Drakes of Kynn-Dara
Ah, the Kynn-Daran dragons. Not that they're truly
dragons, per-se. One reason they're more often called Drakes and not dragons.
For one thing, they have merely four limbs, same as you or I, not six,
as a true dragon would. More like...oh, a Wyvern. Though much more intelligent,
from what I've heard of that ilk. They aren't generally much larger than
a human, at least, not the Air Drakes.
The Sea Drakes are another matter entirely,
and one I admit I know better than their aerial cousins.
But, unless you are a seaman, the Air
Drakes are ones you will encounter more often than not. They, as I
stated, have but four limbs, two powerful hindlegs along with a pair of
rather unique forelimbs. These can triple as hands, wings, or even forelegs.
Rarely is the latter employed, but such can come in handy from time to
time. Their forelimbs have two fingers and an opposable thumb, interestingly.
These creatures can weild a sword as well as you or I, if you know how
to weild one, anyhow. Polearms tend to be difficult for them, as do bows,
but otherwise, they are remarkably versatile. The wings attach to the wrists,
the membrane supported by two long bones. They're a lot sturdier than they
look, as well. In so far as I can tell, their shoulders apparently have
a double socket, switching from one to the other in order to allow them
the proper wingstrokes for flight. All the Air
Drakes conform to this configuration, I hear. All? Ah yes.
The winged ones come in four major types, the
Fire, Wind, Snow and Earth. And that does indeed make a difference. The
Fire and Snow Drakes are each able to, when pressed, breathe out a jet
of their respective elements, while the Wind Drakes have some control over
the air currents, and the Earth have a similar among the plants and rocks.
That alone would distinguish them, but that isn't the only difference,
just a rather basic one.
The Snow Drakes are the smallest and most agile
of the dragons, generally around six to six and a half feet tall when standing
upright, their hide a pale crystalline white. They tend to be rather reclusive,
and quite vicious when crossed. They aren't trusted even by the other Drakes,
and they frequent the icy wastelands that circle the known lands. They
make travel difficult for any who hope to cross these desolate places,
to say the least. They, as I mentioned, can breathe out a jet of ice every
so often, usually as a last resort. I met one once, and I'd rather not
do so again. They are incredibly cunning and sly, and it seemed to me,
quite bitter about something. What, I cannot say. They seem to specialize
in the mind magics, as well.
The Fire Drakes are nearly as maneuverable as
the Snow Drakes, and not much larger. They rarely top seven feet in height.
Their hide is a burnished red, and they can incenerate a person with their
breath if they have to. They aren't as moody as the snowy cousins however,
tending to be more curious and upbeat. They tend to dabble in most skills,
and it's hard to know what one will be able to tell you. The Fire Drakes
seem to love technology, and work constantly on figuring out the ancient
artifacts they happen across. It makes it rather easy to keep them out
of trouble. Just give them a puzzle, and they'll be at it until they drop.
They also seem to be the most common of the flying Drakes.
Wind Drakes, now they're an interesting bunch.
I haven't met one, but I've heard they can on occasion make the winds obey
their commands. That'd be nice, sometimes. They tend to be a blue-gray
shade, and are incredibly hard to spot in the air. I hear they stand a
good eight or nine feet when upright, and while perhaps not as maneuverable
as the other drakes, they have a good deal more staying power. They tend
to be warriors, and seem to lurk on the fringes of society. Antisocial,
I suppose.
Heard enough? Or would you like to learn more?