Bonesnapper

Draconis acutus
Picture
Typical Adult Male Bonesnapper 7ft | 213 cm at the top of shoulder. Lifespan: 50-70 years.

​About:

Our next species of dragon is definitely one that you should keep an eye out for. Not only are Bonesnappers striking, but they are also dangerous to encounter. ​ It is advised to avoid known Bonesnapper territory, as danger to horses and riders is great -- they are an extremely hostile species, and will attack without warning or provocation. During the annual dragon hunt, it is generally recommended that only highly trained and experienced teams take on this species of dragon. 

Bonesnapper dragons hatch from large, mottled eggs that are nested in clutches of 3-5. They hatch without their distinctive bony exoskeleton, only having their tough leathery skin for protection from den raids by adult Bonesnappers, other hatchlings, or even their own parents during long cold winters. Hatchling mortality rate in Bonesnappers is quite high, and as such their populations are rather low, making them a rarer dragon to encounter. During their first year of life they begin to develop their exoskeleton and spines on their face and backs, which continue to grow until they mature at 2 years old. 

They are typically a solitary species, though sometimes are seen in groups of up to three. They seem to take great pride in adorning their dens with bones from prey or other dragons, which is unsurprising based on their appearance.  This species breeds every other year, allowing for time to rear their young. The hatchlings will remain with their mother until fully mature, at which time she will seek another mate.
​ Bonesnapper males have large spines at the end of their tails, often used to compete for mates, while females have sleek tails with no additional spikes. 
​Hunting Recommendations:
  • Toxicate, Goldenwing, and Heat potions are recommended!
  • ​Due to this species great speed and agility, it is better to face them in large open areas opposed to their dens. Evasive maneuvers will be easier in open space.
  • While they excel in fire-based magic, they only use their flame in short bursts as opposed to prolonged streams to distract an opponent, allowing them to get in close for a fatal attack.
  • Beware that once this dragon has teeth on a victim, they have the ability to lock their jaw, making it impossible to break free without first killing the dragon.
  • As a solitary species, having large hunting parties will often give you an advantage. Bonesnappers generally focus on one opponent at a time, giving the others time to act. 
  • Ranged attacks such as bows or magic are advised.
  • This species does not have wings and cannot fly by other means.
  • ​Bonesnappers have no soft spots on their armored skin, but do have two weak points behind the elbow and under the chin -- should a rider dare to get close enough!
​Habitat & Diet:
Although Bonesnapper remains have been found throughout Malgosfrom and Kothandyl, very few living individuals are seen here. They have mainly been seen throughout Amadora, Estrana, Northern Kisarana, and Isles of Invermay -- in areas with a lot of caves, rock formations and other forms of cover.  It it thought that their origin was from Malgosfrom, and they were forced to relocate when the dark magic poisoned the land.

​This species of dragon prefers hot and dry weather, and during the colder winter months goes into a form of hibernation. Due to this, they tend to binge on large prey for sufficient caloric intake in the fall, their diet often including wild oxen, deer, other ungulates, horses, and even other dragons. It is also not uncommon to see them feasting on beached marine life should their den be near a beach.
Dragon Artwork by: Virna-K