Dragon Biology

The Dragon's Brain

The Brain of a Dragon differs in many respects from that of a humanoid. First of all, it is not divided into two halves, like a human brain, nor does it have a hormonal sac around it's medulla oblongata like an elf. A Dragon's brain matter is smooth on the outside. Furthermore, the higher functions of the brain contained in the cerebrum are not seperated from the automatic functions of the brain controlled in humans by the cerebellum. In Dragons, the difference between automatic and voluntary functions of the body are more vague. Dragons have much more control of these involuntary automatic functions like beating of the heart, or the contraction of muscles, than most of the world's creatures. In Bronze Dragons, a special organ is located in the front part of the Cerebellum. While it's exact nature is unclear, many believe that this is the source of their telepathic powers. Other types of Dragons have this organ, though it is very primitive and under developed.

Ridges and Horns

Ever since Dragon fought Dragon, many Clan leaders have sought to increase the protection of their warrior Dragons. Most male Dragons sport an assortment of bony ridges or sharp horns that are used in combat against other Dragons. Such hard and sharp surfaces are never seen on Female Dragons.

Transparent Eyelids

All Dragons, when they fly in high altitudes, are protected against the strong ultra-violet radiation with special eyelids that filter out the harmful rays. The eyelids also contain special nerve endings that allow the Dragon to see in the dark (infravision). Recently, a Bronze Dragon was born with a spot on his eyelid that allows him to magnify anything he sees by a power of 10.

The Dragon's Heart

The Dragon's heart acts much like a human heart, except that it is larger and much more powerful a pump. Dragons have a special gland in the middle of their hearts that secretes a chemical, which increases the pumping rate almost instantly, giving a Dragon an extra boost. Over the years, by-products from this chemical collect in this gland and calcify, creating a hard round stone. Heart stones can grow as big around as a man's fist and cause the death of many Dragons. These brightly colored mineral deposits also gave rise to the legend that Dragons have precious stones in place of their hearts.

Pseudo-Lungs

The Blue, White, Red, Green, Copper, and Black Dragons have Pseudo-Lungs; Bronze, Gold, Brassine, Silver, Spectral, and Platinum do not, unless obtained through mutation. These organs, directly above the true lungs and outside the ribcage, can be filled with a helium/hydrogen gas mixture that helps with the buoyancy of Dragons, especially in the heavier male Dragons. In young Dragons and Females, the Pseudo-Lungs can actually allow the Dragon to float as a balloon.

Hollow Bones

A massive Dragon has to save weight wherever he can. Many Dragons are born with bones that are of a different cellular structure than normal bones. Because Dragons use heavier minerals like iron and silicon to make their bones, the less dense material can still support an enormous amount of weight.

Dragon Wings

The Wings of the Dragon are superbly constucted for maneuvering the huge mass of the Dragon. Because Dragons do not need the wings for lift, their entire constuction is designed to brake the great mass of the beast and define the air flow around his body. Dragons can manipulate the surface area of their wings to provide a knife-like surface when diving or climbing, but when they need to soar, Dragons can extend their wings out in broad fan shapes. Dragons also have control of a group of openings on the wing surface. When closed, these openings (or eyelets) dramatically increase the pressure on the wings and cause the Dragon to greatly increase lift. When opened, the wings act as an effective air brake that slows the Dragon down.

Thick Skin

The skin of a Dragon is designed for protection from physical attacks, shock absorption, and protection against heat and cold. The scales of a Dragon grow beneath the outer skin layer, but the old layer of scales doesn't fall off. Instead special excretions thicken and congeal the old scales into a hard mass. As a Dragon gets older, this hard outer layer is continually worn away so it stays about the same thickness throughout it's life. There is always one spot on a Dragon where the protective covering of dead skin is totally gone. this spot is necessary for Dragons to expel gases trapped between their lungs and stomach. They literally sweat the gases out at this spot.

Clan Law

The Clans are ruled by a series of laws that were decreed by the great gods thousands of years ago. The Clan leaders are charged with keeping the laws, but enforcement is lax. The main body of the Clan Law governs the day-to-day lives of the Dragons and their relationships with other Dragons. These commandments are summarized in the 12 main proverbs, called the Remembrances. All Dragons memorize these proverbs as children. Failure to retain and adhere to these proverbs is the reason given by many older Dragons for the problems among the Clans.

The Remembrances

1. A Dragon may not steal from fellow Clan members.

2. Dragons give the best portion to their young.

3. No true Dragon shall breed with another Dragon's mate.

4. Dragon children shall learn the Clan law.

5. Beware of Tigers in the night.

6. Beware of men, because they shall steal your hearts.

7. Beware of elves, because they shall steal your land.

8. Beware of dwarves, because they shall steal your gold and gems.

9. Beware of those who would steal your birthright.

10. Dragon must never fight Dragon.

11. Honor thy elders, for they seek the truth.

12. Honor thy priests, for they know the path to righteousness.

Supposedly, the Clan leaders must ensure that their members keep Clan law, but the law has been broken with distressing regularity during recent years. The 12 Remembrances are the soul of the Clan law, and from these come many more minor laws. The entire body of Clan Law is written on clay tablets 40' tall and are housed in a place sacred to all Dragons.