Lore:Dragons

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The Dragons are a rare (and often believed to be extinct) Akaviri race of large reptilian beasts capable of flight and the ability to create fire^[1]. Little is known about them, beyond their remarkable intelligence and ability to communicate^[2][3] with Nedic visitors to Akavir years ago. There are at least two subspecies, or varieties of dragon; red and black^[4]. Their population in Akavir was killed by the Tsaesci, whereas the dragons in Vvardenfell were overrun by the invading cliff racers. It was romoured that they moved closer to Cyrodiil, and it may be for this reason that dragons are sacred to the Empire, and the legends tell of their aid during wars in exchange for shelter. The avatar of Akatosh, the chief deity of the Nine Divines, the Imperial religion, is a golden dragon. Its relation, if any, to the Tamrielic dragons is unknown, but many stories tell of Akatosh co-mingling with and organizing groups of dragons. This representation may be metaphorical, however. If dragons still exist at all, they are never encountered by the mortal races, although it had been suggested that they may be able to shapeshift in order to disguise themselves.

Historically, dragons lived in and around isolated villages, located high in mountain ranges. If any of these settlements still exist, they remain undiscovered. The villages were aptly situated in areas that allowed both free flying without obstructions and flats for raising cattle. Dragons were known to keep deer and other animals for food, and their meals would simply involve flying low over a ranch and swooping down upon one of them. Dragons were also known to maintain lairs, usually in derelict mining tunnels, safe from thieves and other aggressors.

[edit] References

1. ↑ According to King Edward, Part XII:

   "The two dragons wheeled through the sky, spouting great gouts of flame against the purpling sky."

2. ↑ According to King Edward, Part XI:

   "The two dragons politely chatted with the humanoids as they enjoyed their repast"

3. ↑ According to King Edward, Part XII:

   "Moraelyn asked with a smile, 'All right then, I've always wanted to know this - considering the shape of your mouth and teeth, how do dragons manage to speak the humanoid languages so clearly?'

   Akatosh paused, and then carefully responded, 'Why, in much the same way that we can fly, even though our wings are not naturally strong enough to support such heavy torsos.'"

4. ↑ According to Mysterious Akavir:

   "They managed to enslave the Red Dragons, but the black ones had fled to (then) Po Tun."