Dragon Overview [Mystara]

This world has its share of great dragons. Some species are found nowhere else, and familiar ones may differ in small ways from their cousins on other worlds. Four gem dragons are unique to it: the crystalline, jade, onyx and ruby dragons, each described separately. Other dragons here follow the usual descriptions except where noted below.

The biggest difference is which ethical axis matters. Elsewhere, dragons of the chromatic, metallic and gem families usually group by shared good, evil or neutral outlooks. Here, the divide between law and chaos dominates: dragons of order, cooperation and civilization oppose those who champion independence, wildness and destruction, while most are neutral on good and evil. When dealing with adventurers, they weigh law and chaos first. A gold dragon here, always lawful and usually good, would likely help a lawful character ahead of a chaotic one, whether the lawful one is a saint or a scoundrel, though helping someone who serves both law and good is better still.

Gem dragons here have no psionic powers, and the psionic gem species are not known to exist. The four native gem species cause fear less often than other dragons; use the gem dragon fear save modifiers. Each speaks its own language and the gem dragon tongue, sometimes more, and has a chance of being able to talk with any thinking being: 15% as a hatchling, plus 5% per age category.

Beyond breath and spells, every dragon has a host of special attacks, from fear auras to tail slaps. Even the dimmest dragon is cunning and will use every attack and trick to its best advantage.