Thundertail

Thundertails (also known as Jarmrhend) are a species of Dragon that inhabit north-west Laedom, living between the Eisijar Mountains and the dominion of Azalid.

Appearance
Thundertails average a height of twenty-five feet, with a length of seventy-eight feet. Their flight is made possible with a wingspan of over one-hundred-and-sixty feet.

Their head bears a single set of horns, with curve from the side of the head and towards the front, adapted for goring opponents rather than rutting. A Thundertail's back is less armoured than other northern species, but makes up for it with an array of ridged scales that act as bladed spines - preventing the attacks of other dragons from above and making a Wyvern's spinal bite impossible. Thundertail scales are black, but iridesce with a fiery orange. Strangely these scales show no variation between individuals, though eye colour does - with colouration varying between deeper reds and pale golds. Horns, talons and other natural weapons lean towards a dark grey.

They are most easily distinguished by the long spurs that trail from their wings, an extension of their normal supporting digits. In flight these spurs cause a deafening crack with each wingstroke, earning them their name.

Behaviour
Thundertails tend to nest close to the ground, in rocky crags that provide shelter from the heartland greatstorms and westward gales. This leaves their eggs particularly vulnerable, resulting in unusual behaviours in a mated pair.

A male Thundertail is notably passive, generally remaining near the nesting site of his mated female. While he will attack when provoked, or when a current clutch is in danger, he will typically remain unseen during daylight hours, only venturing out at night to hunt. This mellow behaviour vanishes during Tascéni, during the yearly rut. In the middle and towards the end of this season, a male thundertail will become easily agitated and highly aggressive, engaging in combat with other males almost daily to maintain his status.

Female Thundertails are aggressive year-round, and will attack with provocation.