Dragons

[Keira]

It is rumored that dragons have been around longer than vampires. They are strong of body, mind and spirit. Many think themselves immortal but they can be killed. It is very hard and very rare for someone to actually slay a dragon. Dragons are similar to shifters in the fact that they appear just like a human until they shift. The only difference physically while in a human form is dragons often have a marking somewhere on their body that can only been seen by that of another dragon. It shows which type of dragon they are. Sometimes these marks are small while other times they can be large and cover the dragons entire side, back, chest…et al.

Dragons can breed with their same kind or with others. So do not think that a fire dragon has to mate with a fire dragon. Or a water to a water dragon. If this were true then there would not be the wide varieties of dragons that there are now. Dragons are very fertile creatures but the female can control when she is ready to have any young by controlling her hormones. After a few hatchings the female and her mate will wait let them grow and fully mature before bringing more into the world. Right now with this world many have stopped breeding until they know it is safe or safer to bring young dragons around.

Dragons are hatched from eggs normally one or two at a time. The mother protects and incubates the age until it hatches. When a dragon egg hatches the baby is in dragon form, giving a hint of what it will look like when it is mature. Normally between 24-48 hours the dragon form disappears and a human looking child is there. If a dragon egg is taken from its mother it will lay dormant until the right heat or the right conditions for it to hatch. There are rumors of a few dragons that were raised by humans until the day the matured. The humans never mentioning anything of how they were born or didn't know as they found them after than had turned into a human baby. When the young dragon finds out or the changes start to take place they often run away not understanding who or what they truly are.

Maturity is reached like shifters at the age of 13-15. At this time the characteristics of whatever dragon species they are slowly starts to seep through their daily activities. Dragons have two forms a hybrid/half form where they still look very much like a human only their skin changes to that of their dragon, fingers turn into claws, hair remains but changes color to match scales/skin or feathers of their dragons and they have their tail to help them balance their bodies on two legs.

At this stage in their life they are considered hatchlings/younglings. Even though it is considered a term of them maturing, they are only maturing back into their dragon forms they lost after being hatched. Slowly they then learn from parents or elders, others of their kind how to grow and continue to mature into a dragon. Learning new abilities.

Their true form, that of their dragon is not reached until they are able to fully control themselves. To conquer the beast within. In this form is when then grow large and massive. It is also where you get to see the odd verities of dragons their truly are in the world. Few if every get to see the true form of a dragon, but now as they are becoming the dominant race it is becoming a site that humans and shifters peek out of the shadows to see as dragons are using their half and full forms to rebuild the world once more.

Types

Fire Dragons ~ Many fire dragons now have wings or the ability to fly. Having the blood of an air dragon mixed in their veins. They rise early, before the sun rises, taking flight so that the first rays of the sun heat their skin/scales/or feathers giving them a boost of energy to get through the day. Fire dragons are also known to play with fire and have the ability to control it in human form. Many carry around a lighter as added protection just incase they would need it for any reason. In dragon form they can also breathe fire and their bodies have an extra defense against flames.

Water Dragons~ Water Dragons are gifted beings in the water. They do not have wings capable of flight if they have any at all. Their bodies are made for swiming and hiding under the water, blending in with their surroundings to not be caught. Water Dragons draw their power from the water. Years ago it was beleived that a water dragon could only achive their full strength if the submerged themselves in the ocean or another form of salt water. Now they know that any sort of water will help a water dragons power. They also have two lenses that cover their eyes. One to protect it against the water and another to help in murky,dirty water so that they can see well. These second and third lenses are used in all forms. Water Dragons have the ability to manipulate water, stronger older dragons some have learned to manipulate water in any form, but most dont have that ability. They have a weakness to fire and flame and ice. Their bodies are colder to the touch, much like how fire dragons bodies are very hot to the touch. The cold doesn't bother a water dragon only slows it down. They are often found relaxing out in the sun letting it heat their bodies to not makes them as sluggish as they would be if they hid themselves away.

Air Dragons~ Air Dragons have the ability of flight, the ability to control air, manipulate it and use it to their advantage just like the other dragons types. They draw their power from the sky, some have even learned through the mixing of dragon types other abilities not normally seen by their kind. Most under estimate the speed and agility as well as the powers these beautiful creatures posses. They are the one species of dragon that does not blend in with their surroundings coming in all different shapes, sizes and colors. The other species of dragons that have wings and take to the sky are often envious at just how skilled these winged flyers are. It has been documented that some air dragons have been seen as others describe as lounging on the clouds. This is not true but they make flight look effortless and easy. Those that do attack an air dragon do not think they have much defense except speed and agility are often met with attacks they never see coming even after they are hit with them.

Earth Dragons~ Earth Dragons are often looked at as the weakest of the types of dragons. This is not true. Their bodies might not be as beautiful as those that control air, as stunning and vibrant that many Fire Dragons are, and they are definitely not graceful in the water. Earth dragons colors are those that blend into their environment. Dark colors normally with sleek bodies that are more agile. Some have the ability to fly while others have the ability to burrow deep into the ground. They also can control the earth, make it move, shake and sometimes even split like that of an earthquake. What strengthens their power is the earth, the soil and ground. Most find earth dragons where the trees are still plentiful, they lay around on the ground, in the sand often times burying themselves in it, playing in the mud and relaxing. Its even rumored that some Earth Dragon lines have played in the ground for so long that they have adapted extra senses to being underground.

Power Levels

Youngling ~ age starting at 13 or when the dragon actually matures until about the age of 125 or even longer. It is different for every dragon. At this stage it is like they are a new born dragon, learning their new skin, new abilities and growing. They do have sexual desires, but it is for pleasure and exploration. A dragon does not find its mate until it has reached full maturity and slipped into the adult stage of its life

Adult ~ averaging from 125+ The age where a dragon is finally able to control their full shift, if they had the proper training. Female dragons are very fertile in this stage of their lives. *Note* A female can lay eggs, from a male that is not her mate. Often times they do not find their mate until they are almost an elder... if they ever do This is also when females learn how to control their hormones so not to have to many little ones running around.

Elder ~ average age from 550+ The prime age of a dragon. They are past the baby and teenage years of their dragon life. This stage they harness what they have learned and grow with it or stay content at the level they are at. Not everyone wants to be all powerful and not everyone is destined to be a leader.

Ancient ~ over 1300+ Not all elder dragons slip into ancient status though. It still depends on skills they have mastered and learned. They are strong, able to lead and protect their own and what they call theirs. Ancients are looked up at from old and young alike.