Shortail Drake

Shortail drakes serve as dependable workhorses of the Dragonguard, embodying resilience and versatility. They inhabit a diverse range of environments across the expansive land of Azlov, making their presence felt on nearly every continent. Within the shortail drake genus, there exists a diverse array of species, each exhibiting a unique variety of colorations and characteristics, from iridescent scales that shimmer in the sunlight to intricate patterns that aid in camouflage.
True to their name, these drakes possess notably short tails, significantly shorter than those of other dragonkin species. However, the shortail variety is not entirely uniform; some species may indeed feature tails that, while still shorter than the norm, are comparatively longer, adding to the diversity within this genus.
Their adaptability and varied appearances make shortail drakes invaluable members of the Dragonguard, perfectly suited for a multitude of tasks throughout Azlov. These drakes are used most commonly for ground infantry in the Dragonguard.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Unlike many traditional drakes, shortail drakes are marked by notably short tails, which lend them a unique silhouette. Their heads are adorned with smaller, more subtle horns, while their bodies feature reduced or sometimes absent spines along their backs, giving them a sleek and streamlined appearance.
The scales of shortail drakes display a remarkable uniformity across various species, yet they possess slight variations that reflect their environmental adaptations and genetic lineage. The range of coloration is particularly striking, with scales ranging from deep, rich hues to lighter shades. Many of these drakes showcase darker tones on their dorsal sides, providing them with effective camouflage against the varied backdrops of their habitats, while their ventral sides often feature lighter colors.
Adaptability is a hallmark of the shortail drake species, with certain types residing in arid regions or lush tropical rainforests, developing venomous traits. These venomous shortail drakes possess specialized glands that produce toxins and modified canine teeth for injecting the venom, giving them formidable defences against predators.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Drake

Scientific Name

Drakon Shortail

Average Physique

Average, with short horns and tail, and sometimes no spikes along the back

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Varies depending on the species

Geographic Distribution

• Azlov

Scientific Classification
Class: Reptilia
Order: Draconis
Family: Drakon
Genus: Shortail
Species: See below

Characters

Ancient Dragonkin

Zoltar

Additional Information

Domestication

The shortail drake stands out as one of the most used and trained species within the dragonkin group, primarily utilized by the Dragonguard due to their amiable nature and versatility. While shortails are prevalent throughout the varied landscape of Azlov, their utilization is more widespread than that of the ridgeback drake, which, while noteworthy, is less commonly encountered. The shortail drake's gentle temperament and trainability have made them a favored companion for various tasks, allowing them to thrive in human-populated areas.

Diet

These fascinating drakes exhibit a diverse diet, with a strong inclination towards carnivorous eating habits, yet they showcase an omnivorous side as well. Typically, they feast on a variety of meats, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Additionally, certain species that inhabit coastal regions or near freshwater bodies have adapted their diets to include fish and other aquatic prey, capitalizing on the abundance of resources in their environments. They also exhibit a penchant for seagrasses and occasionally forage for plants or mushrooms to vary their diets.

Species

Name	Notes
Arctic Shortail	White and light grey coloration. Lives in cold, arctic areas.
Ardenfell Shortail	Found only on Ardenfell.
Chestnut Shortail	Has chestnut-red coloration. Lives in cold forests.
Common Black Shortail	A common shortail found across Azlov.
Common Brown/Tan Shortail	A common shortail found across Azlov.
Darting Shortail	Extremely fast. Lives in savannahs and open areas.
Desert Shortail	Lives in arid areas.
Duskfire Striped Shortail	Has stripes like a tiger! Lives on the borders of the Duskfire Desert.
Eastern Emberland Shortail	Black in color, not to be confused with the Common Black Shortail. Lives near the Shatterscale Mountains.
Jungle Spotted Shortail	Has spots like a cheetah! Lives in tropical areas.
Jungle Striped Shortail	Has stripes like a tiger! Lives in tropical areas.
Ravian Shortail	Extremely friendly, almost too much.
Ringed Shortail	Has black ring patterns! Lives in swamp areas.
Shorthorned Shortail	Has shorter horns on the head than typically seen. Lives in grassland areas.
Southern Arkynshire Shortail	A common shortail that lives in southern Arkynshire.
Spined Shortail	Has bigger spikes along its back. Lives in forests.
Spotted Desert Shortail	Has spots like some snakes! Lives in arid areas.
Spotted Shortail	Has spots like a cheetah! Lives in grassland areas.
Swamp Shortail	A common shortail that lives in the Murkwood Swamp.
Whitetip Shortail	Has a white-tipped tail. Lives in sparse forests.