Frostbiter

Draconis cryoglaciem
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Typical Adult Frostbiter 10 ft | 305 cm at the top of shoulder. Lifespan: 20 years. Rarity: Very Rare.

​About:

Frostbiters are a massive, heavily armored, solitary species of dragon. Their armored scales are thick and heavy, pale shades of blue in color, sometimes with an iridescent sheen. . These dragons are well known for hoarding arcane shards underneath their scale plates, which seems to affect their ability to wield magic. These magical abilities coupled with their incredible intelligence makes them a tricky opponent to handle. 

Breeding season is the only time they can be found in the company of other Frostbiters. They choose their mates in the coldest weeks of winter when the ice is thickest and lay two to three pearly white eggs in a deep burrow. Then this burrow is collapsed and sealed off. This protects the eggs while also ensuring that only the strongest survive, as hatchlings must dig their way to the surface. They will spend a period of a year with their mother learning how to survive in the harsh arctic tundra, then they set out on their own. By the age of three they are fully mature and seek out their own mates, and the cycle starts anew. 

Their main methods of taking down prey include using magical attacks to lower the body temperatures of their prey, making them lethargic and unable to escape. Particularly smart Frostbiters have been known to use their magic to cloak themselves in the snowdrifts or pyres of ice, laying in wait for prey to pass by. Of course they also use physical attacks using teeth, horns, claws, as well as their tails which they use in a whip-like fashion. Even with their sheer size, they are adept at hiding themselves from view, and victims are often caught unaware. 
As a species, it is impossible to tell the males from the females at a glance. The females do tend to be smaller and more aggressive, though this is not always the case. The only true way to tell is during the breeding season when the females will spend the majority of their time underground digging the burrow, while the males roam for prey to feed their mates.
​Hunting Recommendations:
  • Icefinger is needed to withstand the bitter cold, even with well insulated clothes and blankets.
  • Winterbreeze and Regalus may be used in conjunction with Icefinger for additional cold-resistance. 
  • Goldenwing may be useful to perform distanced aerial attacks, as this species cannot fly.
  • This species is very fast and agile for their size, and intelligent enough to use the landscape to their advantage. You had better bring a game plan when hunting them!
  • Larger hunting parties recommended due to the inherent danger of this species. 
  • If possible, target the arcane shards each dragon carries tucked into their scale plates. Once removed, their power is greatly weakened. 
  • Without proper preparation, this species of dragon is best avoided. If caught unaware it is best to retreat.
​Habitat & Diet:
​Found on the ice continent Quendorin, and very rarely the northernmost part of Amadora in the Eplana region. Frostbiters are a nomadic species, and move from place to place. Their burrows aren't concentrated to specific areas or features, however there is a trend toward tougher country such as pyres of ice and rock. 

They spend much of their time hunting large prey, such as seals, Quendevores, and even other dragons to maintain their large caloric intake. 
Dragon Artwork by: Virna-K