Xenodragon (D-Strain)

As with normal xenodragons, D-strain xenodragon names can be of any length and end in "ss".

Archetypes often have shorter names than Dracotypes, but this is not a rule.

Like normal xenodragons, D-strain xenodragons come in two types. Unlike normal xenodragons, neither sub-type requires the sacrifice of a living host. Both types hatch from a fleshy egg that is secured to the floor and develops an x-shaped division at the top in the last few days before hatching. Rather than shatter as hard shells do, this end of the egg unfolds like a flower to release the snakelike hatchling that is the first stage of both types.

One variety is genetically and physically more like true xenomorphs than actual dragons, being smaller, bipedal, and wingless. They can be very clever and intelligent, but are beast-like, communicating in emotions and mind-imagery. Since they cannot be called "bursters", Schroeder calls them ARCHETYPE D-strain xenodragons. Outside of color, they are discernable from normal xenodragons by a lack of spikes and an overall smoother appearance.

The other type are the DRACOTYPE D-strain xenodragons, which are physically more like dragons, including a quadruped stance and wings, and genetically more like xenomorph/dragon hybrids than a unique species (though for simplicity's sake they count as such). Unlike their lesser kin, they are fully sentient and sapient, and can communicate with telepathic words. Like the Archetypes, they are not spiky as normal xenodragons generally are.

DRONE xenodragons are the workers. In general, they are the least violent, though they are certainly capable of extreme viciousness in defense of what they consider their hive. They prefer to tend to the physical needs of their hive and hive-mates.

WARRIOR xenodragons are the fighters. They have little care for "menial" tasks and are instead concerned with defending their hive and fighting off enemies.

QUEEN xenodragons are the ruling matriarchs. They are the largest, fastest, strongest, and most intelligent of the castes. Their general drive is to expand their hive and then defend it by management of their drones and command of their warriors. As the most important part of a hive, they avoid conflict if at all possible, but are insanely dangerous when cornered or when their eggs are threatened. They are easily distinguished from the other castes by their elaborate head-crests and four arms.

1' - 3' long.

Archetype: 5' - 10' at shoulder.

Dracotype: 13' - 17' at shoulder.

Xenodragons do not grow over time as true dragons do. Instead, at a certain age, the hatchling will build a cocoon around themselves from their own secretions, go through an incredible metamorphosis, and emerge in their wholly adult form afterwards. The cocoon is incredibly tough yet is still able to grow with the xenodragon as it rapidly attains its adult size. This molt occurs only once in the xenodragon's life.

Archetype xenodragons molt at about one month of age and the metamorphosis takes about six hours.

Dracotype xenodragons molt at about one year of age and the metamorphosis takes about a day.

A xenodragon's carapace is two colors. One color can be any hue in the visible spectrum, while the other depends on the xenodragon's caste. Drones have a color-and-grey carapace, while warriors and queens have a color-and-white carapace.

Though capable of extreme violence, D-strain xenodragons are not as impartially hostile as many of their regular kin can be. They can, do, and prefer to exist peacefully with other species. Though they do not actively war with regular xenodragons and can easily coexist with the other species, they will instinctively protect any other creature from attack--be it by a true xenodragon, a hydra, or even just a regular dragon having a bad day.

The only time a D-strain xenodragon will attack first is when they encounter a beast who is inherently evil, such as a Balespawn, even if their attack would be suicidal. D-strain xenodragons, as are most species originated on the Destiny, are distinctly good-aligned.

Archetype

• Telempathy: The ability to speak mind-to-mind in emotions.

Dracotype

• Telepathy: The ability to speak mind-to-mind.

Both

• Acid Immunity: Invulnerability to acids.
• Alkaline Blood: D-Strain xenodragon blood is incredibly alkaline, corrosive to many known organic and inorganic materials.
• D-Mindstream Communication: The ability to communicate with all other D-Strain xenodragons in existence.
• Resin Secretion: The ability to produce a hard, glossy resin that can be used as a building material, mostly for hives and cocoons.
• Wall-Climbing: The ability to climb and stick to any surface with ease.

Due to their alkaline blood, D-Strain xenodragons cannot receive invasive cyborware procedures. They can only receive Accessories.

Only Dracotype xenodragons are sentient enough to be given tokens and request cyborware. Archetypes do not receive tokens, but can still be decorated if their bonds acquire tokens somewhere else.

Some dracotype xenodragons chose to rise and fly in the manner of most true dragons. Others, and the archetype xenodragons, may fall back to their roots and be more impressed by a show of strength between any males that wish to compete for a female. No one is ever seriously injured in these competitions, however.

D-Strain xenodragons are not compatible with yautjadragons.

• The alkaline blood of D-Strain xenodragons is a sickly yellow-green color and corrosive to many organic and inorganic materials. It has exactly the opposite pH of true xenodragon blood (base versus acid).
• All D-strain xenodragons descend from the firstborn queen, Tsiasaniess.