CH'ENDRAIJ SHEPHERD"
(2004, pencil on paper)

Just for variety, a dracontocentaur. They call themselves Ch'endraij; other races usually refer to them as Dracomounts. They live in mountainous country, as seen here; and support themselves by farming, herding and hunting, only occasionally trading with lowlanders.

Their forelegs are of some anatomical interest: having evolved from wings in the distant past, they now have two digits, and are prehensile. For walking, the longer digit is folded, with the middle joint bearing the weight; and a hooflike scale on the knuckle gives some extra traction.

The eye motif on the shepherd's poncho serves a double purpose: both as an amulet against evil spirits, and, repeated on the back of the garment, as a precaution against attack from mountain leopards.