded as the apex predator on Aless, that even human kingdoms of Aless fear their power. Dragon attacks are rare as dragons don’t seem all that interested in humans. But when attacks do occur they are deadly and contain large numbers of casualties. When a dragon is rampaging in the area, it is known to sometimes cause other monsters in the area to flee, causing a stampede that threatens nearby settlements.
Dragons live in flocks, though could be more similar to clans. As per custom of the dragons, when they surrender to an opponent of a different clan, and the opponent accepts, the defeated dragon would have to leave its former clan and join its opponent’s clan instead. In dragon society, the clan chief is the one who decides the partner of every dragon in the clan. As a form of respect, dragons prostrated themselves on the ground.
On rare occasions these clans leave behind stray dragons. Simply put, these are dragons that got separated from the flock, and are far more dangerous than normal dragons.
These creatures don't normally prey on humans, and tend to live remotely away from civilization. They prefer to hunt other monsters like Big Boars for food. Dragons appear to have a strict code against intentionally harming humans. However taboo against violence towards humans can be ignored if it is a matter of self-defense. This policy seems to be universal for dragons across Aless, though it is not always followed my some members of the species. The reasons for this is unknown, but it appears the custom has been passed down for generations, as it was once said that humans and dragons used to live with each other in ancient times. And though humanity had forgotten this, having been relegated to myths, the dragons still recall that era vaguely.
Dragons from different continents appears to have difference in language, making communication difficult, but share enough cultural protocols to understand one another. One form of dragon custom that is shared are rites to formal duels between dragons which are initiated to resolve disputes.
Despite dragons disinterest in humans, the latter are known to not only fear these creatures but regard them as tests of courage and valor. Those who are able to defeat dragons are exalted as Dragon Slayers and are afforded with great respect and even granted privileges of nobility by their kingdoms.
Due the deadly abilities of dragons, Dragon Slayers are incredibly rare appearing in between for hundreds of years on Aless. Also, the scales, blood, and magic stone of a dragon are highly prized materials of considerable value. Even a rotted corpse of a dragon has value. The scales and blood of a dragon are noted to be precious that go on the market at auction. Larges scales are used to make full armor sets, while smaller ones will most likely be used for hauberks. A dragon’s blood is a very essential ingredient for making a panacea that has many medicinal uses from curing all illnesses or even rejuvenating strength, hair growth and even as an aphrodisiac. In either case, both items will be highly sought out and will be treated the same as national treasures. Other parts of a dragon are sought out, such as dragon meat which has quite an exquisite taste, skin for leather armor, fangs, bones, and eyeballs are also used for armor decorations, art pieces, or fine jewelry, among other things.
As for having their kind being dissected and dismantled, dragons appear to be not troubled by this, even commenting that their meat is delicious.
Sources[]
- The Galactic Navy Officer Becomes an Adventurer Volume 01, by Itou Atsuhiko (2017)
- The Galactic Navy Officer Becomes an Adventurer Volume 02, by Itou Atsuhiko (2018)