Flamepit Oil

Flamepit oil is a substance produced by all lliving species of Dragonkin, and likely ancestral to all dragons once firebreathing evolved. The oil is named for how it was once believed to be the source of a dragon's flames, from small pit-like structures present in the lips and along the lower jaw, secreting it when pressed firmly. The oils are actually used in grooming, and give dragons a degree of natural flame resistance when applied to the scales. It's believed that for most species, the oils also play a key role in recognizing individuals by their scent, and has been known by some to be used in scent marking territories.   The oil was once harvested by humans and humanoids during the Rise of the Dragons through the War of Black Ash eras, utilized in manufacturing and armor crafting. A belief that the oil from large dragons would ward off smaller ones quickly became an urban legend, causing it to become highly valuable and led to increased hunts against dragons of all species, including sapient ones. Although it was later dis-proven, the oil still remained a highly sought after trade good for many centuries due to its properties and use in alternative medicine.   In modern times, there is very little market for flamepit oil outside of dragons who have difficulty producing it on their own. As the oil is key to proper grooming and natural flame resistance, the vast majority of dragons are hesitant to take flight without having groomed themselves first due to risk of ambushes. Many dragons will oftentimes apply a fresh coat of the oil to their wings every time they land, regardless of how long its been since they did last. As such, dragons with blocked or damaged pits will oftentimes utilize artificially made oils or those donated at medical centers, though social stigma often dictates that one's own oil or that given from a mate grooming them is best.