As we delve ever deeper into the lore and history behind the Snap Dragons, we are discovering secrets long thought to have been lost with time. The Dragon Keepers record every new piece of information that is found, and in doing so, we can piece together the lifecycle of these mysterious creatures. Starting out as fragile eggs, these creatures hatch and grow into magnificent beasts, provided that nothing goes wrong during the process.
Hatchery
If you were to stumble upon a Snap Dragon nest, you would be surprised by the size of the eggs compared to the creature they come from. Much like snakes, the eggs are soft when they are laid and harden over time once exposed to the elements. During the laying stage, the membrane is similar to paper and can tear quite easily, so it is important for Snap Dragons to lay their eggs somewhere safe and protected while the shells firm up. Nests are often constructed from dried grasses and twigs and placed off the ground. They are just high enough not to be a target for Bush Snarks, but not so high as to attract other predators. The grass is woven quite skilfully to make a net-like structure, ready to catch the eggs as they drop.
The colours and hues of the eggs vary. At this time, it does not seem that the colour of the parent Snap matters as much as the location, which ultimately determines the Snaplings’ colouration. However, there is evidence that at times of great struggle and desperation, Snap Dragons lay very special eggs with a white and silver shell. These are confirmed to hatch into Sentinels, who then go on to guard the colonies and nests.
Snap Dragons can breed throughout the year, though only one or two eggs are laid at a time by each birthing Snap. This is mostly due to the size of the eggs, but also because of the limited number of Sentinels available to each colony. Fewer nests are much more efficient to protect. The mature age for a Snap is still unknown, but it is speculated to be between two to three human years, based on size variations and observed patterns of egg-laying. We cannot be certain what this translates to in Snap years.
Snaplings
Once an egg has hatched, the shell debris is removed and buried in the groves surrounding the colony, so that any nutrients can be returned to the earth. Snaplings are blind for the first few weeks after hatching, but their eyes usually open by the time they reach a month old. They rely on feeding and cleaning from adult Snaps, and this role is shared throughout the colony, not just by the birthing Snap. They eat anything from bugs to flowers, and even the occasional fish or crustacean if the nest is near the coast.
As mentioned above, the location of the nest can have a bizarre effect on the Snaplings that reside there. For example, nests found near churches or stone buildings tend to produce stone Snaplings, as if they were made of stone themselves. Densely populated areas result in brightly coloured young, helping them to be seen in the darkest of streets. Meanwhile, bronze Snaplings are found in ruined buildings, their hardened skin protecting them from loose or falling stones.
Snap Dragons
Some Snaps remain in their colonies and maintain their youthful colouration as they mature. Examples include the French Stone Snaps, or the bronze dragons who become the more defined Aereus Venta Snap. Brightly coloured Snaplings keep their vibrancy, though their colours may shift into different shades of the original, such as red becoming pink, or blue fading into icy tones.
However, Snaps can undergo a transformation of their own. Not all Snaps stay in their colonies. Some choose to explore the Norfolk countryside. Out in the wilderness, Snaps can imprint on any number of things they encounter, including objects, weather, or the environment. Dragon Keepers aren't sure how this process occurs, but it is fascinating in itself. Snap Dragons not only take on the physical appearance of what they imprint on, but some can channel power to wield their element. Sea Dragons have been known to turn tides, and Strike Furies are said to harness storms.
Not all Snaps that wander are affected in this way, which makes certain imprinted dragons rarer to find than others. Some may return to their original colony, while others form new groups. The lifecycle of the Snap continues.
Bush Snark
It is curious to see such vile creatures that devour the young linked with the lifecycle of the Snap Dragon, but it is suggested by Dragon Keepers that Bush Snarks were once Snaps. Somewhere down the line, during their aging, something went awry. Unlike Snaplings, Snarks are fully carnivorous, favouring the flavour of eggs or newly hatched Snaplings. They are the main reason why laying rates have drastically dropped in recent years, with too many young being eaten and not surviving to reach mature Snap age.
Speculation into how Snarks evolve is a topic of debate among Dragon Keepers. As they nest similarly to Snaps, it is believed their features change as they reach maturity. They do not grow to the full height of a Snap, instead remaining closer in size to Snaplings. Their wings drop and curl inward to form paws, while their tails become necrotic and fall away. Their snouts then shorten, forcing their eyes from their sockets and causing the skin to stretch and redden. Their mouths stretch to accommodate the elongating fangs, followed by coarse hairs sprouting from their skin. The transformation is both fascinating and horrifying.
What causes this? As stated, it is still up for debate. One conclusion is that it stems from an act of depravity by the Snaplings. As mentioned earlier, Snaplings are omnivores and not averse to eating meat. When colonies fall, creatures must do what they can to survive, even if that means resorting to cannibalism. Another theory suggests it may be caused by a lack of nurturing during their youth, with their resentment manifesting physically. There is also a belief that Bush Snarks kidnap the young and curse them by means of a bite or blood pact, poisoning their minds and bodies.
These findings will continue to be monitored until the cause can be confirmed. Hopefully, one day we can prevent this transformation from occurring, perhaps even find a cure for those afflicted. Until then, we must watch these wonderful creatures from afar and admire their will to live and thrive, both Snap and Snark.
Theories and sketches produced by Rank 2 Dragon hunter, Mist of the Thornbound Flight.
"The Rarest Rule"