Posted under General
As you would know, there is a significant difference between Asian and European dragons in both the appearance and significance. However it doesn't seem that the two types are differentiated in Danbooru tags. (Correct me here if I'm wrong. Nonetheless, the dragon tag is used for both types.) Hence suggesting the tags eastern_dragon and western_dragon.
Updated by jxh2154
Lick_King said:
As you would know, there is a significant difference between Asian and European dragons in both the appearance and significance. However it doesn't seem that the two types are differentiated in Danbooru tags. (Correct me here if I'm wrong. Nonetheless, the dragon tag is used for both types.) Hence suggesting the tags eastern_dragon and western_dragon.
Are there obvious characteristics between east and western dragons that would make tagging them easier? and what of artists that combine the characteristics of both eastern and western dragons?
There are various interpretations of both dragons throughout the age, but the norm is as follows.
Eastern dragon: very long body like a snake, comparatively short and far-apart limbs, flies but has no wings, a pair of long whiskers on face, (usually) antlers like stag, sometimes holds mythical orbs in mouth. Normally depicted as wise, benevolent and majestic creatures. Usually, the depiction has little variation.
Western dragon: lizard-like body, bat-like wings, usually has forearms (those that don't are usually called wyverns), scaly, has horns on head and sometimes face. Normally depicted as fearsome monsters, though some interpretations show well-meaning and intelligent dragons as well. Very vast variation of depiction.
Basically the two types are vastly different, and it's often awkward to combine the characteristics. I think the key differentiating factor would be whether the creature has wings or not. Also, given that the eastern dragon is very limited in the variation of depiction (horns replaced by those of an antelope, breathe fire, etc), I think the dubious ones would usually be better tagged as western_dragons.
On second thoughts though, as we don't have tags for every mythical creature around, it might be unnecessary to go through the trouble of differentiating them unless the mythical creature tags are going to undergo significant improvements. I won't push my suggestion if the idea is considered redundant.
Updated
This was also mentioned in in forum #54824.
I think it's a sensible idea.
Zekana said:
what of artists that combine the characteristics of both eastern and western dragons?
If it clearly mixes the traits, normal policy would be to tag both.
I think we could restrict eastern dragon to the fairly classical depiction.
E.g. dragonite is a western/fantasy dragon, while gyarados is a eastern one. Dratini and dragonair has some eastern dragon traits, but they don't really have that typical look.
Sounds like a good idea. Might as well implicate:
