Dragons are a magical and ancient kind of creature that typically are serpentine or reptilian creatures with high intelligence, and a unique aptitude or affinity for magic.
Dragons are known for their sharp minds, precise memories, and deeply felt emotions. They are noble creatures that bridge the gap between myth and reality, and as such are often revered.
The archetypical Dragon is a scaled, reptile like creature with four legs, two or more wings, a serpentine neck, a long tail, five fingered hands with opposable thumbs, and often horns upon their heads. Their eyes are said to aid greatly in both their ability to see great distances, and their ability to see and control Myst. The greatest among the dragons are likened to that of gods, or devils.
Dragons are capable of surviving off of excess amounts of Myst gathered from the land, and as such, some dragons gather around places steeped in magic. Others simply feed on living things for their needs.
When a Dragon consumes another dragon's blood, they grow in power. Dragon societies form around the strongest of their members as a result. These great dragons can rule over large numbers of their kin, known as a brood. Feuding and conflict often comes down to bloody murder, even among their own brood. When rival broods go to war, much blood is spilled, but the victorious remain, greatly strengthened by the blood of their foes.
Many dragons develop an affinity for their environment, or a particular element. This usually happens over many years, resulting in a dragon developing unique abilities and strengths from the myst of the land. There are many different kinds, including some that may be rare and undiscovered. Below is a list of well known dragon archetypes:
Dragons that draw from the land, such as Forest Dragons, Mountain Dragons, and Desert Dragons.
Dragons that draw from a particular aspect or object of nature, such as Magma Dragons, Wind Dragons and Storm Dragons.
Dragons that draw upon esoteric powers like magic or divinity, such as Divine Dragons, Moon Dragons, and Chaos Dragons.
A more complete list of Dragon Affinities can be found here.
Dragons have a hierarchy, upheld by the strength of the eldest and strongest of dragons, the Wyrms. All Draconic creatures may be referred to as dragons, no matter how great or small, but beyond that, there are specifics:
Drakes - Drakes are lesser, sometimes young, dragons, usually lacking some or most of the distinct features of dragons. They are the most common type of dragon, and are much less intelligent than all other forms of dragons. Some drakes are flightless, some lack hands.
Serpents - Serpentine dragons are like drakes in that they are lesser dragons, but these dragons lack both sets of limbs, and sometimes their wings. Serpents can range from small drakes to great dragons said to wrap themselves around the world at the bottom of the sea. Their intelligence is considered to be higher than other types of dragons.
Wyverns - Wyverns are lesser dragons that lack their forward arms and are known for their aggressive and territorial behaviors. Wyverns can sometimes reach strength close to that of true dragons and wyrms, but are limited by their stunted forms and their weaker minds.
Dragons - Dragons, or True Dragons, are the wise, four-limbed, two-winged dragons that are typically envisioned when one speaks of dragons. They are extremely intelligent, and are extremely varied. Dragons that have reached adulthood have accustomed themselves to their environs, and their wishes. Combined with enough time, meals, or Myst, dragons can slowly will themselves into a form that better suits their needs.
Elder Dragons - Elder Dragons are Dragons that have grown to be ancient, and have ascended beyond their kin. Their age is usually accompanied by unique abilities and powers.
Wyrms - Wyrms are the oldest, most ancient members of a dragon’s family. They are vastly more powerful than any other dragon, as they are the primordial form of all their progeny, and wield powers like that of a god. These most elder forces of nature can cause great disasters, or great change by simply existing, and younger dragons usually do not question their will.