Forest-backed Dragons are POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS.
ART BY: BEWILDERBARK
Forest-backed Dragons, sometimes called Worldwalkers, are massive, earthy-brown reptilian creatures with stout limbs, bodies, and heads. Entire ecosystems and forests upon their backs, which is where they earn their name. These dragons do have wings, but as they grow larger, they lose their ability to fly. Even the younger dragons prefer to stay grounded, but may fly as they search for a place to live. These dragons inhabit the Farlands, and as such, are an incredibly rare occurrence for the clans to see.
After they have grown to a certain size, these dragons leave their birth grounds and begin great journeys to find ponds, lakes, and sometimes oceans, to call their home. They settle down in these waters, sprouting roots from their bellies and forelegs to stay in place, and fall into a deep, deep slumber. While they sleep, they grow, and ecosystems slowly begin to form upon their backs. The roots they form sap magic from the land, allowing these creatures to grow to incredible sizes. Eventually, when they wake from their century-long slumber, or the water of their chosen lake or pond dries, they begin to journey to a new, larger source of water, bringing the animals that call their back home with them. Once they begin on their journeys, they can not be stopped, though they try their best not to trample on anything.
Their primary ability is to reach into the minds of others with their own- sharing memories, emotions, and images with the creatures it takes interest in. Normally, they only do this when faced with a threat in their journeys, or when something does not get out of its way. Rumor has it they can speak with more intelligent species, but it has never been recorded.
ART BY: BEWILDERBARK
ART BY: BEWILDERBARK
The color of their large scales can vary from deep, dark browns like the color of rich soil, to pale, yellowy colors like that of desert sand. Every single one has some type of forested ecosystem carried upon their backs, which several small rodents, birds, and mammals call home.
Due to the large amounts of magic contained within them, it's said that they can perform miracles and other unbelievable feats. It's said that the leaves, scales, and roots of the Forest-Backed dragon have incredible medicinal properties.