Difference between revisions of "Dragon (cosmere)"

'''Dragons''' are a sapient species within the [[cosmere]]. Originally, they came from [[Yolen]], but can now be found on other worlds (typically in very small numbers).{{wob ref|4410}}{{wob ref|14441}}{{book ref|tsm|10}} They are one of Yolen's three sentient species, alongside humans and [[Sho Del]].{{wob ref|9676}} Like the Sho Del, Dragons are a form of [[fain]]life.{{wob ref|15686}}{{wob ref|16020}}

Most dragons in the cosmere are [[fain]] creatures, and as such they are hexapedal, with four legs and two wings.{{wob ref|16020}} They are inherently ageless, and therefore they stop aging after a certain point, but they are not unkillable.{{wob ref|5730}}{{wob ref|15310}}{{wob ref|16543}} In their true forms, they are not necessarily large; some are smaller than [[sandling]]s, while others can be as large as [[chasmfiend]]s.{{wob ref|2655}}{{book ref|sa4|80}} Their skin is covered with pearlescent scales, as well as silvery streaks of [[Dragonsteel (metal)|dragonsteel]] that run along the body, mostly the limbs, up towards their horns, which are made entirely of dragonsteel.{{book ref|Tress|51}} Even in this nonhuman form, they are still able to speak with a human-sounding voice.{{book ref|sa4|80}}{{book ref|tress|51}} Despite being reptilian, they are able to grow hair across the head, and under the neck and chin as a beard.{{book ref|tress|51}} At least some of them are carnivorous.{{book ref|yumi|28}}

Dragons have the inherent ability to shapeshift.{{book ref|tress|51}}{{wob ref|14996}}{{book ref|tsm|8}} The scope of their shapeshifting powers may vary by individual,{{wob ref|12076}} but shapeshifting is a core aspect of their life cycle. Dragons are born in humanoid form, then transition into their draconic form upon hitting puberty, and eventually gain the ability to switch between those two forms at will.{{wob ref|16187}} It is also likely that assuming a humanoid form is required for them to bear children.{{ref|group=fn|text=Brandon has stated that dragons "give birth in humanoid form."{{wob ref|16187}} Given the context, this most likely means that the dragon is born as a humanoid. It is unknown if a dragon needs to be in humanoid form to bear children.}} When in their humanoid form, dragons do not display any identifiable nonhuman characteristics.{{wob ref|7171}}{{book ref|tsm|8}} Their shapeshifting method is different to that of the [[kandra]], even if the result is similar.{{wob ref|148}}