Dragon

True dragons are winged ancient reptiles of terrifying power, created to mirror aspects of Gama. They are known for their predatory guile and greed, the oldest dragons having been present on Valine since the beginning and considered to be some of the strongest creatures in the world. Dragons are also magic beings who have an innate power fueling their devastating breath weapons and other godlike powers. Legend holds that, somewhere on Valine, the first dragon still sleeps, a massive creature that birthed all the other dragons and is covered in scales of all the chromatic and metallic colors. However, this may simply be a misinterpretation of the creation story and many scholars believe that this legend rather refers to Gama herself. Many species have draconian blood, from powerful wyverns and dragon turtles to lowly Kobold. The chromatic and metallic dragons, however, are the true dragons, the first creatures created by Gama to populate the world of Valine. The chromatic dragons - black, blue, green, red, and white - are selfish, destructive, and feared by all. The metallic dragons - brass, bronze, copper, gold, and silver - are noble, benevolent, and highly respected by the wise. Each color of dragon mirrors the aspect of Gama's personality that matches one of the eleven-headed dragon goddess' craniums. Only the eleventh head, that of a dracolich, was not sent as a subspecies to Valine, as Gama wished to keep undeath from the world. Rumor and legend speaks of a single dracolich gifted to Khydar by the Indomitable Empress as as part of the Treaty of the Dead, however this has never been confirmed. Although their objectives and ideals are tremendously different, all true dragons desire wealth, store coins and collect jewels, jewelery and magic. The ancient dragons, having amassed vast accumulations of treasure are reluctant to leave them for a long time and only emerge from their lairs to feed. For the chromatic dragons, this is a matter of greed and paranoia. The ancient metallic dragons guard treasures that they deem too powerful to fall into the hands of lesser mortals. From lowly wyrmlings to ancient dragons who have lived for a thousand years and may live for thousands more, true dragons pass through four distinct stages of existence. Their might may grow unparalleled during that time, and their hoards surpass valuation. Valine's ancient dragons number fewer than fifty, and none have been seen in almost a century. Adult dragons also like to stay in remote regions and are extremely unusual to see. Even the youthful, who go further into populated territories, are rarely observed, and hatchlings, despite their young age, are only discovered by those who explore dark tunnels, deep forests, or mountain heights still far from Valine's civilizations.

Chromatic Dragons

The primeval aspect of dragonkind is represented by the black, blue, green, red, and white dragons, though they are still intelligent and cunning. Chromatic dragons are dark sages and powerful tyrants who are dreaded by all creatures, including each other. They are aggressive, gluttonous, and vain. Chromatic dragons are desirous of treasure, and their greed colors all their plans and schemes. They think the wealth of the Valine is rightfully theirs, and a chromatic dragon takes that wealth without regard to the humanoids and other creatures who "robbed" them of it. A dragon's lair is the stuff of folklore with its mounds of money, glittering diamonds and magical artifacts. Chromatic dragons, meanwhile, show no interest in trade, accumulating money simply for no reason but possession of it. The chromatic dragons are linked in their sense of superiority and believe themselves to be, of all mortal creatures, the most strong and worthy of veneration. It's only to promote their own interests that they interact with other creatures. They believe in their intrinsic domination again, and that idea is the cornerstone of the psyche and worldview of every chromatic dragon. To try to humble a chromatic dragon is to persuade the wind to stop blowing. Humanoids are animals, suitable as slaves or beasts of burden, and entirely beneath their consideration. The lair of a dragon is their power seat and a vault for their loot. A dragon chooses or creates its lair, not to protect, but to defend their possessions, using their intrinsic toughness and tolerance to severe environmental impacts, they favor various entrances, exits and obstacles blocking the way to their treasure. In perilous and distant regions most chromatic dragon lairs are hidden to prevent all but the most determined of mortals from reaching them. A black dragon may sit in the middle of an immense marsh, while a red dragon could claim an active volcano's crater. In addition to the inherent defenses of their lairs, the chromatic dragons also secure their hoard by using magic guardians, traps and subordinate animals.

Metallic Dragons

Metallic dragons perceive themselves as one powerful race among many that have a place in the world, and they endeavor to preserve and protect it. Metallic dragons, like their chromatic counterparts, seek treasure, but they aren't as greedy in their pursuit of it. Metallic dragons are compelled to investigate and acquire, bringing unclaimed relics back to their lairs. A metallic dragon's treasure chest is brimming with mementos that represent its personality, convey its story, and keep memories alive. Other creatures are likewise protected by metallic dragons from hazardous magic. As a result, strong magic objects and even malevolent artifacts are occasionally hidden in the hoard of a metallic dragon. For the greater good, a metallic dragon can be persuaded to part with an item from its treasure. However, from the dragon's perspective, another creature's need for or right to the item is frequently ambiguous. A metallic dragon must be bribed or otherwise persuaded to part with it. Metallic dragons prefer to stay as far away from civilization as possible so as to not attract enemies. However, this means that they are often far out of touch with current events. Metallic dragons have long memories and create impressions about humanoids based on previous interactions with like species. By the scent of each person they meet and recalling any relatives they have come into touch with over the years, good dragons can distinguish humanoid lineages. If a villain is of the same mentality and heart as their good and moral grandmother, a gold dragon might never suspect deception from them. The dragon, on the other hand, might despise a noble paladin whose ancestor stole a silver statue from the dragon's collection five centuries before.

Brass Dragon by Rob Taylor

Brass Dragon

Genetic Descendants

Lifespan

Well over 1000 years

Average Weight

Differs by subspecies. The largest and oldest dragons can weigh up to 500 tons, but an average adult dragon weighs somewhere between 50 and 60 tons or 120,000 lbs.

Average Length

30-50 ft.