OUR DRAGONS
MOUNTAIN SKÁL
DRACONIDAE BISALAE WYVERNIS SKAL F. MONTIS
SPECS
Height: 7-8 meters (23-27 feet) or 3.6 meters at rest (12 feet)
Length: 12-15 meters (41-50 feet)
Wingspan: 26-30 meters (85-100 feet)
Weight: 1,100 kg-1,400 kg (2,425 lbs-3,090 lbs).
Body type: Wyvern
Skin type: Scaled
Limbs: 1 pair of back legs, 1 pair of wings
Locomotion: Bi-pedal, Aerial.
Diet: Petrivore, Omnivore
Breeding
Purebred: Purebred dragons can be bred.
Cloned: Cloned dragons are sterile.
Mobile App Incubation: Approximately 90 Days
Gender: Mountain Skáls use temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) to determine the sex of their offspring. Similar to alligators and crocodiles, gender for the Mountain Skál is determined by the temperature during incubation.
Bond Difficulty: Easy
Ridable?: Yes
Lifespan: Dragons live for many human generations. An exact timeframe has yet to be discovered. Dragon Federation is still researching these dragons and information regarding the full lifespan has yet to be discovered. Additional information must be gathered once your dragons have hatched to determine this timeline.
Age of Fledge: The Mountain Skál fledges during the wyrmling life stage. Dragon Federation is still doing ecological studies on this breed.
Rideable Age: Ecological studies are still occurring regarding this breed. Additional information must be gathered once your dragons have hatched to determine this timeline.
Maturity: We know these dragons reach sexual maturity during the Young Adult life stage. Additional information must be gathered once your dragons have hatched to determine this timeline.
Activity Cycle: Diurnal
Possible Classes:
High Altitude Flier
Fire Breather
Armored Tank
Habitat: Alpine and subalpine regions of the Dragon Realm
Game Difficulty:
Purebred: Realistic
Clone: Intermediate
Nature Benefit: Harmonic Masonry
Rarity/Colors:
Common: Dark Grey, Light Grey, Brown Grey
Uncommon: Dark Green, Light Green, Brown Green
Rare: Glacial Wildflower, Partial White
Extra Rare: Glacial Blue, Pure White
Cloned: Sand Tan
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The very first dragon breed to approach the Dragon Federation, the Mountain Skál, is pragmatic and easy-going. They typically have a calm demeanor and are slow to aggression. This particular breed can hone in on evolutionary traits, becoming capable of spitting fire as an offensive weapon, thickening their scutes (dermal scales), and growing a subdermal layer of muscle and fat to become living tanks. They can also undergo significant mutations to their internal organs and bone structure to allow for high-altitude flying. Mountain Skál are found in alpine and subalpine zones at elevations ranging from 4,000 m to 5,000 m (13,000 ft to 16,000 ft). They are a hardy breed, unaffected by cold temperatures, and though relatively docile, both their native habitat and durability keep most other dragon breeds at bay.
General Appearance and Characteristics
The Mountain Skál is currently the largest of the dragon types documented by the Dragon Federation. As this breed advances in age, they can specialize in breathing fire, becoming extremely tough and durable, or gaining an aptitude for high-altitude flight. These dragons have a predilection for one of the three strengths at hatching, but it has been discovered that certain influences by the trainer, such as the diet provided to the baby,
can alter the skills they develop. These dragons are bipedal; their primary method of locomotion when grounded relies on their muscular back legs to carry their body forward, while the wrist joint and thumb at the apex of the wings are braced against the earth to direct their forward momentum. The Mountain Skál’s tail is relatively stiff, made up primarily of muscle, and acts as both a counterbalance and a rudder to control the dragon’s movement. A Mountain Skál weighs less than most standard-sized SUVs, typically ranging between 1,100 kg and 1,400 kg (2,425 lbs to 3,090 lbs). Because of their size and weight, these dragons prefer to take flight by launching off high terrain, though they can get airborne from flat ground if necessary. The process is much more difficult, and Riders should secure themselves tightly in their harness before attempting such a maneuver. Once airborne, however, Mountain Skál are adept fliers and make use of thermal currents, allowing them to soar to exceptional heights. These dragons have developed the ability to control their internal body temperature, allowing them to heat the air around them and thus gain more precise control of thermal currents. Mountain Skál that have focused on this adaptation have even greater mastery over flight and seemingly spend more time at high altitudes than they do sleeping or socializing with others of their kind.
EGGS
Mountain Skál eggs are sensitive to their environment and employ a form of cryptic coloration, more commonly known as visual camouflage, to protect themselves if separated from the nest. Chromatophores, cells that produce color, react to the temperature, humidity, and elevation around them by reorienting the reflective plates in their structure, shifting the eggshell pigment toward cooler or warmer sides of the light spectrum. This causes the Mountain Skál eggs to change their native appearance to varying degrees. If the eggs are laid in natural caves, the standard nesting site of the dragons, they will maintain a gray hue. However, if the eggs are somehow transplanted significantly above or below their typical range, the change in their coloration can be extreme. Since it isn’t common for Mountain Skál eggs to be relocated to such significant distances, the striking differences in pigmentation are the basis of the Dragon Federation’s “rarity” classification system.
Mother dragons typically nest and lay their eggs in caves in the alpine region of the mountain range they call home. This location confers gray variations in the Mountain Skál’s eggshells, which is their native hue. The Dragon Federation has loosely grouped these color schemes into the “common” category, encompassing all versions of dark gray, light gray, and brown-gray. While quiet and secluded caverns are the preferred site for Mountain Skál eggs to incubate, not all eggs end up in these relatively safe nests. Accidents, seismic events, and water displacement can push single eggs and sometimes even full nests out of their ideal elevation and down into the subalpine and montane regions. Much closer to foliage and soil, these eggs take on shades of green and brown in response to their new environment. This category has been named “uncommon” and represents all eggs that contain hues of said earthy tones.
Finally, there are the “rare” and “extremely rare” categories. The term “rare” reflects eggs that develop an off-white or a mottled blue and green coloration, while “extremely rare” is reserved for eggs that have taken on azure or pure white pigmentation. These eggs obtain their unique hues from
being laid in alpine caves that contain ice deposits. While the Dragon Federation has not yet deciphered the specific conditions that influence an egg into one category or the other, it appears that some elements that contribute include whether or not the egg is bathed in sunlight for any length of time, the depth of the cave it is laid in, and the clutter or lack thereof in the ice surrounding it.
Ultimately, any change in hue that occurs to the egg carries over to the dragon upon hatching. The Dragon Federation is still researching the precise mechanism that causes this alteration in the Mountain Skál. Current theories propose that the chromatophores “imprint” their camouflaging behavior onto the color cells of the developing fetus, though this has yet to be proven with any certainty. Whatever the method, this breed of dragon adopts its egg color as its base scale color. There seem to be no genetic or chromosomal differences in the various Mountain Skál pigmentations, nor do these characteristics interfere with breeding. The changes in coloration appear to be solely visual, and no distinctive behavioral or dietary changes based on these pigmentations have been observed.
While the color of the egg becomes the Mountain Skál’s base complexion, the hue can shift and grow more or less vibrant as the dragon ages. Additionally, the unique patterning of each Mountain Skál may also fluctuate over time, changing in size and shape. However, the base pigmentation of these dragons can be temporarily altered to extremely divergent tones by various external stimuli such as diet. These alterations will remain only for as long as the Mountain Skál continues to consume the color-modifying substances.
Incubation: Varies. In the wild when environmental factors are optimal, Mountain Skál egg incubation is roughly six months. However, due to a myriad of complicating factors, Mountain Skál eggs in the Dragon Realm have not hatched naturally for a very long time. Dragon Federation has created an incubation system and vital-reading application to assist in the incubation of these eggs. When properly cared for, Mountain Skál eggs can be expected to hatch in approximately 90 days.
LIFESPAN AND LIFE STAGES
Depending on the breed, environment, and life management, dragon lifespans can vary. The following terminology is used to describe the Mountain Skál at various life stages:
Embryo: From zygote bean to a fully formed dragon with a heartbeat. During this stage, your dragon is developing and forming the basis of its impressions. It will become familiar with things like sound and will form opinions of it based on its mood. It will also settle into its natural sleep cycle based on its exposure to light. The duration of this life stage is approximately 90 days.
Hatchling: Exits the egg, very dependent on the parent for food and companionship as its scales won’t have developed yet, making it very vulnerable. It will require a lot of attention. At this stage, the impressions your baby dragon formed in its egg will either be reinforced or challenged, and it will continue to develop likes and dislikes based on exposure to food, its environment, and its interactions with you. The Mountain Skál hatches without scales and will become irritable for a few days before the jagged scales finally break through its skin.
Wyrmling: Capable of controllable magma regurgitation, grooms scales, learns limited flight, horns continue growing, can comprehend simple commands (yes, no, stop, good). Your Mountain Skál will have its first coat of scales and all the energy a puppy would have at the same age. It will be difficult to control, but training at this stage is crucial. An old dragon can definitely be taught new tricks, but this is where your dragon will begin to learn to obey your commands. It will also start regurgitating molten rock from time to time to develop its "magma breath" and will instinctively learn to fly. At this point, focus on teaching it “No.”
Youngling: Aware and intelligent enough to train, adult teeth replace baby teeth, too large to hold comfortably, begins to hunt and scavenge for itself. When it enters the Youngling phase, your Mountain Skál will learn to find its own food. It may frequently range out to find its favorite kind of rock along with the small mammals that lurk beneath them. Depending on the climate and habitat, it may develop tastes for different things. Whatever its diet, the Mountain Skál is a creature of habit and will continue to seek out what it loves. As a trainer, you can use this desire to reward your dragon,
and this stage of its growth is the perfect time to do that. This is the earliest stage where it will have both the intelligence and the attention span to obey specific commands.
Young Adult: Large enough to take down big game (deer, black bears, etc.), the dragon may challenge you for leadership. Here at Dragon Federation, we've begun to refer to this as the Mountain Skál's rebellious phase. Up until this point, you have most likely been larger than your dragon. But as it begins to outgrow you, it also begins to wonder why it shouldn't be the one in charge. Thankfully, Mountain Skáls don't have a particularly violent method of challenging one another, and this usually amounts to growling and staring. Just be sure to hold your dragon's gaze when it offers this challenge, and it will continue to recognize you as its master and herd leader.
Adult: Reaches "full size," large enough to ride comfortably, horns finish developing. This is the fun part. Once your Mountain Skál is a full-grown adult, it will be large and strong enough to carry you on its back, even in flight. Depending on how well you've trained and bonded with your dragon up to this point, it could be fairly easy to learn to ride it. However, if you lose respect and dominance, your dragon will be difficult to manage and guide. If this is the case, you will have to restore your position as the Mountain Skál's herd leader through intense and consistent discipline. Through these methods, your dragon will be able to learn more and more complex maneuvers.
Elder: Continues to grow subtly throughout its adulthood. Becomes naturally respected by other dragons, even those of other species. While "adult" is technically the final phase of a Mountain Skál's growth, dragons are complicated creatures. We have reason to believe that some can live for hundreds of years. Over this time, the dragon continues to grow ever so slightly, which, over centuries, adds up. This makes these dragons impossibly large, but their size isn't their only impressive feature. They also seem to innately command the respect of other dragons, even those of other species. We haven't had many encounters with these Elder Dragons, but they are as enigmatic as they are mystifying.
ANATOMY
Beak: Shaped for chipping at scales for grooming.
Wing Talons: Used primarily for hanging from ledges. Strong enough to lift slabs of rock.
Rear Talons: Short, blunt, and well-muscled. Used for breaking apart rocks and trees.
Belly: Not much is known about the actual process that
occurs within a Mountain Skál, but it gets hot enough to melt shale and granite. Also retains magma for defense.
Wings: Equipped with powerful muscles and thick webbing to carry this massive dragon.
Bones: Hollow to reduce the dragon’s weight.
Tail: Long and well-muscled. Aids in flight and is useful for towing large rocks.
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT
The Dragon Federation lovingly refers to these dragons as the “gentle giants” of the Dragon Realm. This breed is known for its calm and even temperament and has so far been the most friendly toward humankind. They treat one another with a similar approach, and it isn’t uncommon to find an elder dragon playing “jungle gym” with a pack of hatchlings. Mountain Skál are most commonly found together in a large grouping known as a weyr. These dragons are a communal breed and generally travel together. Unlike humans, however, the Mountain Skál are less welcoming when it comes to other dragon breeds. The Mountain Skál are not proactively aggressive, but they will viciously defend their territory from invading dragons. Equipped with the ability to bite through rock and smash boulders with their tails, Mountain Skál are more than capable of making even the fiercest beast think twice before bothering them.
Mating
Both genders of Mountain Skál undergo behavioral changes during their mating season. The male will begin to gorge itself on any type of rock available to it to grow thick, jagged scales that make it appear larger and more attractive to the females. The female, on the other hand, will effectively starve itself. It grooms down most of its scales and allows its internal temperature to
plummet. Normally, this would make a Mountain Skál lethargic, but the female’s mating hormone seems to keep it energetic and alert, while its slim appearance and cool temperature make it a desirable companion in the eyes of the male.
Social
Mountain Skál live in herds that appear to be primarily based on location. They are very protective of one another but not much else. They’re not even particularly territorial. They seem to communicate using a series of head gestures and deep growling noises that sound almost like rocks grinding together. They are also capable of interpreting human mimicry of these head gestures, making them fairly easy to connect with.
Mood
Being a creature possessed of intellect, the Mountain Skál is capable of a wide range of emotions. However, they are highly disposed to contentment. This dragon doesn’t need much more than a sizable boulder and a dry place to sleep to be happy, and it expresses its pleasure with a low, rumbling sound much akin to a cat’s purr.
DIET AND HABITAT
The internal temperature of the Mountain Skál can swell upwards of 650 degrees Celsius (approximately 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) as they primarily consume granite. The mix of intense pressure, heat, and unique enzymes in the digestive system break down the ingested stone to fuel the Mountain Skál. These dragons can be omnivorous if the situation calls for it and are capable of subsisting off meat and vegetation, but their primary sustenance is the
limestone and granite of the mountain vistas they call home. Due to the internal heat produced by their digestive process, Mountain Skál tends to gravitate toward mountain peaks and glaciers to mitigate their high core temperature. This breed can also occasionally be found in deep caves or other cool and wet locations, but their primary territory is within the alpine and subalpine zones of mountainous regions.
CLONED
Skál from infancy to breeding age, Dragon Federation has turned its attention to additional projects in the hope of staving off the extinction of these magnificent creatures. One of these projects has proven fruitful: cloning.
Cloning is the process of producing individual organisms with identical genomes, either by natural or artificial means. Cloned Mountain Skál are nearly identical to
their natural-born counterparts, but because cloning is still an imperfect science, there are a few variations between the two. All Mountain Skál Clones are a sand-colored hue, and they are all sterile and thus cannot breed.
With the exception of those two traits, Mountain Skál Clones are identical to the native Mountain Skál of the Dragon Realm.
THREATS
Dragon Federation is currently participating in ethological studies on this topic and will publish an update to the bestiary when more information has been acquired.
CARE
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