Dragon

This article is about the creature. For Dragon magazine, see Dragon (magazine).

Template:Infobox Greyhawk creature Dragons are very powerful, magical creatures, usually resembling great, winged reptiles. There are several types of dragons, the most common being chromatic and metallic dragons, which tend to be evil and good, respectively. Dragons are an ancient race. Few species that still exist can claim longer lineage.

The third edition of Dungeons & Dragons (as well as 3.5) classified dragon as a type of creature, simply defined as, "a reptilelike creature, usually winged, with magical or unusual abilities." The dragon type is broken down into two broad classifications:

• True dragons: Dragons which increase in power by age categories (wyrmling to great wyrm). All chromatic, metallic, and gem dragons are considered true dragons, as are the "lung" dragons of Oriental Adventures.
• Lesser dragons: These dragons do not advance via age categories and may lack all of the abilities of true dragons. Examples of lesser dragons include dragon turtles, wyverns, drakes, felldrakes, elemental drakes, landwyrms, linnorms, pseudodragons, faerie dragons, and wurms.

Ecology

Environment

Dragons can be found in nearly any environment, but most species limit themselves to a select number of climates and terrains. Black dragons, for instance, are seldom found outside of swamps and other wetlands, which white dragons prefer artic environments.

Typical physical characteristics

True dragons are usually winged, reptilian, four-legged beasts, which often grow to great size, their abilities improving with age. Most also exhibit some sort of breath weapon, such as fire, frost, or acid.

Most lesser dragons are also of reptilian appearance, though other features vary.

Alignment

Dragon alignment varies with species. Metallic dragons tend to be good, gem dragons tend to be neutral, and chromatic dragons are usually evil.

Society

Language

The language of dragons is known as Draconic, which is also spoken by other reptilian, non-draconic creatues, such as kobolds and lizardfolk. Prior to third edition, most dragon species had their own languages.

Bibliography

• Collins, Andy, Skip Williams, and James Wyatt. Draconomicon. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2003.

• Cook, David, et al. Monstrous Compendium Volume One. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1989.

• Gygax, Gary. Monster Manual. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1977.
• -----. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.

• Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.

• Redman, Rich, Skip Williams, and James Wyatt. Deities and Demigods. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2002.

• Sargent, Carl. From the Ashes. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
• -----. Monster Mythology. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.

• Williams, Skip. "Bahamut and Tiamat." Dragon #272. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.

• Williams, Skip, Jonathan Tweet, and Monte Cook. Monster Manual. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.