Difference between revisions of "Dragon (cosmere)"

{{lifeform|name=Dragon

{{spoilersspoiler|yumitsm}}

'''Dragons''' are a sapient species within the [[cosmere]]. Originally, they came from [[Yolen]], but can now be found on other worlds (typically in very small numbers).{{wob ref|4410}}{{wob ref|14441}}{{book ref|tsm|10}} They are one of Yolen's three sentient species, alongside humans and [[Sho Del]].{{wob ref|9676}} Like the Sho Del, Dragons are a form of [[fain]]life.{{wob ref|15686}}{{wob ref|16020}}

Most dragons in the cosmere are [[fain]] creatures, and as such they are hexapedal, with four legs and two wings.{{wob ref|16020}} They are inherently ageless, and suitedtherefore towardsthey theirstop longaging lifespansafter a certain point, but they are not unkillable.{{wob ref|5730}}{{wob ref|15310}}{{wob ref|16543}} In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than [[sandling]]s, while others can be as large as [[chasmfiend]]s.{{wob ref|2655}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Their skin is covered with pearlescent scales, as well as silvery streaks of [[Dragonsteel (metal)|dragonsteel]] that run along the body, mostly the limbs, up towards their horns, which are made entirely of dragonsteel.{{book ref|Tress|51}} Even in this nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|tress|51}} Despite being reptilian, they are able to grow hair across the head, and under the neck and chin as a beard.{{book ref|tress|51}} At least some of them are carnivorous.{{book ref|yumi|28}}

Most dragonsDragons have the capabilityinherent ability to shapeshift,.{{book takingref|tress|51}}{{wob onref|14996}}{{book theref|tsm|8}} formThe scope of differenttheir species,shapeshifting includingpowers humans.may vary by individual,{{bookwob ref|tress|5112076}} In fact,but shapeshifting into a human is a core aspect of their life cycle. Dragons are born in humanoid form, then transition into their draconic form upon hitting puberty, and eventually gain the ability to switch between those two forms at will.{{wob ref|16187}} It is also likely that assuming a humanoid form is required for them to bear children. {{ref|group=fn|text=Brandon has stated that dragons "give birth in humanoid form."{{wob ref|16187}} Given the context, this most likely means that the dragon is born as a humanoid. It is unknown if a dragon needs to be in humanoid form to bear children.}} When in their humanoid form, dragons aredo indistinguishablenot formdisplay theany speciesidentifiable theynonhuman are presenting ascharacteristics.{{wob ref|7171}}{{book ref|tsm|8}} Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the [[kandra]], even if the result is similar.{{wob ref|148}}

Aside from that, draconic personalities vary. Some take their self-appointed duties towards people extremely seriously; others devote themselves to scholarships; yet others simply do not care and do as they wish.{{wob ref|16187}} Both [[Frost]] and [[Xisisrefliel]] are shown to hold a non-interventionist policy toward humans in the cosmere, but this does not hold for all their kin.{{book ref|tress|52}}{{epigraph ref|sa1|19}}{{wob ref|2214}}

Most dragons have at least two names -- a full, long name (such as [[Xisisrefliel]]) and then a shorter nickname they aremay moreuse commonlyin knownsome bysituations (suchfor example, Xisisrefliel corresponds with some people using the asname "Foil").{{wob ref|16182}}

Aside from the so-called "greater dragons", the cosmere is also home to a number of lesser dragons, or drakelings. Little is known about the lesserLesser dragons, asidehave fromsome thenotable factdifferences that unlike theirto greater cousines,dragons; they aredo quadrupedalnot share the amphibian--like possessedlifecycle of onlygreater fourdragons, limbsand -- andare incapable of transformation into humanoid form. ItAn unnamed planet is unclearhome ifto thosea variety of non-hexapedal lesser dragons areknown fainas creatures,'''drakelings'''.{{wob andref|16187}} ifNothing thereelse is anyknown evolutionaryabout relationthe betweenbiology themor abilities of lesser dragons, and thetheir relationship (if any) to greater dragons.{{wob ref|16187}}is unclear.

The planet of [[Komashi]] appears to be particularly taken with dragons. They were popular in the times of the [[Torio]] kingdom, with sculptures depicting them frequently used as decorations.{{book ref|yumi|40}} Centuries later, in [[Nagadan]], dragons remained a popular motif, with plush dragons being sold as childrens' toys, and one of the years of the Nagadan calendar being named the year of the dragon.{{book ref|yumi|28}}{{book ref|yumi|16}} Despite this, Komashi myths seem to paint at least some dragons as antagonistic, as they have stories of dragon-slaying heroes.{{book ref|yumi|10}}