Draconic Culture

Dragons

Dragons, whether it is true or not, consider themselves the pinnacle of creation. They can grow to massive sizes, all while not only never seeming to slow down or become decrepit with age, they in fact become stronger and more capable their entire life. Also, while their physical capabilities continue increasing, so to do their mental and magical abilities.

Age Categories

Dragons refer to themselves in twelve distinct age categories, with an additional category on each end for reference. The age of a dragon tends to be reflective of their relative size and abilities, although rarely that is not the case. Further separating the groups are what the dragons themselves refer to one another as when they are in a specific age category. A dragon in the first four age categories is a Dragonet, the next four is a Dracultus, and the final four is addressed as Eldaior.

  • Egglet / Unhatched: Since many dragon eggs do not hatch for a variety of reasons, this is not considered a true age category, just their initial reference point.
    • Ready to Lay: 120 to 180 days.
    • Lay to Hatch: 480 to 720 days. Dragon eggs do not “go bad” however. It is possible for an undisturbed egg to hatch years after the typical incubation time.
  • Wyrmling / Hatchling: 0 to 5 years.
  • Very Young: 6 to 15 years.
  • Young: 16 to 25 years.
  • Juvenile: 26 to 50 years.
  • Young Adult: 51 to 100 years.
  • Adult: 101 to 200 years.
  • Mature Adult: 201 to 350 years.
  • Old: 351 to 550 years.
  • Very Old: 551 to 800 years.
  • Ancient: 801 to 1100 years.
  • Wyrm: 1101 to 1450 years.
  • Great Wyrm: 1451 to 2000+ years until end of life.
  • Invicta Draconis: “Unconquerable Dragon” in the language of magic. As a show of respect, other dragons address them as either Invicta or Neosheagon. This is the other reference category most dragons do not consider. They are detailed below.

Invicta Draconis

There are no ages associated with these dragons, this is more a description of their power and size. Most dragons will never reach this stage of developement, no matter how long they live. Likewise, it is possible, although so rare no one considers it, that a dragon can reach this stage earlier than 2,000 years. That happens through exceedingly rare circumstances…mostly dietific or magical interference.

Dragons who make the most likely candidates to reach this level of ability do so by throwing themselves into…life. They study, learn combat, or other such pursuits with the fervor of the lesser races, allowing them to experience life and grow at a much faster rate.

Invicta Draconis are much, much larger than even great wyrms. And, with that size comes a corresponding increase to their physical, mental, and magical abilities. These dragons topple castles…and kingdoms…with ease should they choose to do so. Their power is on par with deities.