Kat wrote:This is really quite an interesting conversation. Since these are fictional animals, we can't really say that their behavior is based upon primarily instinct or unfair prejudice. No, dragons aren't humans, but Flight Rising dragons also wear clothing, use tools, and even practice forms of religion where their deities are concerned, unlike natural animals. So, it isn't a stretch to argue that they could also have morals and such similarly to a human being. Now, I'm not saying that Coatls are horrible. In fact, Coatls are my absolute favorite species and I adore them to bits. However, Saphira has brought an interesting topic that can't really be brushed aside with an explanation of simple animal instinct. ^^;
I have spent way to much time in the animal sciences, and I'm looking at this strictly from that point of view. Birds will naturally segregate sick, which as previously stated is often found by dull plumage, sure some species take care of the sick and some leave them to die. Each is a trait of the breeds.
To put it in human terms, as I believe all animals are intelligent thinking creatures, we often keep ourselves away from those who have a cough, sneeze and look generally sick. That is self preservation. Illness spreads like wildfire in closed cramped quarters. And just like you can create a coatl that stands out there are people and animals who ignore the innate behaviour to protect their own person from illness by avoidance.
It's saying they are jerks for behavior that is natural to their species is what I find issue with.
