There’s a bit of information that you can get on a ranger by taming drakes – each drake has a short description:
“Red salamander drakes are often hunted because of their similarity to the myth of dragons, though they are a different species. They continue to survive because their fire breath makes them deadly to hunters and prey alike. "
“River drakes hunt by throwing foes into water, then unleashing their electrical breath. Fortunately, they are immune to their own breath, but most prey cannot withstand its power.”
“Reef drakes emit a high-pitched screech to disorient their foes. Don’t let them confuse you; these drakes are dangerous.”
“The standard diet of the swamp drake includes a variety of noxious marsh insects. The drake’s digestive system isolates those unsavory poisons and enables [sic] to breathe a venomous cloud to debilitate foes.”
“Ice drakes have a unique biology, considering they are a cold-blooded creature that lives in arctic climates. They can breathe ice to attack their prey.”
Unfortunately, most drakes in GW1 are in Tyria where collectors don’t have any lore text to speak of. The collectors of drake flesh in Elona mostly concentrate on their culinary qualities (very similar to crocodile, although apparently their skin can be crunchy). A few more tidbits can be gleaned from Nicholas the Traveler:
“Hail, friend! We’ve traveled extensively across this desert and seen creatures that boggle the imagination. I was just discussing drakes [sic] with my favorite companion here, because I’ve noticed how fast those things can move. Their speed quite astounds me. As soon as I made this observation, the Professor suggested we approach for a closer examination, but then refused to go near them. Normally I’d sneak in alone for a better look, but I’ll trust the Professor’s judgment. He’s got a good sense of what I can handle. You, on the other hand, look like a capable sort. Maybe you’ve even slain the drakes [sic] already! If you have, perhaps you came back with some Topaz Crests I might examine? Actually, I think just 1 will do.” (Refers to the Earth Magic-using sand drakes of the Crystal Desert)
“Have you encountered any of the Drakes in the area? Such amazing creatures! For years, researchers have been trying to determine just how the Drakes of Kryta learned to harness the powers of Air Magic so well. Some believe their power comes from their Spiked Crests. If you come across any while you’re making your way through Kryta, I would be happy to give you a token of my appreciation for every 1 you bring me.” (River Drakes)
Beyond that, given what we know of their physiology, drakes seem to be closely related to crocodiles or alligators that have evolved to make use of Tyria’s magic (the Elonian drakes are more primitive, and according to the Nightfall Manuscripts, these were tameable. Then, so are actual crocodiles, if you’re a ranger).
There’s a bit more in the form of GW2 heart and event dialogues – I’ll start chasing those up and see what else I can pull out.
EDIT: Not much so far, apart from marsh drakes having a liking for the taste of frog.
To those who think Scarlet hate means she’s succeeded as a villain:
People don’t hate Scarlet like Game of Thrones fans hate Joffrey.
They hate her the way Star Wars fans hate Jar Jar Binks.
