What they lack in size and strength, Tatterdrakes make up for in aggression and ferocity. Any perceived threat is seen as a challenge and met with complete hostility; fights for territory are so commonplace that many older Tatterdrakes possess wings so ripped from fighting that they can no longer fly. Tatterdrakes are exclusively solitary except when they are seeking mates, for which they also clash.

Though it may appear at first that dragons and drakes have much in common, the two are completely separate species. Drakes are smaller and less intelligent than their cousin species, though both dragons and drakes sit comfortably near the top of the food chain. They are always found bearing antlers and leathery wings. Drakes share many of the same habitats that dragons do, and typically hunt in packs.

"I hate tatterdrakes," The sorcerer said.

The naturalist, who at the time was studying Saitip from a safe distance, replied, "Every creature has its place."

"No good ever comes out of tatterdrakes, though."

...Thus began a bet between the two humans which changed Saitip's life. The naturalist cursed Saitip to sneeze violently every time he attacked a sheep. He quickly (at least, quickly for a tatterdrake) learned not to attack sheep, and ever since has been a remarkable guardian, willing to defend the flock from anything, including cougars, wolves, dragons, and shepherds. The naturalist had to come back an apply a second sneeze-curse to Saitip to stop him attacking the flock owner, but he still attacks other people, thus protecting the flock from brigands as well. He probably couldn't kill much of what he attacks, but he is dangerous enough that most predators choose to go after other flocks of sheep that do not have a short-tempered tatterdrake keeping them safe.