- Intent: Create a species to further flesh out the planet Talay within the context of the Chaos SW universe.
- Image Credit: [ X ]
- Canon: N/A
- Links: Krayt Dragon | Shaol'mara
- Name: Talay Krayt Dragon (Lesser Krayt Dragon)
- Designation: Non-Sentient
- Origins: Talay
- Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Estimated Population: Rare
- Description: Talay Krayt Dragons, also known as Lesser Krayt Dragons, are part of the same family of reptiles as Canyon Krayt Dragons and Greater Krayt Dragons, but are a species within their own genus. Diminutive in comparison to the so-called "true krayt dragons," the Talay species is small, squat and heavy for their size. They do not produce pearls as the "true krayt dragons" do, instead they form a number of crystalline protrusions that run from the crown of the head to the tip of their tail.
- Breathes: Type I
- Average Height of Adults: 43cm to 50cm
- Average Length of Adults: 53cm (60cm with tail)
- Skin color: Green
- Hair color: N/A
- Distinctions: The Talay Krayt Dragon is distinguished by its lack of pearls and crystal-like protrusions. The crystal shards dot the crown of the Talay Krayt Dragon's head, tracing a line across the back and terminating at the tip of the tail. Talay Krayt Dragons also demonstrate sexual dimorphism, with males being slightly larger than females of the species.
- Races: N/A
- Force Sensitivity: Non-Sensitive
- Loyalty. A Talay Krayt Dragon would have no hesitation standing up to a Greater Krayt Dragon or the Sith Inquisition if it felt that its den, meal, or owner were being threatened. The communal bond that this animal forms run strong and run deep. When kept as a pet, and left at home, it will sit by the door or window waiting for its master to return.
- Small Dragon, Big Personality. When handled frequently after hatching, Talay Krayt Dragons demonstrate a high degree of domestication. They are commonly described as being curious, energetic, playful, and obnoxious.
- Crystal Shards. With powerful muscles, the crystal studs and shards in the tail can rip out a chuck of flesh with a single flick. These crystal protrusions will continually grow throughout the life of the Talay Krayt Dragon. Their natural instincts cause them to run their bodies against trees, rocks, or other hard objects in order to keep their shards maintained and sharp.
- Short Legs. Adapted for the boglands of Talay, the Lesser Krayt Dragon's webbed talons and powerful legs are meant for pushing through muck and marsh grasses. They can jump about 50 centimeters, but that is the extent of their reach.
- I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up. A Talay Krayt Dragon that has been rolled onto its back is unable to right itself without assistance.
- Snagged. The crystal protrusions on their body are apt to snag on loose wires, vines, or anything else that the Talay Krayt Dragon might get into.
- Constant Growth. The crystal formation on their bodies are continually growing, similar to finger nail development in humans. In the wild, Talay Krayt Dragons will rub against trees and rocks in order to keep their shards maintained, which causes them to be jagged with sharp edges. Kept as pets, Talay Krayt Dragons will require "shard posts" in order to avoid them performing these natural behaviors on the furniture (to mixed results in terms of success at safeguarding the upholstry).
- Diet: Omnivore
- Communication: Barks and Yips.
- Technology level: N/A.
- Religion/Beliefs: N/A.
- General behavior: Communal. In the wild, Talay Krayt Dragons build multi-family dens and demonstrate cooperative hunting strategies, to include food sharing behaviors among members of the same den. These communal bonds transfer to defensive behaviors. While a Talay Krayt Dragon will engage in avoidance behaviors generally, they will aggressively guard and defend their dens, young, or other den members. In captivity, Talay Krayt Dragons demonstrate bonding behaviors with handlers that transfer those defensive behaviors to the human family and their home. Non-sentient, their intelligence is sufficient for them to be housebroken and trained to walk on a leash or perform behaviors for food rewards.
The Talay Krayt Dragon is a reptile native to the aquatic planet Talay. Native to the equatorial boglands, the range of the Talay Krayt Dragon overlaps the areas of the planet occupied by the Mandragora Mistwalker Clan. Primarily preying upon insects, rodents and birds, the Mistwalkers have used the Talay Krayt Dragons as a form of pest control around their farms in addition to keeping them as pets in their home. The first recorded use of a Talay Krayt Dragon as a pet was in an autobiography of the seventeenth Shaol'ma'ka of Mistwalker Village, who had a Talay Krayt Dragon named Dutchess.
While Talay Krayt Dragons who are handled from birth demonstrate a high degree of domestication, wild Talay Krayt Dragons will give a threat response to humanoids. In both cases, surprising a Talay Krayt Dragon will typically trigger their most common defensive response, which is to strike at the perceived threat with their crystal-studded tails. While their tails are their most commonly used weapon, they do possess natural teeth and claws as well.
Primarily known for eating rodents and birds, Talay Krayt Dragons are omnivores who derive nutrition from plant matter as well as animals in the wild. Thus, a balanced diet for a pet Talay Krayt Dragon must include grains along with animal-based fats and proteins.
