NOTE:
There are /many/ different kinds of shapeshifting dragons in my world. 'Dragonshifter' is a generic term that can refer to multiple species; 'Shifter Dragon' is a specific species, and that species is what I'll be talking about here.

--OVERVIEW--

Shifter Dragons (SDs) are a species of small-to-medium-sized Western dragons that have the ability to transform into humans at will. They are thought to have evolved during times when humans would hunt and kill dragons on sight, and this ability became a survival technique, helping them to blend in among humans.

They exist in various different countries across my world and are one of the most widespread species of dragonshifter.

(TBC...)

--APPEARANCE--

SDs are typically between 7ft to 10ft in height (though this varies a lot), and can have basically any scale/eye colours imaginable. It's possible for them to also have simple markings, like swirls or diamond patterning along their back.

There are certain distinguishing traits that nearly all SDs have. These include:
- Long, flexible ears
- Rounded pupils
- A distinct pupil, iris and sclera
- Different-coloured scales on the topside and underside of their body

They usually have spikes along their back, or in some cases, a bristly mane similar to a horse's mane. In human form, their height varies (tall dragon doesn't always equal tall human), and their hair and eye colours usually correspond to their dragon form's palette. This means they are able to have quite unnatural hair/eye colours by human standards.

(TBC...)

--HABITAT--

In modern times, Shifter Dragons often choose to live in large settlements like towns and cities, as their human forms allow them to live comfortably in more closed-up areas. However, there are also Shifter Dragons who choose to live 'in the wild', meaning they roam the wilderness in dragon form, hunting for food, sometimes in packs and sometimes alone. They favour mountain ranges and open plains over heavily forested areas.

--DIET--

Omnivores, but are capable of living as herbivores or carnivores if they so desire. Most have a strong fondness for meat.

--COUNTRIES FOUND--

Certain regions of Vallis, Aether, and Sundusk, as well as the numerous small islands and countries that make up the oceans of <planet name TBA>.

(TBC...)

--BEHAVIOUR--

Shifter Dragons are known for being naturally hotheaded, aggressive, territorial, and greedy - characteristics they share with several other dragon species. They are protective, not only of their homes, but also of the people they care about. Most SDs will not hesitate to jump into a physical fight to defend someone they like. They rely on their strength and courage to solve most problems. This doesn't mean they're stupid - in fact, older individuals are often revered for their wisdom.

In the wild, Shifter Dragons tend to drive off other dragons who venture into their territory, though they may tolerate peaceful-minded humans living in close proximity to them.

Generally speaking, SDs that were born and raised outside civilised areas behave more like wild animals than people.

(TBC...)

--LIFESPAN--

140 - 160 years on average. However, Shifter Dragons are known for mingling with other species and sometimes having mixed blood gives them considerably longer lifespans. #RRAnastasia, for example, was around 250 when she was killed, and showed no real signs of aging.

--REPRODUCTION--

Both male and female Shifter Dragons need to be in dragon form to conceive offspring. They lay eggs, usually a week or two after mating. SDs can lay up to four eggs in one sitting, but the chances of eggs containing dead offspring increases with the clutch size, so having just 1 - 2 eggs is safer.

Newly-hatched babies are unable to speak, fly, or shapeshift. They develop fairly quickly, starting to fly at around 6 months old and learning to shift between the ages of 4 - 7 years. A mutation can cause SDs to be unable to shift; depending on the culture they live in, this can either make them an outcast or a thing to be protected.

(TBC...)

--ABILITIES--

SDs have innate magical power, like many non-human species; this innate magic is what makes their shifting possible. Some SDs also have the ability to use healing magic to heal other creatures; this is a somewhat rare power only found in individuals with exceptionally strong innate magic.

They fight using their teeth and claws. In human form, they might also learn to wield other weapons like blades or firearms. Some SDs prefer fighting in dragon form, some prefer human form, and some are comfortable with both. Shifter Dragons can breathe fire, but rarely do so in fights unless they are severely disadvantaged, as they consider it 'unsporting'.

Their scales are fireproof, so a flame won't directly burn them, but it will still feel extremely hot and can become painful over time. Their mouths are only partially fireproof; they aren't burned by the dragon's own fire breath, but a direct flame blast from another source could hurt them. Their eyes are not fireproof at all (though their eyelids are).

(Done)

Oooo yes these are good additions!

I like how they're not too big either, 7ft-10ft is a good size.

Too many large dragons would be difficult X'D

Re: late but that's super neat! Our currency tends to have important old dead guy's faces on them. Some of them I don't even know, but there's also some cool symbolism tied to some of the pictures! I'd have to look into it to really get down what they are but I know some of it has meaning.

Older coins are also fun to collect as the imagery sometimes changes, and they could be worth more than face value. ;)

Oh! A cool new modern currency you should check out are goldbacks!
They're like paper money but instead they're not made of cotton or plastic!
Instead they make it out of gold! So they have inherent value.
Technically they aren't an "official" piece of currency, though from what I've heard, some people are starting to use them as forms of payment. ;)
They also have some pretty neat artwork on them!
I kinda want some, they're shiny and pretty. Lol

Re: Big dragons make good boss material I think ;)
Which is kinda what Monger is, b o s s m u s I c

But yea, having the majority of your characters as over sized is hmmmmm X'D
Well I suppose it could work, but it becomes harder when you have sizes relative to our world.
(Not to mention we don't what to get into the science of it pffff)
Yes! My brother has some lol, he likes to invest in things like that.

Ooooo that is pretty old! I think maybe older then some of the coins I have.
I always like to look up the year to figure out the pricing behind them. X'D
There's this one year they made pennies out of steel because copper was used for the war! Apparently copper pennies within that year are worth a heckin lot to some people? Pffff antiques are funny.

Hmm do you ever find coins from other countries ending up in your change?
I know they accept Canadian pennies as change, sometimes?
Some of them have ended up in my wallet when I get change lol.