Drakon
Drakons are flying, predatory reptiles native to Cuyavale, a Forest World in the Severan Dominate. Drakons are the dominant apex predators of the forests of Cuyavale, and mature specimens have been recorded with wingspans of over 250 metres.[1a]
In recent years, Drakons have become of interest to two different alien factions that have come to Cuyavale. Orks of Waaagh! Grimtoof invaded the world some time after Dominate's secession, and have focused much of their efforts on attempts to tame the Drakons. They have had some success in these endeavors, as at least one specimen has been observed being used as an aerial transport by the Orks.[1a] The Kroot of the Oathbreakers Kindred, which have been contracted by the Dominate to combat the Orks, consider the great flying reptiles to be ultimate prey, and have become determined to secure Cuyavale as a new hunting ground in order to retain access to the beasts.[1b]
Ecology
During the mating season, female drakons create nests among the few arid mountains that emerge from Cuyavale's global forests, where they lay their eggs at or close to the border between forested and exposed land. These eggs hatch into thousands of ravenous, metre-long offspring, which then swarm out into the wilderness. Over the following weeks, the newborns enter a period of frenzied hunting during which they strip the surrounding landscape bare. Most hatchlings die during this period, most due to being devoured by their siblings. The small percentage that survives, consisting of the strongest and canniest individuals, continue to grow at a rate of approximately a metre a year, depending on the availability of prey. Many of the survivors perish on the way to adulthood, as they continue to prey on one another.[1a]
Mature Drakons are highly territorial, and only seek one another out to mate. The largest specimens are believed to be centuries in age and fiercely defend their ranges from intruders, including other Drakons, lone explorers, infantry formations, or battle tanks.[1a]
See also
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