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It is not clear exactly where the dragons of this world originate from. Quite likely, the evolutionary ancestor of the dragon would have been a diapsid reptilian species from the Cretaceous period that survived the K-T extinction event, due to the vast variety of reptilian life in existence prior to the Cenozoic era. | It is not clear exactly where the dragons of this world originate from. Quite likely, the evolutionary ancestor of the dragon would have been a diapsid reptilian species from the Cretaceous period that survived the K-T extinction event, due to the vast variety of reptilian life in existence prior to the Cenozoic era. | ||
− | This draconic ancestor can be envisioned as a species of small quadrupedal reptiles, one that through an unknown series of events evolved a pair of rudimentary limbs that would soon become the wings of the modern dragon. After flight was attainable with these wings, two major changes would have happened. First, the overall size of the dragon would have increased, and second, the air sacs that counter the dragon’s overall weight and also aid in flight must have evolved, resulting in the earliest creature that could truly be dubbed a “dragon”. Alternatively, the dragons could share a common ancestor with the "[[Kiao]]" sea-serpents, | + | This draconic ancestor can be envisioned as a species of small quadrupedal reptiles, one that through an unknown series of events evolved a pair of rudimentary limbs that would soon become the wings of the modern dragon. After flight was attainable with these wings, two major changes would have happened. First, the overall size of the dragon would have increased, and second, the air sacs that counter the dragon’s overall weight and also aid in flight must have evolved, resulting in the earliest creature that could truly be dubbed a “dragon”. Alternatively, the dragons could share a common ancestor with the "[[Kiao]]" sea-serpents, with wings perhaps evolving from stabilising fins, such as in the Dragonriders of Pern series. |
Three such varieties of dragon exist; one without any special form of attack, one who uses a form of vitriol to incapacitate its prey, and one who can breathe fire upon its opponent. Because a flammable form of attack is unique to dragons, it must be linked to their physiology; possibly being caused by a reaction between the gas in their bodies that allows flight, and another material of some sort. | Three such varieties of dragon exist; one without any special form of attack, one who uses a form of vitriol to incapacitate its prey, and one who can breathe fire upon its opponent. Because a flammable form of attack is unique to dragons, it must be linked to their physiology; possibly being caused by a reaction between the gas in their bodies that allows flight, and another material of some sort. | ||
Where the early dragons evolved is not clear, as they can be found almost all over the world, suggesting several large migrations occurred throughout history, but their overall importance in [[China]] could suggest that they evolved somewhere in Central Asia. | Where the early dragons evolved is not clear, as they can be found almost all over the world, suggesting several large migrations occurred throughout history, but their overall importance in [[China]] could suggest that they evolved somewhere in Central Asia. | ||
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== Dragon Characteristics == | == Dragon Characteristics == | ||
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As a note, the [[Jade]] dragons of China are listed as being able to travel 120 miles in two hours, making the average speed 60 miles per hour (about 52 knots) for this journey. This is the fastest sustained flight speed yet mentioned, but short bursts of speed (especially if while diving) would likely be much faster than this. | As a note, the [[Jade]] dragons of China are listed as being able to travel 120 miles in two hours, making the average speed 60 miles per hour (about 52 knots) for this journey. This is the fastest sustained flight speed yet mentioned, but short bursts of speed (especially if while diving) would likely be much faster than this. | ||
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=== Special Abilities === | === Special Abilities === | ||
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Like humans, dragons appeared to enjoy owning and wearing jewellery for a variety of reasons, including personal vanity and in order to display and possibly increase their social status among other dragons (see [[Dragons, gold and property]] on this point.) | Like humans, dragons appeared to enjoy owning and wearing jewellery for a variety of reasons, including personal vanity and in order to display and possibly increase their social status among other dragons (see [[Dragons, gold and property]] on this point.) | ||
− | Jewellery for the head and neck appeared to be particularly favoured - collars, necklaces, tiaras, headpieces of all sorts, etc. Some African dragons had piercings made in their upper lips in order to accommodate ivory and gold rings. Chinese dragons, besides adorning their heads and necks, sometimes also decked their forehands with rings or talon sheaths of precious metals and gems | + | Jewellery for the head and neck appeared to be particularly favoured - collars, necklaces, tiaras, headpieces of all sorts, etc. Some African dragons had piercings made in their upper lips in order to accommodate ivory and gold rings. Chinese dragons, besides adorning their heads and necks, sometimes also decked their forehands with rings or talon sheaths of precious metals and gems. |
The only record of a dragon wearing bands on its forearms was the mesh message carriers worn by the [[Jade]] dragon couriers of China, such as [[Lung Yu Ping]]. The fine mesh was suspended from a silk and gold collar around the dragon's neck and fixed to their forearms and talons by golden rings. It may be argued that this was not purely jewellery but rather a sort of working uniform. | The only record of a dragon wearing bands on its forearms was the mesh message carriers worn by the [[Jade]] dragon couriers of China, such as [[Lung Yu Ping]]. The fine mesh was suspended from a silk and gold collar around the dragon's neck and fixed to their forearms and talons by golden rings. It may be argued that this was not purely jewellery but rather a sort of working uniform. | ||
− | There are no records of dragons wearing bands or bracelets on their rear legs or tails | + | There are no records of dragons wearing bands or bracelets on their rear legs or tails. There are also no records of jewellery worn in piercings along the wing edges or otherwise attached to the wings. While non-combattant dragons such as [[Celestial]]s may have displayed head and neck jewellery unsuitable for violent activities, it would seem that no dragon enjoyed wearing items that might hinder their flight performance. |
There appeared to be little difference in the jewellery worn by male and female dragons. Temeraire was given a set of gold and silver talon sheaths "such as his mother occasionally wore" when Laurence was adopted by the [[Jiaqing Emperor]]. On another occasion, when preparing to meet with the generals of the British army, he considered borrowing a spangled net of chains from [[Iskierka]], to be draped over his ruff. | There appeared to be little difference in the jewellery worn by male and female dragons. Temeraire was given a set of gold and silver talon sheaths "such as his mother occasionally wore" when Laurence was adopted by the [[Jiaqing Emperor]]. On another occasion, when preparing to meet with the generals of the British army, he considered borrowing a spangled net of chains from [[Iskierka]], to be draped over his ruff. | ||
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Platinum jewellery for humans had been available previously. Louis XV of France (1710-1774) had declared it the only metal fit for a king. However, prior to Chabaneau's discoveries, it would only have been available in small quantities. Thus, at the time Laurence purchased the pendant for Temeraire in 1805, platinum jewellery designed for dragons, particularly larger dragons, would have still have been a relatively new item on the market, quite fashionable and expensive. | Platinum jewellery for humans had been available previously. Louis XV of France (1710-1774) had declared it the only metal fit for a king. However, prior to Chabaneau's discoveries, it would only have been available in small quantities. Thus, at the time Laurence purchased the pendant for Temeraire in 1805, platinum jewellery designed for dragons, particularly larger dragons, would have still have been a relatively new item on the market, quite fashionable and expensive. | ||
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== Military dragons == | == Military dragons == |