Single Parent Dragons

Being a single parent among the dragons is unheard of. In dragon culture if a youngster is conceived and birthed to a nonmated pair, it is left in the care of the territory dragon. If a female rejects her offspring, it is left in the care of a territory dragon. If a youngster is too much for a pair to care for, he or she is left in the care of a territory dragon.

Of course if every romp resulted in a pregnancy, territory dragons would be overrun with unclaimed youngsters. In truth all sexually mature males and females cautiously swallow a daily brew to prevent conception. Giving a youngster to a territory dragon is painful and that pain is acknowledged and understood.

Unwanted pregnancies should not occure with the brews for males and females readily available. However, there are times when a healer mismeasures the brew, or a dose is skipped by both parties. This is especially prone to be the case after drinking an excess of wine and allowing more than a day to lapse without drinking the brew to renew the effect.

Some dragons have used such a distracting strategy to attempt to force a mating, where one partner craves that mental bond and the other does not. Among certain dragons it is believed that the contraceptive brews can block a mating for a short time and a potential mate can pass by undetected.

No matter the reason, a youngster born to a nonmated pair is given to the territory dragon to raise. It is one of the reasons why some couples live a committed life without actually forming the mating bond. They establish a nest, conceive a youngster together, and live as mates without the bond.