Practical Dragon Rearing
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Dragon Rearing
Author: Alfus Drakenfyn
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The First Page of this Book displays a picture of a hatching dragon egg.
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"Oh great dragons of the skies and seas, lend to us your wisdom and your greatness!"
It is no secret that the dragon races of Sosaria have long existed before our own modern civilization of Britannia was even a thought. The dragonkin races flew amongst the clouds and dived beneath the waves long before the first man ever took his first steps.
We wonder then, the dragonkin civilization never manifested. Or rather, why no evidence of the existance of these rumored civilizations have ever been found. Of interest certainly are the mindless automatons that cower at the tamers whip, it is hardly right to call these beasts dragons. The great noble beasts, the free and choice given dragonkin of Britannia hide in the shadows out of fear from the so called heroes of the day. Dragons have long been hunted, even the vastly intelligent ones that cry, "No, please stop!" when they are cornered by such heroes are put to the sword as a mere curiosity and are never spared. Such was the case with many named and intelligent dragons of Sosaria. Fedelwyne, Raym, Edelwix and Gernine... all cut down needlessly by fools.
Yet with these great dragons deceased, what can we of the scholarly aptitude do to preserve the sanctity of the nobel dragon race? How can we protect them from all out extinction?
It is this author's presumption that once a dragon is full grown they neither need or desire the protection of mankind. However, in their infantcy it is nearly required.
I have raised three dragons from Eggs, the offspring of Ferumlas, Redelmyr and Etmoab, all dragons cut down in their early adulthood by great heroes of the realm. Yet their eggs went unnoticed by the great hunters.
As such, and through much trial and error I have learned much on the subject of infantile dragonlings. A small piece I shall seek to impart to you dear reader.
Firstly, all dragons require a name. It can be simple or grand, but a name is required.
Secondly, their eggs must be kept extremely hot, as dragon blood seems to boil on contact with air, it can be derived that their body tempurature is much much higher than that of human, elf or orc.
Thirdly, upon hatching the infantile dragon knows only minimalistic communication skills and commands. Latent memories from it's mother may inspire fear or trust in you the dragons new caretaker, depending on the experiences of the offsprings parentage.
Fourthly, diet. It is a falacy that all dragons eat meat and prefer men as a meal. In truth dragons eat much like men do, although I have found the most delightful meal that youngling dragons enjoy is lamb and mutton, cooked at first, then later raw as they learn to cook their own meal in the process of hunting.
I have never seen a dragonling strike out at someone who did not deserve it by thinking ill thoughts or devising sinister plans against the dragon. Oh too true, even the youngest dragonlings can sense your thoughts, although not read them directly.
It is also required a small lair, nothing too large mind you as Dragons, much like bears enjoy small cramped spaces like tiny caves. They will line their lair with the hides and other trophies of their hunting and life experiences. Care must be given that this small cave to searve as a lair will also serve to protect the young dragon from preditors as the dragons parents are long since gone and you cannot be watchful every moment.
The young dragon will observe and challenge you. It will question and test you. However a firm hand, an open heart and honorable intentions will serve well to give the young dragonkin a positive although guarded perception of mankind. We must be very careful to make sure that the dragonling is not fully dependant on mankind and learns to fend for itself while being wary of human interaction. Lest the dragon takes the personae of a pet and dramples through the cities looking for a handout of food.
With the destruction of the Dragon Raym so many years ago we can understand why one would want to keep the dragons far from town. For the Dragon Raym saught help from mankind for her adoptive human daughter and was met instantly with sword and spell, leaving the poor girl alone with her sorrows in the lair near old dungeon Wrong.
However, with proper care and consideration your rescued dragonkin egg will indeed one day grow and maybe even mate and pass on your teachings beyond its own understanding and yours. Every dragon egg we can save and allow to flourish, ensures that the dragonkin of Sosaria have a long and sure future along side mankind.
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The book goes on into minute detail the various measurements and scientific studies done during a lifetime of observation and experimentation.
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The last page of the book displays a picture of a full sized dragon snaking the hand of a man in a wizards hat, the words of the dragon read: "Thank You"