Dragon's Appearance / Looks
There are all kinds of different dragons in Skyrim but most, if not all, the dragons in Skyrim appear to be Wyverns.
Wyvern's have hind legs but wing-like forelimbs or in other words no arms.
From the very first glimpse in the GameInformer Magazine article (Issue 214) we got to see what the dragons in Skyrim looked like. They appear to have ridges or spiny backs and a spiky horn structure on their head. Their wings are very bat-like in appearance with the forelimbs webbed which makes up the wings of the dragons. Their hind legs are basically their only real limbs and they have 3 talons with one dewclaw on each foot. Their tails also appear to have a webbed rudder like growth at the tip for aerodynamics probably.
Overall they have a striking resemblance to the male dragon in 'Reign of Fire'.
Not all dragons will look exactly the same though. Their general features may vary depending on the type of dragon they are.
Wyvern's have hind legs but wing-like forelimbs or in other words no arms.
From the very first glimpse in the GameInformer Magazine article (Issue 214) we got to see what the dragons in Skyrim looked like. They appear to have ridges or spiny backs and a spiky horn structure on their head. Their wings are very bat-like in appearance with the forelimbs webbed which makes up the wings of the dragons. Their hind legs are basically their only real limbs and they have 3 talons with one dewclaw on each foot. Their tails also appear to have a webbed rudder like growth at the tip for aerodynamics probably.
Overall they have a striking resemblance to the male dragon in 'Reign of Fire'.
Not all dragons will look exactly the same though. Their general features may vary depending on the type of dragon they are.
Dragon Combat | Powers and Attacks
Dragons fly free around the world and are a real and regular threat. They will attack NPC's and the player alike. "There is an unlimited number of dragons" Todd Howard told Norwegian magazine Gamer.no., "and dragons are unscripted!"
Obviously there will be some times where they want them to appear in scripted encounters like in the main storyline or during a specific mission, but outside of their opening or how they enter a scene, they are completely unscripted. Their A.I. determines how they enter battle and how they decide to combat you. When you encounter a dragon their A.I. will completely determine their behaviors.
Obviously there will be some times where they want them to appear in scripted encounters like in the main storyline or during a specific mission, but outside of their opening or how they enter a scene, they are completely unscripted. Their A.I. determines how they enter battle and how they decide to combat you. When you encounter a dragon their A.I. will completely determine their behaviors.
Dragons will decide on how they treat each situation based on what the landscape is like. Do they have room to fly around (like in the Tundra) or do they need to land and stomp around on the ground (like in a forest) when an area isn't suited for flying space. Typically though you can expect a battle with a dragon to start out with it flying around. but once they get hurt enough they can't fly and will either land or come crashing down to the ground. The latter of which tears a furrow into the ground as it crash lands. It's nice to know that these extremely powerful creatures will tear up the landscape.
For the most part the dragons are unscripted and will be randomly generated in the gameworld. Just like any other enemy you may come across in your travels except you can expect a much tougher battle. They are the big boss fights in the game with Todd Howard even comparing Dragons to Big Daddies from Bioshock.
However not ever encounter with these extraordinary and captivating legendary creatures of fantasy means your in for a battle. Todd Howard said at E3 2011, "Not all Dragons are out to destroy the world." Just because a dragon flies by doesn't mean it will spot you always and automatically attack you. It sounds as if at least some of the dragons that fly free across Skyrim are optional to fight.
The US Official Xbox Magazine explains, "In theory, you can engage a dragon whenever you see one simply by pelting it as it flies past, but make sure you're ready for the fight." Oh and "Not every Dragon will be found flying through the wild [either,] some will have taken up residence in dungeons or other places." - OXM.
The US Official Xbox Magazine explains, "In theory, you can engage a dragon whenever you see one simply by pelting it as it flies past, but make sure you're ready for the fight." Oh and "Not every Dragon will be found flying through the wild [either,] some will have taken up residence in dungeons or other places." - OXM.
It's a very visceral experience fighting dragons, when they swoop down low to the ground and fly over you the screen will shake and when they bellow out their attacks like fire or frost you know your in for a tough fight.
"While talking to people a dragon might attack and you'll see them running for cover and guards running to their posts" - Spanish Mag Article. "They fly into battle at unexpected times. They ravage towns. They wield awesome power. And you'll have to face them repeatedly in single combat" - GameInformer. Sometimes you'll even have to fight multiple dragons at once.
Todd Howard did say though that you wont see dragons initially as the game begins, which is probably for the best as you need to at least learn how to and get some abilities to do battle with them when they are extremely deadly with the astounding powers they use.
"While talking to people a dragon might attack and you'll see them running for cover and guards running to their posts" - Spanish Mag Article. "They fly into battle at unexpected times. They ravage towns. They wield awesome power. And you'll have to face them repeatedly in single combat" - GameInformer. Sometimes you'll even have to fight multiple dragons at once.
Todd Howard did say though that you wont see dragons initially as the game begins, which is probably for the best as you need to at least learn how to and get some abilities to do battle with them when they are extremely deadly with the astounding powers they use.
Powers and Attacks
"We have a different take on Dragons. So on one hand we like fantasy and we like Dragons. We always wanted to see [Dragons] done really well in a game. So we're trying that now." Todd Howard explains, "But the way they classically have a dragon and he breathes fire. Well now our dragons are speaking this ancient language, or this dragon language, that creates fire, or creates cold, or creates wind, or slows time. Things like that which makes them pretty unique."
So clearly they wanted to take the classic view of Dragons that everybody knows and loves and "twist it a bit where it still familiar to somebody but it does have it's own uniqueness to being Elder Scrolls and to the culture and lore of Elder Scrolls.
At E3 2011 we saw two kinds of dragons, a normal dragon that used a fire attack and then a much tougher and more powerful dragon that Todd said was a Frost Dragon. He said that it's frost breath attack would not only damage you but slow you down and drain your stamina.
"Dragons [can] bite, breathe, crawl, crash land. And their actions are not scripted," said Matt Grandstaff, Senior Community Manager at Bethesda, "so you never know when one might attack you, or what they're going to do when you fight them."
So clearly they wanted to take the classic view of Dragons that everybody knows and loves and "twist it a bit where it still familiar to somebody but it does have it's own uniqueness to being Elder Scrolls and to the culture and lore of Elder Scrolls.
At E3 2011 we saw two kinds of dragons, a normal dragon that used a fire attack and then a much tougher and more powerful dragon that Todd said was a Frost Dragon. He said that it's frost breath attack would not only damage you but slow you down and drain your stamina.
"Dragons [can] bite, breathe, crawl, crash land. And their actions are not scripted," said Matt Grandstaff, Senior Community Manager at Bethesda, "so you never know when one might attack you, or what they're going to do when you fight them."
Animations
The animations of the dragons sure make them look believable and non-mechanical, even when the dragons are speaking/shouting or doing other powerful and menacing things like when banking, flapping their wings, gaining altitude before making another strafing run, and breathing fire on their hapless victims." - Game Informer talked about how Havok's new Behavior technology will give Dragons impressive animations. Dragons can also swoop down and pick up creatures as big as Giants and carry them off to great heights before dropping them to a likely death.
This is the best and most comprehensive gameplay footage of dragons in Skyrim shown so far. This is part 3 you can view part 1 and 2 here.
The Offical Trailer shows some pretty cinematic combat with a dragon but believe it or not it is all in-game and happens dynamically like that, non-scripted.
Todd Howard discusses dragons and Skyrim and even reveals they had a special team working on the dragons for over two years.
Pictures: Released Screenshots & Concept Art of Dragons
Dragon's Past History | Connection to Main Storyline Plot
As decoded from Alduin's Wall, the ancient structure that sits in the Sky Haven Temple which is the last refuge for the dwindling forces of the Blades. (More on them below). The wall is named after the devastating dragon depicted upon it's carved surface. Across the wall is inscribed a history and a prophecy that speaks to one of the greatest legends of Tamriel - The story of Alduin.
Alduin's sobriquet, 'The World Eater', comes from myths that depict him as the horrible, ravaging firestorm that destroyed the last world to begin this one. Akatosh was the first of the et'Ada (spirits) to form an identity, bringing with him the concept of Time.
The Nord's know Alduin as a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. Alduin's coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. Auri-El is just the Elven name for Akatosh like Alduin is the Nordic name for Akatosh. Nords therefore see the god of time as both creator and harbinger of the apocalypse.
Alduin's sobriquet, 'The World Eater', comes from myths that depict him as the horrible, ravaging firestorm that destroyed the last world to begin this one. Akatosh was the first of the et'Ada (spirits) to form an identity, bringing with him the concept of Time.
The Nord's know Alduin as a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. Alduin's coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. Auri-El is just the Elven name for Akatosh like Alduin is the Nordic name for Akatosh. Nords therefore see the god of time as both creator and harbinger of the apocalypse.
Thousands of years ago, lost in the uncounted centuries that came before the recorded history, The Dragons ravaged the countryside. Waging war against humankind and driving them before their might. The humans could not stand against such force. Some of these humans would come to worship the dragons but all feared them.
The Dragons were banished from the world of Nirn a thousand years ago, as revealed by GI. How or why is unknown to us yet but part of the image on Alduin's Wall gives us a clue.
This cryptic image tells of Alduin’s fall to humanity’s ingenuity and bravery, but more than that is not known. This piece of the puzzle would be incredibly important to understand for someone new who might hope to defeat the dragons once again. Who are the individuals standing against Alduin? How did they expel the dreaded beast from the world? Perhaps the re-emergent Dragonborn will uncover the answers.
The Elder Scrolls prophesized the return of the dragons. The signs of their return was laid out in predictions. The shattering of the Staff of Chaos (TES: Arena), the appearance of Numidium (Daggerfall), the events at Red Mountain (Morrowind), and the Oblivion Crisis (Oblivion). The last event the Elder Scrolls foretold would happen is the citizens of Skyrim turning against each other in civil war, which is happening at the beginning of the game.
Long ago a force existed that expelled the dragons. The Dragonborn. These individuals can wield the same mighty power as the dragons themselves and battle them on another level. These Dragonborns are anointed by the gods so they could light the dragonfires to become empire. Such as Alessia, Reman, and Tiber Septim. These powerful figures were supported by the Dragonguards, later called the Blades. After the dragons retreated long ago they came to guard one ancestry of the Dragonborn, the Septim emperors. After the events of Oblivion they are wiped out and the dragonguards have been hunted down and nearly destroyed. Not to mention there has been no Dragonborn in decades until YOU arrive.
As Skyrim begins, a lone prisoner begins to learn that he may be the one Dragonborn destined to save mankind.
The prophecy depicted on Alduin’s Wall is dire, but it is not without hope. A single individual, gifted with the same incredible powers held by the dragons themselves, may rise to fight against Alduin and assure the world’s survival. The Blades shown in the walls image bow before the Dragonborn. They’ve protected the line of the Dragonborn for generations in anticipation of this moment, when a Dragonborn would rise to face Alduin upon his return.
As Skyrim begins, a lone prisoner begins to learn that he may be the one Dragonborn destined to save mankind.
The prophecy depicted on Alduin’s Wall is dire, but it is not without hope. A single individual, gifted with the same incredible powers held by the dragons themselves, may rise to fight against Alduin and assure the world’s survival. The Blades shown in the walls image bow before the Dragonborn. They’ve protected the line of the Dragonborn for generations in anticipation of this moment, when a Dragonborn would rise to face Alduin upon his return.
Dragons in The Elder Scrolls Lore
First, let me say that there isn't much info at all. Second, let me say that what is there could easily be retconned, as stuff has been before for the benefit of gameplay or story. Third, let me say that, by the nature of the way ES lore works, it's hard to get any concrete idea of what has happened in history. There's the disclaimer.
Dragons are rumored to be able to shapeshift into human forms
At one time, dragons flourished in Vvardenfell (Morrowind), being drawn to the comfort of the warmth in Red Mountain. These Dragons were pushed out of Vvardenfell by the Cliffracers. In short, the cliffracers came in and pushed the dragons out. It's believed that as the cliffracers grew in numbers (just as they appear to do in Morrowind, since they seem to pop up behind you every 8 seconds) it caused problems and eventually forced the Dragons to leave. At first, this was not a problem for dragons. They were actually pretty good eating. But soon enough the dragons found themselves in a losing battle over the territory. Food sources and dwellings became overrun and the dragons simply packed their bags and moved on. Even if they stuck around and killed the cliffracers off, the food would still be at a shortage.
Some say the dragons moved on closer to Cyrodil, and it may be for this reason that dragons are sacred to the Empire. The legends tell of their aid during wars in exchange for shelter. Where the dragons gained shelter the empire gained security, along with dragons from other parts of Tamriel. Dragons are or were very sacred to the Empire, and as long as the Empire protected the dragons, the dragons MUST offer services to the Empire, such as aiding and protecting the Imperial forces in war (Redguard, the fight for Stros M'kai). - source
More on dragons and their relationship to the empire. It is also hinted in Battlespire within a journal and in the remains, that the Imperial Battlemages used dragonmounts for security on the Battlespire. In level 1, you will find the remains of an Imperial dragon names Dragonne Papre' and his rider. The journal contains tidbits about the troubles in the spire and what may have happened so that only their decayed bodies remain.
As far as the Empire actually being in alliance with dragon's, there are many hints that lead on to this. Lord Richton was able to summon the Imperial Dragon, nafaalilargus for support in the Battle of Stros M'kai. The Battlespire incident.
The avatar of the chief deity of the Nine Divines Akatosh, is a golden dragon. Its relation, if any, to the Tamrielic dragons is unknown - but many stories tell of Akatosh co-mingling with and organizing groups of dragons. - source
One of the continents, Akavir, use to have dragons but this population of Dragons, which consisted of red and black dragons, fled the continent of Akavir to the continent of Tamriel because they were being hunted and eaten by the Tsaesci people. The meaning of term "eaten" is not clear. Although it might suggest a literal meaning, it could be a metaphor for being subdued. In Mysterious Akavir by anonymous writer, the Tsaesci are told to have: "tried to eat all the Dragons. They managed to enslave the Red Dragons, but the black ones had fled to (then) Po Tun." “ When the Tsaesci supposedly tried to eat all the dragons in their Empire, the dragons fled to Po' Tun, as the empire of tiger people was called then. [The Ka Po'Tun are a race of tiger people that live on Akavir.] A great war raged across the land, leaving all the black dragons and all but a few red dragons dead. The remaining red dragons retreated to Tamriel, where they were supposedly given refuge in Cyrodiil. Ever since, the tiger people that remained have tried to somehow become dragons. Tosh Raka is the first one to succeed. Apparently he is the largest Dragon on Nirn, with orange and black coloring, and has built Ka Po' Tun into the largest empire of Akavir. He desires the destruction of Tsaesci, after which he intends to invade Tamriel.” Kind of a sidepoint, but the Nerevarine (main character of Morrowind) was rumoured to have traveled to Akavir for some unknown reason.
If Alduin would be defeated rather then banished, as he was before, it would result in another Dragonbreak. A Dragon Break is a phenomenon where linear time is broken, and becomes non-linear. The Dragon refers to the God of Time (known by many names: Akatosh, Alduin, Auriel, Alkosh see Tamriel Gods). - Source
Dragons are rumored to be able to shapeshift into human forms
At one time, dragons flourished in Vvardenfell (Morrowind), being drawn to the comfort of the warmth in Red Mountain. These Dragons were pushed out of Vvardenfell by the Cliffracers. In short, the cliffracers came in and pushed the dragons out. It's believed that as the cliffracers grew in numbers (just as they appear to do in Morrowind, since they seem to pop up behind you every 8 seconds) it caused problems and eventually forced the Dragons to leave. At first, this was not a problem for dragons. They were actually pretty good eating. But soon enough the dragons found themselves in a losing battle over the territory. Food sources and dwellings became overrun and the dragons simply packed their bags and moved on. Even if they stuck around and killed the cliffracers off, the food would still be at a shortage.
Some say the dragons moved on closer to Cyrodil, and it may be for this reason that dragons are sacred to the Empire. The legends tell of their aid during wars in exchange for shelter. Where the dragons gained shelter the empire gained security, along with dragons from other parts of Tamriel. Dragons are or were very sacred to the Empire, and as long as the Empire protected the dragons, the dragons MUST offer services to the Empire, such as aiding and protecting the Imperial forces in war (Redguard, the fight for Stros M'kai). - source
More on dragons and their relationship to the empire. It is also hinted in Battlespire within a journal and in the remains, that the Imperial Battlemages used dragonmounts for security on the Battlespire. In level 1, you will find the remains of an Imperial dragon names Dragonne Papre' and his rider. The journal contains tidbits about the troubles in the spire and what may have happened so that only their decayed bodies remain.
As far as the Empire actually being in alliance with dragon's, there are many hints that lead on to this. Lord Richton was able to summon the Imperial Dragon, nafaalilargus for support in the Battle of Stros M'kai. The Battlespire incident.
The avatar of the chief deity of the Nine Divines Akatosh, is a golden dragon. Its relation, if any, to the Tamrielic dragons is unknown - but many stories tell of Akatosh co-mingling with and organizing groups of dragons. - source
One of the continents, Akavir, use to have dragons but this population of Dragons, which consisted of red and black dragons, fled the continent of Akavir to the continent of Tamriel because they were being hunted and eaten by the Tsaesci people. The meaning of term "eaten" is not clear. Although it might suggest a literal meaning, it could be a metaphor for being subdued. In Mysterious Akavir by anonymous writer, the Tsaesci are told to have: "tried to eat all the Dragons. They managed to enslave the Red Dragons, but the black ones had fled to (then) Po Tun." “ When the Tsaesci supposedly tried to eat all the dragons in their Empire, the dragons fled to Po' Tun, as the empire of tiger people was called then. [The Ka Po'Tun are a race of tiger people that live on Akavir.] A great war raged across the land, leaving all the black dragons and all but a few red dragons dead. The remaining red dragons retreated to Tamriel, where they were supposedly given refuge in Cyrodiil. Ever since, the tiger people that remained have tried to somehow become dragons. Tosh Raka is the first one to succeed. Apparently he is the largest Dragon on Nirn, with orange and black coloring, and has built Ka Po' Tun into the largest empire of Akavir. He desires the destruction of Tsaesci, after which he intends to invade Tamriel.” Kind of a sidepoint, but the Nerevarine (main character of Morrowind) was rumoured to have traveled to Akavir for some unknown reason.
If Alduin would be defeated rather then banished, as he was before, it would result in another Dragonbreak. A Dragon Break is a phenomenon where linear time is broken, and becomes non-linear. The Dragon refers to the God of Time (known by many names: Akatosh, Alduin, Auriel, Alkosh see Tamriel Gods). - Source