Dragons

Dragons are a race of homeothermic reptilian hexapods native to the planet of Jericho. They bear a striking similarity to the dragons of Ancient Terran myth and fantasy tales. They are the primary mounts of the peacekeeping Dragoon and have become crucial to many who live on Jericho's surface.

Biology
Dragons are large reptiles with six limbs, four legs and two wings typically, that are considered to be the dominant predatory species on the planet Jericho. Dragons are a form of homeothermic reptile. In other words, a warm-blooded creature. This characteristic enables him to adapt to the different climates on Jericho, which vary greatly. It also allows a dragon to maintain its activities both day and night throughout the year, as they are not dependent on the warmth from the sun like the other reptiles.

The dragon's body is completely covered with tough, shiny or colored scales. Though many also have scale-like growths which very much resemble feathers. It is impossible to list the enormous variety of hues that make up the dragon's brilliant coloring. Depending on the size of the dragon the thickness of the scales can vary form thin 1/8th inch steel to the largest dragon armored like a tank 3 to 4 inches of steel. The thickness of the scales can affect the flying speed or ground speed of the dragon. A dragon dive at 200 mph. Without rider a short burst of 150 mph strait line. With rider or some weight. They are slowed to about 100 mph. they have known to cruse or sore at 75 mph.

Unlike their fantasy counterparts, however, Jericho dragons cannot breathe fire. Though many of them are venomous and can spit this venom at their targets. There are numerous sub-species of dragons found all across the planet. All of which have their own unique traits and evolutionary quirks.

Dragons are typically considered highly dangerous, being strictly territorial and powerful. Many on Jericho rely on tamed dragons to deter potential wild dragon attacks from settlements and cargo transports. Even then, dragons have been known to take down space craft that weren't properly defended. And their tough scales and hides make them nearly impervious to most weapons aside from high caliber, armor piercing rounds, and explosives.

It has been determined that "clipping" the wings of a dragon leads to their death after many days of agony.

Dragons have exhibited a remarkable level of intelligence, rivaling that of Terran chimpanzees and human children at age 4.

Despite their ferocity, the people of Jericho have learned to tame a number of dragons to serve as companions and mounts.

Dragon Bonding
Dragon bonding is a process where a dragon becomes fond of a human to the point they form a bond with them. This process begins typically by finding a young dragon and attempting to gain its trust by taking care of it. At some point it will give you a love nip or bite. Most dragon's are venomous, and thus the process can be uncomfortable, and in extreme cases life threatening. Common symptoms range from a high fever, seizures, hallucinations (though many who bond with a dragon consider these hallucinations to be more "visions" with some sort of higher meaning). Should the bonded human survive this process their bodies begin to produce antibodies in their bloodstream with protein markers which make the body give off a scent that dragons and dogs can pick up. The scent causes other dragons of similar breeds to identify the bonded human as a member of the court (group of dragons) and thus will not act hostile towards them. However it has been documented that certain dragons outside of other species will be hostile towards particular scents of other dragons, so all bonded are recommended to use caution around unfamiliar dragons.

A blood test will show the bond and what dragon a person is bonded to. The bonding processes can only be done with one dragon or human. The problem lays with its connection to you. It should be noted that dragons, even "tamed" ones, are still dangerous animals and should be approached and handled with the proper care and respect.

Uses By Humans
Dragons have become an indispensable partner on the world of Jericho to many who call the planet home. Serving as mounts and protection from various dangerous wildlife. Many dragons used by people on the planet were trained by the Dragon Masters at The Eyrie. And while many of these dragons are not bonded to their owners like the dragoon are to their dragons, they are still loyal and cherished by those who care for them.

One of the main uses by humans is the deterrence of wild dragons. Many dragons respect the territory of others and tend to keep to themselves when they're aware of a stronger dragon lurking around. This helps keep cargo ships and caravans from being attacked by wild dragons. Though some dragons still attempt to attack, feeling they can answer the perceived challenge.

Humans have also started to find medicinal benefits to various dragon venom strains. However, a powerful drug known as Scale Blaze can also be created with certain venom.

The Dragoon are the most popular example of human/dragon relations. With every agent being bonded to a dragon they typically use as partners on dangerous missions.

Clarke Island is well known for its race of water dragons which the locals use to help catch fish.

The Maki Desert dwellers surf the sand dunes on sand dragons and protect their desert with them fiercely.

Smaller dragons have started to become popular domesticated pets, with help from genetic engineering.

Dragons Off-World And Dragon Protection Laws
Removing dragons from Jericho has been found to be fatal. As such, removing a dragon or attempting to smuggle eggs off-world is strictly prohibited and policed by the Jericho Council and the Dragoon. Any persons or organizations discovered attempting to smuggle dragons off-world will be subjected to the full force of Jericho law. Attempted smugglers have been given life sentences, and some outright killed when caught trying to smuggle dragon eggs off-world.

The Benioff-Weiss Corporation was found guilty of attempted dragon smuggling and was swiftly fined several billion CC's (Central Currency) by The Jericho Council, and their rights to operate on Jericho were swiftly revoked with no possibility of renewal.

Known Dragon Sub-Species

 * Copperhead
 * Cotton Mouth
 * Thresher
 * Diamondback
 * Water Dragon
 * Feathered Dragons
 * Sidewinder
 * Sky Hunters
 * Storm Sworder
 * Obsidian Dragon
 * Fire Lizards

Random Dragon Facts

 * Dragons love to sing, and love to listen to music.
 * Dragons are fond of chin scratches.
 * Certain dragons have showcased bioluminescent properties.
 * Bonded dragons will always prefer to sleep near their human companion.
 * Dragons typically favor mammoth bison steak as a treat.