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|first        = ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]'' (1988)
|first        = ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]'' (1988)
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'''Greyhawk dragons''', are a race of [[dragon]] in the ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' campaign setting. The creatures are known to have made journeys into other material planes where they have come to be called '''steel dragons'''.
'''Greyhawk dragons''', are a race of [[dragon]] in the ''[[World of Greyhawk]]'' campaign setting. The creatures are known to have made journeys into other material planes where they have come to be called '''steel dragons'''.{{cite dragon|339|52|Campaign Classics: Classic Monsters}}


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
Line 32: Line 32:


==Society==
==Society==
[[Image:Greyhawk Dragon03.png|300px|thumb|left|A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in ''[[Dragon mag|Dragon]]'' Annual #3 (1998). Art by Stephen Schwartz.]]
[[Image:Greyhawk Dragon03.png|300px|thumb|left|A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in ''[[Dragon mag|Dragon]]'' Annual #3 (1998). Art by Stephen Schwartz.]]
Greyhawk dragons are solitary creatures. Greyhawk dragons in the same city are usually cordial to one another, but they do not actively seek out one another's company.  
Greyhawk dragons are solitary creatures. Greyhawk dragons in the same city are usually cordial to one another, but they do not actively seek out one another's company.  


Line 40: Line 40:


When raising their draconic offspring, mated dragons alternate between dragon and humanoid forms in order to teach their offspring about both aspects of their coming lives. They try to install in them a respect and curiosity for humanoids, moving frequently to expose them to different people. In their final lesson, they teach their offspring to Vault their memories of their parents, and never see them again.  
When raising their draconic offspring, mated dragons alternate between dragon and humanoid forms in order to teach their offspring about both aspects of their coming lives. They try to install in them a respect and curiosity for humanoids, moving frequently to expose them to different people. In their final lesson, they teach their offspring to Vault their memories of their parents, and never see them again.  
[[Image:Greyhawk Dragon01.jpg|391px|thumb|right|A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in the ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1 (2000). Art by Sam Wood.]]
 
Most of a Greyhawk dragon's relationships are abandoned when they enter a new life, but they maintain a group of friends that they call "agelinks." Using a special spell, they can "dreamlink" these individuals, gaining visions of their lives while the dragon Vaults. In this way they catch up on the changes that have occurred in the world while the dragons were busy being someone else.  
Most of a Greyhawk dragon's relationships are abandoned when they enter a new life, but they maintain a group of friends that they call "agelinks." Using a special spell, they can "dreamlink" these individuals, gaining visions of their lives while the dragon Vaults. In this way they catch up on the changes that have occurred in the world while the dragons were busy being someone else.  
 
[[File:Greyhawk Dragon05.png|250px|thumb|right|A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in the (2e) ''Monstrous Manual'' (1993). Art by Mark Nelson.]]
Eventually, the Greyhawk dragon will choose a Soulbond, an individual more important than other agelinks, spouses, mates, or children. A Greyhawk dragon's feelings for their links are normally lost after the Vaulting, but the Soulbond, who is aware of the dragon's true form, remains a companion from life to life. They are telepathically linked to their draconic companions and may communicate up to any distance as long as both remain on the same plane of existence. The Soulbond also gains something of a Greyhawk dragon's ability to change form, although only within the limits of their own species. A Soulbonded [[elf]] cannot change into a human or a dragon, but she can change into a male elf, or an elf of a different subrace. Some Greyhawk dragons prefer to Soulbond with creatures from long-lived races such as elves or [[dwarf|dwarves]], so that they can remain companions for longer, but this is not always true. The Soulbond is a combination of servant, friend, and companion, helping the dragon live and adapt to different lives, while the dragon defends and cares for the Soulbond in return.  
Eventually, the Greyhawk dragon will choose a Soulbond, an individual more important than other agelinks, spouses, mates, or children. A Greyhawk dragon's feelings for their links are normally lost after the Vaulting, but the Soulbond, who is aware of the dragon's true form, remains a companion from life to life. They are telepathically linked to their draconic companions and may communicate up to any distance as long as both remain on the same plane of existence. The Soulbond also gains something of a Greyhawk dragon's ability to change form, although only within the limits of their own species. A Soulbonded [[elf]] cannot change into a human or a dragon, but she can change into a male elf, or an elf of a different subrace. Some Greyhawk dragons prefer to Soulbond with creatures from long-lived races such as elves or [[dwarf|dwarves]], so that they can remain companions for longer, but this is not always true. The Soulbond is a combination of servant, friend, and companion, helping the dragon live and adapt to different lives, while the dragon defends and cares for the Soulbond in return.  


Line 56: Line 56:


==Notable Greyhawk dragons==
==Notable Greyhawk dragons==
[[File:MizaabZalen02.png|thumb|250px|[[Mizaab Zalen]] transformed into his dragonic form, WGA2 ''[[Falconmaster]] (1990).'' Art by [[Ken Frank]].]]
The number of Greyhawk dragons make their homes in settlements across the [[Flanaess]], though a Greyhawk dragon's true nature is usually a closely guarded secret. It is said as many as five Greyhawk dragons may live in the Free City itself. <br/>
The number of Greyhawk dragons make their homes in settlements across the [[Flanaess]], though a Greyhawk dragon's true nature is usually a closely guarded secret. It is said as many as five Greyhawk dragons may live in the Free City itself. <br/>
Greyhawk dragons appearing in ''Greyhawk'' products include:
Greyhawk dragons appearing in ''Greyhawk'' products include:
Line 63: Line 64:
* [[Mizaab Zalen]] of Greyhawk City, also known as Sturtevant.{{csb|WGA2}}{{csb|WGA3}}
* [[Mizaab Zalen]] of Greyhawk City, also known as Sturtevant.{{csb|WGA2}}{{csb|WGA3}}
* [[Schemley]]{{csb|WGR3}}
* [[Schemley]]{{csb|WGR3}}
* An unnamed Greyhawk dragon appears in Robin Wayne Baily's ''[[Nightwatch]]''.
* An unnamed Greyhawk dragon appears in Robin Wayne Baily's ''[[Night Watch]]''.
* An unnamed Greyhawk dragon in [[Kalstrand]].{{cite lgj|1|21|Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage}}
* An unnamed Greyhawk dragon in [[Kalstrand]].{{cite lgj|1|21|Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage}}


===Non-officially published Greyhawk dragons===
===Non-officially published Greyhawk dragons===
* Cervus Ironblood of [[Dyvers]] - "The Dyverse Dragon", in ''[[Oerth Journal]]'' #8, pp29-32, by [[Eric L. Boyd]].  
* Cervus Ironblood of [[Dyvers]]—"The Dyverse Dragon", in ''[[Oerth Journal]]'' #8, pp29-32, by [[Eric L. Boyd]].


==Publishing History==
==Publishing History==
===Physical Appearance Details Varied===
=== Physical Appearance Details Varied ===
[[File:Greyhawk dragon06.jpg|250px|thumb|A greyhawk dragon, ''[[Trading Cards]]'', card #526]]
 
===First edition===
In 1989, the Greyhawk dragon appeared in the ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]'' hardback by [[Jim Ward]].  There was brief description of only the dragon's mane and color.
In 1989, the Greyhawk dragon appeared in the ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]'' hardback by [[Jim Ward]].  There was brief description of only the dragon's mane and color.


Following this, ''[[MC5 Monstrous Compendium: Greyhawk Appendix]]'' was released in May 1990.  The same text for physical appearance as was used in the previous hardback was duplicated here.  The artwork depicted the Greyhawk dragon as having two legs rather than four like many other dragons, but it was the norm in that edition for artwork to reveal more about physical appearance than text did.
===Second edition===
Following this, MC5 ''[[Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix|Monstrous Compendium: Greyhawk Appendix]]'' was released in May 1990.  The same text for physical appearance as was used in the previous hardback was duplicated here.  The artwork by Mark Allen depicted the Greyhawk dragon as having two legs rather than four like many other dragons, but it was the norm in that edition for artwork to reveal more about physical appearance than text did.
 
Later that same year, in October 1990, the ''Draconomicon'' by [[Nigel Findley]] was published for second edition, which had the "steel dragon". Though this was a ''Forgotten Realms'' product, the exact same text is used for the physical description as previously.  Also, it noted "There is almost certainly a close relationship between the steel dragon and the Greyhawk dragon of Oerth."{{cite sourcebook|FOR1 Draconomicon|69}}  In it, however, the art depicts a quadrupedal dragon.
 
Also in 1990, WGA2 ''[[Falconmaster]]'' contained illustrations of [[Mizaab Zalen]] which depicted him as a quadrupedal dragon.{{csb|WGA2|54}}  There's no accompanying specific text detail, however.  The series used the same art in following adventures.{{csb|WGA3|52}}
 
In 1992, the AD&D Greyhawk ''[[Trading Cards]]'' series had a greyhawk dragon on card #526.  The art was a re-illustration of Mark Allen's work, showing a bipedal dragon. 


Later that same year, in October 1990, the ''Draconomicon'' by [[Nigel Findley]] was published for AD&D 2e, which had the "steel dragon". Though this was a ''Forgotten Realms'' product, the exact same text is used for the physical description as previously.  Also, it noted "There is almost certainly a close relationship between the steel dragon and the Greyhawk dragon of Oerth."{{cite sourcebook|FOR1 Draconomicon|69}}  In it, however, the art depicts a quadrupedal dragon.
When the ''Monstrous Compendium'' series was changed to the ''Monstrous Manual'' hardback (June 1993), the exact same text of the Greyhawk dragon was given in the page for "Steel dragon".{{csb|Monstrous Manual (1993)|86}}  The illustration was again by Mark Allen but was new artwork.  Like the original artwork in ''Greyhawk Adventures'', and clearly based upon it, they were depicted as bipedal dragons.


The next significant publishing of these dragons was ''The Ecology of the Steel Dragon: Soulbond'', published in 1998 in [[dragmag|Dragon]] magazine, for late AD&D 2e.  But while the description remained largely the same, it still made no references in text to whether they have two legs or four.  The artwork, however, reverted to an illustration clearly inspired by the original Greyhawk dragon in MC5 - a bipedal dragon with wings.
While there were other ''mentions'' of Greyhawk or steel dragons in intervening years between these books, it was not again developed further until late in the edition.  The next significant publishing of these dragons was ''The Ecology of the Steel Dragon: Soulbond'', published in 1998 in [[dragmag|Dragon]] magazine, for late second edition.  But while the description remained largely the same, it still made no references in text to whether they have two legs or four.  The artwork, however, reverted to an illustration clearly inspired by the original Greyhawk dragon in MC5—a bipedal dragon with wings.
 
=== Third edition ===
[[Image:Greyhawk Dragon01.jpg|391px|thumb|right|A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in the ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1 (2000). Art by Sam Wood.]]


Two years later, with the advent of 3e, the ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1 contained ''Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage'', by [[Sean Reynolds|Sean K. Reynolds]] with illustrations by [[Sam Wood]].  This time, the text includes the descriptive phrase "somewhat feline", and the artwork depicted it as distinctly quadrupedal.  This description (and most of the article) was repeated nearly word-for-word in ''Monster Mayhem: Steel Dragon''<ref name=MM4>''Monster Mayhem:Steel Dragon'' [http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20040328a Available online]</ref>, a 3.5e conversion also by Reynolds. This further cemented the relationship of steel dragons being Greyhawk dragons. <br/>
Two years later, with the advent of 3e, the ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1 contained ''Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage'', by [[Sean Reynolds|Sean K. Reynolds]] with illustrations by [[Sam Wood]].  This time, the text includes the descriptive phrase "somewhat feline", and the artwork depicted it as distinctly quadrupedal.  This description (and most of the article) was repeated nearly word-for-word in ''Monster Mayhem: Steel Dragon''<ref name=MM4>''Monster Mayhem:Steel Dragon'' [http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20040328a Available online]</ref>, a 3.5e conversion also by Reynolds. This further cemented the relationship of steel dragons being Greyhawk dragons. <br/>
Essentially this same text was again later used in [[dragmag|Dragon]] magazine #339, in ''Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics'', again by Reynolds.  However, the earlier mention relationship between Greyhawk dragons and steel dragons is made clear:  <q>Although native to the world of Oerth, some Greyhawk dragons have traveled to other planes, and in those places they and their offspring are called steel dragons.</q>{{ cite dragon|339|52|Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics}}  It is likely this was added to the original descriptions as an in-game explanation of why other settings and generic sources call them by a different name and to settle the matter that they are the same.  
Essentially this same text was again later used in [[dragmag|Dragon]] magazine #339, in ''Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics'', again by Reynolds.  However, the earlier mention of the relationship between Greyhawk dragons and steel dragons is made clear:   
{{quoted text|''Although native to the world of Oerth, some Greyhawk dragons have traveled to other planes, and in those places they and their offspring are called steel dragons.''|{{cite dragon|339|52|Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics}}}}  It is likely this was added to the original descriptions as an in-game explanation of why other settings and generic sources call them by a different name and to settle the matter that they are the same.
 
In third edition, "true" dragons were distinguished from other creatures with the "dragon" type.  They were noted as having four legs,{{csb|Draconomicon 3e|6}} and this was a defining feature from third edition forward.  If a creature was not quadrepedal, it was not a "true" dragon.
 
=== Fourth edition ===
The new style of depiction of the Gryehawk dragons in art carried over from 3e into 4e.  The steel or Greyhawk dragon was presented thereafter as a quadrupedal creature.  In 4e, Chris Seaman illustrated them in the ''Draconomicon II: Metallic Dragons'' (2009).  Statistics for "steel" dragons from young to ancient age categories were presented therein.{{csb|Draconomicon 4eM|142-144}}
 
=== Fifth edition ===
Through 2021, there had been no Greyhawk dragons as a creature unto themselves presented in 5e.  ''Dungeon of the Mad Mage'' (a Forgotten Realms adventure) presents a steel dragon, Stalagma Steelshadow, as an opponent.  The stats for the steel dragon were presented as being based on a silver dragon, with changes made to breath weapon and alignment.  No art was presented for the character.
 
In ''Fizban's Treasury of Dragons'', a surprising sidebar later explained the premise behind basing Stalagma on a silver dragon. 
{{quoted text|The propensity of some metallic dragons to spend long periods of time in Humanoid form has led to numerous bits of folklore, including tales in which these shape-shifters are sometimes erroneously identified as unique varieties of metallic dragons.
 
... The world of Greyhawk has legends of similar dragons, called either Greyhawk dragons or steel dragons, which are said to favor life among Humanoids in the hustle and bustle of great cities.
 
The creatures featured in these legends are almost certainly copper, silver, or other metallic dragons who simply favored that particular form. Some dragons even seem to prefer Humanoid form to their own and delight in surrounding themselves with companions who can answer their endless questions about Humanoid art, culture, history, and politics.|{{csb|Fizban's Treasury of Dragons|44}}}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:MizaabZalen01.png|WGA2 ''[[Falconmaster]]'' (1990).  At by [[Ken Frank]].
Image:Greyhawk Dragon02.jpg|''[[Dragon mag|Dragon]]'' #339 (2006). Art by Steve Ellis.
Image:Greyhawk Dragon02.jpg|''[[Dragon mag|Dragon]]'' #339 (2006). Art by Steve Ellis.
File:Greyhawk Dragon04.jpg|''Draconomicon 2: Metallic Dragons.  Art by Chris Seaman.
File:Greyhawk Dragon04.jpg|''Draconomicon 2: Metallic Dragons.'' Art by Chris Seaman.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 97: Line 128:
*[[Boyd, Eric L]]. "The Dyverse Dragon." ''[[Oerth Journal]]'' #8. [[Council of Greyhawk]], 1998. Available online:[http://www.oerthjournal.com/oerthjournals/OJ_08.pdf]
*[[Boyd, Eric L]]. "The Dyverse Dragon." ''[[Oerth Journal]]'' #8. [[Council of Greyhawk]], 1998. Available online:[http://www.oerthjournal.com/oerthjournals/OJ_08.pdf]
*[[Brown, Richard W.]], and [[Anne Brown]].  ''[[Falcon's Revenge]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*[[Brown, Richard W.]], and [[Anne Brown]].  ''[[Falcon's Revenge]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*-----.  ''[[Falconmaster]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
:———.  ''[[Falconmaster]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*-----.  ''[[Flames of the Falcon]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
:———.  ''[[Flames of the Falcon]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
*Knioum, Jay. "The Ecology of the Steel Dragon: Soulbond." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]] Annual'' #3. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*Knioum, Jay. "The Ecology of the Steel Dragon: Soulbond." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]] Annual'' #3. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*[[Moore, Roger E]]. ''[[Greyhawk: The Adventure Begins]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*[[Moore, Roger E]]. ''[[The Adventure Begins]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*-----. ''[[Return of the Eight]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
:———. ''[[Return of the Eight]]''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
*[[Niles, Douglas]], and [[Carl Sargent]]. ''[[The City of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
*[[Niles, Douglas]], and [[Carl Sargent]]. ''[[The City of Greyhawk]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.
*[[Anthony Pryor|Pryor, Anthony]]. ''[[Rary the Traitor]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Anthony Pryor|Pryor, Anthony]]. ''[[Rary the Traitor]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Sean K. Reynolds|Reynolds, Sean K]].  "Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #339. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2006.
*[[Sean K. Reynolds|Reynolds, Sean K]].  "Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics." ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' #339. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2006.
*-----. "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage." ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2000.
:———. "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage." ''[[Living Greyhawk Journal]]'' #1. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2000.
*[[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Skip Williams]]. "[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20040328a Steel Dragon (conversion for 3.5 edition D&D)]". ''Wizards of the Coast''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
*[[Sean K. Reynolds]], and [[Skip Williams]]. "[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/mm/20040328a Steel Dragon (conversion for 3.5 edition D&D)]". ''Wizards of the Coast''. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2004.
*[[Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[Sargent, Carl]]. ''[[From the Ashes]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
*[[James M. Ward|Ward, James M]]. ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1988.
*[[James M. Ward|Ward, James M]]. ''[[Greyhawk Adventures]]''. Lake Geneva, WI: [[TSR]], 1988.
<h3>Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index</h3>
* [[James Wyatt|Wyatt, James]].  ''Fizban's Treasury of Dragons". Renton, WA: [[Wizards of the Coast]], 2021. ISBN 978-0786967292
The Index is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, and his work as continued and updated by a French fan group, Eric Johnson, Richard DiIola, Jason "PupickDad" Jaobson, and numerous other fans over the years.
{{index|title=Dragon, Greyhawk}}


The wiki page for the [[Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index|EGI]] has a list of sources, full product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index. Please visit the [https://greyhawkonline.com/encyclopediagreyhawkania/database/ Edit Encyclopedia Index] page to contribute to the wiki database.
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[[Category:Creatures|Dragon, Greyhawk]]
[[Category:Creatures|Dragon, Greyhawk]]

Latest revision as of 14:26, 26 March 2025

Greyhawk Creature
Greyhawk dragon
A Greyhawk dragon, illustrated in Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix by Mark Nelson (1990).
General information
Alignment:Lawful neutral (good tendencies)
Type:Dragon
First appearance:Greyhawk Adventures (1988)

Greyhawk dragons, are a race of dragon in the World of Greyhawk campaign setting. The creatures are known to have made journeys into other material planes where they have come to be called steel dragons.[1]

Ecology

Greyhawk dragons are at the top of their food chains, with no natural enemies. However, finding food is their biggest problem. While they often take on human or demihuman form, they must still eat as much as a dragon. Consequently, they disappear every two weeks or so to hunt. Greyhawk dragons are omnivores, but prefer fresh meat. They prey on wild animals, avoiding domesticated beasts whose slaughter might be remarked upon.

Environment

Greyhawk dragons typically dwell make their homes in large cities, such as the Free City of Greyhawk, where they live as, and among, humans and other humanoid creatures. Even the largest cities will generally have no more than one or two living secretly within, although it is believed that the City of Greyhawk has no less than five.

A Greyhawk dragon seeks a mate every twelve years, often traveling to another city to do so. The couple retires to the wilderness and raise their single offspring. After about 24 months (the Dragon Annual #3 says a decade), the hatchling is old enough to fend for itself, and the parents separate and return to their other lives. Greyhawk dragons rarely mate with the same Greyhawk dragon twice.

Greyhawk dragons may also mate with humanoids when in humanoid form. Any children produced from these unions are completely of their adopted race, not half-dragons.

Typical physical characteristics

Greyhawk dragons are much like the other races of metallic dragon with one primary exception: they prefer to maintain the form of a human (or other sentient race) in order to mingle with, infiltrate, and study the cultures of men and their ilk. Because of this, few people know when they are interacting with a Greyhawk dragon.

When in humanoid form, Greyhawk dragons will always have a feature which betrays their nature, though it may be carefully concealed. This may be a shock of steel-gray hair, or an eye that appears silvered over with age, or any other feature that resembles their natural complexion. They are able to alter their humanoid forms subtly over time, simulating natural aging.

In dragon form, a Greyhawk dragon has hair-like spines around its head and a cat-like body with a vaguely human-like face.[2][3][4] Its scales resemble steel armor, darkening to a gunmetal-like hue on its belly and toward its tail. Its wing membranes are like fine silk.

Alignment

Greyhawk dragons are neutral, caring little for good or evil. The same dragon may act as a great tyrant for the span of a human lifetime and be a noble hero the next. They seek in this way to experience the totality of humanoid existence. They tend to be orderly in nature, however, and tend toward goodness slightly more than evil. Greyhawk dragons cannot bear to harm other dragons, regardless of that dragon's color or alignment, unless in dragon form themselves.

Society

A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in Dragon Annual #3 (1998). Art by Stephen Schwartz.

Greyhawk dragons are solitary creatures. Greyhawk dragons in the same city are usually cordial to one another, but they do not actively seek out one another's company.

Greyhawk dragons are sometimes the centers of artistic and intellectual gatherings, and they may be patrons of philosophy and the arts, keeping their true nature secret. Most, however, are somewhat less outgoing, limiting themselves to a small group of friends and acquaintances, usually selected based on their access to interesting and hard-to-maintain information and intelligences. Greyhawk dragons rarely work as artisans, preferring to act as information brokers and collectors.

Because Greyhawk dragons live so much longer than the races they live among, they create what they call the Chain of Lives, a series of identities they adopt as they pass the natural age limit of their previous guises. After each "lifetime," they retreat into a meditative state in which they "store away" their previous memories, keeping them accessible but hazy, as if they belonged to someone else. In this way they are able to begin their new lives unencumbered by prejudices and lessons learned in their previous existences. They call this the Vaulting.

When raising their draconic offspring, mated dragons alternate between dragon and humanoid forms in order to teach their offspring about both aspects of their coming lives. They try to install in them a respect and curiosity for humanoids, moving frequently to expose them to different people. In their final lesson, they teach their offspring to Vault their memories of their parents, and never see them again.

Most of a Greyhawk dragon's relationships are abandoned when they enter a new life, but they maintain a group of friends that they call "agelinks." Using a special spell, they can "dreamlink" these individuals, gaining visions of their lives while the dragon Vaults. In this way they catch up on the changes that have occurred in the world while the dragons were busy being someone else.

A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in the (2e) Monstrous Manual (1993). Art by Mark Nelson.

Eventually, the Greyhawk dragon will choose a Soulbond, an individual more important than other agelinks, spouses, mates, or children. A Greyhawk dragon's feelings for their links are normally lost after the Vaulting, but the Soulbond, who is aware of the dragon's true form, remains a companion from life to life. They are telepathically linked to their draconic companions and may communicate up to any distance as long as both remain on the same plane of existence. The Soulbond also gains something of a Greyhawk dragon's ability to change form, although only within the limits of their own species. A Soulbonded elf cannot change into a human or a dragon, but she can change into a male elf, or an elf of a different subrace. Some Greyhawk dragons prefer to Soulbond with creatures from long-lived races such as elves or dwarves, so that they can remain companions for longer, but this is not always true. The Soulbond is a combination of servant, friend, and companion, helping the dragon live and adapt to different lives, while the dragon defends and cares for the Soulbond in return.

At the ends of their long lives, Greyhawk dragons enter a period they call Reflection. During this time, they lie in slumber, vividly recalling every memory they have ever Vaulted as if they are experiencing them again. After perhaps centuries of this, they are ready to die. They contact their Soulbond and ask for one last favor: to collect their Composition, their hoard of writings and works of art (mostly magical) that comprise all they have learned in each life and spread it among all the races the dragon once lived among, so that they too might benefit from all those experiences.

Language

Greyhawk dragons speak Draconic, as well as all commonly used human and demihuman languages. They have the ability to communicate with any intelligent creature and are able to accurately mimic speech patterns and accents. They love to learn new languages and research the languages and customs of the cultures in which they are about to immerse themselves before they arrive.

Religion

Legend among the Greyhawk dragons has it that their god, Io, created them specifically that they might record their experiences among the other races, so that these races may learn from the dragons' observations of them.

Greyhawk dragons believe that when they pass on to the next world, Io himself arrives to escort them into the afterlife. Io presents them with a test to determine if they have gained sufficient wisdom in their many lives. If they pass, they become one with Io's divine essence. If they fail, they are reincarnated to begin the whole process again.

Notable Greyhawk dragons

Mizaab Zalen transformed into his dragonic form, WGA2 Falconmaster (1990). Art by Ken Frank.

The number of Greyhawk dragons make their homes in settlements across the Flanaess, though a Greyhawk dragon's true nature is usually a closely guarded secret. It is said as many as five Greyhawk dragons may live in the Free City itself.
Greyhawk dragons appearing in Greyhawk products include:

Non-officially published Greyhawk dragons

Publishing History

Physical Appearance Details Varied

A greyhawk dragon, Trading Cards, card #526

First edition

In 1989, the Greyhawk dragon appeared in the Greyhawk Adventures hardback by Jim Ward. There was brief description of only the dragon's mane and color.

Second edition

Following this, MC5 Monstrous Compendium: Greyhawk Appendix was released in May 1990. The same text for physical appearance as was used in the previous hardback was duplicated here. The artwork by Mark Allen depicted the Greyhawk dragon as having two legs rather than four like many other dragons, but it was the norm in that edition for artwork to reveal more about physical appearance than text did.

Later that same year, in October 1990, the Draconomicon by Nigel Findley was published for second edition, which had the "steel dragon". Though this was a Forgotten Realms product, the exact same text is used for the physical description as previously. Also, it noted "There is almost certainly a close relationship between the steel dragon and the Greyhawk dragon of Oerth."[11] In it, however, the art depicts a quadrupedal dragon.

Also in 1990, WGA2 Falconmaster contained illustrations of Mizaab Zalen which depicted him as a quadrupedal dragon.[12] There's no accompanying specific text detail, however. The series used the same art in following adventures.[13]

In 1992, the AD&D Greyhawk Trading Cards series had a greyhawk dragon on card #526. The art was a re-illustration of Mark Allen's work, showing a bipedal dragon.

When the Monstrous Compendium series was changed to the Monstrous Manual hardback (June 1993), the exact same text of the Greyhawk dragon was given in the page for "Steel dragon".[14] The illustration was again by Mark Allen but was new artwork. Like the original artwork in Greyhawk Adventures, and clearly based upon it, they were depicted as bipedal dragons.

While there were other mentions of Greyhawk or steel dragons in intervening years between these books, it was not again developed further until late in the edition. The next significant publishing of these dragons was The Ecology of the Steel Dragon: Soulbond, published in 1998 in Dragon magazine, for late second edition. But while the description remained largely the same, it still made no references in text to whether they have two legs or four. The artwork, however, reverted to an illustration clearly inspired by the original Greyhawk dragon in MC5—a bipedal dragon with wings.

Third edition

A Greyhawk dragon, as depicted in the Living Greyhawk Journal #1 (2000). Art by Sam Wood.

Two years later, with the advent of 3e, the Living Greyhawk Journal #1 contained Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage, by Sean K. Reynolds with illustrations by Sam Wood. This time, the text includes the descriptive phrase "somewhat feline", and the artwork depicted it as distinctly quadrupedal. This description (and most of the article) was repeated nearly word-for-word in Monster Mayhem: Steel Dragon[3], a 3.5e conversion also by Reynolds. This further cemented the relationship of steel dragons being Greyhawk dragons.
Essentially this same text was again later used in Dragon magazine #339, in Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics, again by Reynolds. However, the earlier mention of the relationship between Greyhawk dragons and steel dragons is made clear:

"Although native to the world of Oerth, some Greyhawk dragons have traveled to other planes, and in those places they and their offspring are called steel dragons."[4]

It is likely this was added to the original descriptions as an in-game explanation of why other settings and generic sources call them by a different name and to settle the matter that they are the same.

In third edition, "true" dragons were distinguished from other creatures with the "dragon" type. They were noted as having four legs,[15] and this was a defining feature from third edition forward. If a creature was not quadrepedal, it was not a "true" dragon.

Fourth edition

The new style of depiction of the Gryehawk dragons in art carried over from 3e into 4e. The steel or Greyhawk dragon was presented thereafter as a quadrupedal creature. In 4e, Chris Seaman illustrated them in the Draconomicon II: Metallic Dragons (2009). Statistics for "steel" dragons from young to ancient age categories were presented therein.[16]

Fifth edition

Through 2021, there had been no Greyhawk dragons as a creature unto themselves presented in 5e. Dungeon of the Mad Mage (a Forgotten Realms adventure) presents a steel dragon, Stalagma Steelshadow, as an opponent. The stats for the steel dragon were presented as being based on a silver dragon, with changes made to breath weapon and alignment. No art was presented for the character.

In Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, a surprising sidebar later explained the premise behind basing Stalagma on a silver dragon.

"The propensity of some metallic dragons to spend long periods of time in Humanoid form has led to numerous bits of folklore, including tales in which these shape-shifters are sometimes erroneously identified as unique varieties of metallic dragons.

... The world of Greyhawk has legends of similar dragons, called either Greyhawk dragons or steel dragons, which are said to favor life among Humanoids in the hustle and bustle of great cities.

The creatures featured in these legends are almost certainly copper, silver, or other metallic dragons who simply favored that particular form. Some dragons even seem to prefer Humanoid form to their own and delight in surrounding themselves with companions who can answer their endless questions about Humanoid art, culture, history, and politics."[17]

  • WGA2 Falconmaster (1990). At by Ken Frank.
    WGA2 Falconmaster (1990). At by Ken Frank.
  • Dragon #339 (2006). Art by Steve Ellis.
    Dragon #339 (2006). Art by Steve Ellis.
  • Draconomicon 2: Metallic Dragons. Art by Chris Seaman.
    Draconomicon 2: Metallic Dragons. Art by Chris Seaman.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ "Campaign Classics: Classic Monsters".  Dragon #339 (Jan 2006), p.52.
  2. ↑ a b "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage".  Living Greyhawk Journal #1 (Sep 2000), p.21.  
  3. ↑ a b Monster Mayhem:Steel Dragon Available online
  4. ↑ a b "Creature Catalog IV: Campaign Classics".  Dragon #339 (Jan 2006), p.52.
  5. ↑ City of Greyhawk, p.75, Folks, Feuds, and Factions.
  6. ↑ The Adventure Begins (1998), p.85.
  7. ↑ Return of the Eight (1998), p.61.
  8. ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990).
  9. ↑ WGA3 Flames of the Falcon (1990).
  10. ↑ WGR3 Rary the Traitor (1992).
  11. ↑ FOR1 Draconomicon, p.69.
  12. ↑ WGA2 Falconmaster (1990), p.54.
  13. ↑ WGA3 Flames of the Falcon (1990), p.52.
  14. ↑ Monstrous Manual (1993), p.86.
  15. ↑ Draconomicon (2003), p.6.
  16. ↑ Draconomicon: Metallic Dragons (2009), p.142-144.
  17. ↑ Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, p.44.

Bibliography

———. Falconmaster. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
———. Flames of the Falcon. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
———. Return of the Eight. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
———. "Enchiridion of the Fiend Sage." Living Greyhawk Journal #1. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2000.

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Dragon magazine #339 51-54
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Dragon magazine #AN3 74-80
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Greyhawk Adventures 26, 27
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Living Greyhawk Journal #1 21-22
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, MC5 Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix Insert (Dragon, Greyhawk), Encounter Tables
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Monstrous Manual, AD&D 2e 86
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, Monstrous Manual, AD&D 2e (Premium Edition) 86
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, SJR6 Greyspace 34
Dragon, Greyhawk {Steel} Monster Native of: Material Plane, 1992 TSR Trading Cards - Gold Set 526
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