D. bellatora|Warrior Drake|Drakenberkon
Michelle's Note: The above are concept sketches. The Warrior Drake mostly looks sort of like a Gorgonopsid with a feathered crest and tail feathers, males having their crests go down the length of their back and to the base of the tail. They were inspired by the Gorgonopsid and partially the lion. as well as fellow TF species, the Domesticated Drake.
One of the most common species of dragon, the Warrior Drake, or Drakenberkon in the Ancient Tongue, are fierce fighting drakes who live in territorial clans. These clans are lead by the strongest, highest ranked male, who is considered their king. Next to the king, females hold the highest ranks, with the most experienced and strongest females right below the king in rank. Lower ranking females are not allowed to breed, but all females are allowed to take mate(like a lot of drakes, Warrior Drakes mate for life). The king will appoint a General from among the males, likely the strongest male out of the bunch. The king and the General appoint warriors, hunters, and guards. Females appoint healers and mentors for young.
Females, or at least those with the privilege, will build a nest in spring, having mated in late winter. The highest ranking females will get the best nesting sites, but a lower ranking female can challenge them for such. The chances of a lower ranking female stealing a higher ranked female's nest is pretty low, however, due to higher ranking females nesting together, and thus chasing off/keeping off the lower ranked, weaker females. If a low ranked female without the privilege to nest wish to earn this privilege, they must challenge a nesting female. Should they succeed, the will earn the rank of the nesting female, and the nesting female will loose her privilege to nest/breed. Certain females can't loose their privilege, based on how high ranked their mate is. For example, the king's mate(addressed as "Lady") can't be challenged, and her nest is to be defended above the rest by the clan. The General's mate will also get a bit more security than most higher ranked females.
Females without nesting rights who lay eggs are expected to abandon the nest, or face exile.
Males determine rank by fighting and proving themselves in battle. Males born to higher ranked parents will start off with a higher rank than those born to lower ranking parents.
Warrior Drake society can be harsh. If two or more males are hatched from the same clutch, when they reach adulthood, the brothers are expected to fight to the death till only one remains standing. Attempts to avoid this, or other laws like it, can be punishable by death or exile, for anyone involved. There is no room for weakness among Warrior Drakes.
Females, or at least those with the privilege, will build a nest in spring, having mated in late winter. The highest ranking females will get the best nesting sites, but a lower ranking female can challenge them for such. The chances of a lower ranking female stealing a higher ranked female's nest is pretty low, however, due to higher ranking females nesting together, and thus chasing off/keeping off the lower ranked, weaker females. If a low ranked female without the privilege to nest wish to earn this privilege, they must challenge a nesting female. Should they succeed, the will earn the rank of the nesting female, and the nesting female will loose her privilege to nest/breed. Certain females can't loose their privilege, based on how high ranked their mate is. For example, the king's mate(addressed as "Lady") can't be challenged, and her nest is to be defended above the rest by the clan. The General's mate will also get a bit more security than most higher ranked females.
Females without nesting rights who lay eggs are expected to abandon the nest, or face exile.
Males determine rank by fighting and proving themselves in battle. Males born to higher ranked parents will start off with a higher rank than those born to lower ranking parents.
Warrior Drake society can be harsh. If two or more males are hatched from the same clutch, when they reach adulthood, the brothers are expected to fight to the death till only one remains standing. Attempts to avoid this, or other laws like it, can be punishable by death or exile, for anyone involved. There is no room for weakness among Warrior Drakes.