TORR Round II: Dragons

The Original Round Robin Round II
Dragons

This is the second attempt at the second round of The Original Round Robin (TORR). Winners from Round I cannot join this round, but anyone else can.


Of all the legends, myths, and surviving folklore in the world, the most prominent creature is debatably the dragon. Featured in almost every fantasy story, and even a few science fiction novels, the dragon is one of America's favorite supernatural creatures.

I, too, love dragons. As much as I love fantasy in general. So I want you to write about them. But... there's a catch. Why must there be a catch, you ask? Well, because I have read several dragon stories and stories with dragons in them. After all that reading, I am disappointed. So few people - especially Americans - know anything about the folklore dragons and the dragons of ancient myth. They know only Hollywood. Giant lizards that devour worlds or giant lizards that protects ancient lands.

Bah. Show me a real dragon. Chinese dragons, "Lóngs," were sinuous and serpentine. They guarded the various elements and protected the people. Japanese dragons, "Ryū," granted wishes. A type of Hungarian dragon, "sárkány," could take a human form and often had multiple heads in their true form. Serbian dragons, "draks," breathed lightning. And Turkish dragons, "Ejderhas," had tails that secreted fire.

So here's what I want. Write me a dragon story. But don't write it after the typical Western dragon. Extend past the image you've had for years about what dragons looked like. I don't care if you completely make up a dragon (major bonus points if you do), just as long as you are creative.

So here are the dreaded rules:

Stonehewn aka Required:
1. Do not use "chat speak" or those funky caps. I hate that.
2. You must describe your dragon in complete detail. I want to see everything that is your dragon.
3. Minimum Entry Length: 500 words, give or take about 100. Absolutely nothing less than 400. Don't take this to mean that 400 words is enough. Write as much as you can.
4. No maximum entry length. Again, write as much as you can.

Sandwrit aka Suggested but not required:
1. Check your spelling and grammar. I will not DQ you for mild mistakes, but if your story lacks any form of structure, I will remove it.

It's also a good idea to come back and edit your story after I review it. I'll give ideas on what I think needs fixing. If you make some effort to correct what I feel is off, you get bonus points.

2. Bonus points for stories depicting dragons as generally benevolent.


More points more trophies will be added ONLY IF MORE PEOPLE ENTER. I will not waste points if too few people enter the contest. So get your friends to join, too.

Also, the winners of this round will be eligible to enter the Final Round and try their hand at not only an extra trophy, but a nice collection of points, too.

Also, I will allow prewrites. But, they will be judged more harshly. All prewrites must follow the rules above.