HOME | DD

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Habitat Preferences: Forest/Flatlands

Known Habitat Locations: Akseptere; Tre'brødre; Fødested; Unnamed Isles

Dragon Species: Sky-Runner

Max Lifespan: One-hundred and Sixteen (116) years {multiple species}

Typical Lifespan: Seventy-nine (79) years {multiple species}

Body Type: Wyrm

Elemental Alignment: Ice; Wind; Light; Earth {varied}

Height Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Length Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Weight Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Temperament: Mild. Defined as docile and skittish unless provoked. Male temperament becomes unpredictable during mating season.

Solitary/Social: Social. Forms moderate to large sized herds that will travel alongside one another in migratory fashion.

Group Terms:
Total group) Herd - a large number of individuals that have gathered together to act as one clique. This is done for sake of protection and comfort.
Small unit) Unit - a small number of individuals (less than 5) that travel together while in search of food, shelter, or overall safety.

Territoriality Level:
Other members of the species) Low - High (dependant on size of Herd and time of year)
Rival predator species) Moderate - High (dependant on threat level and time of year)

Typical Behavior: This group of dragons is not known for having an aggressive nature, nor are they known for their soft pelts or coloration. They are most well known for their seasonal migration from Eastern lands to Western lands. These migrations result in hundreds of individuals prancing through the sky for weeks at a time, which makes the sky seem to glitter as a result of their glowing stones. Hunters view these stones as a prized means of making lightweight, but powerful weapons, and hence this species is openly hunted despite the little rivalry that exists between they and humans.

The purpose of this migration is to reach landscapes with a wider range of Flatland for sake of breeding and raising young. The return migration will be when these new and inexperienced young will first experience life in mountain or high level environments. Many juveniles die during this trip as a result of hunters. Outside of this behavior, which is shared among multiple subspecies, there is little that can be described about the Sky-Runner species as a whole. There are enough noticeable differences in behavior to make this area a short lived read.

Body Description: Overall, a Sky-Runner is a four legged dragon species that sports antlers, elongated cone-claws (or 'spurs' as some may call them), and multiple stones that line either side of the body. These stones can vary in color depending on the subspecies, as will the general size and number of them. These stones are what enables the ability to fly, due to the mystic prowess held within them that allows the at-will creation of an anti-gravitational field. Their antlers and claws are used for fighting, and foraging, as well as hunting in some circumstances. The overall stature of this species is similar to that of a deer, hence their being occasionally mistaken for them. Outside of this, color, size, and specific behaviors tend to vary dependant on the subspecies.

Correct Terms:
Male) Buck
Female) Doe
Offspring) Fawn

Gender Ratio:
Male) Thirty percent (30%) population estimate {multiple species}
Female) Seventy percent (70%) population estimate {multiple species}

Gender Differences: Males are somewhat larger than females, and in most subspecies, only males have antlers. In the groups where males and females sport antlers, those of the female are much smaller in comparison. There are no noticeable color differences between males and females of the same species.

Age of Sexual Maturity:
Male) Seven (7) years of age {multiple species}
Female) Ten (10) years of age {multiple species}

Breeding Season: October through November

Mate Type: Monogamous

Seasonal/Lifelong: Seasonal

Breeding information: During the breeding season, females who are able to reproduce will begin to flirt with eager males. This behavior, which usually revolves around females rubbing against potential suitors and initiating social grooming. This eventually spurs jealously between males, which triggers battle. These fights are primarily an act of dominance used to earn the genuine - but short lived - affections of a female. Prior to brawling, males will tear grass away from the ground to expose the soil, which they will kick up in order to create a dust cloud. The bigger the cloud, the more intimidating the male, so to speak. After doing this, each male will sound off a battle cry. Older, more experienced males hold deeper, raspier voices when it comes to this.

Younger individuals hold a higher, childish pitch in comparison. These battle cries are quite like a howl, given that they can last for minutes at a time in one breath. After doing this, if a male has not yet conceded, a battle will ensue. Necks will be straightened as heads are lowered, antlers armed and ready to be put to use. They will go on to charge at one another, heads eventually colliding as antlers interlock. The rattle of these specialized weapons being smashed against each other repetitively. These fights are short lived, but violent, often ending in mutilation. Many losers suffer serious pain as a result of eyes being damaged, faces being torn, or antlers being broken in half. To the victor go the spoils, while the losers must sit out the remainder of the breeding season.

Successful males go on to mate with their female once she is willing to allow it. Copulation will occur at random intervals for two (2) or three (3) days, to ensure the conception of a fawn. Following that time, males hold little to no interest in the females, save for protecting them from predators. Such are the short lived ways of Sky-Runner romance. This is shared by every species.

Egg Laying/Live Birth Species: Live birth

Typical Egg/Offspring count: One (1) individual {multiple species}

Incubation/Gestation length: Varies by breed

Survival Rate: Eighty-five percent (85%) {multiple species}

Parental Information: When it comes to caring for young, females are the ones to do most of the work. Males in general do little aside from deter predators - which is indeed a duty of high importance - but females are the ones to do most, if not all, of the nurturing. While a males form a protective ring around expectant mothers and those who have already born their offspring, females do the work of caring for their young. This species temporarily produces milk from mammary glands that can be found on the abdomen between the hind legs. Every female harbors two (2) of these glands, which completely recedes into the body and become inactive after only four (4) months or producing milk. When this happens, offspring are forcibly weaned, as there will no longer be a teat present for them to try and suckle on.

Prior to this, though, females produce high quantities of milk to spur quick growth in their offspring. Given that they can only bear one at a time, the length of their gestation, and that an individual can only reproduce every three (3) years, it is important that their young can reach a stage of partial self-reliance earlier on in life. During this four (4) month nursing period, females are extremely protective of their young. To the point that they can and will attack other members of their herd who draw to close to them, regardless of whether or not they're adults or young. This has been known to lead to disputes between females, who simply seek to protect their own young from one another. Most deaths of Sky-Runner offspring under four (4) months of age occur as a result of these disputes.

During the nursing period, individuals will gradually start to graze, and at times may attempt to take to the air in the same manner that the adults are able to. The unfortunate truth is that young cannot fly until they have reached seven (7) months of age, and hence, are extremely vulnerable. Hence, this is why it is important that mothers remain protective of their offspring for up to three (3) full years. This protective instinct is caused by a mixture of chemicals that are produced by the brain after a female has birthed her young. These chemicals increase aggression, and, temporarily cause sterility. Death of the offspring does not cause the brain to stop producing these chemicals, and a such, a female cannot breed again for three (3) years following the birth of their young.

After reaching a certain age, young Sky-Runner's will have become full on grazers, but their following years will be used to practice their flight and hunting skills. They will remain under the protection of their mothers until a young sibling has been born. In which case, they will become reliant on their own prowess in order to survive. This is portrayed by all known species.

Dietary type:
Primary) Herbivore
Secondary) Carnivore

Typical Eating Habits: The Sky-Runner as a whole species primarily eats vegetation. This is something shared by every species, regardless of any major differences in eating habits that can be found among the varied groups. Grass, lichens, mosses, wild grains, leaves, and fallen fruit make up a majority of what will be eaten. This high vegetation diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies - primarily they cannot acquire vital nutrients that can only be obtained from eating meat. As such, this group of dragons also behaves in a predatory and carnivorous manner. They are prone to stealing young birds from their nests to eat them.

The substances found in their bones, feathers, and underdeveloped beaks prove to act as an important vitamin supplement for the Sky-Runner species. Barbaric as it may seem, it helps to keep multiple bird species populations in check. Other animals that are preyed upon are chipmunks, squirrels, infant raccoons, opossum, and rabbits. How soft the bones are will determine whether or not they will also be consumed. Portrayed by all species.

Bloodlines:
Common Bloodline) Individuals of a Common bloodline sport nothing unique in terms of strength, size, or abilities. The overall abilities of the typical Sky-Runner include being able to 'run' and 'float' in the air through the anti-gravitational field created by their glowing body stones, being able to produce blinding light from their body stones, and the ability to create ice by influencing the air temperature and humidity of the air around them. These are traits and abilities shared by every subspecies, regardless of size or any alternative elemental abilities.
Exotic Bloodline) The Exotic bloodline can be seen in both Superior and Common individuals, as it is simply the result of a unique body coloration caused by a mutation. These unique color patterns include being albino, or melanistic, but other unique colorations are also present. What can be defined as an exotic color mutation can vary heavily between subspecies, an example being that the 'Yellow Bellied Sky-Runner' (depicted) has a coloration morph that results in the main body being dark red, while the uunderside turns bright orange.
Superior Bloodline) The Superior bloodline - defined as the Geruda gene - results in an individual reaching a larger size than is typically found among others of its species. With all subspecies of Sky-Runner, this also results in the growth of small, partially mobile wings that are found above each shoulder. These wings often resemble feathery crests in terms of shake, but consist of small muscles and excess skin that grow thinner as they get longer. Up close, they can resemble flattened fingers. These wings are only for show, given that they cannot be used to maintain flight or add extra control to their heightened elemental prowess, and as such, it is unknown why they are present in the first place. Other traits include more powerful elemental attacks, stronger teeth and antlers, and overall increased physical strength. No chances in flight abilities have been discovered.

Fighting Methods: When aggravated, the go to method in Sky-Runner battle is to ram. Female lack Antlers and hence, can do little external damage. Female attacks are prone to result in bruising, fractures, and international bleeding. Females are prone to relentlessly assaulting an immediate threat, and this behavior lasts up to three months after they have had their young.. These injuries can be fatal depending on severity and on how long they are left untreated. Males use their antlers to try and puncture the face and body of an enemy, and can be especially relentless during mating season.

Other forms of assault revolve around assaults from hooves, and from elemental prowess. The cone like, dense claws that are often referred to as the 'Hooves' of the Sky-Runner are designed for a handful specified purposes. One of them being battle. By rearing onto their hind legs, an individual can swipe at a threat in hopes of tearing open the throat or chest. If caught on its back, the claws on the hind legs can be used to disembowel an enemy. Biting can and does occur, but serious damage is rarely done with them when it comes to attacking other dragons. The teeth are also fairly sensitive, and chipping or breaking one can cause serious pain.

As an elemental beast, the Sky-Runner has developed a specialized means of attacking enemies and defending itself. The light produced from the stones on its body can flash rhythmically, confusing threats so that an escape can be made. Humid air can be cooled to the point of ice crystals forming, and from there, strong winds are influenced in order to assault an enemy with the small, sharpened shards of ice. On top of that, larger or condensed balls of ice can be created, and will be balanced on the top of the head (females) or in the antlers (males) prior to being catapulted at a target. Along with all of these things, stomping, kicking, and shoving are also used in disputes. These are fighting traits shared in all members of this species.

Diurnal/Nocturnal: Mixed. Sleep patterns vary between individuals in order to ensure that a certain percentage of a herd is awake to watch for predators.

Home Type: Flatland; Nest

Sleeping Habits: An individual will develop a specific sleeping pattern in order to be able to wake at a certain time in order to keep watch for predators. On average, members will sleep for eight (8) hours between dusk and dawn. The typical function is three hours of sleep, followed by an hour of watch, followed by two hours of sleep, then a second hour of watch, followed by a final three hours of rest.

Known Health Issues: Hoof rot, which can be crippling; concussions as a result of fighting; arthritis as a result of strenuous joint activity

Description
body div#devskin0 hr { }

Habitat Preferences: Forest/Flatlands

Known Habitat Locations: Akseptere; Tre'brødre; Fødested; Unnamed Isles

Dragon Species: Sky-Runner

Max Lifespan: One-hundred and Sixteen (116) years {multiple species}

Typical Lifespan: Seventy-nine (79) years {multiple species}

Body Type: Wyrm

Elemental Alignment: Ice; Wind; Light; Earth {varied}

Height Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Length Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Weight Range:
Male) Varies by breed
Female) Varies by breed

Temperament: Mild. Defined as docile and skittish unless provoked. Male temperament becomes unpredictable during mating season.

Solitary/Social: Social. Forms moderate to large sized herds that will travel alongside one another in migratory fashion.

Group Terms:
Total group) Herd - a large number of individuals that have gathered together to act as one clique. This is done for sake of protection and comfort.
Small unit) Unit - a small number of individuals (less than 5) that travel together while in search of food, shelter, or overall safety.

Territoriality Level:
Other members of the species) Low - High (dependant on size of Herd and time of year)
Rival predator species) Moderate - High (dependant on threat level and time of year)

Typical Behavior: This group of dragons is not known for having an aggressive nature, nor are they known for their soft pelts or coloration. They are most well known for their seasonal migration from Eastern lands to Western lands. These migrations result in hundreds of individuals prancing through the sky for weeks at a time, which makes the sky seem to glitter as a result of their glowing stones. Hunters view these stones as a prized means of making lightweight, but powerful weapons, and hence this species is openly hunted despite the little rivalry that exists between they and humans.

The purpose of this migration is to reach landscapes with a wider range of Flatland for sake of breeding and raising young. The return migration will be when these new and inexperienced young will first experience life in mountain or high level environments. Many juveniles die during this trip as a result of hunters. Outside of this behavior, which is shared among multiple subspecies, there is little that can be described about the Sky-Runner species as a whole. There are enough noticeable differences in behavior to make this area a short lived read.

Body Description: Overall, a Sky-Runner is a four legged dragon species that sports antlers, elongated cone-claws (or 'spurs' as some may call them), and multiple stones that line either side of the body. These stones can vary in color depending on the subspecies, as will the general size and number of them. These stones are what enables the ability to fly, due to the mystic prowess held within them that allows the at-will creation of an anti-gravitational field. Their antlers and claws are used for fighting, and foraging, as well as hunting in some circumstances. The overall stature of this species is similar to that of a deer, hence their being occasionally mistaken for them. Outside of this, color, size, and specific behaviors tend to vary dependant on the subspecies.

Correct Terms:
Male) Buck
Female) Doe
Offspring) Fawn

Gender Ratio:
Male) Thirty percent (30%) population estimate {multiple species}
Female) Seventy percent (70%) population estimate {multiple species}

Gender Differences: Males are somewhat larger than females, and in most subspecies, only males have antlers. In the groups where males and females sport antlers, those of the female are much smaller in comparison. There are no noticeable color differences between males and females of the same species.

Age of Sexual Maturity:
Male) Seven (7) years of age {multiple species}
Female) Ten (10) years of age {multiple species}

Breeding Season: October through November

Mate Type: Monogamous

Seasonal/Lifelong: Seasonal

Breeding information: During the breeding season, females who are able to reproduce will begin to flirt with eager males. This behavior, which usually revolves around females rubbing against potential suitors and initiating social grooming. This eventually spurs jealously between males, which triggers battle. These fights are primarily an act of dominance used to earn the genuine - but short lived - affections of a female. Prior to brawling, males will tear grass away from the ground to expose the soil, which they will kick up in order to create a dust cloud. The bigger the cloud, the more intimidating the male, so to speak. After doing this, each male will sound off a battle cry. Older, more experienced males hold deeper, raspier voices when it comes to this.

Younger individuals hold a higher, childish pitch in comparison. These battle cries are quite like a howl, given that they can last for minutes at a time in one breath. After doing this, if a male has not yet conceded, a battle will ensue. Necks will be straightened as heads are lowered, antlers armed and ready to be put to use. They will go on to charge at one another, heads eventually colliding as antlers interlock. The rattle of these specialized weapons being smashed against each other repetitively. These fights are short lived, but violent, often ending in mutilation. Many losers suffer serious pain as a result of eyes being damaged, faces being torn, or antlers being broken in half. To the victor go the spoils, while the losers must sit out the remainder of the breeding season.

Successful males go on to mate with their female once she is willing to allow it. Copulation will occur at random intervals for two (2) or three (3) days, to ensure the conception of a fawn. Following that time, males hold little to no interest in the females, save for protecting them from predators. Such are the short lived ways of Sky-Runner romance. This is shared by every species.

Egg Laying/Live Birth Species: Live birth

Typical Egg/Offspring count: One (1) individual {multiple species}

Incubation/Gestation length: Varies by breed

Survival Rate: Eighty-five percent (85%) {multiple species}

Parental Information: When it comes to caring for young, females are the ones to do most of the work. Males in general do little aside from deter predators - which is indeed a duty of high importance - but females are the ones to do most, if not all, of the nurturing. While a males form a protective ring around expectant mothers and those who have already born their offspring, females do the work of caring for their young. This species temporarily produces milk from mammary glands that can be found on the abdomen between the hind legs. Every female harbors two (2) of these glands, which completely recedes into the body and become inactive after only four (4) months or producing milk. When this happens, offspring are forcibly weaned, as there will no longer be a teat present for them to try and suckle on.

Prior to this, though, females produce high quantities of milk to spur quick growth in their offspring. Given that they can only bear one at a time, the length of their gestation, and that an individual can only reproduce every three (3) years, it is important that their young can reach a stage of partial self-reliance earlier on in life. During this four (4) month nursing period, females are extremely protective of their young. To the point that they can and will attack other members of their herd who draw to close to them, regardless of whether or not they're adults or young. This has been known to lead to disputes between females, who simply seek to protect their own young from one another. Most deaths of Sky-Runner offspring under four (4) months of age occur as a result of these disputes.

During the nursing period, individuals will gradually start to graze, and at times may attempt to take to the air in the same manner that the adults are able to. The unfortunate truth is that young cannot fly until they have reached seven (7) months of age, and hence, are extremely vulnerable. Hence, this is why it is important that mothers remain protective of their offspring for up to three (3) full years. This protective instinct is caused by a mixture of chemicals that are produced by the brain after a female has birthed her young. These chemicals increase aggression, and, temporarily cause sterility. Death of the offspring does not cause the brain to stop producing these chemicals, and a such, a female cannot breed again for three (3) years following the birth of their young.

After reaching a certain age, young Sky-Runner's will have become full on grazers, but their following years will be used to practice their flight and hunting skills. They will remain under the protection of their mothers until a young sibling has been born. In which case, they will become reliant on their own prowess in order to survive. This is portrayed by all known species.

Dietary type:
Primary) Herbivore
Secondary) Carnivore

Typical Eating Habits: The Sky-Runner as a whole species primarily eats vegetation. This is something shared by every species, regardless of any major differences in eating habits that can be found among the varied groups. Grass, lichens, mosses, wild grains, leaves, and fallen fruit make up a majority of what will be eaten. This high vegetation diet can lead to vitamin deficiencies - primarily they cannot acquire vital nutrients that can only be obtained from eating meat. As such, this group of dragons also behaves in a predatory and carnivorous manner. They are prone to stealing young birds from their nests to eat them.

The substances found in their bones, feathers, and underdeveloped beaks prove to act as an important vitamin supplement for the Sky-Runner species. Barbaric as it may seem, it helps to keep multiple bird species populations in check. Other animals that are preyed upon are chipmunks, squirrels, infant raccoons, opossum, and rabbits. How soft the bones are will determine whether or not they will also be consumed. Portrayed by all species.

Bloodlines:
Common Bloodline) Individuals of a Common bloodline sport nothing unique in terms of strength, size, or abilities. The overall abilities of the typical Sky-Runner include being able to 'run' and 'float' in the air through the anti-gravitational field created by their glowing body stones, being able to produce blinding light from their body stones, and the ability to create ice by influencing the air temperature and humidity of the air around them. These are traits and abilities shared by every subspecies, regardless of size or any alternative elemental abilities.
Exotic Bloodline) The Exotic bloodline can be seen in both Superior and Common individuals, as it is simply the result of a unique body coloration caused by a mutation. These unique color patterns include being albino, or melanistic, but other unique colorations are also present. What can be defined as an exotic color mutation can vary heavily between subspecies, an example being that the 'Yellow Bellied Sky-Runner' (depicted) has a coloration morph that results in the main body being dark red, while the uunderside turns bright orange.
Superior Bloodline) The Superior bloodline - defined as the Geruda gene - results in an individual reaching a larger size than is typically found among others of its species. With all subspecies of Sky-Runner, this also results in the growth of small, partially mobile wings that are found above each shoulder. These wings often resemble feathery crests in terms of shake, but consist of small muscles and excess skin that grow thinner as they get longer. Up close, they can resemble flattened fingers. These wings are only for show, given that they cannot be used to maintain flight or add extra control to their heightened elemental prowess, and as such, it is unknown why they are present in the first place. Other traits include more powerful elemental attacks, stronger teeth and antlers, and overall increased physical strength. No chances in flight abilities have been discovered.

Fighting Methods: When aggravated, the go to method in Sky-Runner battle is to ram. Female lack Antlers and hence, can do little external damage. Female attacks are prone to result in bruising, fractures, and international bleeding. Females are prone to relentlessly assaulting an immediate threat, and this behavior lasts up to three months after they have had their young.. These injuries can be fatal depending on severity and on how long they are left untreated. Males use their antlers to try and puncture the face and body of an enemy, and can be especially relentless during mating season.

Other forms of assault revolve around assaults from hooves, and from elemental prowess. The cone like, dense claws that are often referred to as the 'Hooves' of the Sky-Runner are designed for a handful specified purposes. One of them being battle. By rearing onto their hind legs, an individual can swipe at a threat in hopes of tearing open the throat or chest. If caught on its back, the claws on the hind legs can be used to disembowel an enemy. Biting can and does occur, but serious damage is rarely done with them when it comes to attacking other dragons. The teeth are also fairly sensitive, and chipping or breaking one can cause serious pain.

As an elemental beast, the Sky-Runner has developed a specialized means of attacking enemies and defending itself. The light produced from the stones on its body can flash rhythmically, confusing threats so that an escape can be made. Humid air can be cooled to the point of ice crystals forming, and from there, strong winds are influenced in order to assault an enemy with the small, sharpened shards of ice. On top of that, larger or condensed balls of ice can be created, and will be balanced on the top of the head (females) or in the antlers (males) prior to being catapulted at a target. Along with all of these things, stomping, kicking, and shoving are also used in disputes. These are fighting traits shared in all members of this species.

Diurnal/Nocturnal: Mixed. Sleep patterns vary between individuals in order to ensure that a certain percentage of a herd is awake to watch for predators.

Home Type: Flatland; Nest

Sleeping Habits: An individual will develop a specific sleeping pattern in order to be able to wake at a certain time in order to keep watch for predators. On average, members will sleep for eight (8) hours between dusk and dawn. The typical function is three hours of sleep, followed by an hour of watch, followed by two hours of sleep, then a second hour of watch, followed by a final three hours of rest.

Known Health Issues: Hoof rot, which can be crippling; concussions as a result of fighting; arthritis as a result of strenuous joint activity