Dragons

MIGHT: 4/5

RARITY: 4/5

Of all the creatures to live in Equestria, there are few as ancient, as awe-inspiring and famous as the Dragons. The Dragons are divided into three separate breeds, ranging greatly in size, appearance and abilities.

The most well known of the breeds is that of the High King. Although they range greatly in scale coloration (their scales range many colors, from red to green, from purple to blue, but rather dull coloring, rather than vibrant) the High Kings are capable of breathing fire which can melt rock, possess wings and possess incredible stamina and cunning. This breed of dragon are perhaps most well known for the Great Dragon Migration which takes place once a year, where the entirety of the species begin a flight to the Crystal mountains to breed and lay eggs. The sheer number of dragons actually darken the sky, and is a popular observation activity among ponies to observe the migration. (With sufficient camouflage of course). This breed is highly selfish, are many adolescent dragons spend their youth hoarding treasure stolen from various sources. Their greed also appears to have a direct impact on the size and power of the dragon: A Worm who takes what he desires, destroys what he wants and only cares for himself always grows to be the strongest of any group. Meanwhile, a meek, generous dragon develops far more slowly, but it appears from observation that even the kindest dragon surrenders to his baser needs eventually.

The second breed is the Drake. Similar in size to the High King, but lacking its wings, the Drake spends its considerable lifespan restricted to the ground. The Drake shares the High King's greed and cunning, but the Drake possesses to distinct abilities that separate it from its kin. Firstly, the fire breath of the Drake has magical properties that are still not fully understood. The breath of the Drake is capable of teleporting any object caught within it's arcane flame - domestic Drakes are actually used to send and deliver mail instantly. However, due to the very rare nature of "Domestic" drakes, Only the richest, or the most experienced ponies have a pet Drake handle their mail.

Secondly, Drakes feast exclusively on gems and precious stones - the rarer and more vibrantly couloured the better. A adult Drake can devour an entire horde of treasure if it is allowed to.  

The Third and last of the Dragons is the Sea Serpent. these creatures are far more unique compared to the other breeds, and have their own entry within this book. For the main article detailing these marine lizards, please see "Sea Serpents"  

All breeds of dragon are intelligent and capable of speech - although it is highly recommended to never accept any Dragon's offer of friendship or any bargain they may attempt to make.

Excluding the sea serpent, all Dragons possess the ability to breathe fire, ranging from a small flame, to an utter all-consuming blaze from their mouth. Using this, they have burnt down many villages and towns, and are to be feared greatly. Often dragons can be quite nomadic, moving from cave to cave. They often decide to take long naps, usually for one-hundred years time to preserve strength. Due to their fire abilities, they tend to snore smoke, and any residents in the area will have experience air polluted with smoke - increasing chances of fire and in the very worst cases: Rendering the atmosphere toxic.  Often local residents have to migrate away from their homes in order to survive, rather than risk a direct confrontation with the creature.

While most dragons prefer to survive alone, there are instances of "Dragon Hubs" where many different dragons band together for mutual protection. These hubs are guarded by the mother dragons, and in at the core of the nest there is usually a large pile of treasure and/or gemstones. Often by these piles, the young reside, but it is very chaotic, full of violence and cliques of the adolescent ones. Much like a bully, the bigger and older ones will tease and pick at the smaller and weaker ones.  

There have been cases of ponies raising baby dragons, (usually the Drakes) but instances of this being "successful" in the long run are nearly unheard of, as most dragons are unable to control their greedy natures and are forced to leave their adopters behind. Dragon eggs are sometimes used to test Unicorns with great magical ability, as it is hard to force-hatch a dragon egg. Though acquiring an egg, is life threatening, due to them being heavily guarded by the adult dragons. Dragons at first may seem protective of their young, but only to an extent. Once a baby dragon is capable of looking after itself, they are abandoned.

A fully mature, green High King Dragon.

A red Drake. (Artists rendition)

A adult Drake