Dragons are creatures with nearly unlimited life spans. They can survive for long periods of time, and no one has found a dragon that has died of old age. Adolescence is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. Once they hit adolescence, hatchlings change quickly, maturing to their full forms in only 2 years.

Dragons don’t communicate with each other verbally, but they will growl to scare off predators and frighten prey. Young dragons will emit an extremely high-pitched squeal when they are frightened. To communicate, they use telepathy with each other and to speak to other creatures.

White dragons are pacifists and specialize in extremely strong healing magic. The only limit of this magic is that it can’t bring back the dead. They only eat plants and never kill living things.

Ayla is named for a mythical medicine woman, noted for her mothering abilities. Ayla is the image of her namesake, being extremely prolific and nurturing. She will heal any creature in need, and will mate happily with most males. In fact, she is very, very popular with the male dragons of White Cave. Fortunately, her demeanor is very humble and kind, so there is little dissension among the other females for this.