Black Dragon
Black dragons, also known as skull dragons, are far and away the most vile tempered and cruel of all chromatic true dragons. They are solitary creatures that live in the swamps and marshlands all around Elaris, from flooded forests to dank jungles.
Description
Black dragons appear abnormally slender in comparison to other chromatic dragons—wiry, but not gaunt. Physically, they are most distinguished by their horns, which protrude from the sides of their heads and wrap around, projectilg forward. A large frill adorns the upper part of the neck. They smell like rotting vegetation and foul water. A black dragon grows to a maximum size of 16 feet tall, 85 feet in length, with a wingspan of 80 feet. They weigh up to 159,000 pounds.Personality
Solitary and extremely territorial in their nature, black dragons will seldom form clans, opting to do so only when they live in the most hazardous of environments or when faced with a danger that can wipe out large swaths of their population.Combat
Black dragons prefer ambushes to straightforward fighting, taking any advantage possible and never worrying about honorable combat.Ecology
Lair
Black dragons live in swamps, jungles, and fetid marshlands. They are cunning creatures who live to inspire fear and rule by intimidation. The black, glossy scales of black dragons add to their camouflage within swamp lands. They prefer to ambush their targets, using darkness or water as their cover. They prefer to ambush their targets, using darkness or water as their cover. They are excellent swimmers and often make their lairs in submerged caves or underground chambers near swamps or murky ponds. Their lairs always have two entrances: one underwater through the adjacent swamp or pond, and one aboveground, disguised amidst the undergrowth.Parenting and Development
Female dragons take the lead when it comes to breeding, choosing their mate largely based on the size of the hoard of prospective males. Because of this, male black dragons will often brag about their accumulated wealth to communicative creatures or others of their own kind, in the hopes that rumors of their hoard will spread to any females in the area that are looking to mate. When two or more females select the same male as their partner, they will fight for dominance high in the air above the lair of the male, allowing him to gaze upon his future mate's victory in admiration. Black dragons are not noted as good parents, relying more upon disguise and hiding to protect their eggs than upon guarding them personally. Black dragon eggs must be submerged in strong acid while growing, which helps protect the dragon as well. Black dragons will only protect their yuoung so long as that responsibility doesn't threaten their own life. If they have to choose between saving thriw own life or those of their clutch or spawn, they will most certainly choose the former; though they will assuredly seek revenge afterward.Diet
A black dragon's diet consists of fish, mollusks, aquatic critters, and some red meat from terrestrial animals.Notable Black Dragons
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AD&D 2e Statistics
Size
Gargantuan
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
3.5th Edition Statistics
Size
Type
Dragon
Subtype(s)
Water
Alignment
Always Chaotic Evil
Challenge Rating
--
4th Edition Statistics
Size
Origin
Type
Magical Beast
Keyword(s)
,
Alignment
Evil
Level
5th Edition Statistics
Size
Type
Dragon
Subtype(s)
Water
Alignment
Always Chaotic Evil
Challenge Rating
--
Pathfinder 2e Statistics
Level
Size
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
Traits
, , , (ancient only)
General Information
Movement
Flying, Swimming
Vision
Darkvision, Low-Light Vision, Blindsight
Activity Cycle
Any
Diet
Carnivorous
Intelligence
Average
Language(s)
High Draconic, Black Draconic, Vibrant Draconic
Favored Climate
Warm
Favored Terrain
Marshes
Appearance
Skin Color(s)
Black (Scales)
Eye Color(s)
White, Yellow, Green
Typical Build
Dragon
Distinctions
Forward-Curling Horns, Tattered Wings, Acid Breath
Wyrmling
Tiny
Very Young
Small
Young
Medium
Juvenile
Medium
Young Adult
Large
Adult
Large
Mature Adult
Huge
Old
Huge
Very Old
Huge
Ancient
Huge
Wyrm
Gargantuan
Great Wyrm
Gargantuan
Wyrmling
3
Very Young
6
Young
5
Juvenile
7
Young Adult
9
Adult
11
Mature Adult
14
Old
16
Very Old
18
Ancient
19
Wyrm
20
Great Wyrm
22
Wyrmling
Medium
Young
Large
Adult
Large
Elder
Huge
Ancient
Gargantuan
Wyrmling
2
Young
4
Adult
11
Elder
18
Ancient
26
Wyrmling
Tiny
Very Young
Small
Young
Medium
Juvenile
Medium
Young Adult
Large
Adult
Large
Mature Adult
Huge
Old
Huge
Very Old
Huge
Ancient
Huge
Wyrm
Gargantuan
Great Wyrm
Gargantuan
Wyrmling
3
Very Young
6
Young
5
Juvenile
7
Young Adult
9
Adult
11
Mature Adult
14
Old
16
Very Old
18
Ancient
19
Wyrm
20
Great Wyrm
22
Young
7
Adult
11
Ancient
16
Young
Large
Adult
Large
Ancient
Huge
Genetic Descendants
Comments