Additional Information for Mystaran Dragons
by Jamie Baty(adapted from the SRD)
The known varieties of true dragons (as opposed to other creatures that have the dragon type) fall into four broad categories in Mystara: chromatic, metallic, gemstone and others.
The chromatic dragons are black, blue, brown, green, red, and white; they are all native to Mystara and extremely fierce. Unlike other worlds, they are not necessarily evil and the intrepid adventurer may even encounter good ones, but that would be extremely rare.
The only metallic dragon type commonly found in Mystara is the gold. There is one known copper dragon. Rumours persist that silver and bronze dragons may be found as well. They are almost always good, usually noble, and highly respected by the wise.
Mystaran gemstone dragons are not native to Mystara, hailing from another world. They have fought against Mystaran dragonkind many times in the past, the last being 497 AC. The gemstone dragons are amber, crystal, jade, onyx, ruby and sapphire.
Other dragons of Mystara do not fall within the above categories. They include the Sea Dragon, and those dragons which give themselves to entropy and undeath, the Night Dragon and the Undead Dragon.
All true dragons gain more abilities and greater power as they age. (Other creatures that have the dragon type do not.) This power must come at a cost and for Mystaran dragons to advance in age beyond the Old age category, they must complete the Ceremony of Sublimation (see below).
They range in length from several feet upon hatching to more than 100 feet after attaining the status of great wyrm. The size of a particular dragon varies according to age and variety, as well as the results of the Ceremony of Sublimation.
Although goals and ideals vary among varieties, all dragons are covetous. They like to hoard wealth, collecting mounds of coins and gathering as many gems, jewels, and magic items as possible. Those with large hoards are loath to leave them for long, venturing out of their lairs only to patrol the immediate area or to get food. For dragons, there is no such thing as enough treasure. It's pleasing to look at, and they bask in its radiance. Dragons like to make beds of their hoards, shaping nooks and mounds to fit their bodies. By the time a dragon matures to the age of great wyrm, hundreds of gems and coins may be imbedded in its hide. Other than feeding their covetousness, these hoards have a very important function- they help fuel the Ceremony of Sublimation.
All Mystaran dragons speak Draconic, and most speak a multitude of local languages as well. However, many Mystaran dragons are not inclined to speak to those they consider inferior.
Please see the Dragon Magazine articles on Mystaran Dragons for information on the Ceremony of Sublimation and Draconic society in general.
It is possible for dragons to continue gaining HD through the ceremony that would advance them beyond their species' normal HD and abilities. If this occurs, refer to the advanced dragons portion of the Epic Handbook and SRD to properly advance their powers.
For statistics and combat information for each dragon type, please refer to the Monster Manual or SRD.
Black
BA, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Black Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Chaotic, Usually Neutral
Blue
BA, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Blue Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Neutral, Usually True Neutral
Gold
BA, IM1 38, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Gold Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Lawful, Usually Good
Green
BA, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Green Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Chaotic, Often Neutral
Red
BA, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Red Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Chaotic, Usually Evil
White
BA, RC 168
Use the statistics for the Red Dragon presented in the SRD and Monster Manual with the following exception:
Alignment: Always Neutral, Usually True Neutral