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Dragons abide in many parts of the world and come
in many shapes and sizes and with many characteristics. They
are generally a form of flying reptile, although oriental
dragons are wingless, some without legs, some with two or four
legs. Some have more than one head and some have horns. Most
dragons are able to breathe fire and have been known to cremate
whole communities when angry. Often sorcerers and wizards used
them to guard their treasure as their frightening appearance was
usually quite enough to discourage would-be thieves from
venturing into a dragon’s lair. Since they only mate a few
times a century and eat only occasionally, quite satisfied with
the odd cow or sheep (or human), they usually stayed in their
den or were flying around it to watch for potential intruders.
If a thief was courageous enough to attempt to rob the guard, he
would be dispatched quickly and unmercifully.
Around the third century
A.D., it became quite popular for knights to enhance their
reputations and their purses by slaying dragons. Improved
weapons and armor soon gave the knights an edge and the poor
creatures became an endangered species. They are very rare now,
their lairs have been converted for the use of fairies and elves
and other woodland creatures. But there are few hoards to guard
anymore either so many would have ended up unemployed.
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