This is our first outdoor interview, mostly
due to the subject’s size but also because even if we were able to find an
indoor space large enough to accommodate Fao we’re pretty sure it isn’t wise for
us snack-sized people to shack up in a tiny enclosure with the world’s largest
living predator. Not that the ability to run in any given direction would make
a difference but I’d personally like to stretch my legs before being devoured.
It’s not surprising then that few of
the staff are eager to leave their studio sanctuary in order to stand just feet
away from a ginormous potential killing machine, even with the vague assurance
that Amber will be present. To be fair Servs are the biggest known breed of
dragon on the planet and they are feared for good reason. Those of us stupid
enough to sign the liability disclaimer are not disappointed. Fao is certainly
a colossal and powerful beast whose image fulfils all our childhood fantasies
of meeting a legendary lizard.
Fao is a male Serv and currently the
largest of his kind. Physics dictate
that Servs probably shouldn’t be able to fly and yet they can. Amber explains
that despite his bulk Fao is relatively light; with hollow bones and an
impressive wingspan he has no trouble getting airborne.
A great deal of any Servs magnitude is
comprised of their wings, lengthy neck and long whip-like tail. These beasts
are powerhouses of muscle and sinew wrapped in an impenetrable foil of fluted
scales. The species boast lean limbs, dexterous clawed toes, rugged beaks and mouths
dripping with curved sabre teeth that are as sharp as scimitars. The two yellowed
and elongated canines that protrude from Fao’s ridged lips are also standard
issue although we are informed that the size and frequency of these vary from one
individual to the next.
Contrary to their size and decorative
death scythes they are not the most ferocious of dragons and as Amber proves
they can make good companions if you have a large enough personality, oh and a sizeable
canyon in your back yard.
Whilst widely known as carnivores Servs
are actually omnivorous and will eat pretty much anything including bones. They
are also quite adept at swimming and like to fish. The population is however a
dwindling one as Servs don’t breed often and when they do they only produce a
singular offspring.
We are assured that unless directed
otherwise Fao has a calm temperament. Still it’s hard not to be intimidated by
his sheer vastness, let alone his jagged beak and ferocious looking teeth. We
are told that his outer canines, ear flaps and patterning are more for display
than hunting. The biggest threat Fao is likely to face after all is either a
challenge for territory or the charms of a female.
It’s hard to grasp Fao’s true size on
paper so we decided to create another Amber portrait to give you a point of
reference and sense of scale. Remember Amber is only 5ft 2in tall and (if you
will excuse the expletive) holy shit his tooth is longer than her head!
We only managed to fit his beak in her
portrait and in case you were wondering, yes that does mean Amber is able to
sit atop his crown like some lofty queen of the dragons.
Amber’s presence is greatly
appreciated during the interview, as we would not like to meet such a
monstrosity in the wild or without a trained handler present. It strikes us
that one would need Amber’s stubbornness and bolshie tenacity to gain control
over such a magnificent creature. It wasn’t until after the session we
discovered that she has in fact had no training whatsoever.
Amber and Fao have lived alongside one
another since childhood. Growing together brought a bond of loyalty between
them, a dependable unison not unlike family wherein they defend each other to
the hilt. Fao is capable of this due to possessing a more acute level of awareness
and understanding than other dragons. Amber considers him sentient, or as she
puts it, ‘he’s as sentient as Draygun citizens only with slightly better
language skills and manners.’
Whilst Fao was never trained per say
he does respond to the pitch of Amber’s whistle. The pattern the whistle is
swung in acts as a signal that allows the two to communicate over greater
distances. This whistle is fine tuned to Fao’s hearing and often out of earshot
for those of us with regular hearing. Amber explains she has commands such as
‘follow’ and ‘stay’ alongside more informative swings of ‘friend’ or ‘foe’ and
most importantly, ‘food.’ We hope she never directs Fao to look at us with that
last one in mind.
As her companion she insists he has
always had his own free will and jokes that he eats anyone who treats him like
a pet. Her jokes make us nervous. Yet the creature himself seems to be easy
going, he is not bothered in the slightest by us and seems to enjoy beak rubs
from those brave enough to pat him.
Dawww we must admit that Fao is like a
big loveable Doberman, you know if said Doberman were scaled and prone to
eating all the smaller dogs in the park.