Moon Goliath
The moon goliath is a domestic breed of dragon bred from the wild goliath and believed to be closely related to the domestic train-pullers and big-fliers. Despite having the term “goliath” in their name like their wild ancestors, they are the smallest of the domestic goliath breeds, only growing to about the size of the average cow, and with vestigial wings too small to fly. They are nocturnal animals, grazing under the moonlight which earns them their name.
These omnivorous dragons are able to survive on a diet of grass and hay alone; but a small amount of meat on the daily is a recommendation for farmers trying to keep their herds in top condition as a high-protein diet promotes healthy scale growth. And, as these dragons are raised primarily for the harvesting of their scales as a premium product, it is very important to ensure that they are kept in good condition.
A healthy moon goliath’s scales are keeled and hard; shed once a year during the triple moon in individual pieces. Though there is some value in the shed scales of young dragons as ingredients for medicine and magic, a tanned hide harvested from a mature moon goliath on slaughter is the most valuable, as it maintains its strength and structural integrity as a single piece of product that can be used for armour, shields, furniture, and waterproof covers for carts.
The meat of a slaughtered moon goliath is edible, though not necessarily pleasant to Sentient tastes. So, despite their scales selling at a premium, the meat of a moon goliath is considered a byproduct and is sold as a cheap source of meat for animal feeds.
Moon goliaths are known for their friendly-but-clumsy natures and though they are very rarely aggressive, it is not recommended for anyone but their keepers to approach them as there is a risk that the creatures will accidentally trample people unfamiliar with their handling while trying to show affection. They are able to be kept with other large livestock and are often put in fields with troubled or rescued animals-in-training that struggle to socialise with their own kind, as the moon goliath’s keeled scales keep them safe while their patient natures keep them from lashing out in retaliation to aggressive behaviours.