Draconi

Draconi, sometimes called Dragons or more commonly known by the racial slur Seagull, are a rare species of winged reptillians native to Charos. Though very few in number, their arrival on the planet likely coincides with the arrival of humans, meaning they likely came here by the same means. Their numbers are currently so low that they are considered to be extinct by the vast majority of people on the planet.

Despite appearing as beasts, Draconi are as intelligent as humans and are capable of the same behaviours such as speech, intelligent thinking and even creative arts. They actively avoid human interaction, however, and usually prefer to live in caves or otherwise underground.

Very little is known about Draconi, as no living individual has been willing co-operate with humans. The study of Draconi, known as Dracology, has so far been limited. Dracologists are only able to study their fossilised remains so far.

History
Draconi fossils can be found all over the world, and are considered extremely valuable. Though they are hard to find, their distribution suggests that Draconi numbers may have been well into the millions during ancient Charosi history. This suggests some extinction level event may have taken place, though there is also evidence to suggest that ancient humans may have lived alongside them.

Physiology
Draconi physiology can vary greatly between individuals, but most generally are quadrupal. They have a long tail, ridged backs, elongated necks and a pair of wings, and are fully capable of flight. They can grow from anywhere between eight or nine foot to twenty feet tall. Draconi are carnivorous, and will usually hunting live food instead of scavanging for dead meat. Their diet mostly consists of wildlife such as cows, antelope, sheep or anything of similar size. There has been no recorded case of a Draconi eating a human. Theoretically it's possible, but one would probably have to be either starving or provoked as they prefer not to interact with humans.

A fully grown Draconi is an impressive creature. They possess multiple hearts, two sets of lungs and a backup digestive system. Physically, they are extremely strong and capable of carrying immense weight in their arms as they fly. All Draconi possess a biochemical defence mechanism in their jaws - a pair of glands that rapidly expel two oppositing chemical fluid that, upon contact, ignite into flame, thereby giving them the classic 'dragon's breath'.

There are common myths that Draconi are able to take the form of humans and walk amongst them, unnoticed. This has been debunked as a hoax multiple times by dozens of different Dracologists, however.

It has been discovered by Solomon Masher that Draconi may have a natural affinity to the Aether. This theory was never properly investigated however, as the Icecrown Incursion put a hold to any further research.

Life Cycle
Since the Draconi are on the verge of exinction, little is known about their reproductive cycles. There are males and females, and Draconi sexuality seems similar to that of humans. They will often lay eggs in batches of 8 to 10. The male's are most often the ones to nurture and raise the eggs in solitary nests, whereas females roam about more freely - finding a mate, laying eggs and then leaving them with the male. The embryo's gestation period depends largely on the proximity of their father. Eggs that are seperated from their parent will cease gestating, and eventually die.

Newly born Draconi, or younglings, possess genetic memory passed down from both of the parents. Because of this, younglings are often born with an immediate albiet limited vocabulary, and can engage in conversation roughly in pair with a human child at aged 4 or 5. They develop rapidly, both physically and mentally, but require constant physical stimulation and food. Mental wellbeing is an essential consideration for younglings, as they often lack the capability to understand their world despite being intelligent enough to challenge it. This commonly leads to overstimulation, frustration and anxiety. For this reason, fathers will often confide their younglings into a small nests and keep their young there, slowly introducing them to new experiences outside of their home in small doses so as not to overwhelm them. Younglings can sleep for 20 to 22 hours a day due to the intense amount of mental and physical stimulation they receive when awake.

Newborn younglings are born with their wings fused to their ribcage and their chemical glands undeveloped. At aged 2 or 3, younglings undergo a swift adolesence and shed their baby scales. Their wings split from their sides and their breath glands open. At this point, they are fully capable of feeding themselves and are considered independant. Young adults will continue to grow their entire lives.

The lifespan of a Draconi is unknown, but it is believed that they could potentially live for thousands of years.

Population
The number of Draconi on Charos is currently believed to be only six or seven. Evidence of this comes from rare sightings, nests that are discovered and the charred remains of their food. The remaining Draconi are constantly on the move and, despite efforts by Dracologists to find and save their race, Draconi actively avoid human company.

Perception
Draconi are commonly seen as a pest amongst Charosi citizens, giving way to the derogotary term Seagull. Given their destructive capabilities, its reasonable to assume that a resurgance in the Draconi rise could have huge rammifications for humans, one way or the other.