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Since so little is currently known about the exact scientific placement of Dragons; save for the fact that they are classified as "Order Draconia", the following chart is speculative: | Since so little is currently known about the exact scientific placement of Dragons; save for the fact that they are classified as "Order Draconia", the following chart is speculative: | ||
− | + | Kingdom: Animalia | |
− | + | Phylum: Chordata | |
− | + | Class: Reptilia | |
− | + | Subclass: Diapsida | |
− | + | Order: Draconia | |
− | + | Family: Unknown | |
− | + | Genus: Unknown | |
− | + | Species: Unknown | |
It is likely that "Order Draconia" is an offshoot of some ancient group of reptiles - probably Diapsid, for various reasons - but sufficiently evolved so that it does not share the characteristics of most reptiles. | It is likely that "Order Draconia" is an offshoot of some ancient group of reptiles - probably Diapsid, for various reasons - but sufficiently evolved so that it does not share the characteristics of most reptiles. | ||
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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 == |