So, I have a book series that I'm working on that contains dragons...because I love dragons, mostly. However, instead of imagining them as beasts or animals of any kind, I thought more along the lines of a soul carrying race. I've been a very big fan of dragons being a shape shifting species for a long time. I'm going to lay out some details to see if you guys think it could work, or if it's just a little too crazy.

Abilities
~Dragons can shift between a human form as well as a dragon form.
~In either form they are "immortal." They can still be killed by typical means
but will not die of old age. Some times, when a dragon hits a specific point
in their life they will "pass on." No one is sure how this occurs as afterwards
the body is found to be in good health.
~Dragon form:
-Cannot use magic in this form.
-Some dragons can breath fire, some cannot. A few groups believe this to
be a divine gift.
-Dragons cannot breed or give birth in this form. Once pregnant the female
must keep in human form.
-Flight is possible in most winged species but also possible in those who
do not have wings. This is also believed to be a divine gift.
~Human form:
-They may use magic of any sort, as long as they are learned or born with
the ability.
-Breeding and birthing is possible in this form.

Physical Attributes
~Humans and dragons can come in many different shapes in size. There is
some connections to specific features that carry over in certain ways.
-Hair color is decided by scale color. Regardless of dullness, brightness.
(IE: Pink, green, blue, silver, all colors!)
-Eye color carries over the same. Also comes in a large variety.
-Height and weight is a bit subjective. Some dragons are as big as small
mountains and others that are about average human size. The largest
dragons might be about 8 feet tall while the smallest could hit 4 feet
in height. Everyone else would hit some where in the middle so the sizes
wouldn't be of impossible smallness or largeness for a human.
~Dragons specific attributes.
-There aren't many! Everything under the sun is a possibility for a dragon.
They can be born with or without wings. With horns, fins, scales, fur, and
other such things can adorn their body.
-All dragons are born with fore-feet very similar to human hands including
opposable thumbs and the same range of motion in the wrist.

Culture
~As dragons can be human they fall within the same cultures as humans and
come from many different background.
~An unspoken rule that has prevailed for as long as dragons have been living
is not breeding with anyone but another dragon. This is not a law of any
sorts but more of an aversion. This may have to do with their immortality as
no species is immortal but the dragons.

Any feedback is of course appreciated! They are kind of the center of the world of created so I'd like to work out any kinks if possible.

What about Disease?

They are uninflected by disease as well. I was thinking it could be a punishment inflicted on them or a sacrifice that an ancestor had to make for a greater good. I thought it would be enough for the race to be considered that way because the only way to die would be murder or suicide. Do you think it still might be too much?

I'm assuming that this unspoken rule is going to be important later?

It will be questioned later on as humans and dragons share very little differences besides the shape shifting aspect.

At one time I was also fascinated by the idea of shapeshifting dragons (from dragon to human, that is).

What kind of magic can these dragons use?

Dragons can use any type of magic as long as they have the mental/physical capacity or born ability. The only exception is Druid powers (shapeshifters that turn into animals. I'm still playing with the name.) I need to do a full map out of all magical powers in my universe as there is about a million.

Is this 'passing on' a decision that the dragon makes, or does it just happen to them for some reason? And where do they pass on to – is it just like death in that respect?

Interesting. Good luck with your story!

You said that they can only breed and have children in human form....have there been any rebel dragons who mated with humans, and if so, what was the child? I know it says their culture won't allow it, but there are always those who believe the times are changing......

It just occurs at some point later in life. In my mind it's just when they've fulfilled their purpose and they are "released." It is like death in a respect. Immortality is always viewed as a curse of sorts and I did want to look at it kind of that way. When a dragon is able to live their life to the point where they just "pass on" it's considered a great thing.


Thanks you!


That will be a big part of the story later, actually. Of course, it would be rare because it comes back to the fact that those relationships tend to be difficult when one person lives nearly forever. Half-dragons however would be no different then full dragons. They would be able to change like any other dragon. However, if the individual wasn't raised knowing they were a dragon, the wouldn't be able to switch to dragon form. Hope that isn't too ridiculous.

That is interesting. I don't often hear of fantasy writers talking about the blessing of mortality.

I think I just approached it that way because I had a lot of religious tone in the story. I feel like a lot of religions (Christianity included) look at it as a natural part of life. In my mind I compare it to not having a childhood. Just the next big adventure.

* nods * I like that perspective.

What would it be like for a dragon if he just went on living -- did not pass on, just continued? Would he consider it a failure?

They need to be taught how to shapeshift?