Proto-dragon

Proto-dragons (also spelled proto dragons or protodragons) are the long-forgotten forbearers of the dragon species living in Northrend.

Background
The proto-dragons were sort of the early version before dragons really evolved into the sapient, beautiful majestic creatures that they are known today. Proto-drakes are generally bestial and display none of the great intelligence and wisdom of true dragons.

Galakrond, a massive proto-dragon, was the "progenitor of dragonkind". From him, the Titans created the Aspects.

The Vrykul use them as flying mounts in the Howling Fjord and other parts of Northrend, and can be seen doing so in their constant siege of Valgarde. Wild proto-drakes can be seen in areas such as Storm Peaks and Sholazar Basin. Bronze proto-drakes from the Bronze Dragonshrine are used as mounts by the Argent Crusade in Icecrown. The Time-Lost Proto Drake is famous for being extremely hard to catch, a possible reflection on the species.

Types/Flights

 * Red proto-dragons: Which appear most abundant throughout Northrend.
 * Blue proto-dragons: Mostly only found in the Storm Peaks.
 * Green proto-dragons: Haven't made an appearance, though one can be acquired through the Oracles.
 * Bronze proto-dragons: Have been seen in Icecrown working alongside their dragon brethren.
 * Black proto-dragons: Only one known (presumed), Broodmother Slivina in Sholazar Basin.
 * Plagued proto-dragons: Plagued blue proto-drakes (presumed), can be found in the Storm Peaks and Icecrown.
 * Plated proto-dragons: Created from the blue proto-drake Veranus into Razorscale, under control of the Iron army.
 * Violet proto-dragons: Only appears as a mount won through achievements

As a flying Mount
In World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, several proto-drake mounts are available as rewards for various achievements, as well as a few that drop from mobs and bosses:


 * All proto-drake mounts require level 70 with the riding skill artisan (300)

Trivia

 * In an early Beta of Wrath, proto-dragons were represented as pale white drakes, using the model now used by the.


 * Before it gives, the Ember Clutch Ancient reveals that Ember Clutch was the ancient breeding ground of the proto-dragon broodmother before the vrykul perverted it. Whether it means Broodmother Slivina, Veranus, or another is unknown.


 * Though many proto-drakes are present in Northrend, no fully matured proto-dragons are to be found, with the possible exception of Broodmother Slivina and Veranus.

Speculation

 * Proto-dragons have a considerable likeness to the devilsaurs and pterrordax that inhabit Un'goro Crater, meaning that the dragons themselves could have evolved from the dinosaurs.