Crystal-backs

Crystal-backs are a species of dragon native to the Kilanthro Mountains, although there are colonies as far south as Essyrn. They are around the same size as the Thunderblacks, but their defining feature is their crystalline scales. Their scales are actually crystals on their skin. The crystals are grown like hairs, visually identical, and rooted in follicles.

Phsyiology

Crystal-backs are of average size, build and capability, with obvious variation between individuals. The feature of Crystal-backs is the origin of their name. They are completely covered in crystalline scales, grown almost identically from follicles, like hairs. These scales are usually vibrantly coloured, although they can be born with pearlescent scales, or scales made of jet or obsidian.

Because of their scales, the dragons have a remarkable resilience to damage, although the transparency of the scales causes the dragons to lose heat quickly.

Temperament

Crystal backs are very gentle and proud as a species, and are considered by many dragon species to be snobs and arrogant. They rarely get into fights with other species, and their colonies are small.

Diet

Crystal-backs eat the same types of food as Nightspinners, their cousins. Descended from the same Dragons, the Nightspinners are differed by their scales only having crystalline tips.

Special Abilities

Crystal-backs are exceptionally tough, their scales providing natural armour. They also are resistant to electric, and fire attacks, but will lose any absorbed heat very quickly.

Lifespan

Crystal-backs are one of the few types of Dragons to give birth to live young, and as such, the young Crystal-backs actually miss the hatchling stage of most Dragon species. Newborn Crystal-backs merely have to learn to talk, and fly, and the stage takes but a few weeks. The Crystal-back then enters the teenager stage, which lasts an astonishing 100 years. In the first 65 years, the teenager is taught basic needs, skills and other subjects. Then, from 45, they spend several years simply enjoying themselves, 20 years in fact. At 65 years, the teenager is kicked out of the colony to find and bring back something of value. This can be from magical artefacts, to peace treaties or truces between nations. As such, Crystal-backs are very involved with other species. Once the teenager brings something back, they may spend the last remaining years of the stage enjoying themselves again, before entering adulthood. Adult Crystal-backs are fully fledged colony members, and have all adult rights, from being able to bear children, to leaving and creating a new colony.

Social Structure

Crystal backs work on a council based society, and actually have a central colony, located in the Kilanthro Mountains. They are purely democratic, almost identical to society in IRL Britain and America. The only difference being that equality is sought after and strived for.