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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mythusmage" data-source="post: 1315395" data-attributes="member: 571">Metabolism and Other ThingsDragons have been called many things, reptiles, mammals, lung, even birds. While they do have many features found in the other groups, they belong to the group known as dragons. A dragon is a hexapedal vertebrate. Dragons are warmblooded, sentient, curious, social animals. The general shape is pantherine, greatly resembling the great cats such as lions and tigers. Add in a thick, otter like tail and large heads at the end of a gracefully curved neck with a pair of birdlike wings to bear them in flight (with magical help of course) and you have the typical dragon.There are exceptions of course. Green and black dragons have a more otter like shape. Crystal dragons are stocky in build. But the cat-like form predominates. In addition, black dragon tails are laterally flattened since they are used for propulsion through the water.All dragons are scaled, the scales coming in two forms. The one most people think of when they think of dragon scales are the body scales. These are leaf shaped, attached to the skin through a stalk. Both scale and stalk becoming larger as the dragon grows. Again, there are exceptions. White dragons for example, who have the smallest scales of all the dragons (more on this in the section on white dragons. Think polar bear fur). On the other end of the scale size spectrum white, copper, brass, bronze, and silver dragons have been known to grow scales of exceptional size. Said scales being made up of a number of smaller scales that have grown togetherDragon scales perform two functions. One, as insulation. There is a layer of air between scale and skin which the dragon’s body heat warms up. The other is as armor. As a dragon grows his scales grow with him, becoming thicker and stronger. In addition some species incorporate minerals and metals into the scales (the exact mechanism is still being worked out). For instance, red dragons are red in large part because of the incorporation of iron oxide into their scales.The other form dragon scales take is that of the feather. While technically not the same as lung or bird feathers, that is the role these scales take, and so the form they assume.They pretty much perform the same way bird feathers do. Giving shape to the wing, and allowing for a degree of control not found in bat wings by and large. In also means that in molting season dragons can’t fly worth a hoot.Dragons are carnivores. They hunt live prey and feed on the remains. This does not mean they eat flesh exclusively, organs and intestines are a big part of their diet. In addition, many species also eat fruits, vegetables, and even grain. But usually specially prepared in some way. For instance, those dragons that eat grain do so in the form of grain products such as pasta, bread, and porridge.Dragon MetabolismAs stated above dragons are warmblooded. The average body temperature depends on the species, but ranges between 96 to 102 degrees fahrenheit. The temperature range varies from the red dragon’s 94 to 100 degrees from waking to early afternoon (when metabolic activity starts to slow down) to the white dragon’s fairly constant 100 degrees.Thanks to their metabolism dragons are fairly active. At the same time, they do require a lot of fuel. Meat and organs are favorites. While fruits and grains have gained in popularity recently. Vegetables come into play as a source of vitamins and minerals when the diet is otherwise lacking. What this expansion of the diet ultimately means in evolutionary terms could be rather interesting. Though it should be noted that for dragons high carb diets are great ways to lose weight.LocomotionFinally we look at how dragons get around. Dragons walk erect, with their legs under their bodies. A dragon’s gaits include walking, trotting, running, and galloping. Some dragons can swim, and all dragons fly.Now, all dragons can swim after a fashion. But most do something very much like a dog paddle. The only species that are really any good at it are the white and black dragons. With sapphire dragons showing some innate facility. Other species can learn to swim as a black dragon does, but it takes training.Dragons can also burrow, but that’s more for excavating dens and lairs than for getting around.  There’s also the copper dragon’s ability to ‘spider climb’ on vertical rock faces, and the white dragon’s ability to do the same on ice or to ‘skate’ on ice otherwise unable to support much, if any, weight.So there you have the latest installment. I’m thinking of rearranging a few things, and expanding on parts. Your input would helpful  here. The next posting will cover the subject of dragon psychology.</blockquote>

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