Anaxyrus

Draconis aquaticus
Picture
Typical Adult Male Anaxyrus. 4.5ft | 121-137 cm at top of shoulders. Lifespan: 20-25 years.

​About:

Anaxyrus dragons begin life as tadpole-like creatures. During their first year of life they sprout front legs, with the rear legs and horns growing as they reach maturity at two years old. They are amphibious and surface on land once fully grown, so it is not uncommon to see them near their water source. Adult Anaxyrus can but do not need to breathe air, and are powerful, agile swimmers due to their frills and webbed feet. 

Anaxyrus live in large social groups referred to as ‘pods’ consisting of 10-20 adults. They are typically docile and do not pose a threat except during breeding season. This species reproduces on a three year cycle, producing large floating nests of eggs which closely resemble frog spawn.  When in breeding season, males go into a rut-like state, and become more aggressive as they compete for mates. When eggs are produced, the entire pod takes on the job of ensuring they hatch -- for this reason rivers and ponds containing large amounts of algae or vegetation are best avoided to limit encounters. Once the spawn hatch, they raise their young as a collective, with the pod raising not only their own offspring, but the offspring of the entire pod. 

​Males of this species grow two sets of horns and have a vibrant streak of red or coral running the length of their body. In addition, males tend to be larger than their female counterparts. Females only possess one set of shorter horns, the streak along their body a dull rose color, only becoming vibrant during breeding season. 
​Hunting Recommendations:
  • Blood, Oceanpearl, Toxicate, or Might of The Dragon may be useful potions!
  • Beware the mild neurotoxin in their skin and saliva that causes lethargy and general feelings of numbness that can last for days. It is unpleasant, but not fatal.
  • ​This dragon uses primarily physical attacks, using horns and teeth as weapons.
  • Be wary of a lone dragon of this species--they live in large pods!
  • Best fought on land, as they are must slower here than when in water. In water, they are incredibly agile and swift, and can easily outmaneuver even the best teams.
  • It is better to avoid a fight when young are present. Sneak around instead of facing them head on. 
  • Unlike most dragons, their skin is not armored. Piercing weapons, magic, or ranged attacks are all effective!
​Habitat & Diet:
Anaxyrus live in freshwater marshes, ponds, lakes and rivers throughout Kisarana and Amadora. They tend to avoid high mountain peaks due to extreme winter temperatures, preferring the more temperate valley floors. They are more commonly found closer to the coast, as the humidity is higher. 
Anaxyrus cannot be found in wooded or arid areas, as these water sources are much further apart or not large enough to support a pod. 

​Once mature they roam the land surrounding their water source for short periods to hunt for game, or occasionally to seek out a new pod to diversify their genes. However, they do not remain out of water for long, as their skin needs to stay moist.
​They spend the first two years of their life solely in water hidden amongst algae, underwater caves, reeds and other plants that provide them with cover.

Anaxyrus diet mostly consists of fish and aquatic mammals, but are known to also hunt other game on land near their water source. They are not particularly picky eaters, and have been observed eating large and small game alike. 
Dragon Artwork by: Virna-K