This is a personal interpretation thing, but just thought I'd share I always saw various dragons as elemental in nature. Western/European dragons tend to be of fire and/or earth. They are thus far more sizeable and sturdy and prone towards aggression, although some are more aloof, phlegmatic, & possessors of (spiritual) wisdom. Asian/Eastern dragons are nearly always of air and/or water. Naturally they are lean, fluid, serpentine. They are more often benevolent than their Western counterparts, although they too have some malevolent types that cause great destruction. The Chinese dragon is said to be made of various parts, or have aspects that resemble other common creatures. Different accounts describe these with variation, but basically: Head of a horse/camel/crocodile Eyes of a rabbit/demon Ears of a cow Antlers of a stag Whiskers of a tiger Neck of a snake Belly of a frog/turtle Scales of a carp Legs of lizard Paws of a tiger Claws of an eagle/hawk Some have bat like wings, but most don't as their flying either has to do with a lump on their head or is simply mystical/supernatural in nature For Chinese dragons, the dragon for the emperor has 5 toes/claws and just nobility has 4. I believe Korean dragons have 4 toes/claws with some lesser having only 3, and Japanese only have 3 Korean dragons have prominent beards/manes. Chinese & Korean dragons have mystical orbs or flaming pearls they carry with them, that often can grant powers to the possessor (reminds me of Japanese foxes that also can have mystical jewel/orb). Also, certain Korean semi/proto-dragons can gain full fledged dragonhood by catching one from heaven—or else living 1,000 years. Also, Japanese are less likely to fly or be creatures of the sky and more likely to be creatures of oceans, rivers, and waters. (Also slighted or vengeful women are apt to transform into dragons—Dojoji is my absolutely favourite No & Kabuki plays, both about a maiden tricked or turnt down by a monk who in her grief/rage turns into a viscous dragon. Favourite traditional Japanese plays.... I wonder if there's also a Bunraku play?) There are lots of variations depending on country, and while a lot of similar types—the also have different or unique dragons wholely to themselves. Eastern dragons are highly under-rated, and there actually is a lot of leeway for interpretation or alterations to their features.
Speaking of fannies, where do the dragons poop? (I'll be very disappointed if you haven't thought of this yet?) ETA: 1000th post... Homer needs a life! ETAA: and that post was about dragons pooping...
Fire doesn't have to be about combat. Intimidation is just as important, if not more - better to win a battle before you ever fight it. Fire is freaking intimidating. It's what made humans master of the Earth.
Through their cloaca. Located on edge where tail and body meet between legs. Same for peeing and making eggs.
He was very...pragmatic, I suppose would be the word. I'd be willing to bet that the placement he chose had something to do with least resistance while walking or some such nonsense. Strange guy. Very intelligent, though.
I meant where does all the poop go? I'd imagine there would be a lot of it. How's the plumbing? And do they drop it like birds when they fly? On unsuspecting enemies? That would be cool.
I come back to this thread and now it's turned into fanny packs and taking shits on the enemy as a means of assault. :facepalm: To be fair, I was always curious as to how most stories completely omit this possibility. I will testify that birds have perfected this art of combat, though it is not nearly as effective as a dragon's would be, they've at least been doing it for quite a while...
Truly a noble endeavor. I would add that these movements are strictly from the bowels of defecation. Edit: Okay, clearly I have not gotten enough sleep. :clock strikes 3:00 a.m.:
In England at least, the words tavern and inn became synonymous. I think taverns used to be one night stays whereas inns were licensed to have lodgers stay longer.
It comes out in long turds and tangles haphazardly on the ground. You wouldn't fly while pooping. It would look too awkward. Big old twisted thing hanging down. That could be subject to change but this seems to make the most sense. I don't want it to be like going into labor every time a Khrizan has to do business. I could make it so they have a powerful digestive system that allows their waste to be more droppable. Edit: I'm going to change it.
Speaking as a reader, this is the last thing I would want an author to be thinking about. It influences precisely nothing, surely?