HM Hendrik looks at House Champions and smiles.

"Well let's begin, shall we? I'm sure you will all realize what the first task will be covering with this first question.

Please explain the major differences between Eastern and Western dragons."

OOC: Now several of you have PM'ed me asking about times for this task. There is no set time to compete so time zones don't matter. Questions are not directed to any specific House. If the question has not been answered, and you think you know the answer, then answer it. Once an answer, ANY answer has been posted, the question becomes null and void. Please do not try and add information to already answered questions. As you can see from the first question, the answers for the questions during this task might not always come from the HP universe and this is what I ment by using the internet to assist you in answering the questions. This is also why points will not be given out for individual questions. The points will be assigned once the task is complete (don't ask when, you will know when it's over).

The Eastern Dragon's snout is flat, the female are larger than the male (though not sure it is the only one), bones are red and has a golden line of flakes


edot: not sure if I am allowed to edit...

Oh, it also has a snake-like body, and protuberttant eyes, and their fire has the shapeof a ball(there's only one specie), the Eastern dragon has.

The major differences between Eastern and Western dragons.

There are many differences between Western and Eastern Dragons but the major differences between them are their physical and symbological form and their dwellings.

Physical Form:

Western Dragons is a large scaly cretures. They take the body shape of winged lizards. They have large, strong leathery wings, used to acheive flight. Often it will breathe fire.

Eastern Dragons have a more serpent-like appearence. Many of them resemble water snakes. They rarely breathe fire. Instead, their chief flaw is their vanity and if insulted could cause dreadful natural disasters (often flood). Eastern Dragons fly to and from heaven in clouds but do not usually have wings. Some sources say that they gain wings after living for a thousand years.


Symbological Form:

Western Dragons are perceived as mean, cruel, and vicious nasty creatures. They tend to be viewed as witless creatures whose pure intention is to destroy. They are simply beasts who do not command any means to communicate with humans. Most of the traditional western dragons are put in stories firstly to symbolize the evil of the world -- greed, gluttony, destruction, etc., and secondly to be conquered by heroes. They are hated by many people who believe in them.

Eastern Dragons are preceived as wise, friendly, and beautiful creatures. By people who believe they exist, they bring power and good fortune. Eastern Dragons tended to be wise and benevolent - as long as they were given the respect they deserved. They usually have human forms and speak human languages, are sometimes humans to start with, and are almost always associated with some natural elements that are important to an agricultural society -- most frequently, water and weather.


Dwelling

Western Dragons tend to live in caves in mountains or hidden away in the forests. They often guard a stash of gold.

Eatern Dragons are more likely to be found in the sea. Small and young dragons can be found in lakes or streams flowing deep inside the forests or mountains.

"I must say fairladyHermione, that your answer was quite informative however, Nadia answered first so her answer is the one that counts. Nest question:

In general, how many different colors can dragons be. Briefly describe major characteristics associated with these general color classifications. For example:

Blue Dragons
Blue is a sullen, cold color that often is associated with the water or ice. Most blue dragons are calm and peaceful, unless they are sea serpents. Sea serpents are said to be mean and overbearing to any and all ships, so they are normally bad tempered and spiteful. However, blue also makes people think of ice.

Ice blue dragons usually live in cold places and hibernate the whole time. They especially like hording things and are often overprotective of their items. Ice dragons are seldom told of, however, as most dragons live in warm places."

There are several different colors of dragons, each with its own unique personality.

Iridescent or pearly scales is the look of the Antipodean Opaleye who resides in New Zealand. It is of medium size, between two and three tonnes, and is not aggressive. It will rarely kill unless hungary.

Scarlet with a fringe of golden spikes around its face is the look of the Chinese Fireball who resides in Asia. The female is larger than the male, and ranges between two to four tonnes. The Fireball is agressive, but more tolerant of its own species than most other dragons. It will also possibly share its territory with up to two others.

The common Welsh Green dragon has an appearance of it's name. This green enables it to blend in with the grass of it's homeland in Wales. This breed is the least troublesome dragon, avoiding human contact unless provoked.

Dark, rough scales, ridges along back, and a spiked tail is what the Hebridean Black looks like. It is more agressive than the Welsh Green, and requires a larger amount of territory.

Black scales and a lizard appearance is how the Hungarian Horntail looks. It is supposidly the most dangerous breed, eating humans if the oppertunity arrises.

Black scales, bronze horns, with black ridges on its back is how the Norwegian Ridgeback looks. It resembles the Harntail, except for for ridges on its back. It is extremely agressive towards its own kind, and have become a rarer breed. It has also been known to attack large mammals as well as sea creatures, a rarity in the dragon world.

Smooth scaled, copper-colored with black ridge markings is the look of the Peruvian Vipertooth. This being the smallest dragon, but has the largest hungar for humans. It's colors allows it to blend in with the trees, allowing it to sneek up on it's prey.

Dark green scales, and a long glittering golden horn are the characteristics of the Romanian Longhorn. It prefers to roast it's prey before indulging. There are not many of this species left.

Silvery-blue is the color of the Swedish Short-Snout. It does not have many human killings on record, but since it likes to live in the wild, uninhabitted mountains, this cannot be confirmed.

Metallic grey scales, deep red eyes, and long talons are the look of the Ukrainian Ironbelly. It is the largest breed of dragon, and extremely dangerous. It is known to crush dwellings on which it lands.


In conclusion, dragons range from blue, green, red/scarlet, copper, pearl, grey, to black. Each color has a definate personality that goes along with it. The lighter colors seem more calm and docile, while the darker colors are much more aggressive. It you lined up the colors from the lightest to the darkest, you would be able to see a trend in personality or mood as well. Their colors also blend in to their surroundings. The Welsh Green and the Peruvian Vipertooth are very good examples of that.

Without considering the hibrids which might have other colors in between, of the 10 main especies, the colors are the following:

1. scarlet and golden
Known to be noble colors, used in knights' clothes. Also the color of the phoenix and many times represent passion and fire.

2. black
Intimidating (many people consider them disgusting) and scaring. Sometimes agresive.

3. green
Live in montains and in forestation.

3. blue
Associated with water and ice

4. gray
Very big. May land on towns.

5. dark green
Today they live in forestation given by wizards, their thorns are used in potions

6. Multiciolor
Considered beautiful, their eggs are grey. It rarely kills

7. bronce and black
Smallerst. Likes human flesh the most, in danger of extinshion

Here are the 11 mail colors I found for Dragons...

Black Dragon

Black dragons are thought to be the most evil. They have deceptive ways and are often out only to meet their own needs. They are known as the Plight of the Land, usually, and are loathed by the people they live near. When you think about it, black dragons are like undead dragons, they are considered evil because of the color.

Black is known as a color of evil because it represents night, and in the night you can not see. So, it is clear why black dragons get such a bad reputation. I have not read a story about a good black dragon just yet, but there are some in Pern...rare, though.

For the Dragons of the East, black is a chaotic color. Black Eastern Dragons are said to cause lightning storms when they fight. They are also said to be symbols of the North.


Blue Dragons

Blue dragons live in deserts. They like the desert terrain as they can easily see across their territory. They are very territorial. Brass dragons are the enemy of blue dragons, as they compete for the same type of territories. These dragons prefer to eat herd animals. Their blue scales are polished by the sand, so stay glossy all their life. Their breath weapon is a bolt of lightning. They are about 50 to 100 feet long.

Red Dragons

Due to the color's red symbolic achievements, these dragons can vary. On one hand, the dragon can be passionate and drive for what he or she does. For instance, they may enjoy terrorizing small towns. On the other, they can be a fire-breathing menace that spew blood and hate around the world. Often, these dragons are known to have a bad temperament.

Many dragons in mythology are red, and many of them that are in poems are red, too. Why? Red has several conflicting symbolisms: blood, fire, love, and passion. It is easier to put a face on a creature with one or more of these aspects, yes? Poetic compositions especially exaggerate red.

For Eastern Dragons, Red is the color of chaotic storms. The Red dragons are a symbol of the West, and they cause storms when they fight in the night.

Purple Dragons

Purple has been a sign of royalty for a long time. Probably because the pigment is so hard to achieve. Purple dragons are seldom heard of in stories, but they are classified as the bossy kinds of dragons that place themselves high. Otherwise, they are the goofy ones that try to please others.

White Dragons

White dragons are among the wisest dragons there are. Perhaps because they are associated with the light and righteousness. Though white dragons are considered wise, most stories tell them as evil as well, because they never tell the whole truth.

White dragons are also found in Chinese folklore and such. I remember being told a story about Yin and Yang, and the stories used two dragons to represent it. Yin was black, and Yang was white. The dragons were equals, and they both were needed too keep a peaceful balance in China.

White, for the East, is also a symbol of mourning. White Eastern dragons are said to be an omen of death. Which, mind you, the Chinese did not deem evil. They were symbols of the South.


Green Dragons

Green is an earthly color. Thus, the green dragon is often associated with the world, vegetations, and nature. Some people believe that some green dragons spew acid instead of fire or ice. Also, most green dragons can command forces of nature.

Forces of nature include things like growth, earthquakes, and fluxes in the landscape. Lore is another thing that people have attributed to green dragons; they attract people with earthly tidings and such wondrous things. However, green dragons are often thought of as creatures that gobble up humans.

Gold Dragons

Gold dragons are revered as kings and queens of dragons in most stories. Others hold them as greedy hoarders that will settle for nothing less than gold and gems. When they are kings and queens, they are often good ones, and are fair and proportionate to all dragons.

Gold dragons are often mood less when in public and pleasant as friends. In Pern, they are actually the opposite. They are bossy, dominant, and self-indulgent. They can even be rude to their Weyrmates, too.

Yellow dragons are similar. For the Eastern Dragons, Yellow dragons were the most revered and well-thought of. However, they were secluded and were only seen at "the perfect time".


Silver Dragons

Silver dragons are thought to be very reflective and thoughtful. However, silver dragons are after extremely hoarding and are too occupied with taking and guarding their materials than to share their insight with other dragons. Silver dragons like shiny object of any kind, but especially mirrors.

Another factor of silver dragons is that they seldom leave their cave. They almost always hibernate and hide. Many think that silver dragons are also associated with the internet, which would be quite a sight, watching a grump dragon pounding on a key board!

Brass Dragons

About 30 ft. long, bositerous, loud, and have a tendency for selfishness. Tend to live in dry, arid, and sandy regions Will talk for hours on end, just to hear themselves talk. They have two breath weapons - sleep gas and fear gas. They speak a large number of languages (the better to hear themselves talk).

Bronze Dragons

Bronze dragons, though seldom heard of, hold high ranks among other dragons. Probably the best-known role is in Anne McCaffrey's the Dragon Riders of Pern series in which they are the highest ranking male dragons. Contrary to the Pern series, though, bronze dragons enjoy hoarding as well, though they aren't as much as silver dragons.

Another thing to know about bronze dragons is that they seldom are written of. Why? It is harder to make a character with so little stereotype in the color. Pern also has shaped the dragon in many ways, but, after so much shaping, it only really fits in Pernese stories.

Copper Dragons

Thirty-six feet in length, these dragons live in rocky, mountainous regions. Also basically good, they are extremely fond of wealth, and have a "what's in it for me" attitude. The two breath weapons are acid and a slow gas.

That point goes to all4oliverwood!

List the magical properties of different parts of dragons... For example:

Dragons heart was eaten to understand the beasts of the wing.

Dragons tongue would allow the consumer to outwit any man in an argument.

Dragons blood was thought to guard against injury from the blade.

Dragons teeth, when buried, gave rise to the Sparti, an almost unstoppable violent fighting force.

hide -boots, gloves, shield (most popular: Swedish Short-Snout skin)

blood -there are 12 uses for it, discovered by Albus Dumbledore

liver -potions and some sports (17 sickles an ounce in Diagon Alley)

heart (heartstring) -wands

horn (powdered) -potions, wands... (Romanian Longhorn horns are Class B Tradeable material)

eggs -potion ingredients (Class A Non-Tradeable Good. Chinese Fireball eggshells are highly prized as potion ingredients.)

dung -fertilizer (in Herbology, for sale by the barrel in Knockturn Alley)

hide - gloves, boots, shieds (Swedish Short-Snout skin is particular sought-after)

Blood - there are twelve uses, as discovered by Albus Dumbledore

liver - potions (17 sickles an ounce at Diagon Alley)

heart - heartstring used in wands

horn - powdered. Romanian Longhorn horns are Class B Tradeable material. Wands, potions, weapons...

eggs -potion ingredients (Class A Non-Tradeable Good. Chinese Fireball eggshells are highly prized as potion ingredients.)

dung -fertilizer (in Herbology, for sale by the barrel in Knockturn Alley)

"Very good Champions, now who can tell me exactally how dragons breath fire and is fire the only substance dragons spew from their mouths? If not, what are some of the other...compounds?"

It is speculated that a Dragon named Ki'Por went to discover the truth about the Sun and about the warmth that it had. When Ki'Por finally had asked the Sun about sharing the heat with the humans, the Sun was enraged and refused, saying that it didn't want to share such a gift with people and creatures so weak.

Ki'Por wanted to share this gift anyhow, so he decided to steal a few glowing torches on his return trip home. The Sun, however, found out that there were torches missing and questioned him. Ki'Por said that nothing was wrong and that he knew nothing of the sort because he had swallowed the torches! The Sun believed him at first and let it be.

However, because Ki'Por had swallowed the torches, he started belching fire once he returned home and once the Sun found out, the Sun cursed dragons to belch fire forevermore afterwards.
...

Not all dragons spew fire. There are the fire breathing dragons and then there are the steamers who blow jets of super hot steam out of their nostrils.

Dragons have developed this skill over many, many thousands of centuries of evolution, and that there is a very easy explanation to this act.

Some Draconologists believe that Dragons were infact just large prehistoric lizards, which were extremely large and used their tounges to 'smell'(similar to snakes) And that ancient man had seen these and drew pictures. Then the men of later times had seen these pictures and misinterpreted them, as large fire breathing monsters. This would also come to the conclusion that there were never any Dragons as we know them. This I would strongly disagree with. I think, however, that there are Dragons and they did breathe fire.


Dragons breathe air, like all of the creatures of the land, and much like other mammals their body would take what it needs to survive and then expel the gases that were not needed. But because Dragons spend a lot of there time very high in the atmosphere, where oxygen is very sparse, their bodies adapted to using the most abundant gas in Earths atmosphere, Nitrogen. This would cause the Dragons to expel large amounts of pure oxygen, for it is not needed. When Dragons drink(water is the most common drink for a dragon) they only use the one hydrogen for body nutrients. This chemical reaction caused by the taking of one hydrogen also separates the oxygen and one hydrogen into separate gases, mix in the Dragons stomach, which the dragon can 'burp' up. This plus the left over gases from respiration make a very large amount of flamable material.


The Dragon has two small lumps of tissue in the back of its throat, inside a crevice, between these two lumps there is a small jolt of electricity that passes across them constantly. This occurs because there is a large abount of special nerves within the lumps, and they send messages across to each other causing electic jolts to span the gap. So when the gases are passed through the mouth, the electicity ignites them and they create a jet of flame. Over the crevice there is a large thick membrane that can be controled conciously by the Dragon. This membrane can open or close over the lumps of tissue so that the Dragon can breathe through its mouth without having to breathe fire. Inside the dragons mouth there are several glands which excrete a extremely strong, non-heat conducting mucus. This mucus lines the inside of the Dragons mouth so the Dragon does not burn itself when it breathes fire. Contrary to some Draconologists, Dragons cannot breathe fire through their noses. And also, contrary to a lot of standard Dragon stories, they do not expel any smoke. To do this they would have to burn something like wood or coal, where all of the material can not be burnt, and are passed out as gases.

***
Not all Dragons breath fire. Those who do not breath fire, blos out jets of hot stream out of thier nostrils. Some other use their claws and wings as an attack source and some dragon's hide are able to camaflouge.

Rain clouds and thunder and lightning were believed to be the dragon's breath, hence the term 'fire-breathing monster'.The destructive powers of the dragon derived from its fiery breath, which can harm many things. No one knows for sure how dragons breathe fire, it is believed that the dragon was supposedly the enemy of the sun and the moon, both in Eastern and Western mythology, and is believed to be responsible for eclipses. These occur when the dragon is attempting to swallow either of the heavenly bodies. In Armenian traditions, the fire and lightning god had powers to stay the dragon's control of the heavens, hence what the dragon breathes. These myths and ledgend as confirmed false as expert have figured out that the gases a dragon breathes out are simply highly flamable substances. When a dragon is angery, these substances come out and large abouts, and only a tiny bit of electricity is needed.

Fire is not the only substance, even if it is the most common, or commonly assiociated with Dragons. In some cases, super hot steam is blown from the mouth or the nostrils, which can cause as many burns as fire.

HM Hendrik looked at all of the House Champions, scratched a few notes on a piece of parchment and stood to speak...

"Very well done champions, this concludes the first task. I will be speaking with the other judges shortly and we will post the results for the first task. The second task will begin very soon. Thank you once again and good luck with the remainder of the tournament."