DragArten

DragArten is a term used in fantasy fiction, role-playing games, and worldbuilding to describe a cross-setting taxonomy of dragon varieties. The term is a compound formed from dragon and Arten (species or types), and it is used informally in glossaries and compendiums rather than as a fixed scientific doctrine. As a conceptual framework, DragArten aims to organize dragons by lineage, habitat, physiology, and magical abilities to support storytelling and gameplay.

In practice, DragArten provides a flexible hierarchy rather than a single canonical list. Taxonomies typically categorize dragons by elemental affinity (for example fire, ice, storm), body plan (wyrm, drake, serpent), ecological niche (mountain, sea, forest), and breath or magic traits (weaponized breath, spellcasting, bloodline magic). Age, temperament, and region may further refine subtypes. Because different authors and games develop their own settings, the classification of a given dragon can vary between works, with overlapping or conflicting types common across communities.

Usage and influence: DragArten appears in worldbuilding guides, fan wikis, and game manuals as a quick reference for lore consistency. It helps creators communicate expectations about a dragon’s strengths, weaknesses, and role in a story. While not a real biological taxonomy, it functions as a shared vocabulary for fantasy worldbuilding.

See also: Dragon, Dragon taxonomy, Worldbuilding, Mythical creature.