It is no mystery where Howler Drakes got their names. Though not very bright, these emotive creatures employ an impressive vocabulary of loud chortles, shrieks, and songs to communicate with one another, and almost never stop chattering. Howler Drakes inhabit dense jungles, foraging in the fertile soil for mushrooms, tubers, and insects. When threatened, a Howler will flare its wings to display its bright red eye spots, while letting out an ear-splitting scream.

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.

When Automeris was out foraging for food one evening, he chanced across a little human girl who was lost in the jungle. While his instincts were telling him to continue on without paying the girl any notice, something made him stop and keep watch over her from the shadows. He didn't reveal himself to the girl until he noticed that she was about to consume a mushroom Automeris knew to be toxic. The instant he saw this, he emerged from his hiding spot and plucked the mushroom from the girl with a gentle firmness. He then escorted the girl to a patch of edible berries where he allowed her to eat her fill. When night fell, Automeris ended up staying with the little girl all night, watching over her as she slept. At dawn, Automeris overheard a group of humans nearby. Realizing they were looking for the girl, he led the searchers to her. Upon hearing the story of how he had protected her, the girl's parents welcomed Automeris into their village, where he was trained to hunt for truffles.