(Some readers asked in the comments: in this book, 'Drakes' differ from traditional Western fantasy; Bloodline rank is determined mainly by attribute.)
Azeria Dragon Lineage Taxonomy (Simplified)
---
Category I: True Dragon (Primary Attribute: Dragon)
# Origin: True Dragons, also revered as 'Great Dragons', are among the oldest beings in the world of Azeria. They are not products of evolution or reproduction, but were formed at the dawn of the world from the purest Origin of Dragon Element. They are the primordial ancestors of all dragonkind—the perfect Incarnation of Dragon Element in the world. Their very existence embodies a natural Law.
# Status: As the absolute Dominators of the Dragon Clan, True Dragons established the True Dragon Imperial Court, centred on the Dragon Emperor, enforcing a harsh Bloodline-aristocracy over Dragon society and even the other races of the world. They see themselves as guardians of order, their will beyond question.
Core traits: Pure-blood Origin, Innate wisdom, perfect draconic form, full Dragon Might and Draconic Magic (including the Move [Transformation]), complete Dragon Legacy, social cohesion, and the ability to molt into Ancient Dragons during long slumbers.
Representatives: Gold Dragon, Silver Dragon, Red Dragon, Blue Dragon.
---
Category II: Dragonborn (Primary Attribute: Dragon)
# Origin: Offspring born from natural reproduction between True Dragons and other sapient races (e.g., elves, humans).
# Status: 'Recognised half-blood descendants'. Rank higher than unnaturally created dragons; they often serve as retainers or officials to True Dragons.
Core traits:
1. Mixed-blood Form: Bodies that fuse draconic traits with those of the other parent race (e.g., half-dragon, dragon-blood elf).
2. Limited Authority: Can use some Draconic Magic and possess faint Dragon Might.
---
Category III: Sub-dragon (First or Second Attribute dragon-type)
# Origin: Creatures with pronounced draconic features but low intelligence, closer to Demonic Beasts. They are wild descendants produced when True Dragon Bloodline dilutes in nature or mixes with other Demonic Beasts.
# Status: 'Powerful beasts'. Not recognised by Dragon society; treated as part of the wilderness, to be hunted or tamed. A few Sub-dragons tamed by True Dragons and given True Dragon blood can gain sapience, becoming 'Advanced Sub-dragons'.
Core traits:
1. Beast-like Dragon Form: Resembling giant lizards, wyverns, etc., but bearing obvious draconic wings, heads, or scales (e.g., two-legged wyverns, land-dragons).
2. Wild Instinct: Lack sapience and language, act on instinct, can breathe weak Dragon Breath.
3. Ecological Role: Apex predators of the draconic ecosystem; classic 'dragon' monsters faced by adventurers.
---
Category IV: Dragonspawn (Second Attribute: Dragon)
# Origin: Defective individuals hatched from True Dragon eggs whose Bloodline was polluted or degenerated, preventing them from displaying pure-blood traits.
# Status: 'Cursed outcasts of the Bloodline'. Bloodline higher than Sub-dragons, yet status even lower than Drakes; they are a Family's shame and usually disposed of in secret.
Core traits:
1. Noble birth, base form: Possess True Dragon Origin but appear bloated, low-intelligence, 'deformed'.
2. Strong Dragon Might, but unable to master Draconic Magic.
---
Category V: Drake (Second Attribute: Dragon)
# Origin: Creations of ancient True Dragon 'dragon-body alchemy' experiments.
# Status: 'Inferior tools made by Dragons'. Viewed as expendable assets and a blot on draconic glory.
Core traits:
1. Non-natural evolution, Bloodline deemed 'inferior'. Commonly imagined as 'large herbivorous dragons', occupying omnivorous or herbivorous niches; some mutant Drakes are carnivorous. Stocky, Ground-hugging bodies with thick, rock-dull scales.
2. Attribute traits: Ground + dragon-type. They mainly wield Ground attribute, yet due to artificial Bloodline flaws, the dragon-type attribute inside them is almost impossible to activate or use.
3. Growth limits: Normally never enter the unique draconic 'slumber' or natural evolution; growth ceiling is extremely low, carrying only a small, fragmented Dragon Legacy from birth.
---
Category VI: Pseudodragons & Dragon-blood Creatures (No dragon-type attribute)
# Origin: Ordinary creatures that have lived long in high-density Dragon Element environments or accidentally stained by True Dragon blood, thereby undergoing draconic mutation.
# Status: 'Part of the draconic ecosystem'. Not regarded as True Dragon Clan; more like wild animals. True Dragons treat them as ants.
Traits:
1. Bizarre forms (e.g., fruit dragons, dragon-blood giant lizards, pterodactyls).
2. Possess only faint draconic features (tough skin, ability to breathe weak Dragon Breath), no sapience, unable to use Draconic Magic.