Flight

[uncledarkseid]

Dragons fly at incredible speeds due to the extreme altitudes at which they soar. In the thinner air, there is less resistance against their massive wings, allowing them to move swiftly and cover vast distances quickly. Their height also gives them a strategic advantage, spotting prey or threats from far above, often launching surprise attacks before their targets even realize they're there.

However, when flying near mountains, dragons might slow down slightly. The rugged terrain creates turbulent winds and uneven thermal currents, making the air more unpredictable. Strong updrafts, downdrafts, and crosswinds can disrupt their flight, forcing them to adjust their path more frequently. Additionally, navigating through narrow valleys or around sharp peaks requires precise flying maneuvers, limiting their ability to maintain full speed while avoiding obstacles like cliffs or rocky outcrops. Even with their power, dragons must be more cautious in mountainous regions, which temporarily reduces their overall speed compared to the open skies.

You're forgetting about the lesser air resistance for smaller mass bodies like fairies, or the aeordynamic qualities of Giant Eagles. What, for example, is the air speed of an unladen swallow?

African or European?