Temeraire (series) - The Dragons

The Dragons

Dragons in this world are similar to dragons in many mythologies, although they are divided into different "breeds," with differences in coloration, size, skeletal structure, etc. All (with the exception of sea serpents, which are probably a separate species) have wings and the ability to fly, even those that can mass up to fifty tons (this is partly due to their bodies' compartments of lighter-than-air gas; "weight" figures represent overall mass, although a fifty-ton dragon might show a mere ten tons on a scale).

Dragons are intelligent and sapient, although the degree of their intelligence varies from sufficient to understand a few words, to sufficient to compose epic poetry. Dragons are typically born with the ability to speak - they learn languages while still in their eggs, and can speak any language they are sufficiently exposed to during that time fluently from birth. Particularly intelligent dragons can continue to acquire languages quickly throughout their entire lives. In the wild, dragons usually have their own languages. Generally, all dragons are helplessly possessive, attracted to shiny objects, property, and hoarding treasure whenever and wherever possible. This materialistic behaviour also extends to people.

Domesticated dragons "bond" with a human on hatching. Typically, the dragon and human bond when the human presents the dragon with their first meal, usually meat, and the dragon accepts it. The Chinese, who are renowned for their dragons, have a different method, however. They have another dragon take care of the hatchling and educate it until it is knowledgeable enough to choose its own companion. Both methods form a strong psychological bond similar to filial imprinting seen in species of birds; in some cases this is reminiscent of an owner-pet, friend-friend and even parent-child relationship. Dragons will do anything to prevent their companions from coming to harm — in battle, dragons can be "captured," forced into compliance, if their aviators are held at gunpoint or in some other way threatened. Dragons are commonly jealous of the attentions of their human companions.

Because of their great longevity, dragons frequently outlive their human partners. When this happens they may take another companion (often a relative of their lost partner), or fall into depression. If they do not care to take new companions they are often sent to live in breeding grounds, providing a comfortable, albeit mundane existence.

Some dragon breeds can breathe fire, or "spit" acidic venom, traits that are prized in countries where dragons are primarily thought of as military tools. The Chinese Celestial breed has a unique trait called the Divine Wind, a roar that can shatter wood, crack stone and cause hemorrhages at a short range. Other breeds have a variety of unique traits such as the ability to make sharp turns (British Anglewing), the ability to ingest and spew large quantities of water (Japanese Siu Riu), or the ability to see clearly at night (French Fleur-de-Nuit).