Ruby Dragon

Ruby dragons (Rostralis echinatus) are a species of dragon native to the continent of Vallhyn.

Habitat
Ruby dragons are commonly found in the deserts in the western portions of Vallhyn.

Biology
Ruby dragons are characterized by their warm complexion, stocky build, and prickly exterior. With much of their body having horns and spikes, this dragon is largely a quadruped. Its appendages end in claws, remaining short and stumpy. The horns on its head are  a sign of the dragon's combative nature, being the most aggressive of the dragons. Males have additional spikes all over their bodies. While capable of flying, this dragon is better known for its digging abilities and are often found in abandoned mines.

In size, they are the largest of all the dragon species and second to only the amber dragons in length, reaching a length of 14 m (46 ft) for females and 15 m (49 ft) for males from head to tail. Males generally weigh around 13,000 kg (28,660 lb) and females around 16,400 kg (36,155 lb).

Firebreathing
Ruby Dragons are capable of "breathing fire," though this is something of a misnomer. In reality, the Ruby Dragons have glands or pouches in their cheeks, filled with diethyl ether. This gas is highly flammable and is hard to handle without it undergoing spontaneous combustion. Ruby Dragon flames are also terribly destructive, as the flames made by diethyl ether are not water-soluable, and therefore are hard to extinguish. This gas is made by microbes living in these glands, which produce the ether as a waste product. Note: Most call diethyl ether the “sweet oil of vitriol.”

Ruby dragons are incredibly mischievous, often destroying things simply for the fun of it. Out of all the dragons, most attacks are from this species.

Scientific Classification:

 * Kingdom: Animalia
 * Phylum: Chordata
 * Class: Anthracosauria
 * Order: Rhynchocephalia
 * Family: Draconem
 * Genus: Rostralis
 * Species: R. echinatus

In Culture
According to lore, these dragons were created by the goddess of the forge and creation, Brasaor, no other reason to prove she could. Once created, they were left to their own devices and because of that they quickly fell to mischief.

Ruby dragons most frequently have an affinity for fire much as their patron deity does. Brasa is the goddess of the forge and creation but her own creations do not normally follow her interests. In general they prefer to let others do the creating so that they can later come along and steal someone else’s hard work. Beyond an interest in stealing what doesn’t belong to them, ruby dragons occasionally like destroying things but only when it is funny.