Dragons

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Dragons are the dominant life form on Pyrrhia. They are highly intelligent and capable of speech, toolmaking, and other abilities typical of complex societies.

Biology

Dragons fall into one of seven general types (or "tribes")- Rainwing, Sandwing, Seawing, Nightwing, Skywing, Mudwing, and Icewing. It is unknown whether they are subspecies of one species, or seperate species alltogther --hybrid dragons have yet to appear.

They follow a hexapodal design, with six limbs, two of which have been modified for flight. The wings consist of membrane stretched in between the bones of the five digits, and are attached at the top of the shoulder, with the forelegs attached at the bottom.

All dragons are equipped with large talons at the base of each foot, and all can fly. There is also a large claw at the end of the third joint on the wing. They are carnivorous, and they all have large, sharp teeth suited for their diet.

Specialization

Each "tribe" has specialized structures/abilities that differentiate them from the other types. Most typical is some sort of exhalation, most commonly fire. Skywings, Nightwings, and Sandwings can breathe fire at any time, whereas Mudwings can only breathe fire when they are warm enough. Icewings exhale freezing breath, while Glory, a Rainwing, can emit corrosive acid (it is not known if this is a rare and unique ability, or if all Rainwings can do it). Seawings are the only type that cannot exhale anything that may be used as a weapon.

Most commonly modified structures in dragons are either the wings, claws, or tail. Skywings have large, almost overdeveloped wings to allow them to be some of the most extreme fliers among the dragons. Seawings, Sandwings, and Rainwings all have tails that help them in their various habitats -- most commonly in some sort of defense. Icewings have modified claws to grip the ice, and Seawings have webbed feet to be better able to swim.

Mudwings have nostrils located on the top of the snout to allow them to breath while under mud without completely surfacing. Seawings are probably the most well equipped, having gills along with the ability to see in the dark bioluminecsense to help them navigate their watery home. They use bioluminecsense to attract mates.

Society

Dragons have a complex, matriachal society where each "tribe" is ruled by a Queen. Each tribe differs in its traditions/values/way of life due to habitat and physiology. They are advanced enough to have speech and writing --all dragons appear to speak the same language. Nightwings and Seawings usually pair off in lifelong partnerships, and the nuclear family is extremely important. To the other tribes, this does not seem as important.