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Field Report #1
Creature Encountered: Eastern Mountain Diving Dragon
Creature Classification: Hazardous
Today, after some days spent travelling to the Wyrm Jaw Mountain Range - I have finally encountered an Eastern Mountain Diving Dragon during its nesting season in Early Spring.
The encounter occured as I was walking along the mountain pass from which these creatures infamously snatch up anything not nailed to the ground for use in building their nests, I had hired a Marquis rank adventurer, a swordswoman named Raelle to accompany me as a guard for this path is known to be treacherous - After walking together for some time I saw in the distance the silhouette of what appeared to be a male Eastern Diving Dragon, easily distinguishable from their large chest, colourful feathers and greater size of around 3.5 horses tall as opposed to the smaller females - which are about the height of 3 average horses and prodominately white, brown or black. I carefully walked closer, remaining cautious to avoid being spotted as while usually non-aggressive to humans these creatures are known to be territorial, especially during their nesting.
The individual I had stumbled across appeared to be practicing the complex mating display these creatures are famous for - usually involving displays of flight, hunting, combat and an elaborate dance to showcase their healthy, colourful plumage. The young male I had been observing still appeared to be too young to breed this season and will likely begin competing with older males next year; Whether he will successfully breed or not is entirely up to his performance in this display as females of this species value partners who can provide food for the growing hatchlings and who are strong enough to defend the nest from threats including other males of the species that may seek to destroy any potential eggs.
Being the dominant species in their habitat Eastern Mountain Diving Dragons are known to hunt smaller species of dragons, large birds, sheep and mountain goats to sustain themselves, however they frequently snatch away livestock and mounts as well as entire carriages full of goods from passing peddlers and adventurers which makes them quite a nuisanse for the people of Hercia, who struggle to trade over land due to these beasts interference with the fastest land route to my home city, Overwater, amongst other cities. Due to these circumstances Hercia has devoted no small fortune to developing anti-dragon architecture and transport methods, many in Hercia also attend several anti-dragon celebrations a year, one of which I am hoping to attend later this week.
Aftering watching the Eastern Diving Dragon I had encountered for some time, and observing no particularly outstanding changes in its behaviour of flying around and taking sudden dives - mock hunting it seems- Raelle and I continued on our treck through the mountainous region and with no major disturbances thankfully and with some stops to observe some of the smaller lifeforms the area had to offer we arrived in Hercia, where I am now, writing this report.
Below I've drawn some quick sketches of the Eastern Diving Dragon I observed, along with a reference for the appearance of a female of the species, although I have not seen one In person so I cannot assure the accuracy of the drawing-
With this I will end Report #1.
