Big-Flier
The big-flier is a domesticated breed of dragon from the continent of Anarmi. They are believed to be bred from the wild goliath dragons and related to the train-pullers and moon goliaths. Measured from shoulder to haunches, the average body of a big-flier is about 16 meters long, with the extra length of the neck and tail excluded from their official measurements but generally doubling their size.
Despite their size, their metabolism is extremely efficient and they only need to eat 4%-10% of their body weight every week when low-activity (though this need doubles when high-activity).
Though a domestic breed and generally harmless and placid of nature when properly trained, the size of a big-flier makes them difficult to keep as pets; instead they are considered working animals and mounts similar to horses and gryphons.
There are two common builds of big-fliers; breeds designed to carry heavy loads over long distances, and breeds designed to fly at high speeds.
The load-bearing breed, or “bulk” breed, is used to transport high amounts of goods and people at consistent, steady speeds with a highly stabilise flight motion. A well-trained big-flier of the bulk breed is able to carry fragile wares without jostling them, and glide for several days without rest, making them an important resource for international trade. Though faster and more steady than boat transport, bulk breed big-fliers are expensive to keep due to their feed requirements when working, and so they are more commonly used by governments than individuals.
The high-speed breed, or “sleek” breed, is used when many people must travel quickly. The dragons are able to fly at speeds high enough that a week-long trip can be travelled in a matter of hours; though there are many health risks for Sentient races associated with moving at this speed for extended periods of time and travel services using sleek breed big-fliers are mostly regulated to prevent harm. Their dietary requirements are lower than that of the bulk breed, though they are more difficult to train and it is not uncommon for young sleek breeds to shake their riders.