
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.
Black dragons are warriors. They are strong and capable in battles of force, but also ample magic users, capable of devastating opponents with their spells. Their bright eyes give them excellent night vision, which is why they generally hunt during the night.
The 'Black Beast' has earned his namesake quite well. Chosen by the mysterious Mistress to be her mate at a young age, he was also trained to be ruthless and unyielding. Wherever in the darkness 'she' perches, he perches high above her, guarding her and everyone in the cave from any one who may have slithered past the red gatekeeper. Any such loathsome creature who does not belong is instantly vanquished in a barrage of dark magic.