Dragon scales, prized for their rarity, symbolism, and incredible durability, hold great value across the known world. These scales, shed by dragons as they grow and age, have become highly sought after by collectors, artisans, and adventurers alike. However, acquiring dragon scales can be a dangerous and challenging endeavor. In many cultures and societies, dragon scales hold significant symbolism. They are seen as a representation of power, strength, and majesty. Owning a piece of a dragon, even in the form of a scale, carries a certain prestige and can serve as a status symbol among nobility or warriors. The scales are often displayed as trophies or crafted into decorative items, such as jewelry or ornate furnishings.
For those seeking practical uses, dragon scales are renowned for their durability and resistance to damage. Craftsmen skilled in working with rare materials can transform dragon scales into formidable armor or shields. The innate magical properties of the scales, combined with the expert craftsmanship, result in equipment that offers exceptional protection against physical and even elemental attacks.
However, obtaining dragon scales is a perilous endeavor. Dragons are powerful and intelligent creatures, often guarding their scales fiercely. Directly slaying a dragon is a feat only the bravest and most skilled adventurers can accomplish. Dragon hunting has become a specialized profession in certain regions, such as the Vache Kingdom, Kalamar, and the Silver Dominion. These hunters, armed with specialized weapons and tactics, track down and engage dragons in epic battles to claim their scales.
Alternatively, some individuals and merchants may acquire dragon scales through more indirect means. Dragons shed their scales naturally as they grow and molt, leaving behind discarded scales in their lairs or roaming territories. These shed scales, while still valuable, are a safer and less ethically contentious way of obtaining dragon scales. Explorers, treasure hunters, or skilled negotiators may seek out hidden dragon lairs or forge alliances with dragons to acquire these precious remains.
It is important to note that the trade and possession of dragon scales is not universally accepted. In the Nagan Empire, where dragons are revered as divine creatures, the trade of dragon scales is strictly forbidden and considered sacrilegious. In Rivermond, while not explicitly illegal, the killing of dragons or the hunting of their scales is generally frowned upon, as dragons are seen as rare and majestic creatures deserving of respect.