In the world of Berk, an island inhabited by dragon and man, stories abound of heroic Vikings and ferocious, yet oddly lovable dragons. Given the rich lore of the "How to Train Your Dragon" universe, it’s only natural for fans with a knack for storytelling to want to add to it. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own unique dragon character or 'OC' (Original Character) dragon in the "How to Train Your Dragon" universe.

II. Understanding the Universe

Before you conjure up your dragon, familiarize yourself with the universe. “How to Train Your Dragon�is not just about dragons but also about Viking culture, mythology, relationships, and values. Watch the movies, read the books, use the DreamWorks Dragons: Rise of Berk mobile game app to explore further. The app offers a comprehensive dragon list with detailed descriptions, which provides a good insight into dragon characteristics.

Also, take note of the different dragon classes: Stoker, Boulder, Fear, Sharp, Tidal, Mystery, and Strike. These classifications, based on distinct dragon abilities, should guide you in designing your dragons�traits.

III. Constructing Your Dragon's Appearance

Now comes the fun part - designing your dragon. You need to decide its physical attributes like size, color, wingspan, number of limbs, and specific characteristics like fire type, if any. Think about the dragon's class while designing these features. For instance, a Sharp Class dragon will probably have lots of sharp body parts, while a Tidal Class dragon might have features suitable for aquatic life.

Also, don't be afraid to explore unique features for your dragon. For example, the Night Fury dragon has echolocation. However, always keep in mind the balance. Your dragon's strength could be balanced by some specific weakness.

IV. Assigning Your Dragon's Abilities

Every dragon comes with special abilities. Toothless, for example, has the ability to "dive-bomb" and shoot plasma blasts. You must consider what special abilities you want for your dragon. These abilities may or may not be tied to their classes. Be creative but also think about the balance of power in the universe.

Also, generally dragons share a common language, known as 'Dragonese'. Though there isn’t an established dictionary for it, you can factor in if your dragon has any unique communication abilities.

V. Creating a Compelling Backstory

Your dragon’s backstory not only lends it depth, but also influences its behavior and interactions. Was it raised by a family, or was it a lone wolf? Was it kind or hostile towards humans? Developing such aspects would make the character more engaging.

Think about including key events that shape your dragon's personality. For example, if it had a rough encounter with humans in the past, it's natural for it to be more wary and cautious.

VI. Building the Dragon's Personality

All dragons in the "How to Train Your Dragon" universe have unique personalities. Some are stubborn, others are playful, and some are incredibly intelligent. To make your dragon character believable, you need to build its personality. Decide whether it’s playful, aggressive, shy, etc. This will significantly alter your dragon's interactions in your storyline.

VII. Choosing Your Dragon's Name

Last but not least, your dragon needs a name! Dragons in the series have names that allude to their behaviors or characteristics. Examples are Toothless (who has retractable teeth), Whispering Death (who makes a whispering sound when it burrows), and Windwalker (who is known for its speed). You can follow a similar trend or think out of the box for a unique name for your dragon.

VIII. Conclusion

Creating an OC dragon for the "How to Train Your Dragon" universe can be an exhilarating experience. By following these guidelines, you'll ensure not only the believability of your creation, but also its potential to captivate readers as they delve further into your stories.

FAQs

Q1: Can my OC dragon be stronger than Toothless? A: To maintain the balance of the universe, it's recommended to avoid making your OC all-powerful. It's more interesting when your dragon has strengths, weaknesses, and challenges to overcome.

Q2: Can I make a hybrid dragon? A: Yes, but ensure the hybrid elements make sense in the context of the dragon classes and biology given by the universe.

Q3: Can I base my dragon on real-life animals? A: Absolutely! Just ensure that its characteristics align with the universe and dragon class.

References

[1] "How to Train Your Dragon" Movies. DreamWorks Animation.
[2] Cowell, Cressida. "How to Train Your Dragon" Book Series.
[3] DreamWorks Dragons: Rise of Berk. Ludia Inc.

Explore your companion in WeMate