Download the full version of the ebook at ebookfinal.

com

Draconomicon 2 Metallic Dragons A 4th Edition D D

Supplement Richard Baker

https://ebookfinal.com/download/draconomicon-2-metallic-
dragons-a-4th-edition-d-d-supplement-richard-baker/

OR CLICK BUTTON

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Download more ebook instantly today at https://ebookfinal.com

Instant digital products (PDF, ePub, MOBI) available
Download now and explore formats that suit you...

Martial Power 2 A 4th Edition D D Supplement Baker

https://ebookfinal.com/download/martial-power-2-a-4th-edition-d-d-
supplement-baker/

ebookfinal.com

Arcane Power A 4th Edition D d Supplement Dungeons Dragons

Eytan Bernstein

https://ebookfinal.com/download/arcane-power-a-4th-edition-d-d-
supplement-dungeons-dragons-eytan-bernstein/

ebookfinal.com

Manual of the Planes A 4th Edition D d Supplement D d

Rules Expansion Dungeons Dragons Wizards Rpg Team

https://ebookfinal.com/download/manual-of-the-planes-a-4th-edition-d-
d-supplement-d-d-rules-expansion-dungeons-dragons-wizards-rpg-team/

ebookfinal.com

Eberron Campaign Guide A 4th Edition D D Supplement James

Wyatt

https://ebookfinal.com/download/eberron-campaign-guide-a-4th-edition-
d-d-supplement-james-wyatt/

ebookfinal.com
The Book of Vile Darkness A 4th Edition D D Supplement
Robert J. Schwalb

https://ebookfinal.com/download/the-book-of-vile-darkness-a-4th-
edition-d-d-supplement-robert-j-schwalb/

ebookfinal.com

Forgotten Realms Player s Guide A 4th Edition D D

Supplement Wizards Rpg Team

https://ebookfinal.com/download/forgotten-realms-player-s-guide-a-4th-
edition-d-d-supplement-wizards-rpg-team/

ebookfinal.com

Open Grave Secrets of the Undead A 4th Edition D D

Supplement Bruce R. Cordell

https://ebookfinal.com/download/open-grave-secrets-of-the-
undead-a-4th-edition-d-d-supplement-bruce-r-cordell/

ebookfinal.com

Neverwinter Campaign Setting A 4th Edition Dungeons

Dragons Supplement Matt Sernett

https://ebookfinal.com/download/neverwinter-campaign-setting-a-4th-
edition-dungeons-dragons-supplement-matt-sernett/

ebookfinal.com

Dungeons Dragons Primal Power Roleplaying Game Supplement

4th Edition Mearls

https://ebookfinal.com/download/dungeons-dragons-primal-power-
roleplaying-game-supplement-4th-edition-mearls/

ebookfinal.com
 ~ --- - - - ­

-------_._- -------------- ----------------- ------------ -----_._--------- ---­

- - ----- ---------------- ----
 DRACONOMICON™
Metallic Dragons

ROLEPLAYING GAME SUPPLEMENT

Richard Baker • Ari Marm ell
 CRED1TS
Design Art Director
Richard Baker (lead), Mari Kolkowsky
Ari Marmell, Peter Lee,
David Noonan, Robert J. Schwalb Cover Illustration
Todd Lockwood (front), Chippy (back)
Additional Design
Logan Bonner, Kolja Raven Liquette, Graphic Designers
Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Chris Youngs Keven Smith, Leon Cortez, Emi Tanji

Development Additional Graphic Design

Stephen Radney-MacFarland (lead), Mari Kolkowsky
Logan Bonner, Peter Schaefer
Interior Illustrations
Editing Dave Allsop, Kerem Beyit, Zoltan Boros & Gabor
Logan Bonner (lead), Szikszai, Chippy, Wayne England,Jason A. Engle, Tomas
DawnJ. Geluso, Joanna G. Hurley, Giorello, Lars Grant-West, Ralph Horsley, Howard Lyon,
Jessica Kristine, Jean Nelson William O'Connor, Chris Seaman, Franz Vohwinkel

Managing Editing Cartographers

Kim Mohan Jason A. Engle, Stephen Radney-MacFarland

Director of D&D R&D and Book Publishing Publishing Production Specialist

Bill Siavicsek Erin Dorries

D&D Creative Manager Pre press Manager

Christopher Perkins Jefferson Dunlap

D&D Design Manager Imaging Technician

James Wyatt Carmen Cheung

D&D Development and Editing Manager Production Manager

Andy Collins Cynda Callaway

D&D Senior Art Director Game rules based on the original DUNGEONS & DRAGONS'·
Jon Schindehette rules created by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, and the
later editions by David "Zeb" Cook (2nd Edition);Jonathan
Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard Baker, and Peter
Adkison (3rd Edition); and Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, and
James Wyatt (4th Edition).

610·14110000·001 EN U.S ., CANADA, ASIA, PACIFIC, EUROPEAN HEADQUARTERS WIZARDS OF THE COAST, BELGIUM
987654311 & LATIN AMERICA Hasbro UK Ltd Industrialaa n 1
First Printing: Wizards of the Coast LLC Caswell Way 1701 Groot·Bijgaarden
November 1009 P.O. Box 707 Newport, Gwent NP9 OYH Belgium
Renton WA 98057·0707 GREAT BRITAIN +31.070.133.177
ISBN: 978·0·7869·5148·9 +1 ·800·314·6496 Please keep this address for your records

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, 0&0, dlO, dlO System, WIZARD S OF THE COAST, Player's Handbook, DunBeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual, Draconomicon, ESI::RRON, FORGOTTEN REALMS,
DRAGONlANCE, 0&0 Insider, Divine Power, Manual afthe Planes, Martial Power, Scepter Tower o!SpeJlBord, MAGIC THE GATHERING, all other Wizards of the Coast product nam es, and
their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the U.S.A. and other countries. All Wizards characters and the distinctive like n es~es thereof are property of
Wizards of the Coast LLC. This material is protected und er the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material Or artwork
contained herein is prohihited without th e ex press written permission of Wizards of the Coast LLC. Any similarity to actual people, organizations. places, or events included
herein is purely coincidental. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners. Printed in the U.S.A. ©1009 Wizards of the Coast LLC.

V1SlT OUR WEBSlTE AT WWW.W1ZARDS.COM/DND

I: DRAGON LORE .. ......... . . ... 4 Artifacts ... .. .. .. .. .. . . .. ........ 78 Bronze Dragon Wyrmling...... 176
Origins . . .. ........ ........... .... 6 Blood of 10..... ....... .. ... . .. . 78 Cobalt Dragon Wyrmling ...... 176
Physi o logy . . ...... ........... . . .. 10 Seal of the Lawbringer..... . .. .. 80 Copper Dragon Wyrmling .. . .. 177
Life Cycle . . .. . . ... .. ..... .... . ... 12 Gold Drago n Wyrmling... ... .. 178
Outloo k and Psychology ..... . .... 16 3: DRAGON LAIRS .............. 82 Iron Drago n Wyrmling ........ 179
Society .. . . , .. .... . . .......... . .. 20 Des igning a Dragon Lair ... .... ... 84 Mercury Drago n Wyrmling .... 180
Religion . .. ...... ..... .. .... .... . 24 Purpose ... ........... . .. ... ... 84 Mithral Drago n Wyrmling ..... 180
Metalli c Drago ns in Detail .... . . .. 26 Attendants . .. .. ........ . . . .. .. 85 Orium Dragon Wyrmling .... . . 182
Adamantine Dragons ... .. ...... 26 Unusual Lairs . .. .............. . 85 Silve r Drago n Wyrmling . . ..... 182
Brass Dragons ................. 27 Goblin Folly ... . .................. 86 Stee l Dragon Wyrmling. . ... . .. 183
Bronze Dragon .. . .... . ...... .. 28 Esca ping Goblins .. .. ....... . . . . 88
Cobalt Dra go n ...... . . ... . . .. .. 30 Uneasy Sentries. . ....... . ... .. . 89 HOLLOW DRAGONS .... ... . . 184
Coppe r Dragons .. .. .. ......... 31 Standoff.............. .. . . ..... 90
Th e Terror of Prospect Hill .... .... 92 OTHER CREATURES . ..... .. 186
Gold Dragons .. . ... .. . ......... 32
Entering the Fort. . ... . _........ 94 Couatl. .... .................. .. . 186
Iron Dragons ...... .. .. .. . .. .. . 33
The Central Lair. .. .... ..... . ... 96 Couatl Rogue Se rpe nt ...... ... 186
Mercury Dragon .. ... . .. .. . .... 34
Tulka u Shayn .................... 98 Couatl Re deem e r ...... . .... . . 186
Mithra l Dragons ... . . . . ... ..... 35
Approaching the Cave .. . . ..... 100 Draconian .... . .. ... ... ..... ... . 188
Orium Dragons .. .. .. . ......... 36
Cave Entrance ... . ..... ... .... 102 Adamaaz Draconia n . .. ........ 188
Silver Drago ns . .. ...... . . . ..... 38
Stirge Chamber . . ..... . ....... 104 Aurak Draco nian ... .. .... . . . .. 189
Steel Dragons . . . ...... . . .. .. . .. 39
Za na th a kla 's Wrath . . .. . . ... .. 106 Baaz Draconia n ............. .. 189
2: HM'S GUlDE TO DRAGONS .. . 40 Min es of Bolmarzh . .. ........... 108 Bozak Draconian ............ .. 190
Dragons in th e W o rld .. . ......... 42 The High Hall. ..... .. ... ...... 112 Ferak Draconian ....... . ...... 191
Metalli c Dragon Patrons . . . .. .. . 42 Chasm Battle .. .... . . . .. ...... 114 Kapak Dracon ian ... .. ... . .... 191
Other Campaign Roles Va nathia 's Lair ... . .... .. . .... . 116 Kobaaz Draconia n . .... .. ..... 192
for a Me tallic Dragon . ...... . . 44 Th e Breaking Tide .. . ..... _.. . .. . 118 Sivak Draconian .............. 192
Dragons in the Background ... .. 47 Fee ding Fre nzy .. . .. .... ... ... . 120 Drake ..... ..... . . . ........... . . 194
Draconic Encounte rs .... ...... . .. 48 On the Rocks ... .. . . ... .. ..... 122 liondrake .. .. .. ......... . . ... 194
Combat Encounters .... .... .... 48 Me thenaera th e Mead -Keeper.... 124 Vulture Dra ke . . .. .... . . . ..... 194
Subdual Encounters . . .. .. .. . ... 49 Upper Chambe r. .. .. ...... .. .. 126 Drakkensteed........ ... .. .. .... 196
Social Enco unters . ........ . .... SO Lower Chambe r. . ..... .. .. ... . 128 Drakkensteed ... _.... ........ 196
Draconic Traps ... . ..... . .. .. . . . 56 The Edge of Chaos .... .. .. ...... 130 Grave-Born Drakke ns teed . .... 196
Adventures .. . .. . .. . .... ......... 62 Rage of Angels ....... . . . ...... 132 Cobalt Dragon-Bre d
Adventure Hook s a nd Quests ... 62 Radiant Array . .. . ... ... .. . . ... 134 Drakkensteed ...... ... ..... 196
The Secret Audition . ...... ... 62 Age nt of Prophecy . .. . . . .. . ... 136 Kobold .. .. .. ... .... ...... .. . .. . 198
Th e Gold e n Facade . ... . . . ... 62 Citadel of the Golden Architect .. 138 Dragonkin Kob old . . .. ... ..... 198
The In sid e -Out Lair . ...... . .. 63 Mute Sentine ls .. . ... .. ... ..... 142 Wyrmguard Kobo ld ........ .. . 199
Shell Game ........ .. . ....... 64 Night Haunt .......... . ... ... . 144 Three-Tooth . ... .......... .... 201
Unmask the Co nspirator .. . .. . 65 Gold Madness ................ 146
DRAGON HALL OF FAME .. . 202
The Good of the Many .. . .. . .. 65 The Earthen Dagge r. ............ 148
Andra e mos .. .. . ... .. ..... .... .. 202
Draconic Campaigns ............. 66 Fire at Will ... ..... . .......... 150
Bahamut .. . . . . .... .. . . .. _.. . ... 204
Awake n th e Sl ee pers . _......... 66 Poisoned Pit ............ . ..... 152
The Old Man
Prophecy of Doom . . .......... . 67
4: NEW MONSTERS ......... . . . 154 with th e Canaries . ...... . ... 204
A Little Knowledge ..... . ....... 68
Bahamut's Dragon Form ....... 207
An Age of Endless Storms....... 69
METALLIC DRAGONS . .. .. .. 156 Aspect of Bahamut. . .......... 208
Th e Broke n Throne . ......... .. 70
Brass Dragon .......... ... .. .. .. 156 Kuyutha , Exarch of Bahamut . .. 209
The Pontifex Wyrm .. . .. ... ... . 71
Bronze Dragon ..... . ..... . ...... 158 Jalanval oss . ... . ....... . . . .... .. . 210
Draconic Organi za tions........... 72
Cobalt Dragon .. .. .. ... . ........ 161 Niflung . ............... .. .. .. ... 212
The Blood of Barastiss . ......... 72
Mercury Dragon . .. .. . .... . ... . . 163 Silvara ... .............. ... ...... 214
The Guardians of the Gates ..... 73
Mithral Dragon ... . ... .. . . ..... . 166 Valamaradace .. . ..... ... .... . . . 216
Th e Grand Asse mblage
Orium Dragon . . . . ..... ... .. .... 169
of th e League of ELITE DRAGONS ....... . . .. . 218
Ste el Dragon .. . ....... . ... .. .. . . 172
Eternal Discove ry ...... . ..... 75 Sample Elite Drago n .......... 218
Metallic Wyrmlings . .. ....... _.. 174
The Solemn Order of the
Adamantine Dragon
Knights of Sai nt Vercesien ALTERNATIVE "POWERS . ... 219
Wyrmling ..... . .. .... ...... 174
the Gold .. .. ................ 76
Brass Dragon Wyrmling ....... 175
 CHAPTER 1

if a man wishes to become a hero, then the serpent must

first become a draaon: otherwise he lacks his proper enemy.
- Friedrich Nietzsche

FEW CREATURES can match the power and

splendor of dragons. Armed with claws and fangs that
can rend steel, armored in scales as tough as iron, faster
than an eagle in flight, and strong enough to shatter
castle gates, a full·grown dragon is an awesome foe.
Dragons would be exceedingly dangerous creatures
even if they were dumb, ordinary beasts, because of
their size and power. But they are also gifted with cold.
calculating reason and furnaces of elemental energy
that provide them with terrible breath weapons.
In some places and times, dragons are scarcely
more than legend, creatures so rare and mysterious
that centuries pass without a sighting of one. In other
times. dragons rule over the world. darkening the
skies and destroying or subjugating lesser beings. The
current age falls somewhere between these extremes.
In the few centers of civilization. dragons are a rare
sight. The typical farmer or merchant might see a
dragon only once or twice in his life. But in the bor­
derlands or the great wide wildernesses surrounding
those domains . dragons are much more common.
This chapter explores the nature of metallic
dragons and their place in the world. It includes the
following topics.
+ Origins: How metallic dragons arose in the world,
and why they differ from their chromatic kin .
+ Physiology: A summary of the physical traits that
give dragons their unique strengths.
• Life Cycle: The stages of a d ragon's life. from con­
ception to death .
+ Outlook and Psychology: A look at the workings
of a typical dragon's mind, and bow a dragon's
power and self-absorption color its personality.
+ Society: A discussion of the interactions of the
highly social metallic dragons.
+ Religion: How these prideful creatures view
tbe deities, and which ones they consent to
worship.
+ Metallic Dragons in Detail: A brieflook at
each of the twelve kinds of metallic dragons.

HAPT E R 1 I Dra80n Lore

Dragons have soared through the skies of the world created by jealous godlings that lacked Io's secret of
and roamed the far reaches of the cosmos since the fUSing elemental energy with mortal form and soul.
earliest days of creation. They are the greatest of Scourge dragons detest this ages-old "slander," and
mortal creatures, although few in number compared deal harshly with any sage or scholar they find propa­
to the myriad hosts of humankind or the numberless gating the tale.
hordes of goblins or orcs. Although scores, perhaps
hundreds, of dragons are remembered in the myths
and the legendary histories of the mortal world, only
CHILDREN OF 10
Foremost among the gods in valor and physical
a handful of sages know the tale of the world 's first
power, 10 fought and defeated many primordials in
dragons.
the Dawn War. Similarly, his mighty children stood
at the forefront of aJl mortal beings in the fight to
FIRST DRAGONS preserve creation from the unchecked elemental
In the beginning of the world, the gods gave life forces of the angry primordials. But 10 finally met
to the naked substance of the world forged by the an enemy who was his match: the primordial Erek­
primordials. During the days of creation, the gods Hus, the King of Tenor. The King ofTenor slew 10,
forged countless mortal vessels, giving rise to all the and the primordials seemed on the verge of victory.
races , beasts, and plants that would populate the Then, from lo's shattered body, two new gods arose:
"vorld. But the deity 10 chose to bend his will toward Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, and Tiamat, the
creating mortal vessels that would not only live in Chromatic Dragon.
the world of elements, but would give life and soul Bahamut and Tiamat together defeated the King
to the elements themselves. To contain the awesome of Terror, but then Tiamat turned against the noble
power of elements given life, 10 had to shape mortal Bahamut and attempted to seize dominion over all
vessels of tremendous strength and hardiness. And dragons. 10 was a deity who incorporated both honor
so he created the most powerful of all mortal crea­ and fury, ambition and resolve, a love of beauty and
tures: the dragons. a desire to possess it. Tiamat inherited many olIo's
Learned metallic dragons believe that each time darker traits, and she could not suffer the existence
10 created new dragons, he was in a different mood . of an equal or allow any other creature to reign over
The god's demeanor laid the seeds that determined dragonkind . Bahamut obtained more ofIo's noble
what those dragons would eventually become. When qualities and the greater part ofIo's strength. The
10 was filled with compassion and the desire to help Platinum Dragon defeated Tiamat, and she retreated
others, he created dragons that transformed into to the dark depths ofTytherion. She took little part in
metallies after his death. When 10 spawned dragons the rest of the war against the primordials. Bahamut
to sate his avaricious or destructive impulses, the went on to become a champion for the gods nearly as
god's dark emotions eventually warped those dragons noble and powerful as 10 had been.
into the first chromatic and catastrophic dragons.
In the ages following lo's death, these seeds altered THE WAR OF DRAGONS
dragonkind into its various kindreds.
The bitter strife between lo's heirs carried over to all
Naturally, catastrophic and chromatic dragons
of dragonkind . For a long age of the world , chromatic
do not hold with this version ofIo's story. Scourge
dragons battled furiously to throw down Bahamut
dragons like it even less-according to this legend,
and elevate Tiamat as the Queen of All Dragons.
scourge dragons are poor imitations of true dragons,
More than once, metallic dragons established wise

THE LEGEND OF PERFECT10N

Though most dragons believe the different types of dragons giving them bodies better suited to containing the elemen­
arose after lo's death. many metallic dragons claim oth­ tal energy without being changed by It But these dragons.
erwise. According to the tales they favor, 10 created each while true to the physical form that 10 intended, had souls
kindred in turn. growing In skill and understanding with that could not master the base passions of their own ele­
each effort. The catastrophic dragons were lo's first effort to mental nature. These too 10 set aside. Finally 10 forged the
shape mortal vessels that could Incorporate living elemental metallic dragons. now perfected in both body and soul to
power. They were slaves to their own elemental natures; the be masters of their nature, and not slaves to it. Naturally,
elements within warped and twisted the draconic vessel. the metallic dragons are lo's last and finest creation-or so
10 set them aside and shaped the chromatic dragons next, the old and proud among metallic dragons dalm.

C HAPTER 1 I Draoon Lore

and justly ruled kingdoms over the lesser mortals ono and the stories of his deeds, and discern in them
of the world only to watch their realms destroyed a great purpose for dragonkind. Metallic dragons
by furious hordes led by wrathful flights of chro ­ believe that 10 created dragons with their awesome
matic dragons. But in time, the battles of dragon strength, intelligence, and magical might in order to
against dragon grew sporadic, and then ebbed to a inspire and protect all the lesser mortals of the world.
rarely remembered collection of old challenges and They believe that dragonkind is charged with defend­
vendettas. Dragons had grown fewer in number, ing the world against primordial forces that would
and those that remained grew more strong-willed , destroy it. leading mortal civilization, and shaping
more suspicious, and more self-absorbed as the ages the world's affairs to someday create the world that 10
passed. 10 had made dragonkind too strong, too decreed long ago. Metallic dragons refer to this high
proud, to surrender its ,vill to any cause for long, or purpose as lo's Charge-a great philosophy of exis­
to acknowledge the dominion of others-even their tence shaped by ancient prophecies and revelations.
own kind. Not all metallic dragons know ono's Charge, and
Dragons have rarely united for any great cause. some that do know of it don't care. Iron, adaman­
Old rivalries and suspicions dating back to the earli­ tine, and cobalt dragons lead savage and reclusive
est days ofBahamut and Tiamat's war divide the existences and have little knowledge of the ancient
races of dragonkind irreparably. Although the fiercest history of their own kind. These dragons make their
feuds are between chromatic and metallic dragons, way in the world by their own wit, power, and judg­
plenty of suspicions exist between different varieties ment, seizing whatever territory or treasure they can
,vithin each famil y. Silver dragons hate red dragons, and holding it for as long as possible. Other metallics
but they also distrust the imperial ambitions of gold regard lo's Charge as a dream of childlike na'ivete,
dragons and dislike the avarice of copper dragons. long ago poisoned by Tiamat's greed and ambition
White dragons hate and fear the much stronger silver and lost forever in the sundering of dragonkind. The
dragons, which often push them out of their chosen cynical among metallic dragons ignore lo's Charge
territory, but they are just as wary around red drag­ outright, seeing no reason why they should exert
ons, which are likely to demand tribute or kill them . themselves on any other creature's behalf. But though
In fact, for many dragons, their worst enemies are some dragons have forgotten it and others have aban­
other dragons of their own color or kind. doned it, lo's Charge stil'l gUides the actions of many
of the world's most powerful metallic dragons. Gold,
lo's CHARGE silver, mithral, and orium dragons are especially
likely to honor lo's Charge and allow its ancient
Tiamat's drive for dominion over dragonkind is not
wisdom to inform their actions.
the only cause of strife between the various types of
Those dragons that accept lo's Charge differ
dragons. Metallic dragons see the world and their
greatly (and sometimes violently) on what exactly it
place in it differently from how their chromatic or
means and how it should be met. Gold dragons often
catastrophic cousins do. They remember the words
interpret lo's Charge as a mandate to rule over lesser

CHAPTER J I Dra80n Lore

creatures as a just monarch. Steel dragons tend to powerful red wynn might look at a rith dwarven
believe that lo's Charge is best served by safeguard· kingdom and plan to despoil it, but a gold wyrm
ing the freedom oflesser mortals to find their own might plot something potentially worse: ways in
path. Some dragons think that lo's Charge requires which it can seize control of that realm for centuries
them to crusade mercilessly against races, societies, to come and direct its growth and resources to the
or institutions they find objectionable. Others believe dragon's purposes. The red wyrm eventually leaves,
that 10's Charge is best answered through providing but the gold wyrm might never finish its work.
guidance and inspiring examples to the other races of With this example in mind, the three salient
the world. truths that one should keep in mind about the so·
The other families of dragon kind have different called "good" metallic dragons are these:
views ofIo's Charge. Catastrophic dragons regard the
whole idea as pure fancy (ifthey've heard ofit at all) 1. Not all metallic dragons are good.
and believe that 10 left no great philosophy to guide Some metallic dragons are, in fact, of evil or chaotic
dragonkind . Chromatic dragons and scourge drag· evil alignment. Silver and gold dragons are not often
ons, on the other hand, believe that the great purpose evil, but it's not uncommon to find truly evil repre·
of dragons is to do as they please with the world and sentatives of the baser metallic dragons, such as iron
its people. In their view, might makes right, and 10 or cobalt dragons. Some evil metallic dragons regard
made them the most powerful creatures in the world weaker creatures as miserable rabble to be enslaved,
so that they could subjugate, plunder, and destroy plundered, or toyed with on a whim. Other evil
to their hearts' content. When chromatic dragons metallic dragons harbor a twisted view ono's Charge
debate philosophy (a rare occasion, but it's been and shape human realms to fit their own dark
known to happen), they argue that metallic dragons desires, using whatever means are effective.
have fatally misinterpreted and embellished the pure
and simple purpose ofIo's Charge, which is nothing 2. Unaligned metallic dragons often pursue dan­
more or less than the divine mandate to dominate the gerous objectives.
world and revel in its riches . Dragons that aren't committed servants of evil might
prove just as dangerous as those that are. Many of
GOOD AND EVIL the more brutish dragons are highly territorial , quick
to anger, or eaSily lured into hostile actions by the
Given their drive to dominion , the age·old war
promise ofrich rewards. Others regard the power
against chromatic dragons, and the complexities of
and fortunes of their favored human tribes or realms
10's Charge, metallic dragons play many roles on the
to be a reflection of their own power. They build up
world stage. They are kings, counselors, and teach·
the strongest, most loyal kingdoms to govern, whether
ers that seek to bring out the best in others; prophets,
these realms are savage, oppressive, warlike, cor­
visionaries, and oracles that steer the course of events
rupt, or decadent. Wiser, more patient dragons might
to come; meddlers and manipulators, toying with the
easily become caught up in the game of toying with
fates of kingdoms; protectors and guardians, some·
kingdoms and history, often to the great detriment of
times benevolent and sometimes absolutely ruthless;
the people who attract their interest.
gluttons and misers; tyrants and destroyers; great
champions and wicked schemers. Just as humans
3. Even good dragons can be terrible enemies.
and members of other mortal races do, dragons walk
Powerful metallic dragons that serve good in the
many paths in life.
world can still pose threats to heroic characters. A
More so than most other types of dragons, metal·
good dragon might choose to destroy a band of heroes
lics discover and pursue great causes and high
to defend some site or artifact, to fulfill an ancient
purposes. Some are just as brutish and shortsighted
oath, or to prevent a great evil. Given their long
as the worst chromatics, of course, but most seek
lives and their overwhelming pride and confidence,
something more than comfortable lairs and plenti·
dragons think little of making the hard choices for
ful food. Ofcourse, the combination of powerful,
lesser creatures and sacrificing the few for the good
long·lived , highly rational beings and great purposes
of the ma ny. True compassion is rare indeed among
is not necessarily beneficial for the rest of the world.
dragonkind .
It's unusual for metallic dragons to embrace wan·
tonly evil causes, but many of the purposes they do
conceive can be callous, ruthless, destructive, or
tyrannical in the eyes of the lesser creatures caught
up in draconic dreams.
Metallic dragons are much more likely than other
dragons to incorporate humans and members of
other sentient races in their machinations. An old,

CHAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

As you might expect of the world's most majestic and
powerful creatures. dragons are featured in all manner
of heraldic devices and coats of arms. Though culture in
the world Isn't monolithic enough for widespread, unified
systems of heraldry, everyone is familiar with the traits
of dragons. Images of dragons can appear as charges
(appearing In one of the divisions of a shield) or support­
ers (figures that stand to either side of the shield and
appear to be holding It upright). Dragons are also used
as crests, small figurines that top helmets.
Each variety of dragon symbolizes different qualities or
virtues. Chromatic dragons in heraldry are viewed as mar­
tial, aggressive devices and usually belong to Individuals
or families who made themselves known through battle.
Metallic dragons are regarded as devices signifying domin­
Ion and status. and they often reflect titles bestowed for
loyalty and accomplishment. However. exceptions abound,
and the dragons featured carry no real connotation of the
owners' alignment or trustworthiness. A family whose coat
of arms features a red dragon is as IlkeJy to be honorable and
good as one whose coat of arms Includes a gold dragon.
The dragons most commonly used in heraldry, and
their heraldic qualities, are these:
Adamantine: Pride, Immovability. or stoicism. Heroes
who successfully defend some place against attack are
often associated With this device.
Black: Death. tragedy, or terror. A black dragon device
usually bears a negative connotation, but families that
endure curses or heroes renowned for fearlessness in the
face of the supernatural sometimes choose this device.
Blue: Ambition, superiority, knowledge, The blue
dragon device often suggests arcane magic, but might also
suggest arrogance. Families that include famous wizards
often choose this device.
Copper: Wealth, prosperity, or mercantile Interests,
possibly also luck or good fortune. Families that have roots
as merchants often choose copper dragons.
Gold: Divine right. nobility, or law. Gold dragon devices
are considered royal in many lands and are usually
reserved for the highest levels of the nobility.
Green: Cunning. revenge, beauty, or fey. Families sworn
to overturn some andent wrong might bear this device.
as might those who claim eladrln or elven kinship.
Iron: Determination. courage. orzeal. The Iron dragon
connotes single-minded ness and ardor for battle. but it
can also stand for mercilessness.
Red: Strength. power. or destruction. Families that took
their lands by conquest often feature a red dragon In their
heraldry.
Sliver: Honor. duty, or sacriflce. The silver dragon
is a favorite of families that Include famous knights or
paladins.
White: Rage. ferocity. or the hunt. The white dragon
device often connotes a willingness to feud or a refusal
to overlook slights.

CHAPTER 1 I Dranon Lore

Like their chromatic cousins, mctaHic dragons con­ and its metallic content solidifies as the enzymes dry
tain elemental magic bound inside their brawny out. This process leaves a dead, brittle scale interlaced
reptilian frames. All varieties of dragons wield breath with fine veins of pure inorganic metal. If properly
weapons directly related to the elemental energy that smelted, a large detached scale can yield traces of
courses through their hearts and blood. Elemental pure metal. However, it is extremely tedious and
energy also powers their magical abilities. time-consuming to separate the pure metal from
Metallic dragons advance through age categories the scales of a dead dragon, and in practice metallic
as chromatic dragons do, growing stronger in every dragon hides aren't worth any more than chromatic
way as they progress through millennia of life. dragon hides.
Metallic dragon scales harvested for armor already
THE DRAGON'S SCALES benefit from being harder than steel. but lose their
fleXibility and become rigid. The residual metal
While a chromatic dragon relies on tough, leathery
content is weaker than the natural hardness of a
scales to repel attacks, the scales of a metallic dragon
dragon scale. Therefore, metallic dragon scales (with
are partly composed of metal. Large, overlapping,
the exception of adamantine scales) do not greatly
platelike scales armor the dragon's back and head,
improve the protection value of armor made from
growing smaller and more flexible along its limbs.
dragon hide.
Softer, smoother scales lie side by side on the dragon's
Many sages have noticed that in addition to its reg­
belly. Each scale is infused with whichever metal is
ular diet, a metallic dragon occasionally ingests metal
natural to that dragon. For example, the scales of a
objects appropriate to its kind. For example, a steel
gold dragon are infused with a more durable form
dragon can devour a mundane sword (with some
of gold, and the scales of a bronze dragon are min­
care) and metabolize its substance. Although eating
eralized with an alloy of copper and tin. A metallic
metal is by no means reqUired for a metallic dragon,
dragon's scales are innately magical, as intrinsic to its
doing so increases the rate at which it regenerates lost
elemental nature as its heart or blood.
scales.
Although a metallic dragon's scales are largely
inorganic, the dragon's body produces powerful
enzymes that actively bond with and diffuse the INTERNAL ANATOMY
metal content throughout their blood. Not only do As with most aspects of their external anatomy, chro­
these enzymes keep scales flexible, they also nourish matic and metallic dragons share the same organs
the living parts of each scale and constantly thicken with virtually no exceptions. Much of what makes a
and replenish the nonliving parts throughout the dragon an elemental force to be reckoned with begins
dragon's Iik. When a scale is lost through injury or with its dense heart, the single most powerful muscle
natural molting, it gradually becomes less organic of a dragon's body. Both chromatic and metallic

C IIAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

dragons have the same vocal range, enormous lung
capacity, a fundamentum (a unique organ that con­
SHAPECHANGING
centrates elemental power in the blood), an upper METALLIC DRAGONS
stomach for gathering breath weapon blasts, and a Most metallic dragons cannot assume the shapes
gizzard for digestion. Moreover, both chromatic and of humanoids. Those that can have a considerable
metallic dragons boast a large brain mass with an advantage over their peers, especially in matters of
extra lobe for controlling their fri8htful presence ability stealth and subterfuge. Shapechanged dragons nor­
and their capacity for instinctive learning. mally assume the same appearance each time they
The parallels between chromatic and metallic change form. Other than that, no visual cues betray
dragons continue in the muscular and skeletal struc­ their true identities-they appear to be normal mem­
tures that shape their feline postures, from which bers of the creatures they imitate. However, some
only the deCidedly reptilian neck and tail deviate. A shapechanging dragons naturally include cosmetic
dragon's heart pumps elemental energy throughout characteristics that are borrowed from their metallic
its body, making actions possible that would oth­ dragon bodies, such as eye or hair color that matches
erwise be impossible. The energy lets it instill fear, their scales. Age and gender of humanoid forms do
stave off exhaustion, and fly on membranous wings. not have to match those of dragons' natural forms. A
Flushed with elemental blood pumped from the male elder steel dragon, for example, could appear
heart, a metallic dragon can stave off fatigue while as a sprightly young female elf. Moreover, despite the
remaining airborne for hours or days at a stretch. radical difference in size between metallic dragons
Dragon bones are hollow like those of birds, but and humanoids, a disguised dragon's weight accu­
immensely strong. The pectoral muscles of a dragon rately reflects the dimensions ofits current form .
are among the strongest muscle groups in the body, A dragon disguised as a bent and crooked old male
and the tendons and ligaments are exceptionally human would weigh perhaps 150 pounds, not the
tough and supple. thousands of pounds of its true draconic form .
The elemental heart of a metallic dragon regulates Though a disguised dragon looks the same as a
body temperature regardless of external altitude, humanoid at a glance, telltale physical quirks can
environment, or weather. Its heart can also slow give them away. Although metallic dragons lose
down enough to permit hibernation, sometimes for their bite, claw, tail, wings, and breath weapon in
hundreds ofyears. The elemental energy that flows humanoid form , they retain their hit points, defense
through the body of a metallic dragon allows it to scores, resistances, and ability scores, leading savvy
digest, process, and even subsume Virtually anything opponents to surmise that their target is a lot more
it eats. resilient than appearances indicate.
Looking for the origin of moral impulses. some When a dragon changes shape into humanoid
sages have devoted considerable study to the vari­ form , the brain and heart make the polymorphic
ances in brain composition between chromatic and transition and function exactly the same way, pump­
metallic dragons. Specifically, they have searched ing a font of magic-infused blood throughout the
for any part of the brain that controls the inclina­ humanoid form. Sages have surmised that although a
tion for good or evil tendencies. The truth, however humanoid form lacks the mass of a metaUic dragon,
disappointing, is that no such moral center exists. its elemental heart maintains the density of one.
Dragons are good-natured or evil-minded based on Finally, in addition to the brain, the extra lobe for
the whims of personality, fate, and experience, much controlling the fri8htfu I presence ability also crosses
like humans and members of other mortal races, between forms, giving metallic dragons access to this
although some varieties of dragon are inclined to be one magical power in either body.
more violent , domineering, and irascible than others. Though some varieties always develop the ability,
every metallic lineage has a chance to produce shape­
shifters. (See "Alternative Powcrs," page 219).
URACON1C ANATOMY
Droconomicon: Chromotic DroJjons features a more exten­
sive discussion of draconic musculature, skeletal structure,
organs, and more. Metallic dragons are much like chro­
matic dragons In most o.f these particulars; refer to. that
supplement for more Info.rmatio.n.

CHAPTER I I Dra80n Lore

To truly understand dragons, one must imagine life­
MATING
times that play out across thousands ofyears. Empires
come into power, thrive, and fade into antiquity Similar to chromatic dragons, metallic dragons
while ancient metallic dragons indulge the dream of become capable of mating halfway through their
blissfully long sleep. In many respects, dragons are young stage oflife, peak as adults, and diminish as
creatures for which the passage of time holds little elders and ancients. Not all dragons engage in the
meaning. Although most are not immortal, the oldest same mating rituals, but some patterns are common
of their kind living today have witnessed the rise and to most metallic dragons. Young dragons have little
fall of ancient empires. impulse to seek a long-term partner, but sometimes
Dragons of any kind have the potential to live for indulge in brief dalliances. These brief relationships
several thousand years, but metallic dragons are the rarely produce eggs, but if they do, the eggs are often
longest-lived of the dragon families, and often live half fostered with older kin (or occaSionally nondragons).
again as long as chromatic dragons do (barring death Adult dragons slowly awaken to a strong parental
by violence, of course). Conjecture on the reason for drive after establishing themselves in suitable lairs.
this difference is rampant, but most sages believe that Both parents closely watch the eggs, with either one
the metallic content infusing the scales, blood, organs, becoming the caretaker while the other hunts for the
and flesh of metallic dragons concentrates the drag­ couple, ensuring that one parent maintains a Vigilant
ons' innate elemental power as they age, and helps guard over the clutch. Because familial bonds are
them to resist the onset of decrepitude. The baser stronger among metallic dragons than among chro­
varieties of metallic dragons, such as brass and steel matics, these relationships rarely end until well after
dragons, often reach ages of2,500 to 3,000 years. the wyrmlings hatch. Although either parent can raise
Nobler, more powerful metallic dragons (silver, gold, wyrmlings alone, some metallic dragons-particularly
and mithral) can live two to three times that span. orium, silver, and gold-stay together until their wyrm­
As with chromatics, metallic dragons experience lings become young dragons.
six stages oflife: wyrmling, young, adult, elder, ancient, Elder dragons, although still capable of reproduc­
and twilight. Although metallic dragons mature at the tion, rarely mate. They are more inclined to foster or
same rate as chromatics and reach adulthood at about mentor the offspring of their own children. Ancient
the same time, they age more slowly after that and dragons do not normally seek out mates, but dragons
do not grow to elder or ancient status as qUickly. (Of that have not found a mate or produced descendants
course, they remain ancient dragons long after chro­ earlier in life sometimes choose to mate and lay eggs
matic dragons slip into twilight.) long after the time when most dragons do so. This

CHAPTER 1 I DraBon Lore

is especially true for ancient dragons that hold wide wyrmlings of their own line, so grandparents, aunts,
dominions or great power over the world and want or uncles can step in at need. Even evil metallic drag­
to pass that power on to worthy heirs. Unlike with ons are inclined to regard wyrmlings of their family
chromatic dragons, the desire for parenthood never line as potentially valuable minions or allies, and
truly goes away and finds many forms of expression might go to the trouble of minding wyrmlings.
throughout metallic dragons' lives. ...J

Monogamy between metallic dragons is common, WYRMLING

but each individual of a mated pair almost always
Wyrmlings hatch from their eggs as predators that
maintains a separate lair, and the two spend most
have instinctive knowledge imprinted on their minds.
of their time apart. On rare occasions, mates form
They are not automatically born with the knowledge
especially strong bonds and choose to reside together,
of bygone generations, but they understood much of
sharing a lair for a few decades or even a century or
what their parents said to them while they were still
two. Bronze, gold, orium, and silver dragons are the
in the egg. Consequently, after years of incubation,
most likely to form these close bonds. However, once
most dragons hatch with an understanding of their
their wyrmlings have grown, most such pairs eventu­
familial connections and basic lessons about hoards.
ally separate-without young to hold them together,
hunting, lairs, and territory.
the dragons revert to their solitary ways.
Wyrmlings are not merely born into the mantle of
presumed superiority, but are hatched with a tailored
EGGS understanding of how their supreme presence fits into
Female dragons control whether or not mating pro­ the hierarchy of the world . They waste no time using
duces fertile eggs. If a female is not satisfied with the their limbs, can usually fly halfway through their first
circumstances-for example, the size or location of day, and are eager to hunt by day's end. Indeed , after
the lairs, or the selection of possible mates-she rarely hatching, there is little that gives metallic wyrmlings
produces eggs. pause; they are highly precocious creatures.
Chromatic and metallic dragons are somewhat Wyrmlings live with a parent or parents for sev­
similar when it comes to laying eggs, with the excep' eral years, but are already willfully independent.
tion that metallic dragons are more protective of their exploring outside the territory of their parents as
unhatched eggs. Female dragons lay eggs in small they grow bolder and larger. They seek out and form
clutches of one to five; the precise count depends on relationships with other dragons of their familial line,
the dragon's variety. Metallic dragons lay their eggs although some especially territorial metallics such
less frequently than chromatic dragons because their as adamantine and cobalt dragons have little toler­
eggs' incubation time is considerably longer. Female ance for wandering wyrmlings. It isn't uncommon
metallic dragons keep their eggs within their bodies for wyrmlings to approach humanoids as well, drawn
for 18 to 24 months. Eggs typically incubate for two by curiosity, a desire for companionship, or some
to five years before hatching. meddlesome impulse.
Egg shape and size are comparable to those of If a metallic dragon wyrmling does hatch on its
chromatic dragons, and egg color resembles that own without the protection of a parent, it can eaSily
of the parents' scales. Eggs are highly resistant to survive into adulthood on its own. relying heaVily on
damage from the breath weapons of the parents, but its inherited instincts and phYSical bearing. Even a
weaken as the wyrmlings grow ready to hatch. small wyrmling is roughly equal to a large mountain
lion in size and power. Its instincts, however, cause
HATCHING an orphaned metallic wyrmling to fixate on a paren­
tal figure should one be offered. Even if raised by
Metallic dragon wyrmlings slowly leech nutrition from
dragons of a different kind or by lesser creatures, the
the mineral content of the inner shell wall while hiber­
wyrmling's powerful instincts keep it true to its kind ,
nating during most of their incubation period . Metallic
regardless of how contrary teachings might otherwise
dragons are known to carryon conversations with their
lead it astray.
eggs. The metal shells weaken during this time, until
the \-vyrmlings rouse from their sleep ready to hatch.
An awakened wyrmling quickly grows impatient, claw­ YOUNG
ing, pushing against, and blasting what remains of the Although young chromatic dragons leave home and
inner shell with an early version of its breath weapon. must immediately fight for survival against a world
Hatching usually takes less than an hour. hostile to their presence, a young metallic dragon
Metallic dragon wyrmlings that hatch into the can take measured steps away from its parent and be
world as orphans are exceedingly rare . Such an event more discriminating about how it leaves home. When
happens only when both parents have been killed a metallic wyrmling grows into a young dragon,
but their eggs remained well hidden . Moreover, it becomes eager to find its own lair. Its mind has
most metallic dragons are willing to foster orphaned been intractably gripped by a primal desire to make

CHAPTER 1 I Dranon Lore

a home for itself and gather a hoard on which to even greater fame and renown by creating worthy
sleep. It is now a powerful predator the size of a large heirs. As a metallic dragon enters the springtime of
horse, with deadly fangs and claws, and wings that its life, a female studies potential suitors, and a male
can carry it for hours at a time. Once a young dragon competes for and even fights over the right to mate
departs from its parents' lair, it cannot return without with a desirable female.
an invitation, which is almost never offered. In years when mates are not available, the dragon
Fortunately for the wyrmling, its years as an devotes its energy to relentlessly expanding its terri­
independent-minded creature were not idly spent. A tory, adding to its hoard, and establishing itself as the
young metallic dragon usually leaves its parental lair master of all it surveys. Adulthood is the time 'w hen
knowing exactly where it wants to establish its own a metallic dragon conceives its grand purposes and
territory, having already done the necessary reconnais­ plans and begins to put them into motion. A member
sance as a wyrmling. Moreover, this lair will not be of one of the less intelligent or determined varieties­
a temporary or transitional residence. The wyrmling for example, an iron dragon-might not contemplate
studies the lands that interest it carefully to ensure that any great purpose until much later in life, but a silver
it can fulfill its needs for a draconic lifetime. Naturally, or gold dragon begins fulfilling its own interpretation
the young dragon strives to find territory that is rich, ofIo's Charge in the flower of adulthood.
full ofgame, and unclaimed by other dragons-or at
least larger and more powerful ones. ELDER
Maturing into an elder dragon after several centuries
ADULT of adulthood, a metallic dragon sits atop a veritable
By the time a young metallic dragon comes into its mountain of treasure, large enough to humble the
own as an adult , it has established a lair that will wealth of a small barony. Regardless of this fact, the
serve it for the rest of its life. It is well on its way to dragon's desire for more wealth remains insatiable.
gathering a significant hoard. If a metallic dragon Any humanoid relationships established as an adult
plans to involve itselfin humanoid affairs, either in have long since come to fruition . An elder dragon
its natural form or in a shapechanged guise, it sets the holds a position of influence or leadership, as directly
groundwork for those relationships during this time . or indirectly involved in great affairs and endeavors
Although a metallic dragon becomes fertile as it cares to be.
approximately halfway through its "young" stage, a As an elder, a metallic dragon can look back over
metallic dragon reaches its reproductive prime as an multiple generations of progeny and feel pride and
adult. After achieving the grandeur, independence, satisfaction in the families it has spawned. The drive
and predatory status of dragonhood it has so desper­ to reproduce and the desperate need to establish ter­
ately craved since the earliest days ofits life, an adult ritory have ebbed, which means an elder dragon is
dragon begins to feel the drive to procreate. For one supremely self-confident. It is more patient and toler­
dragon this compulsion might be nothing more the ant than a younger dragon . Even a violent and evil
urging of instinct, for another it could be a calm and elder dragon is inclined to toy with weak enemies, or
calculated assessment of its biological needs , and for to solve problems by using subtle manipulation rather
yet another it might manifest as a desire to achieve than sudden onslaughts.

CHA P TER 1 I Dra80n Lore

 Likewise, some elder wyrms find satisfaction in only the foolhardy would consider dragons in this
passing on their wisdom and life lessons to younger chapter of the life cycle to be vulnerable. A metallic
creatures-precocious wyrmlings and young dragons dragon in this stage knows it is slowly dying, and is
of their own familial lines, or sometimes humanoids prepared for this eventuality. It has created a legacy
of exceptional worth and charisma. Elder wyrms that spawned legends and listened as these stories
see the value in laying the foundations of legacies proliferated, were forgotten, and reemerged as myth.
that will endure through the centuries, whether Not the least part of this legacy is the dragon's
those legacies are in the form of destroyed enemies, hoard. Every metallic dragon handles this matter
mighty realms, or proteges that might go on to differently, but regardless of a dragon's kind, the
accomplish great deeds. They are sometimes will­ distribution of its hoard will never be left to chance.
ing to take under their wings younger descendants Some metallic dragons bequeath their hoards to
and orphaned dragons (provided they arrive with descendants. Some leave entire inheritances to prom­
appropriate gifts) that are eager for their valuable and ising heirs or favored charges. Still others place their
wizened insights about the world. A wyrmling raised hoards into the hands of organizations they fostered,
by an elder dragon greatly benefits from the elder's ensuring that their influence will persist in perpetu­
experience and can become a formidable presence in ity. In any event, these preparations will have been set
the world. into motion long before a twilight dragon succumbs
to the ravages of old age. In one instance, a mercury
ANCIENT dragon created an elaborate web of clues, puzzles,
and traps rumored to span continents, oceans, and
Metallic dragons that attain this robust age are at the
planes of existence, parceling out its treasure one
height of their power. They can defeat entire armies
piece at a time. It took centuries to arrange, and only
or lay waste to whole kingdoms. They are not merely
after its completion did the mercury dragon finally
forces to be reckoned with, they are the standard by
allow itself to die.
which cataclysms are measured. In the end, dealing
with a metallic dragon of this stature becomes less
about slaying the creature and more about appeasing DEATH
its whims. Cities have been abandoned to accom­ Despite life spans that border on immortality, almost
modate their demands, religions have paid homage all dragons succumb to old age. (The exception is
to their self-proclaimed divinity, and barbaric tribes mithral dragons, which age but do not die; see page
have launched great raids to garner plunder fit to 166.) A metallic dragon, however, can choose the time
offer ancient draconic patrons. and place of its demise. \Vhereas chromatic dragons
It's not surprising that lesser creatures chafe under often go out fighting, metallic dragons play out their
the influence of ancient dragons. Rare is the accord final days exactly as planned: ceremonially, privately,
that strikes a comfortable balance with these oldest publicly, religiously, or even by seeking out gods they
ofwyrms. Even the best-intentioned ancient dragon worship. Few metallic dragons are interested in lying
monarch or guardian is inflexible and unapproach­ down to die without first arranging their personal
able by human standards. This is not to say that matters. Some metallic wyrms are similar to chro­
ancient metallics are incapable offriendship, but that matic dragons in their desire for glory, and those seek
they have reached a point in their lives when only the out a great rival for one last magnificent battle.
most heroic and worthy of lesser mortals are worth When a metaIlic dragon finally dies and its body
their attention. is permitted to decompose naturally, its metal content
An ancient dragon has mastered every endeavor breaks down and seeps into the ground, permeating
that caught its interest over the centuries, from simple the earth with veins of metal. Like chromatic drag­
games to planar rituals. It no longer has patience for ons, metallic dragons are prone to environmental
trivial details or petty machinations. Most ancient diffusion after death. The nature of the environmen­
metallics want to build a legacy of gold, magic, and tal change depends on the elemental energy of the
accomplishment that will last forever, sustained by dragon. For example, a gold dragon might diffuse into
their fearsome reputations. Others think nothing of a fiery geyser or a scorching plain of stone.
indulging any appetite or whim that comes to them,
utterly heedless of the effects on lesser creatures
nearby. Humans and other folk are too frail and DRAGONS IN TW1L1GHT
ephemeral to merit concern. Dragons in twilight fall to one to three leve.ls lower than
ancie.nt dragons (see "Increasing or Decreasing level,"
TWILIGHT page 174 of the Dun8eon Masters Guide), You can also
decrease their ability to recharge powers, or give a pen"
Metallic dragons entering their twilight years dimin­
alty to initiative and Perception checks to represent the
ish in power for the first time in their lives. Although
encroachment of age.
twilight dragons are a little less effective in battle,

CHAPT ER I I Dra80n Lore

.-.-.-.-.~-. - . - - ..- . - . - . - . - . - - . - . - . _ . - . - . - . ­
OUTLOOK AND PSYCHOLOGY
Only a foolish or inept sage would ascribe humanoid death, but failure-is blatantly apparent. So powerful
traits to dragons. Moral precepts that people apply are is this urge that if a metallic dragon reckons it can
based on the incorrect assumption that these creaturs kill a nest of chromatic dragons at the expense of its
have consciences. Most behave as they will, whether own life, its instinctive mind deems that outcome
compassionately or pitilessly, not owing to alignment, acceptable. The compulSion to battle regularly causes
but rather because their actions serve a larger pur­ metallic dragons to take on more than they can typi­
pose tied in with their goals. It would be fair to say cally handle. Though dragons ofall ages feel this urge,
that alignments have been imposed on dragons by it's more powerful among young and adult metallics.
humanoids to quantify the dragons' behavior and put Although chromatic dragons feel the same way toward
themselves at ease. metallic dragons, they already fight to survive in a
world that vilifies their presence. For that reason alone.
DRACONIC DOMINION chromatic dragons pick their battles more carefully
than metallic dragons do.
Metallic dragons. unlike their chromatic or cata­
strophic kindred, rarely prey on humankind or
rampage through human realms. They are not driven THE FAMILY LINE
by the instinct to plunder or destroy. Instead, metal­ Although the bonds of family are stronger among
lic dragons embody the draconic desire to dominate metallic dragons than among chromatic dragons, the
lesser creatures. A red wyrm might look on a human bond between two metallic dragons that mate is lim­
kingdom as a rich source of plunder and prey, but ited to a finite time spent together for the wyrmlings'
a gold wyrm sees that kingdom as something to sake. After their offspring have departed from the
be ordered to its own satisfaction. If it is especially lair, mated dragons are strongly drawn apart, back to
benevolent, that gold dragon sees itself as a wise solitude. If it wasn't for its powerful desire to extend
counselor, a loyal defender, and a stalwart ally of its family line, a dragon would happily keep its own
the realm. A different gold dragon might choose to company. Even those dragons that have assumed
reign openly over the realm, and another could be an humanoid forms for extended periods of time observe
inflexible tyrant and oppressor ofthe worst sort. with bewilderment how humanoid couples and fami­
Even those metallic dragons that do not seek lies can spend their entire lives with each other.
dominion over lesser races are often bound to them Although all dragons breed to ensure survival of
in other ways. Some are champions of good or evil, their kind, the urge is particularly strong in metallic
some are obsessed with old magic or ancient causes, dragons. Sages attribute the reason to their longer
and some are subtle manipulators engaged in a great gestation time and the innate awareness of how
game spanning the centuries. More than any other often their numbers are reduced by conflict against
dragons, metallic dragons are interested and involved chromatic dragons. Metallic dragons also keep com­
in the affairs of humanity. munication open among extended families. The more
that a metallic dragon stays in contact with other
metallics, though they are still separated by their
DRIVES respective territories, the easier it becomes to aid
Most metallic dragons, with the exception of those one's kin when the drive to fight chromatic dragons
that can change shape, share little in common with comes over them.
humanoids when it comes to their base desires and
needs. In the end, chromatic and metallic dragons
THE HOARD
share similar motivations, especially when they per­
Dragons of any kind deem their hoards-cascading
tain to hunting. If prey runs, a dragon feels drawn to
piles of glittering coins, gems, and magic items-the
pursue and run the creature down-but not without
marrow of existence. The hoard is why they hunt; it
caution if pursuing an intelligent creature. Having
is the bed on which they sleep; it is the source of their
the mobility and stamina to travel great distances
self-worth. Dragons never grow bored with the acqui­
means a metallic dragon can chase a fleeing oppo­
sition of untold riches, even after thousands ofyears.
nent indefinitely. It stops only when its food has been
This desire is, without a doubt, the Single most impor­
caught and eaten, because there is no excuse for
tant motivation in their lives. Even dragons that resist
returning home with an empty belly.
the natural inclination to possessively hoard wealth
Metallic dragons, however rational when calm, have
can still feel the instinct scratching in the backs of
a primal imperative to attack and kill chromatic drag­
their minds, as if they are somehow missing out on
ons on Sight, sparing little thought for their own safety
treasure to which they are rightfully entitled.
and pausing only when the likelihood offailure-not

C HAPTER 1 I DraBon Lore

 Despite the constant lure ofhoard-buiJding, know any potential prey is an automatic reaction that
metallic dragons can still enjoy meaningful lives not can't be controlled.
consumed or overshadowed by the lust for wealth. For this reason, disguiSing martial prowess is an
Denying their nature, especially to themselves, effective way for some other creature to maintain the
would be futile . Better to remain introspectively rapt attention of a dragon, which might otherwise
aware of their weakness, to avoid letting it become an categorize that creature as an inSignificant threat
instrument of manipulation. As wyrmlings, dragons or, worse yet, a possible meal. Not knOWing where
develop a psychological connection to treasure from it stands against a new creature can infuriate or
which they never completely break free. More than intrigue a metallic dragon. The dragon might invite
leaving their parents, leaving the lair in which they an adventurer to a playa game of strategy, or make
were raised also means leaving the hoard around a sudden move to startle him or her into a revealing
which they have played, not one coin of which travels combat posture.
with them abroad. When a wyrmling comes of age, it The benefits and downsides of someone conceal­
transitions from the considerable hoard of its parents ing his or her true strength from a dragon are mostly
to no hoard at all. This fact goes a long way toward situational. The dragon, driven by curiosity, will want
explaining why young metallic dragons desperately to learn more about a mysterious adventurer, but then
start amassing wealth the moment they leave home. that person is the center of draconic attention, desired
or not. A metallic dragon might initiate combat
THE STATUS IMPERATIVE strictly for sparring purposes (but often without
Any time a dragon interacts with a new creature saying as much beforehand).
socially, it immediately assesses how much of a strug­ If adventurers intend to misrepresent themselves
gle the new creature would put up in a fight. Dragons to a dragon, consider a skill challenge deSigned to fool
cannot suppress this instinct, even while conversing the creature. Convincing a dragon to underestimate
peacefully, because their predatory appetite creeps a potential foe might grant a bonus to attack rolls or
into the subtext of every spoken word. Try as they initiative rolls. If a dragon is led to overestimate its
might to hide their hunting instinct, it translates foe, an adventurer might gain a bonus to Diplomacy
through their unconscious body language. They size or Intimidate checks. However, failing at such a ruse
up creatures the way a humanoid might examine a likely incenses the dragon, which brings an entirely
piece of fruit in a marketplace. different set of perils.
For a dragon, establishing where it stands with
a creature in combat allows it to adjust its posture BEHAVIOR
accordingly. It lets the dragon know whether to Metallic dragons exhibit a broad range of disposi­
behave arrogantly superior or-in the presence of tions, ranging from violent territOriality to predatory
more powerful opponents-to resort to bluster and inquisitiveness to simple bemusement at humanoid
subterfuge. Although one metallic dragon might keep antics. Most metallic dragons take great pride in their
this drive more in check than another, getting to powers of observation and logical faculties. They see

CHAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

themselves as dispassionate and rational- though humanoids' power is real or imagined, they can
some are just as short-tempered and easily provoked achieve more when they are not devoured or robbed
as the most antagonistic of red dragons. at random. Truly good dragons might still manipulate
and sacrifice lesser creatures, but at least they do
HABITUAL CONDESCENSION so based on the firm conviction that their guidance
All dragons have an exceedingly high opinion of makes the world a better place.
themselves. When they deign to engage in conver­ The only time metallic dragons make any effort
sation with weaker creatures, dragons think they to suppress their natural arrogance toward lesser
are demonstrating exceptional tolerance, and they creatures is when they assume humanoid form to
expect that those they meet will be nattered by their infiltrate their societies. To describe these occasions
attentions. Humanoids that find themselves in con­ as trying for the dragon would be an understatement.
versation with dragons would do well to show great A metallic dragoJl must constantly bite its tongue to
appreCiation for the honor; metallic dragons want blend in among the rabble. It takes practice, some­
their praises not only sung, but heralded loudly. Their times perfected over centuries, before a metallic
need for affirmation does not stem from insecurity, dragon can make this transition seamlessly.
but rather from a sense of entitlement. Metallic drag­
ons that refrain from subjugating or preying upon A DRAGON DOES
humans do so because they're making a deliberate AS A DRAGON WILL
choice that goes against their true instincts. As such, Dragons are oblivious to societal impositions. The
they believe that in excha nge for the gift of not being idea that a dragon would base a decision on anything
hunted and regularly eaten, humanoids should praise other than its personal desires is entirely foreign.
metallic dragons, and some dragons expect nothing Even the most compassionate and fair -minded silver
less than outright worship. dragons choose to live by such virtues, not because
Little separates the way chromatic and metallic other silver dragons or societies pressure them to do
dragons think. All dragons are supremely arrogant, so, but because those qualities facilitate the achieve­
incredibly self-centered, and strongly inclined to ment of their personal goals.
view lesser creatures strictly in the light of what pos­ Where chromatic and metallic dragons differ is
sible uses they offer. It does not occur to dragons that in how they interact with lesser creatures, and intel­
humanoids exist for any other purpose than to serve ligent humanoids in particular. Although metallic
the dragons' designs. The brief and trining time dragons will not be swayed by humanoids' moral
that humanoids spend breathing requires direction, arguments, they at least recognize that people inhibit
which they are gracious enough to provide. In the their own behavior with arbitrary laws and ethi­
case of chromatic dragons, this attitude means they cal rules (which goes a long way toward explaining
see humans and other humanoids as sources offood, why metallic dragons also regard them as lesser
treasure, or entertainment to be cruelly or callously creatures).
exploited at will. Most metallic dragons , on the other When a metallic dragon listens to what a human ­
hand, see humanoids as valuable resources, and oid has to say, the dragon considers such an act as a
carefully cultivate them over the centuries in order privilege philanthropically bestowed , with the expec­
to achieve goals they deem appropriate. The rarest tation that the dragon's time will not be wasted. A
and kindest metallic dragons feel obligated to help humanoid that uses this opportunity as an attempt to
humanoids build worthy realms and prosper. evoke a sense of duty in the dragon is doing nothing
Although it's not hard to imagine why dragons more than insulting the dragon, and might provoke
elevate themselves above virtually every other kind of a violent reaction. Unless a dragon favors a group
creature (going by their physical stature and elemen­ of humanoids or an individual in some way, it will
tal power alone), pinning down the metallic dragons' almost never be motivated to action by kindness.
inclination to nurture rather than neglect humanoids This is not say that metallic dragons never grant
is more difficult. The divine answer points to Baha­ aid or succor when requested, but that the supplicant
mut as the source, because the Platinum Dragon must understand the dragon's egotistical disposi ­
embodies all that was altruistic, charitable, logical, tion. The first step is for the requester to find a way
and patient in 10. The mundane answer, however, is to align his or her goals with the ambitions of the
that most metallic dragons are supremely rational metallic dragon. Beyond that point, he or she must
creatures that see cruelty and callousness as waste­ describe a way in which those goals can actively ben­
ful. They therefore regard their humanoid neighbors efit the dragon. The benefit to the dragon need not be
with cold, dispassionate logic, which dictates that immediate. Even ifit does not manifest until years or
resources such as humanoids are best used with decades after an accord has been reached, the benefit
care. Some dragons come to believe that empowered is as valued by the dragon as if it had occurred right
humanoids are productive humanoids. Whether away.
 It helps to think of metallic dragons not as good­ its plans might face and preemptively eliminating
natured, but rather exceedingly patient creatures those hurdles before they can manifest. Mithral drag­
that will not reOexively eat humanoids when they're ons are perhaps the most methodical when it comes
hungry. Iran adventurer manages to annoy a metallic to advance planning, but all dragons want absolute
dragon, there is little socially, and virtually nothing control over their schemes before taking a Single step.
morally, that will stop the dragon from picking its They mean to win the battle before it begins, whether
teeth clean with the offender's bones. in business, negotiation, or warfare.
All that said, if a young or adult metallic dragon
ANYTHING WORTH DOING should encounter a chromatic dragon, it casts all
its forethought aside and likely finds itselfin a fight
Is WORTH CONTEMPLATING before assessing whether or not it can win the battle. ::i
A metallic dragon is no more inclined than any other o
dragon to rush into a new endeavor. As a creature
TEMPER
o
..J
whose life spans centuries, it relishes the ability to
thoroughly analyze a matter, dissecting the subject Metallic dragons choose to interact with humanoids I­:J
with its impressive intelJect. It means to figure out all peaceably only as an effective means to achieve their o
the ways in which it can either command the situa­ desi res. Sting the pride of a metallic dragon , scorn its
tion, profit from the undertaking, or both. Assuming aid, or stretch its patience too thin, and it can unleash
that neither its life nor the lives of those it favors are a force every bit as destructive as any chromatic
hanging in the balance, a metalJic dragon will not be dragon .
hurried. It doesn't take much to upset a metallic dragon .
Maintaining intense focus, a metallic dragon can Perhaps too many intrusions have been made into its
remain immersed in thought as it goes about its daily territory without proper acknowledgment, or the trib­
routine. In this state, it is aware of threats but uncon­ ute for allowing humanoids to coexist in its domain
cerned with how its presence and size might impact has been consistently undercut. \Nhatever the case,
any environment through which it is passing. It the latest insult is merely the final straw in a series of
doesn't acknowledge the immediate world around it , perceived offenses, throwing the metallic dragon into
since it's too busy calculating all the possible advan­ a rage. Even if the offense is reasonable by humanoid
tages and drawbacks of some venture. standards, the dragon's reaction might seem com­
When a metallic dragon does finally arrive at pletely out of proportion to the offense. For example.
a decision, it has not merely formulated a plan of when a wandering wyrmling is killed by a poacher,
attack, but also has several backup plans in case its metallic dragon parent might raze the closest vil­
the main stratagem is somehow undermined. It has lage for not policing its residents better.
devoted considerable time to predicting any obstacles

C HAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

Although individual metallic dragons might encoun­ the intrusion, but still boldly asserts its rightful claim.
ter each other accidentally, peaceably, or violently, A more territorial metallic dragon , on the other hand ,
dragon society is little more than a loose collection of treats such an infraction as an opportunity to teach a
familial relationships. Metallic dragons fulfill their younger wyrm a lesson-possibly a fatal one. Forgive­
own ambitions and serve their own purposes. They ness, when offered, comes because a metallic dragon
do not exist within societies so much as let societies considers aCCidentally blundering into another
take shape around them. Putting aside legendary dragon's territory to be a mortifying embarrassment.
occasions when metallic dragons of many kinds band Metallic dragons consider territory, once staked by a
together to oppose a common enemy, the closest they metallic dragon of equal strength, to be sacrosanct.
ever come to forming a rudimentary society is repre­ However, a covetous metallic dragon that desires the
sented by their loyalties to children and kin. These territory of a wyrm two or more age categories its
lasting connections have tenuously united even the junior considers such a domain ripe for the taking.
most territorial metallic dragons together. Metallic dragons of equal strength meet by invita­
The following four sections summarize how metal­ tion only (though older dragons often disregard this
lic dragons think and behave when they interact with formality when associating with younger wyrms). If a
other kinds of dragons or any kinds of humanoids. message requests an audience, such as when a young
dragon seeks tutelage from an older wyrm, a gift of
OTHER METALLIC DRAGONS treasure should accompany the request. The value of
this treasure forever defines the relationship between
""hen metallic dragons oppose one another, they
the two dragons .
remain tense and ready for battle. Whether the
Metallic dragons that encounter each other in the
confrontation is over territory, treasure, or a mate,
wild outside their respective territories normally
metallic dragons usually defer to (or flee from) more
acknowledge one another openly, but travel their
powerful wyrms, and demand submission from (or
separate ways. Although some metallic dragons have
attempt to slay) weaker rivals. Evil or ill·tempered
been observed giving each other this respectful dis­
dragons are quick to attack when they have the
tance, many evil or bad ·tempered metallic dragons
advantage. Two dragons that recognize each other
use these opportunities to eliminate younger dragons
as equals often settle on cool, wary ciVility, watching
that might eventually threaten their resources.
carefully for mistakes or signs of treachery. However,
Generally speaking, the purpose of doing so must
the moment blood is spilled between metallic drag­
be extremely important for a metallic dragon to leave
ons, they no longer have any use for words. In any
its territory and hoard. All metallic dragons accept
event, dragons won't compromise. A dragon that has
that they suffer from a powerful attachment to their
the advantage over its rival claims the entire prize,
hoards. When they meet, unless they're actively
whatever it might be. A dragon at a disadvantage
attempting to thin the competition for resources
retreats with nothing.
or territory, they clear a path for one another. They
Negotiations between metallics follow this pat­
silently acknowledge how vital a purpose must be to
tern: First, the two dragons instantly assess each
lure another dragon from its home. Although a metal­
other's age based on size, because seniority rules
lic dragon would never characterize its attachment as
supreme. Second, a contest of knowledge ensues, in
a weakness, separating it from its hoard for too long
which the dragons compare what they know about a
can nonetheless be a tool of manipulation.
sought-after prize. Superior knowledge improves the
standing of a dragon to its next older age category.
The metallic dragon that has the oldest "effective
age" is considered the rightful victor. Although many THE COUNC1L OF W'YRMS
dragons respect this outcome and acquiesce to the Obscure texts refer to an event known as ~the Council
superior wyrm, some dragons (usually brass, iron, of Wyrms." Much of the lore surrounding this event has
mercury, or cobalt) raise the stakes one step further been lost to history. What little. can be assembled tells
by challenging their rivals to trial by ritual combat, of the flrst metallic dragons coming together to form an
the result of which trumps all negotiations. Though accord shortly after Bahamut and Tiamat arose from lo's
these battles have been known to result in death, they death. These dragons Immediately recognized the chro­
usually end at first blood. matic spawn as their shared enemy and forged a lasting
pact. They vowed to put aside their differences and mon­
etary obsessions to wage war against chromatic dragons
TERRITORIAL DISPUTES
whenever the chromatics became a collective threat.
When a metallic dragon aCCidentally enters the estab·
lished territory of another, the average wyrm forgives

C HAPTER 1 I DraBon Lore

 with the chromatic dragons betraying their own kind,
CHROMATIC DRAGONS and resulting in the death of even more chromatic
With few exceptions, a metallic dragon's rational dragons.
persona disappears when it spots a chromatic dragon.
It engages the dragon on sight, regardless of the con­
sequences to itself or others. If the chromatic dragon CATASTROPHIC AND
is too daunting for one metallic dragon to handle, SCOURGE DRAGONS
the metallic immediately seeks out allies and returns Metallic dragons no more acknowledge catastrophic
with greater numbers to assail the threat. or scourge dragons than they would violent storms
When battle is joined, metallic dragons fight or enduring pestilences. In the eyes of metallic drag­
savagely, eviscerating bellies, gouging eyes, and ons, these other dragons fill necessary roles in the
hamstringing legs. They slaughter chromatic dragon cyclical pattern of the world that metallic dragons
males, females, and wyrmlings without prejudice. witness countless times throughout their lives. Only
After the slaughter ends, a metallic dragon resumes when catastrophic and scourge dragons fail to respect
its normal personality as if nothing unusual had this objectivity do metallic dragons take umbrage
transpired, despite being covered in blood and gore. and offer resistance. A metallic doesn't care if a cata­
Once, when asked about its astonishing outburst strophic or a scourge dragon runs roughshod over the
of wrath, a silver dragon replied, "They cannot be world, as long as that dragon's interests aren't in its
allowed to reach critical numbers." Despite their path.
drive to kill, most metallic dragons do not crusade
against chromatic dragons. They merely deal with
such wyrms as they appear.
HUMANOIDS
Metallic dragons regard stories of cooperation MetalliC dragons see value in cultivating relationships
and even forbidden love between the two groups of with humanoids. This desire is so profound that after
dragons as tales of fiction. Denials aside, reliable millennia of observing humanoid activities. some
historical records document occasions when ancient metallic dragons (including almost all mercury and
and twilight metallic dragons cowed or manipulated steel dragons) have developed the innate magical
chromatic dragons into their service, culminating ability to assume humanoid shapes. Their motivation
is surprisingly simple: All metallic dragons crave that supplies a dragon connoisseur can earn a profit
power or wealth, and they frequently crave both. for countless generations. These transactions are usu­
Indeed, whenever they seek influence or treasure, ally conducted in settled or metropolitan regions.
dragons are straightforward. As humanoids began Alternatively, metallic dragons might hire adventur­
propagating throughout the world, metallic dragons ing humanoids to seek out coveted treasures. In such
saw great potential in the scurrying little creatures, cases, metallic dragons that can change shape main­
not for the sake of fostering their desperately short tain their humanoid disguises while interacting with
existences, but as creatures that could further the people.
dragons' own agendas. Seeing this potential right
away, metallic dragons realized that their goals could GATEKEEPER
be more efficiently achieved through interaction Metallic dragons sometimes stake claims to terri­
rather than destruction. tory along dangerous or well-traveled humanoid
Metallic dragons learned early on that to conduct routes. Once established, such a dragon demands
any meaningful business with humanoids, they tribute from humanoids that want to pass through the
needed to relate (and be relatable) to them. Although region. If they don't pay the toll, the dragon prevents
that sometimes means assuming a friendly face, it movement through its domain. If the region is dan­
can also mean impressing them with the majesty of gerous, the tribute guarantees that the dragon will
draconic presence. After all, humanoids respond well protect travelers through the hostile area. Gatekeeper
to fear. In fact, many formidable metallic dragons dragons can become integral parts of trading econo­
greatly enjoy commanding armies of reliable human­ mies, regarded as yet another levy, tax, or toll.
oid minions to do their bidding.
Metallic dragons that can shapeshift have two
GOD
faces: One for the social world (their humanoid
Ifprimitive humanoids want to worship a metallic
guise) and one for the solitary life (their dragon
wyrm as their deity, the dragon won't argue. Evil
form). As dragons, they want to be regarded with
metallic dragons prefer having this type of relation­
awe and feared by nations, but also left to their own
ship with humanoids , since it requires little effort in
devices. In their humanoid forms, they want to be
exchange for the praise and wealth that is heaped
easy to approach, to be respected by merchants, and
at their feet. In return for worship, metallic dragons
to travel without fanfare. When they forge relation­
grow fiercely protective of their worshipers. Dragon·
ships with humanoids, shapeshifting dragons usually
spawn, kobolds, lizard folk, and troglodytes often
do so in humanoid form.
become metallic dragon worshipers.

SOCIETAL ROLES GUARDIAN

When they interact with humanoids, metallic drag­ Metallic dragons that feel inclined to gUide and
ons can take on many types of roles , from helpful to protect lesser creatures adopt burgeoning centers of
tyrannical. civilization, from small villages to teeming capitals.
In exchange for the constant presence of the metal­
ADVISOR lic dragon, the community directs major portions of
Metallic dragons that treat knowledge as the greatest its revenue to the dragon's hoard. The investment,
treasure become sources ofobscure information from however steep, is advantageous to both parties. With
which the rest of the world can benefit. These drag­ a dragon looking out for the populace, the community
ons act as oracles that foresee the future or librarians is shielded against outsid e threats, and its standing
that share the lore stored in their minds. A dragon army (ifit has one) becomes largely redundant. The
in the business of adViSing humanoids might stay civilization can focus on its own prosperity. This
highly accessible to encourage solicitation of their was the case in the dragonborn empire ofArkhosia,
experiences or skills. Alternatively, a dragon might whose capital city became a meeting place for all
sequester itselffrom prying questions to meditate or metallic dragons. In addition to dragonborn, metallic
research in peace. Gaining an audience with such dragons are likely to become guardians of dwarves,
a dragon is difficult, and usually requires braving elves, halflings, humans, and tieflings.
treacherous terrain, but the knowledge it imparts is
always valuable. MANIPULATOR
Whether puppeteering the politiCS of empires or
CUSTOMER bending the ears of prominent decision makers,
Metallic dragons that value quality over quantity metallic dragons operate behind the scenes, and as
rely on humanoids that speCialize in acquiring rare a result their influence is often not suspected. These
goods. Humanoid crafters make a higher grade of dragons traffic in blackmail, favors, kickbacks, and
product, and can make treasure to order. A business (most important) knowledge. Such dragons nest near

C HAPTER 1 I Dranon Lore

the humanoid populations they control, and those
that can change shape disguise themselves to blend LANGUAGE
in among the population. Metallic dragons either Although chromatic and metallic dragons are Instinctive
worm into the jeweled capitals of thriving nations enemies, they aren't dissimilar enough to have developed
or encourage humanoids to build in the dragons' Independent languages. Chromatic and metallic dragons
domains , enticing the people by granting permission speak and write identical versions of Draconic. Some
to harvest valuable minerals found there. As these sages claim that the two types of dragons emphasize dif­
settlements grow over time, the metallic dragon qui· ferent parts of the same words, but these idiosyncrasies
etly remains in the background , pulling the strings of can also be attributed to personality and mood. See the
city leaders as needed. "Language Details" and "Basic Vocabulary" sections on
pages 14 and 15 of Draconomicon: Chromatic Drasons.
Metallic dragons follow the same naming conventions
TYRANT
that chromatic dragons do. They can be named before
Some metallic dragons find that nothing motivates
birth, name themselves, adopt names they are given. or
lesser creatures more than fear. These dragons
change their names to reflect major events in their lives.
behave more like chromatics, with little regard for
Metallic dragons that take humano1d forms. however,
lives other than their own. Humanoids serve as mere
choose names for their shapes befitting the races and
tools, with a finite ability to manipulate, extract, and
cultures they infiltrate. The only constant with these
refine valuable minerals out of the ground. They are
names Is that they reflect the personas of the humanoids
resources to be expended rather than individuals to
the metallic dragons become. as if the names help the
be acknowledged. People in draconic regimes live
dragons remember to stay in character.
under the constant threat of death or persecution,
but metallics do recognize that some hope must be
allowed. As such, they empower select humanoids
with limited authority, iffor no other reason than to
police others of their own kind.

CHAPTER I I Dra80n Lore

_. 0" .• __ ._ ~ ._" _. _ ••• _~_. ~._. _ _ _ • • __ • _ _ . _ . _ . _ . ___ • _. __ • __

REL1G10N
Dragons of any variety worship deities only reluc­ civilizations they have deemed worthy. Metallic drag­
tantly, and they do so in a much different spirit from ons that protect rising empires as stalwart guardians,
that of devout humanoids. Instead of humbling them­ or that invisibly manipulate dynasties by gUiding
selves before the deities, they strike bargains, seeing them toward prosperity, serve the goals of Erath is
divine beings as strong allies and examples worth whether they mean to or not. As such, metallic drag­
emulating. Dragons have little patience for pious ritu­ ons study her teachings to take advantage of any
als and behavioral restrictions. They tolerate such divine sanction their plans might already warrant.
limitations only ifit helps their pursuit of divine Typical Followers: Gold and bronze dragons
knowledge and righteous power. (which have expansionist tendencies), and silver
dragons (which believe in the value of civilization).
BAHAMUT
The celestial platinum dragon who embodies the fair­ IOUN
ness, nobilHy, and strength ofIo, Bahamut represents Virtually all metallic dragons embrace the god of
the foundation of metallic dragon worship and is knowledge and prophecy. As creatures ofincred­
universally respected by all metallic dragons, regard­ ible patience and extended life, dragons seek loun's
less of their faith. Strip away everything else, and inSights into both the nature of creation and the
Bahamut wil1 always be the wyrm who drove Tiamat unforetold future. If metallic dragons hold anyone
into a frightened retreat. Metallic dragons that battle deity in equal reverence to Bahamut, it would be
against chromatics draw inspiration from his original loun for this reason. All dragons have an interest
struggle. When his worshipers conduct themselves in the ability to accurately predict the future, espe­
in the world, they do so with the dignity ofBahamut. cially those that work machinations that unfold
As they dispense justice onto lesser creatures, they across centuries. Dragons consider all the angles of a
ask what Bahamut would do in their place. When long-term venture before committing to a course of
they charge into battle against those that oppress the action. Despite how highly metallic dragons regard
weak, they believe that Bahamut invigorates their their own intellect, even they must acknowledge that
attacks. complications can arise that they couldn't foresee.
Typical Followers: Bronze and silver dragons. The ability to minimize those problems by looking
Virtually all metallic dragons invoke Bahamut's into the future is more prized than platinum to many
name for strength as they launch into battle against dragons.
chromatics. Typical Followers: Mithral and orium dragons.

BANE PELOR
The god of warmongering, subjugation, and tribute, A seasonal god who exemplifies summer, the sun,
Bane appeals to metallics that rule by fomenting and time, Pelor opposes evil in all forms. Though
fear. By honing their martial skill, his followers many dragons are not moved by definitions ofgood
master fear and spread terror. Since dragons inspire and evil, metallic dragons that feel compassion for
fear merely by existing, Bane favors them. They can lesser creatures and save communities from suffer­
single-handedly wage war against an army or decide ing are quintessential forces for good. If the light of
the outcome of a battle. Metallic dragons pay homage Pelor can help protect their charges, then so much
to Bane by fighting when they have not been asked to the better.
do so, and then demanding payment for their service. Typical Followers: Gold, silver, and steel dragons.
Metallic dragons also honor Bane by making sure
neither side of a conflict definitively wins. They do TIAMAT
so by switching sides to sustain the war or by leaking
A metallic dragon would have to catastrophically
information to opposing sides.
lose its way before following the path ofTiamat, yet
Typical Followers: Brass, iron, and mercury
many have done exactly that. Tiamat represents all
dragons.
that is antithetical to metallic dragons, and espe­
cially to their predatory imperative to attack and
ERATHIS kill chromatic dragons on Sight. Still, with enough
Nothing is more important to dragon followers of self-loathing, metallic dragons can become willing
Erathis than achieVing stability through invention thralls of the draconic god. Although Tiamat is always
and lawfulness. Although dragons usually avoid a strict deity, she demands even more from her metal­
living within societies, certain metallics protect lic converts than from the chromatics that revere her.
She constantly requires proof of their loyalty, usually THURKEARVAERI THENIGHTDANCER
by asking them to turn on their own kind. If a metal­ Deity: Bane
lic dragon knows where to find wealth, regardless of Dragon Variety: Mercury
familial bonds or lasting friendships, the dragon must Thurkearvaeri manipulated wars in the world, but
plunder in Tiamal's name. In return, she promises never revealed her agenda to any mortal creature
the strength to prevail against those that ,·vould seek while doing so. She orchestrated battles in which
reprisal, and a swift death to weaker opponents. opposing armies would clash. and ensured that the
Typical Followers: Iron dragons, and particularly combatants would be enraged on a personal level
greedy or envious adamantine and copper dragons. by having their loved ones assassinated and fram­
ing a neighboring kingdom for the deeds. When a
EXARCHS battle reached fever pitch, the mercury dragon would
Deities operate in the mortal world primarily by appear for the first time. admit her part in causing
proxy through their exarchs. In addition to heeding the hostilities. then join in the bloodshed. Bane fell in
the prayers of worshipers, exarchs serve as divine love with Thurkearvaeri and successfully enticed her
intermediaries. determining what mortal events are to his realm.
worth mentioning to their patron gods. Dragons that revere Thurkearvaeri are drawn by
The following are a few of the more prominent her mystery and her wickedly rational mind, as well
metallic dragon exarchs. as her bloodthirsty nature and her ability to manipu­
late humanoids into war on a grand scale.
ATHEARSAURIV, EVE OF HEAVEN
Deity: Ioun VIVEXKEPESK
Dragon Variety: Mithral Deity: Bahamut
Athearsauriv was an oracle who saw the future not Dragon Variety: Brass
as a fixed path but as an obstacle to be overcome. Vivexkepesk challenged every chromatic dragon he
No venture was wasted, because she knew well in could find, young and ancient alike, and relentlessly
advance whether it would succeed or fail. No battle hunted these creatures. As a side effect, his battles
was lost. because she foresaw every feint or lunge leveled towns. shook the earth, and shattered the
before her opponents attacked . Eventually. Athear­ landscape. The gods readied to smite Vivexkepesk
sauriv could foresee the future of an idea she idly to prevent this destruction. but Bahamut inter­
contemplated : She no longer predicted the future , vened , volunteering to personally fight the brass
but could define what would happen. Ioun opened dragon and calm its dangerous rage. Miraculously.
her realm to Athearsauriv out of necessity, and the Vivexkepesk managed to keep the god constantly off
dragon now guides the fates of mortals remotely. balance. Seeing that the brass dragon merely wanted
Dragons that revere Athearsauriv request her a challenging opponent, Bahamut offered him the
visions, the bewildering accuracy of which is opportunity to become an exarch. so he could fight
regarded as a mixed blessing. Bahamut's greatest foes.
Dragons that revere Vivexkepesk respect his fero ­
cious combat prowess and his refusal to back down ,
EDARMJRRIK
even when he's fighting a clearly superior opponent.
Deity: Erathis
Dragon Variety: Gold
Edarmirrik, a glutton and master manipulator, infil­ NO DE1TY AT ALL?
trated the family of a great dynasty while he was still
Metallic dragons are prone to hubris when they com­
a young wyrm. As an adult, he broke red commerce
pare themselves to gods, seeing the potential for thei
between every capital city on his territorial continent.
own deification. Although all dragons carry themselves,
Now an elder dragon, he manages the gold trade by
with an arrogant sense of entitlement. metallic dragons'
proxy through a global merchant guild, shaVing every
interactions with lesser creatures feed their ambitions.
gold coin in circulation to supplement his hoard.
Metallics are often worshiped as gods in their own rlght_
Erathis, pleased with the civilization the dragon had
50 although metalllcdragons devoted to a deity do exist,
fostered, invited Edarmirrik to her domain. The
they number far fewer than chromatic dragons, whose
dragon refused at first, but then the god assured him
constant Aght to survive causes them to seek a higher
that he could still remain active in the world and
power's aid more frequently.
sleep on his mountains of gold.
Dragons that revere Edarmirrik commend his
single-mindedness and his expert management of
humanoid societies.

CHAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

For the most part, the previous material in this The central lair has ledges or chambers at multiple
chapter applies to all metallic dragons. What follows heights. with at least two or three means of egress
discusses each kind individually, offering further large enough for the dragon's bulk.
insight into their personalities. mannerisms, environ­ IfUnderdark (or at least underground) "kingdoms"
ment, and preferred means of hunting and fighting. aren't available, adamantine dragons lair in rocky
These are not ironclad assertions; each kind of metal­ mountain ranges, making their homes in caves sur­
lic dragon might prefer a certain type of treasure or rounded with the comforting weight of rock. These
environment, but metallics don't necessarily restrict adamantine dragons sometimes come into conflict
themselves to the examples given. with the equally territorial blue dragons that dwell in
In addition to the "main" metallic dragons, high, storm-shrouded mountains.
seven new varieties appear in this book. Some have
appeared preViously under other names, while others FAVORED TREASURE
are recent discoveries, but all are as much a part of Adamantine dragons prefer treasures that remind
the metallic dragon family as the famous gold and them of, or are native to, their home territory. For
silver dragons. instance. an adamantine dragon whose Underdark
"kingdom" includes rich veins of silver likely prefers
ADAMANTINE DRAGONS silver treasures over other valuable metals or gems.
Also known as cave dragons, or occasionally Under­
dark dragons. adamantine dragons are little known PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
on the surface world. Although not the most intelli­ Adamantine dragons are a dark metallic hue. Some
gent of dragons. adamantine dragons are far smarter underground dwellers that have never seen a true
than their brutish, short-tempered behavior would black dragon call adamantines by that name. Their
suggest. scales protrude in a bladelike fashion . ruffling like
feathers when the dragon is irritated or hunting. An
LAIRS AND TERRAIN adamantine dragon has no horns per se, unless you
Adamantine dragons treat their territories as their count the row of spines that begins at the back of its
personal fiefdoms , ruling over all creatures within. head and runs the length of its body and tail. Its snout
Although they demand obedience and respect at all is sleeker than those of other dragons. vaguely resem­
times, they also take their duty as "ruler" seriously, bling a snapping turtle's. Oddly. adamantine dragons
protecting their subjects (or at least the obedient smell not only like metal, but also vaguely oily, like a
ones) from attack. well-maintained blade or suit of armor.
Most adamantine dragons dwell in the Underdark,
in lairs filled with great caverns and twisting tunnels. DIET
Adamantine dragons prefer large amounts of smaller
DRAGONS 'YOU CAN F1GHT prey. a predilection developed over long years under­
ground, where larger game is often unavailable.
In previous editions of the DUNCEONS & DRACONS'· game,
They particularly enjoy the taste of giant spiders and
metallic dragons were portrayed as staunch defenders
insects, but anything large enough for them to notice
of good. and player characters rarely found reason to
is large enough for them to eat. They don't make a
battle them. That's changed now. Although some metal­
habit ofhunting sentient prey, but most won't turn it
IIcs-espedally among the silver and gold dragons-are
down ifit's available. An adamantine dragon won't
fearsome champions against eVil, you can't tell a metallic
consume any of its "subjects" (see "Lairs and Ter­
dragon's alignment Just by looking at it anymore. Some
rain"), unless the only other option is starvation.
metallic dragons are evil, and many are unaligned-which
Unsurprisingly. given their physical abilities and
means they won't hesitate to battle heroes who intrude
favored terrain, adamantine dragons prefer to fight
in their territory or interfere in their business.
and hunt from the ground. flying to close on prey but
Even otherwise benevolent dragons might find them­
then landing for the duration of the battle. That said,
selves at odds with good heroes. For example, a copper
an adamantine dragon knows the terrain of its terri­
dragon might be momentarily overcome by its natural
tory well and uses short flights to pass over obstacles
avarice, while a sliver dragon might dedde that honor
intended to injure or impede its foes. Even in large
demands that it slay Intruders it catches in a shrine it is
caverns or mountain passes. an adamantine dragon
sworn to protect. Every dragon poses a potential threat
prefers to patrol its territory on foot, the better to
to a party of player characters, regardless of the sheen on
become familiar with the region.
its scales.

C HAPTER I I Dra80n Lore

PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
Highly territorial and exceptionally proud (even for
a dragon), an adamantine dragon demands obedi­
ence and respect in its petty kingdom, and it might
kilt intrud ers without question. That said, if an
explorer talks quickly and is respectful , an ada­
mantine dragon won't necessarily be hostile. It
might be willing to enter into treaties, agree ­
ments, or alliances with its neighbors.
On the other hand, offering a single insult is
often enough to sour negotiations or trigger an
instant attack. Adamantine dragons brook disre­
spect from nobody, and ignorance or carelessness is
not an acceptable excuse.

RELATIONS WITH
OTHER CREATURES
Adamantine dragons rarely encounter other metallic
dragons, except when those that live in caves delve too
deeply into the Underdark. However, they frequently
clash with purple dragons, since the two kinds prefer
the same type of territory. Although adamantine drag­
ons are more powerful (assuming comparable age),
purple dragons tend to be smarter, wilier, and more
likely to use minions, making the contests more even.
Most frequently, adamantine dragons interact
with other Underdark-dwelling sentient creatures,
particularly humanoids. These include grimlock and
troglodyte tribes, which adamantine dragons typi ­
cally annex, and drow and duergar communities, with
which they frequently war. Although adamantine
dragons demand obedience from all creatures in their
"kingdoms," they don't demand that their "subjects"
do anything. (They're far less likely than purple drag­
ons, for instance, to use humanoid spies or assassins.)
the morning sun. Typically, an intruder can access
the lair only by scrambling or climbing up a long,
BRASS DRAGONS exposed, barren slope that offers the dragon plenty of
Although weaker than many other varieties of opportunity to spot the visitor's approach.
dragonkind, brass dragons are still powerful crea­
tures by any measure. They have a strong mercenary FAVORED TREASURE
streak and often agrce to serve as guardians or battle­ Although they value all precious items, brass dragons
champions for anyone "villing to pay SUitably well. are especially fond of handcrafted work in materi­
als such as bOlle, wood, stone, or fabric (particularly
LAIRS AND TERRAIN weaving).
Brass dragons crave sunlight and dry heat , so natu­
rally they prefer deserts, arid savannahs, and similar PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
areas. They spend hours lying on sunning rocks high A prominent head crest shaped like a plowshare dis­
above the desert floor. Brass dragons also live in lands tinguishes brass dragons from other varieties. Young
where hot, dry conditions are seasonal-for example, brass dragons are a dull, mottled brown. As they age,
a temperate forest that sees little rainfall in the their color becomes more brassy, taking on a warm
summertime. Brass dragons residing in sllch lands luster. They havc a faintly acrid odor reminiscent of
either migrate to warmer climes or retreat to subter­ hot. oiled metal.
ranean lairs during the cool, rainy months.
Brass dragons make their lairs in rocky caves
DIET
atop mesas, steep hills. or the walls of inaccessible
Brass dragons typically hunt on the wing and prefer
canyons-preferably faCing east, so they can enjoy
to eat mountain goats, sheep, antelope, and other

C H A PTE R 1 I Dra80n Lore

such creatures. Only the most evil of brass dragons
RELATIONS WITH
would choose to devour an intelligent creature,
but a brass isn't above helping itself to a traveler's OTHER CREATURES
mount and leaving him or her stranded on foot. Well Brass dragons associate with desert-dwelling human­
adapted for desert life, brass dragons can survive on Oids-usually dragonborn, humans, or gnolls. Older,
almost no water. more powerful dragons strike alliances with azers,
fire giants, or efreets. Brass dragons make many
acquaintances, ranging from other intelligent mon ­
PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS sters such as sphinxes or nagas to notable humanoid
Placid and curious, brass dragons are among the
princes, wizards, or bards. Evil brass dragons create
most talkative of dragons and are slow to anger. Even
networks of minions and informants instead. Either
in battle, brass dragons are rarely cruel or vengeful,
way, a brass dragon is exceptionally well informed
and they frequently allow beaten enemies to retreat.
about events in nearby territory.
However, they are still dragons-conceited, proud,
Brass dragons strongly dislike brown dragons,
touchy creatures. Like other dragons, brass dragons
since they prefer the same environments and com­
take offense at rude or disrespectful behavior. How·
pete for territory and influence.
ever, when other dragons might lash out in anger,
brass dragons are more likely to break off a conversa ­
tion and leave. Anyone foolish enough to persist in BRONZ£ DRAGON
the face ofsuch a clear warning sign deserves what­ Duty-bound and honorable to a fault, bronze drag­
ever he or she gets. ons commit themselves to order and are among the
Shameless mercenaries, brass dragons readily greatest and most devout champions of that ideal. To
strike deals to fight in exchange for rich rewards. The a bronze dragon, there is no greater calling than to
better ones rigorously fulfill their bargains, but less ensure a universe governed by law, where chaos and
honorable members of the race are lazy and dishon ­ corruption can gain no foothold. For most bronze
est and have a nasty habit of breaking inconvenient dragons, enforcingjustice in their lands is enough.
deals if something better comes along. Pure self-inter­ But for a few, only absolute order can sate their ethi­
est governs most brass dragons, and they never take cal hunger-even ifit means they must act as despots
sides without first asking, "What's in this for me?" and tyrants, for the ends justi fy the means. As a

CHAPTEH 1 I Dra80n Lore

result, bronze dragons come into conflict with other dragons, bronze dragons don't consume intelligent
peoples, even when their values and beliefs are not creatures, though many make an exception for sahua­
worlds apart. gin, whose flesh is similar to shark meat.

LAIRS AND TERRAIN PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS

Bronze dragons choose lairs on rocky islands, granite Bronze dragons have an elevated sense of purpose, VI
cliffs overlooking the sea, or other coastal locales. belieVing their way is the proper way. Disagreement, Z
Some bronze dragons eschew land altogether and they believe, arises from willful ignorance, and o
l.J
stake out underwater territory in kelp beds, sub· they have little patience for fools. A bronze dragon «
merged caverns, or sunken ships. In rare cases, a doesn't debate and doesn't argue, and if someone IX
bronze dragon might protect or rule a community of pushes the dragon, it might react with violence. In
o
underwater creatures. fact, most conflicts with bronze dragons arise from U
Freshwater bodies can sustain bronze dragons misunderstandings. .......J
too, though adapting to these environments is slow Bronze dragons see the world in black and white, ~LI.I
and painful. Though rare in these environs, a bronze right and wrong, and they choose not to appreciate
dragon might dwell in a large lake, inland sea, or the subtlety of gray. Disappointment and frustra­ ~
even a deep river if the available prey can sustain tion with humanoid subterfuge might lead a bronze
it. Bronze dragons have little love for cold, and are dragon to act rashly, destroying an entire population
unlikely to live in arctic climes, ceding those areas to out of misapprehension. Even if it is later shown to
cobalt and white dragons. have been wrong, the dragon would not feel regret
A bronze dragon's lair is usually accessible by and would see the tragedy as being brought on by the
water, its entrances concealed by the waves. Water­ dishonesty of its victims.
filled passages connect to dank and dripping mazes.
The dragon uses natural caves to house servants, store RELATIONS WITH
treasure, and trap intruders. It might incorporate
OTHER CREATURES
traps in the form of deadfalls, slides, and shifting tun­
Bronze dragons are territorial creatures, and they do
nels. Often a secondary entrance, usually a chimney,
not tolerate trespassers or explorers in their lands­
allows the dragon an escape route_ Such a passage,
unless the interlopers offer some sort of tribute. A
often disused and overgrown with creepers or buried
bronze dragon that settles near shipping lanes or in
under debris, can be even harder to find than the
busy waters often demands payment to protect pass­
main entrance.
ing ships against sharks, sahuagin, pirates, and other
dangers. Such dragons can be fierce guardians, but
FAVORED TREASURE their prices are high, and many merchants go bank­
A bronze dragon's hoard consists of whatever the rupt meeting their demands.
dragon can scavenge from the sea, sunken cities, lost On occasion, a bronze dragon might adopt a
ships, or vessels it attacks. Since saltwater can cor­ community and enforce its laws with an iron fist. It
rode most metals and other valuables, the dragon's doesn't take long for the dragon to replace the ruler,
hoard often consists largely of ceramics, statuary, and and when it does, the community must abide by the
gemstones-durable goods that are immune to the dragon's rules or face extinction. Bronze dragons
effects of the dragon's environment. might rule over kobold, human, goblin, merfolk, or
lizardfolk tribes. Older dragons extend their empires
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS onto other planes, ruling devils, archons, and the like.
A ribbed and fluted crest sweeps back from a bronze Bronze dragons detest evil aquatic creatures, and
dragon's cheeks and eyes, and the ribs end in curving sahuagin are among their worst enemies. Blue drag­
horns, the largest growing from the top of its head. ons, though, are worse than even the sea devils , and
Webbing along its limbs and between its claws helps their territories often overlap with those of bronze
it swim. A bronze dragon's scales are a metallic dark dragons. When a blue and a bronze meet, they clash
brown, with a few highlights that look more like pol­ violently, and if one retreats, it's never for long. Leg­
ished bronze. ends tell of bronze and blue dragons waging war for
decades or centuries, with neither getting the upper
DIET hand. They spar and raid, striking and retreating
Bronze dragons have voracious appetites, so they can't until one gives up and flees for safer waters or, more
be too selective about what they eat. Most live on the likely, falls in battle.
sea's bounty, with kelp, fish, and crustaceans as their
dietary staples. They prefer shark to other sea crea­
tures, and often deplete local populations, leaving no
sharks alive for leagues around. Like other metallic

CHAPTER 1 I Draaon Lore

COBALT DRAGON cobalt dragons don't eat illtelligent creatures, but
unaligned and evil ones do-especially those they
Grim and sullen in demeanor, the fierce cobalt drag­
regard as pests or adversaries.
ons measure success by the territories they rule and
the lesser creatures they subjugate. They suffer no
traveler to pass through their lands without bending PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
knee and acknowledging their power, and anyone The best way to describe the demeanor of cobalt
who refuses qUickly comes to regret that error. Most dragons is possessive. They have a fierce, unyield­
cobalts rule over barbaric tribes or small, remote ing desire to hold and control anything they deem
settlements, exacting instant obedience through claw, important-principally their wealth and their sta­
fang, and icy breath. tion. Wealth is easy to measure, of course. Like other
dragons. cobalts are infatuated with their hoards, and
they dream constantly of enlarging them. Cobalts
LAIRS AND TERRAIN
measure their station by the extent of the lands they
Cobalt dragons hate hot weather, preferring cold.
hold sway over, the strength of the people and crea­
gloomy lands- snowy forests, tundra, icebound moun­
tures they dominate, and the tenacity with which
tains. or windswept downs and hills in northerly
they cling to power. Driven to demand the fear and
lands. Many cobalt dragons live in the Shadowfell ,
respect of all others, cobalt dragons fiercely resist any
especially in the borderlands of Letherna or other
development that might weaken their control.
portions that correspond to cold lands in the mortal
Cobalt dragons are extremely forceful and
world. They have little interest in spirits of the dead
demanding creatures. On meeting other intelligent
or necromantic power. instead dominating tribes
creatures, they engage in physical intimidation and
or settlements of shadowborn humanoids such as
tests of will. determined to dominate any possible
shadar-kai.
rival. Good-aligned cobalt dragons do so to determine
Cobalt dragons make their lairs in glacial rifts, in
the courage and worth of those they face; those who
low-lying caves hidden in wet gorges, or deep under
stand up to them win respect. Other cobalt dragons
the north-facing slopes ofsteep hills. Foes approaching
enjoy bullying the weak and are qUick to maim or kill
a cobalt's lair on foot might face a difficult climb down
those foolish enough to show defiance without having
an ice- or moss-covered cliff or might have to cross a
the strength to back up their words.
swift, icy torrent to reach their destination. Cobalts
Although many cobalt dragons are brutal, callous
think nothing ofsplashing through freeZing water to
tyrants, the race isn't inherently evil. The best of them
enter or leave their lairs, but they rarely choose lairs
are indefatigable, defending the people they have
that are accessible only by extended swimming.
come to rule, and they would rather die than permit
an enemy to harm their subjects. However. most
FAVORED TREASURE cobalt dragons defend their territories and subjects
Cobalts prize lavishly decorated arms and armor, mainly to satisfy their own sense of station and their
admiring the combination of workmanship and craving for respect , while feeling little moral obliga­
practicality. Bejeweled weapons litter their hoards, tion toward those they rule. To a cobalt, strength is
especially if the weapons feature blue or white gem­ the ultimate measure of worth. Minions and foes that
stones. Cobalt dragons delight in arms and armor prove strong win its grudging respect, and the dragon
taken from long-dead challengers. despises those that turn out to be weak.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS RELATIONS WITH

In addition to its dark, rich blue scales. a cobalt drag­
OTHER CREATURES
on's forward-curving, ramlike horns and its stocky
Cobalt dragons assert themselves as the masters of all
build distinguish the creature. Its wing membranes
they survey. From a young age, they begin to subju­
are a pale blue, flecked with spots of darker blue. A
gate neighbors that are too weak to win their respect.
cobalt has wide feet and diamond-shaped scales.
They count most cold-dwelling races among their
subjects, including barbaric dwarves or humans,
DIET lycanthropes, orcs, ogres, minotaurs , and trolls-the
Cobalt dragons favor large game. espeCially moose, fiercer the better. More powerful cobalt dragons
elk, and reindeer. They also have a taste for bear might rule over oni or frost giants, or force monsters
meat, and many a cobalt carries the scars ofits early such as manticores or wyverns into their service.
encounters with full -grown brown bears or dire Among dragons, cobalts compete with white drag­
bears. They prefer to hunt by night, when their keen ons, silver dragons, and shadow dragons. They sneer
senses give them a distinct edge over warm -blooded , at white dragons, seeing them as stupid weaklings
diurnal prey. Since they're not strong fliers, they (although a young cobalt is smart enough to stay
rarely try to take prey on the wing. Good-aligned away from adult or older whites). and they resent the

CHAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

 superior strength ofsilver dragons. Shadow dragons Lairs with commanding views of the nearby country­
make for deadly enemies, since they are strong enough side are especially prized.
to dominate all but the oldest and most powerful
cobalt dragons. To a cobalt dragon, nothing matches FAVORED TREASURE
the ignominy ofserving as another dragon's thrall. Copper dragons value fine art of any kind, especially
beautiful metalwork. Well-made jewelry captivates
COPPER DRAGONS most copper dragons, inflaming the avarice in their
Charismatic, sly, and witty, copper dragons are by far hearts.
the cleverest and most interesting of dragons-or so
they say. Schemers and thieves, coppers tend to be PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
charming scoundrels. Even the evil members of the A copper dragon is lean and sinuous. It has a promi­
race flaunt their glibness and ironic sense of humor. nent pair of swept-back, scale-covered horns, cheek
ridges, and jaw frills. Its scales are large, glossy bands
LAIRS AND TERRAIN or plates, smooth to the touch. Its eyes are bright tur­
Copper dragons dwell in temperate hills and moun­ quoise. As a copper dragon ages. its scales take on a
tains. As exceptionally quick and nimble fliers, they green tinge, like verdigris on an old statue.
prefer terrain that allows them to take advantage of
their natural ability. They establish their territories DIET
near human settlements or frontiers. In fact, many In the Wild, copper dragons eat small game and
copper dragons choose to live in the midst of human fowl. However, they often live close enough to civi­
cities. Most have no natural ability to take on human lized settlements to acquire a taste for human foods,
shape, so city-dwelling copper dragons either hide in especially wine. Not even the cruelest and most vile
deep dungeons or vaults beneath the streets, or they of copper dragons would deign to eat an intelligent
come to an understanding with the local rulers that humanoid. After all, a devoured victim can't appreci­
allows them to take up residence in outlying estates ate the dragon's wit and beauty.
or royal palaces as "nobles," protectors. or advisors.
Copper dragons that have no such arrangements PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
~ make their lairs in abandoned structures or ruins. Quick-witted, clever creatures, copper dragons cul­
~ An old castle, dungeon , or monastery is perfect, since tivate their lively senses of humor. They delight in
~ such a place has tbick walls and is highly defensible.
~

CHAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

outfoxing and deceiving enemies, and they love a
FAVORED TREASURE
good jest- as long as it isn't directed at them. Most are
Gold dragons prefer magic items to other valuables,
insincere and facile in their dealings with other crea·
but a gold's hoard isn't likely to consist entirely of
tures, and a few are cruel and deceitful, deliberately
magic items. Gold dragons also enjoy well-crafted
spreading mayhem with malicious lies and subtle
works of art they can admire, as well as collections
manipulation. The race suffers from covetousness­
ofgems and raw ore that are not merely valuable but
its chief weakness. All dragons are avaricious to one
can serve as a backup larder.
degree or another, but copper dragons are by far the
greediest of the metallic dragons. So taken are they
with their own charm, they can't help but believe that PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
they deserve to have whatever they want. Gold dragons are born with dull coloration that
shifts to gleaming gold-and then to illuminated
radiance-as they age. A gold is one of the most sinu­
RELATIONS WITH ous of dragons, graceful and flexible, and its wings
OTHER CREATURES are almost fill1like, running the length of its body.
Humankind and the other civilized races fascinate It has impressive horns, but they are ineffective as
copper dragons. The more covetous copper dragons weapons. Facial tendrils, thin strands of muscle that
associate with bandits, thieves, or brigands. More appear almost mustachclike, descend from around its
than one thieves' gUild is secretly ruled by a copper mouth and nostrils. These tendrils are neither strong
dragon. Coppers also have good relations with fey nor dexterous, but are just prehensile enough to aid
creatures such as c1adrins, elves, satyrs, and centaurs. the dragon in cleaning food from around its mouth or
Copper dragons don't like to associate with stupid between its teeth.
or bloodthirsty monsters. They want to surround A gold dragon gives off a faint scent, which some
themselves with followers that can appreciate their adventurers liken to the smell of molten metal. They
cleverness and humor. say this aroma is one of the few hints that a humanoid
Red dragons are natural enemies of copper might be a shapechanged gold dragon in disguise.
dragons. Reds sometimes compete with coppers for
territory, and they have no appreciation at all for the
DIET
wit and charm of their smaller rivals.
Gold dragons prefer larger prey and deliberately hunt
down dangerous monsters. In so dOing, they combine
GOLD DRAGONS their biological needs with their ethical leanings.
Also called royal dragons or imperial dragons, gold When appropriate prey isn't available, a gold dragon
dragons are the apex of an already unimaginably is more willing than other dragons to subsist on inan­
powerful race. Of all metallic and chromatic dragons, imate matter-preferring gems and valuable metals,
only mithral dragons might be more powerful-but which befit its high status.
they don't often overtly involve themselves in mortal
events as golds do. PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
Gold dragons are strong believers in the rule of order
LAIRS AND TERRAIN and the greater good, but they are also arrogant and
Gold dragons tend to favor gently rolling hills and dismissive, more concerned with unfathomable
open plains as sites for their lairs, but exceptions to goals than with the needs of "lesser creatures." For
this tendency abound. Gold dragon lairs can also be every gold dragon champion that aids a community
found in craggy mountains, in deep caves, and even of humanoids, or rules it with ajust and benevolent
in the midst of humanoid communities (though this hand , there is another that has become a tyrant,
last sort oflair is less common for gold dragons than demanding the obedience it deserves "by right,"
for steel or Silver). A gold dragon often settles near or crushing individual freedoms and creativity in
a sOciety it has involved itself with or near a great the name oflaw. Even these dragons tend to view
source of magic it has chosen to protect. The actual themselves as morally in the right, making the hard
terrain or climate is often a secondary concern, but choices nobody else can.
golds do dislike living in frigid regions. Even when cooperating with or benevolently
Though they have a few preferences, gold drag­ ruling other creatures, gold dragons seem dismis­
ons can live almost anywhere. And, frankly, if a gold sive of the concerns oflesser beings. This attitude
dragon wants to live somewhere, who's going to tell it isn't necessarily a sign that they don't care for the
otherwise? Territorial disputes are the most common good of their subjects or allies (though some might
cause of conflict between golds and other dragons, and not); rather, it's because gold dragons believe in their
unless there's a major age discrepancy in favor of the superiority over other races but don't necessarily
opposing dragon , the gold usually proves victorious. understand what that means. A gold dragon watch­
ing over a community might not acknowledge the
C HAPTER 1 I Dra80n Lore
complaints, needs, or troubles of citizens because it IRON DRAGONS
truly doesn't realize how bad things are. Even after
Violent and ill-tempered, iron dragons are undoubt­
dwelling for years among humans, gold dragons are
edly the most brutish and vicious of the metallic
frequently shocked at just how weak and fragile such
races. Many iron dragons are evil, and most of the
creatures are.
rest are, at best, a particularly hungry and dangerous
Vl
variety of unaligned. Z
RELATIONS WITH
o
OTHER CREATURES LAIRS AND TERRAIN l.)
A gold dragon sees itself as the pinnacle of living «
Iron dragons naturally favor settings that offer plenty a:
creatures and almost never acknowledges any other of game and good cover. They build lairs in dense o
creature as its superior. It might do so for an older forest or broken hills-terrain that offers many hiding
dragon, but that's only temporary. If a gold dragon places for a large predator.
serves as a mere advisor to a ruler or chooses to stay Iron dragons hide their lairs well. In the absence
uninvolved in a region's events, it's because that of truly inaccessible terrain. an iron dragon settles
dragon doesn't feel like taking on the burden of for the most difficult and tangled ground cover
leadership, never because the dragon doesn't think it it can find. Caves in brush-filled forest ravines or
could do a better job. briar-choked gulches are common iron dragon lairs.
Gold dragons and red dragons have a particularly Given their tough, thick scales, iron dragons have no
strong rivalry-in part because reds resent the more qualms about plunging through the thickest patches
powerful golds and scheme or gang up against them. of thorny foliage. The lair usually consists of several
Gold dragons rarely consume humanoids, unless the large, unimproved antechambers-natural caves with
people in question are blatantly evil (or pose some uneven floors,jagged rocks, or hindering vegetation
threat to the dragon or its domain). Even a starving hanging down from the outside, often festooned with
gold dragon won't consume a sentient being that it the rotting remains of previous meals- and a deeper,
doesn't think deserves to die-though, of course, the more comfortable den.
definition of who deserves to die varies from dragon
to dragon.
FAVORED TREASURE most powerful of masters can retain the loyalty of an
Treasure of any sort fascinates dragons, but iron drag­ elder or an ancient iron dragon.
ons particularly love the luster and fee l of gold and Iron dragons dislike all other dragons, but they
silver coins-the more the betteL especially resent green dragons. Both prefer the same
types of forest environs, and the sly. malicious greens
frequently frustrate and outwit iron dragons with
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS their exceptional intelligence.
Iron dragons have coarse, heavy, dark gray metallic
scales_ Although they might be confused with silver
or mithral dragons, the other metallics tend to be MERCURY DRAGON
much brighter in color, and their scales are smaller Mercury dragons are a little bit crazy-but there's defi­
and fineL As it ages, an iron dragon develops rusty­ nitely a method to their madness. A mercury dragon
brown streaks. especially on scales near major joints craves variety above all else. If another creature offers
and on its wings_ a wide array offood to hunt and the opportunity
to gather a hoard, a mercury dragon will serve that
DIET creature in an arrangement of convenience. Thus,
Iron dragons prey on midsized game. such as boar, mercury dragons can be found as champions, body­
deer, or antelope_Most regard humanoids as prey too, guards. and assassins in the employ ofgreater powers.
and they prefer small. comparatively weak creatures,
such as goblins, kobolds, gnomes, and halflings_ LAIRS AND TERRAIN
Natural ambush predators, they lie hidden in deep Mercury dragons hail from volcanic mountain ranges
thickets or old ruins alongside roads until a tempt­ in tropical climates, and though many of them remain
ing target wanders within reach of a sudden charge_ in such locales throughout their lives, the variety has
Good-aligned iron dragons refrain from devouring spread far and wide. Many a mercury dragon spends
intelligent creatures (except for the occasional goblin), its youth scheming for a way to reach the Elemental
but evil ones prize intelligent prey and often roam Chaos and establish a lair there. For a creature that
far from their native forests in search of humanoid craves variety, the ever-c hanging landscape of the Ele­
settlements, well-traveled roads, and other suitable mental Chaos is the perfect place to construct a laiL
hunting grounds. But the most common lair for a mercury dragon
is one prOVided and maintained by someone else.
PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATION As long as they receive the variety they crave. mer­
Iron dragons are governed by their base passions­ cury dragons serve as bodyguards, messengers, or
hunger, greed, creature comforts (of the sort that assassins for powerful mages, priests, or rulers -a nd
appeal to dragons, anyway), and the desire to be sometimes more sinister forces. When a mercury
feared and respected . The best of the race are sullen dragon works for another creature, the dragon takes
and reclusive, preferring their own company to that part of a larger fortress and makes a section its own,
of others. Most iron dragons seek to sate their brutish filling it with traps to frighten off any curious lackeys
impulses by devouring or robbing any creature fool ­ and to keep its personal hoard safe.
ish enough to intrude on their demesnes. They are Like any dragon, a mercury dragon hates when
not especially clever and can sometimes be outwitted interlopers or thieves enter its laiL But that hatred
through bribery, flattery, and other such tactics- their is tempered with curiosity about why "lesser crea­
greed can easily override their natural sullenness. tures" would dare to invade its domain. The traps and
guardians on the periphery of a mercury dragon's
lair are often nonlethal, intended to capture, wound,
RELATIONS WITH or frighten intruders rather than kill them outright.
OTHER CREATURES These protections enable the mercury dragon to toy
Young iron dragons are easily enticed into serving with intruders and extract some sort of unusual expe­
other monsters as guardians or champions. Goblins rience from the event, instead ofjust cleaning more
and their kin especially prize iron dragons for their corpses out of the bottom of a pit trap.
fierceness and their susceptibility to bribes, gifts, and
flattery. Larger and more powerful monsters, such as
FAVORED TREASURE
giants, can easily bully iron dragons. No matter how
It should surprise no one that mercury dragons aren't
their allegiance is won, iron dragons make dangerous
good at assembling matched sets or cohesive collec­
and unreliable servants. The larger they grow, the
tions. A mercury dragon's hoard is a hodgepodge of
more demanding they become. Few goblin realms
coins, jewelry, and items from scores oflands and
successfully keep an iron dragon under control for
dozens of eras. Older mercury dragons might seek
long after the dragon reaches adulthood, and only the
out some items they've heard about but never seen,
and they're avid treasure traders. If adventurers can

CHAPTE R 1 I Dra80n Lore

acquire some rare item from a far-offland, a mercury and these dragons tend to be more Circumspect
dragon is often willing to part with treasures from its when not in their draconic forms. A mercury dragon
hoard in exchange, especially if the dragon is trading might take humanoid form when hunting, serving
away a duplicate. its master on a specific mission, or when it craves to
experience "life among the lesser races" for a time.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS But a mercury dragon lacks the steel dragon's affinity V1

A mercury dragon has scales of whitish-silver and a for civilized life, and the nuances of specific cultures Z
sleek and serpentine body. Its frame lacks some of the are often beyond its understanding. Sometimes, 0
muscular bulk that other dragons have, and its scales even the basics of humanoid life are foreign to a ~
are smaller and more closely set. Mercury dragons mercury dragon. For instance, a shapechanged mer- C!
are peerless shapechangers, capable of taking both a cury dragon might walk into a butcher shop craving 0
humanoid form (to blend in among civilized people) something new to eat, purchase a leg of lamb, and u
and an amorphous, liquid form (for defense and to consume it raw on the spot while the butcher looks
slither where others cannot go). on in horror.

DIET RELATIONS WITH

A carnivore through and through, a mercury dragon OTHER CREATURES
always craves something different from whatever it A mercury dragon will enter into a working arrange­
just ate. This compulsion is more than just instinct; a ment with almost any creature stronger or smarter
mercury dragon forced to eat the same food meal after than itself. Such arrangements tend to be feudal in
meal qUickly becomes listless and difficult to awaken nature: The mercury agrees to serve as a guardian,
from sleep. Mercury dragons are enthusiastic hunters, messenger, or hired killer in exchange for some com­
cunning enough to plan elaborate traps for their prey. bination oflair space, treasure, food, and the promise
They toy with weaker prey before killing and eating it. of varied experience. Such relationships last as long
From the viewpoint of the prey, this behavior amounts as the master can maintain the mercury dragon's
to cruelty. To the mercury dragon, it's another expres­ interest-and not one moment longer. Draconic folk­
sion of its need to experience something different. lore is replete with tales of mercury dragons that
eventua lIy turned on their masters "just to see what
PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS happens."
A mercury dragon acts differently from time to time, Mercury dragons have a natural affinity with other
depending on how much variety it has experienced creatures that split their time between the natural
lately. world and the Elemental Chaos, such as efreets. Mer­
If the dragon feels as though it's in a rut, it might cury dragons often bargain with efreets for passage
attack an adversary right away, then snarl, "Tell me to the Elemental Chaos (and eventually for a place
why I shouldn't finish you off." Because the magic of to start a lair). But efreets don't offer favors lightly,
its breath weapon renders a mercury dragon invisible they and tend to be more shrewd negotiators than
to its prey, it can boast while hidden . What sounds mercury dragons. Many a mercury dragon seeks ven ­
like garden -variety draconic arrogance is , from the geance on a particular efreet for a bargain that didn't
dragon's perspective, legitimate questioning. Ifits turn out the way the dragon thought it would.
adversaries can engage the dragon's interest, it might
regard them as more than just a meal and a momen­ MITHRAL DRAGONS
tary diversion. No metallic dragon rivals the mithral for power and
If a mercury dragon thinks its life has been varied majesty. (Though golds are loath to acknowledge
enough lately, it talks first and fights later, using its their inferiority to anyone.) Natives of the Astral Sea,
breath weapon, natural maneuverability, and qUick­ mithral dragons have uncanny inSight. Driven by
silver form to elude those who challenge it. Even if visions and by lo's will, mithrals interact with other
the challengers are trying to kill it, the dragon talks creatures only when doing so is necessary to advance
to them to understand the stakes. After all, it would their own enigmatic purposes. The few mithral
be a shame to kill someone who's more interesting dragons that appear in the mortal world do so to aid
when alive. And a mercury dragon shows some cun­ religious organizations or great causes-though such
ning when placed in the position of prey. It happily dragons can disappear as suddenly as they appear.
engages in a cat-and-mouse game with hostile pursu­ Other mithrals traverse astral realms, inhabited or
ers, confounding them and getting them to exhaust otherwise.
themselves before turning the tables and attacking
with its full might.
LAIRS AND TERRAIN
An adult or older mercury dragon can magically
No two mithral dragons have the same type oflair,
alter its shape to appear as an ordinary humanoid,
nor do mithrals regularly spend a great deal of time
CHAP TE R I I Dra80n Lore
on any given terrain. When a mithral does remain in disfavor Bahamut, believing that Bahamut fails to fur­
one place, it dwells in a mine (where it can sense rem­ ther 10's plans and thus does not deserve devotion.
nants ofJo's divine will by reading gemstone deposits Mithrals destroy without hesitation any creatures
or veins of ore) or an abandoned temple (where it can that stand between them and their goals. Clever
attune itself to echoes of ancient faith). creatures can sway a determined mithral dragon only
On the Astral Sea, mithral dragons live in the by convincing it that its goals- and, by extension, 10's
domains of deities. Mithrals residing in such places will-are served by a temporary alliance.
maintain ties to their own deities, but also experience
visions related to the dead god's existence. RELATIONS WITH
OTHER CREATURES
FAVORED TREASURE Mithral dragons that associate themselves with dei­
Mithral dragons do not discriminate about the types ties also associate with creatures that share their
of treasure they collect: They take anything that fur­ faith . Mithrals without deities keep to themselves,
lhers their goals. Unless their goals require wealth, except when their long-term plans benefit from
mithrals don't hoard treasure. others' assistance. Mithrals that allow others to serve
them are commonly evil.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Mithrals deride other dragons, particularly those
A mithral dragon's scales flex with the muscles that collect material goods solely to enlarge their
beneath them, and they glow faintly. As a mithral hoards, such as copper dragons and red dragons.
ages, the icy white scales of youth darken to silver
with white streaks. At the height of a mithral's power, ORIUM DRAGONS
intricate white striations sharply contrast its darker
Named after a crimson-hued metal used by ancient
base color. Patterns along the dragon's claws flare
empires, orium dragons are likewise obsessed with
with energy during combat.
the secrets of bygone ages. Orium dragons dwell
A ring of spikes crowns a mithral's head, and
among the crumbling ruins offorgotten fortresses
smaller spikes extend down its neck. The spikes stand
and temples deep in the jungle. But those ruins are
on end when the dragon is excited - particularly when
more tha n just a lair to these dragons. An orium
it's enraged . The dragon's wings consist of radiant
dragon regards its home ruins as its most prized
energy instead of flesh.
possession-a hoard composed of more than just coins
and jewels. For an orium dragon, a life spent wresting
DIET the secrets from ancient ruins and restoring those
Since living in the Astral Sea can make hunting dif­ ruins to their former glory is a life well spent. And
ficult, mithral dragons developed as creatures that woe to anyone that would trespass in an orium drag­
need little food to survive. As befits their omnivorous on's lair or try to thwart its efforts at reconstruction.
nature, many mithrals (both in the world and in the Why the obsession with the ruins of the past?
Astral Sea) create gardens or instruct followers to More so than other kinds of dragon, orium dragons
tend flocks. This delegation of tasks allows them to feel a strong drive to emulate the ancestral dragons
stay in their lairs and concentrate on their visions in their bloodline. Many of those bloodlines were
instead of hunting far and wide to find sustenance. sworn to the service of ancient empires (and a few
Mithrals that have larger appetites make their lairs members of orium bloodlines even ruled kingdoms
on verdant earthbergs within the Astral Sea , and they themselves). Thus, the present-day orium dragon sees
fiercely guard these precious properties. the reconstruction of its ruined lair as act of homage,
not an act of archaeology.
PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
Mithral dragons retain strong connections to their LAIRS AND TERRAIN
home plane, the Astral Sea. They speak seldom, Orium dragons favor jungles because they like the cli­
impressing upon listeners a sense of purpose too great mate and love the ruins hidden within those places.
for words-a purpose beyond mortal comprehension. In particular, river deltas and sheltered valleys attract
Visions from 10 guide mithrals of varied faiths and orium dragons, since those are locales where long­
callings toward an end planned millennia ago. forgotten civilizations likely dwelled in ages past.
Mithral dragons that live in the dominions of dead The lure of unexplored ruins sometimes draws
deities commune directly with 10's spirit. They take orium dragons beyond their jungle homes. Colder
action when roused from ageless slumber by visions climes make orium dragons less comfortable (and
and dreams of vast import. thus more irritable), but any orium dragon will put
A mithral dragon might associate itself with any up with great discomfort if the lure of ancient secrets
good or unaligned deity. Mithral dragons that follow is strong enough. Although an orium dragon in a
evil deities usually venerate Zehir. Some mithrals

CHAPT E }{ 1 I Dranon Lore

polar region would be rare indeed, it's not unusual to grooming itselfso that its scales gleam amid the mud
encounter one in a temperate climate. Orium drag· of the jungle and the dust of the ruins. Older orium
ons aren't accomplished swimmers or climbers, so dragons sometimes inlay jade designs on their larger
ocean and mountain locales are unusual , though not scales-part jewelry, part tattoo.
unheard of.
After exploring a ruin and killing or subjugat· DIET \1'1
ing any of its denizens, an orium dragon takes up
residence in whatever structure was grandest in the
Orium dragons, though they are able hunters and 5
true omnivores, would rather study the secrets of the (J
ruin's heyday, often a temple, inner keep, or palace­ ancients than gather food for themselves. As soon as «
even if that building is a shambles now. The dragon's it's old enough to make its way in the world, an orium ~
servants start to reconstruct the bUilding. Ifneces· dragon intimidates and browbeats other creatures- U
sary, the workers take bUilding materials from other often a tribe indigenous to the area-into bringing ~
parts of the ruins, and their reconstruction isn't nec· food as tribute. This relationship qUickly becomes ~
essarily accurate. As long as the building evokes the symbiotic, with the orium dragon prOViding protec· ~
grandeur of a long·dead era, the reconstruction will tion for the tribe in exchange for frequent "sacrifices" U..J
please the orium dragon. of wild game-and, in some cases, captives from rival :E
Still, the dragon might insist on changes to the tribes or trespassing adventurers.
structure for more practical reasons. For instance,
older dragons need wider doorways to accommodate
PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
their bulk. And like any dragon, orium dragons want
When characters first meet an orium dragon, they
their treasure well protected, so many install traps or
might be surprised at how taciturn it seems. Unlike
magic guardians to watch over their hoards. Orium
other dragons, an orium dragon won't bluster or
dragons won't countenance changes that somehow
threaten when it first encounters strangers. Instead,
diminish any remaining magiC in the ruins or make
it asks simple questions such as ""Vho are you?" and
it more difficult for the dragon to muse upon the
"Why have you come here?"
ancient mysteries of the ruin .
The orium dragon's questions are deSigned to
Though the majority of orium dragons live in
categorize the strangers for its purposes. The vast
the natural world , more than a few call the Feywild
majority of creatures that an orium dragon encoun­
home. Most of those are obsessed with the ancient
ters fall into one of three categories: thieves, future
societies of the Feywild and the strange magic of
servants, and food. The orium dragon's mild (for a
those civilizations. Some older orium dragons try to
dragon) demeanor lasts until it has figured out which
transport entire ancient ruins from the world to the
category the strangers belong in. Then, food and
Feywild, where they can then dream of bygone ages
thieves typically are attacked without warning, while
amid the vibrancy and splendor of that plane. Adven·
future servants are treated to a display of power and
turers who encounter the architecture ofNerath
intimidation that the orium dragon hopes will cow
or Bael Turath in the depths of the Feywild haven't
them into servitude. A typical orium dragon treats
discovered an extraplanar outpost of those ancient
only other dragons as equals-and even then, it does
empires-they've stumbled upon the lair of an orium
so only after it's sure that the other dragon isn't out to
dragon .
steal [rom the orium's lair.
In the first few rounds of a battle, an orium dragon
FAVORED TREASURE is quiet, uttering only the occasional grunt of pain
An orium dragon follows one simple rule when gath· (when hit) or derisive chuckle (when hitting). But as
ering treasure: the older the better. Antique jewelry, the battle goes on, the orium dragon will taunt and
coins bearing unfamiliar portraits and mottos, and countertaunt adversaries who address it in Draconic.
magic items with archaic decorations fill its hoard. Most of an orium dragon's insults play on how young
The dragon gathers much of its hoard from the vicin­ and inexperienced the opponents are-how they have
ity of its lair, but sometimes acquires items from no idea of the ancient power that surrounds them,
distant places, especially ifit sends its servants far couldn't pOSSibly comprehend the magic of centuries
afield in search of ancient mysteries. ago, and so on.
Fundamentally, an orium dragon could be a useful
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS ally for player characters. After all, adventurers and
An orium dragon is somewhat feline in appearance, orium dragons tend to do the same things: go into
with a lithe body and feet that look more like paws ancient places and abscond with ancient treasure,
than reptilian appendages. Elder and ancient oriums lore, and powerful magic. But it takes superlative
use their long, prehensile tails as an extra weapon negotiation to persuade an orium dragon to see it that
in battle. An orium dragon takes inordinate pride in way, because its instinct to classify others into inOex·
its red metallic scales and spends much of its time ible categories is so strong.

CHAPTER 1 I DraBon Lore

RELATIONS WITH armor, and long, backswept horns. From a distance,
the exceptionally fine scales appear to blend together,
OTHER CREATURES lending the dragon the appearance of a sculpture.
Once a creature demonstrates a basic degree of loy­
Silver dragons have a scent reminiscent of rain and
alty and tractability, an orium dragon adopts it as a
evergreen needles. Their powerful build places them
servant and protects it from others in exchange for
among the strongest members of dragonkind.
tribute and labor in the dragon's lair. Humans (often
hunter-gatherer tribes) and lizard folk are the most
common servants, but any creature capable of under­ DIET
standing commands and performing manual labor is Silver dragons, gifted with keen eyesight, hunt wild
a potential servant to an orium dragon. game such as mountain goats and deer. They Oy
Once it has moved into a lair, an orium dragon gracelessly but dive with great accuracy and power.
faces two main problems. First, in its zeal to establish A silver commonly makes its kill by swooping from
a lair, it gives less interesting parts of the ruin only a a mountainside perch. Silver dragons eat lightly
cursory search. Thus, the remnants of the ancient civ­ for their size, taking prey only three or four times
ilization, any guardians it might have left behind, and a month. They do not devour intelligent creatures,
other creatures that moved into the ruins before the because they consider such behavior savage.
orium dragon can threaten it-or at the least harass its
servants. PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
Second, members of the orium dragon's servant Silver dragons are the knights-errant of dragonkind ­
tribe might reveal the existence of their master's lair, fierce champions of great causes. Good silvers defend
attracting the attention of adventurers and other drag­ innocents, assure the prosperity of civilized king­
ons. An orium dragon has no compunctions about doms, and protect and nurture noble families and
taking another orium dragon's lair, and other kinds of young heroes. Evil silvers are rare in the extreme;
dragons might attempt to steal a jungle lair as well. those that do exist serve tyrants, guard temples of evil
deities, or attempt to use evil artifacts to reshape the
SILVER DRAGONS world.
To a silver dragon, honor means more than life.
Silver dragons embody all that is honorable about
Silvers choose silence over lies and keep their word.
dragonkind. Good silver dragons protect weaker
even when doing so places them in opposition against
creatures. The few silvers that turn to evil maintain
creatures of their alignment. For example, a good­
their honor and reputation; they do not slaughter
aligned silver dragon sworn to guard an oracle from
unworthy foes or engage in acts of petty malice.
all intruders discourages any adventurers from
consulting the oracle, regardless of their reason, and
LAIRS AND TERRAIN attempts to destroy those who disregard the warn­
Silver dragons love open spaces and lofty heights. ing-after offering them the option to retreat.
They make their homes in mountain ranges, in
castles constructed among the clouds, and in the
RELATIONS WITH
Elemental Chaos. During periods ofwarm weather,
they retreat to the coolest, loftiest heights. OTHER CREATURES
Silver dragons spend less time in their lairs than Silver dragons admire civilized races. particularly
other dragons do. Wanderlust and curiosity spur individuals that have noble or heroic backgrounds.
them to engage in far-ranging patrols. From time to Silvers commonly associate with dwarves and drag­
time, silvers embark on months-long journeys to the onborn. In the Elemental Chaos, silvers ally with
corners of the world. Because they spend so much azers and djinns.
time away from their lairs, silver dragons choose lairs When a silver dragon wants to observe a lesser
among the highest , least accessible mountain peaks. creature, it keeps its distance. A few silvers perform
Those lairs bristle with defenses and traps to protect rituals to disguise themselves so they can walk among
hoards from other dragons. creatu res of interest.
Silver dragons are natural enemies of red dragons,
and they consider the formidable reds to be the wor­
FAVORED TREASURE thiest of adversaries. In return, red dragons, which
Silver dragons especially appreciate exceptionally
hate anything that has the potential to match or
crafted works of art. They collect carefully cut gems
better them, kill silvers indiscriminately.
and intricate carvings. textiles, and jewelry.
Silver dragons favor similar terrain to white drag­
ons. When a white dragon catches wind of a silver, it
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS stays out of the way.
The luster of a mature silver dragon accentuates its
prominent neck frills . a beaklike snout. plated facial

C. HAPTI ·: n. 1 I Dra80n Lore

STEEL DRAGONS DIET
The sociable steel dragons prefer the company of Asteel dragon adapts its omnivorous diet to suit its
humanoids to that of other dragons. Their reasons surroundings. A young steel, unaccustomed to assum­
range from admiration to greed . Steels take human· ing humanoid form, might take a while to realize
oid form more often they remain in than their natural that it needs less to eat in that form than when it's in
shape. dragon form. To the disgust and amazement of those
around it. such a dragon might consume two to three
times more food than a normal humanoid .
LAIRS AND TERRAIN
Because steel dragons live in towns and cities, they
live as humanoids do-in houses-a nd establish PERSONALITY AND MOTIVATIONS
humanoid histories and families . In case an enemy Steel dragons favor humans over other humanoids
discovers its identity, a steel maintains a secondary because of the race's adaptability and cleverness. For
lair in a ruin, such as a crumbling temple, castle, or this reason, they live in human cities when pOSSible.
tower. The harder it is for other creatures to reach For all their fascination with humanoid races,
such a site, the better. Wards, traps, and guardians steel dragons cannot tolerate authority. To them, the
protect these refuges. law serves its purpose only when it maintains order
flexibly, so that the dragons can protect their inter·
ests and advance their aims. A steel might spark a
fAVORED TREASURE rebellion to overthrow an oppressive regime, even if
Steel dragons invest in property and business. A steel
doing so could lead to the destruction of its adopted
that maintains multiple identities might hold control·
community.
ling shares in two or more enterprises. Steels outfit
their homes with art, antiquities, tomes, magic items,
finery, and servants. RELATIONS WITH
OTHER CREATURES
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Steel dragons primarily keep the company of humans
Compared to other metallic dragons, a steel dragon but also coexist with elves, half·elves, and dwarves.
has a slight build and a small head. Swordlike frills Steels particularly favor adventuring groups that
grow from its head, elbows, and digits. Its wings operate on the fringes of established order and fight
consist of overlapping blades that look like feath · the despots that the dragons also oppose.
ers, and the sCilles Oil the dragon's chest resemble Opposition to tyranny pits steel dragons against
shields. Whcll a steel dragon adopts humanoid form, gold dragons, bronze dragons , and chromatics. Dis·
it retains something of its draconic nature: gray eyes, agreements with other dragons rarely blossom into
pale skin, hair the color of steel. or affectations such Violence, however: steel dragons cause trouble for
as steel jewelry. their kin in subtler ways.

C H APTER 1 I Dra80n Lore

 CHAPTER 2

The womall winked, and the j1esh ofher face started to

flow like water. Her head lellRthencd as Iter auburn hair
faded into thin air. Thcll her skill rippled, tran~rorl11i/lg
into wa)' scales, and shc loom ed taller as her body stretched
to accommodate its /lew, serpcntine dimensions.
The voice, though an octave lower, was unmistakably
the same: "Were you expecting me to be curled up on a pile
ofgold coins or something?"

EVERY DRAGON in a D&D game is there

because a DM put it there. Some await intruders at the
center of trap-infested lairs. Others cast long shadows
across the countryside, pillaging at will. But metallic
dragons in particular are too versatile to be defined
by stereotypes. They can be wise counselors, deadly
assassins, intermittent allies, or frustrating rivals.
In this chapter, you'll see ways to nudge metallic
dragons off their piles of treasure and into the narra ­
tive ofyour game. I n particular, you'll learn about:
+ Dragons in the ''''orId: The many campaign
roles a dragon can fulfill give you an arsenal of plot
elements for any sort of campaign.
+ Draconic Encounters: Because dragons are solo
monsters, crafting encounters with them requires
some care. In addition to the standard combat
encounter, you'll see examples of social challenges,
subdual battles in which the object is to convince
the dragon ofyour worthiness, and traps used by
dragons to guard their lairs.
+ Adventures: In these adventure outlines, you'll
see how dragons can be enemies, allies, neutral
pa rties, or objects around which the entire narra ­
tive revolves .
+ Draconic Campaigns: The players will admire
and loathe the dragons they meet in these cam­
paign arcs. As each campaign reaches its climax,
the players will realize that some dragons are
worthy of both admiration and condemnation.
+ Draconic Organizations: Metallic dragons sur­
round themselves with worthy allies, whether
the dragons are trying to be a force for good in
the world, to overthrow tyrants, or to safeguard
an old prophecy. The characters might be just
the allies they need.

C HAPTER 2 10M's Guide to Ora80Hs

.~.- . -.- .. ~.-.-.-.-.-.-.~.-.-.- . -.-.-.-.-.-

DRAGONS lN THE WORLD .)

Metallic dragons are everywhere in the world of headquarters. The dragon can provide rewards out
D&D, both geographically and thematically. A of its hoard, and it can send characters on all sorts of
metallic dragon can be the most steadfast ally the quests.
characters have, or their most confounding enemy. Dragons have a lot of attributes that make them
Dragons have what adventurers want, whether that's good patrons. They have wide-ranging interests, so
ancient lore. access to power, or just a big pile of trea­ it's easy to justify almost any quest you want to send
sure. And metallic dragons specifically have a more the characters on. They live in lairs, so they tend to
nuanced, versatile history than their chromatic coun­ stay in one place. And they're haughty and arrogant
terparts. They're not just "the good dragons ." Some enough that you should have no problem hamming it
are noble, wise, and true, but others are as scheming, up when you portray a dragon patron.
arrogant , and venal as any chromatic dragon. But dragon patrons also have some drawbacks.
Because dragons are themselves powerful, consider
METALLIC DRAGON ahead of time why the dragon sends the characters
on quests. You want an answer ready when a char­
PATRONS acter asks, "How come you don't just fly over there
A copper dragon working with the characters might and do it yourself?" And because a dragon's power
be an advisor, suggesting future adventures and is tied to its age, a dragon patron doesn't increase in
providing key clues. The dragon that sees itself as a power at the same rate that the characters do. When
customer, hiring the characters and insisting that the relationship between the patron and the charac­
they adhere to its contracts, will behave in a much ters changes with growing character power, you can
different way. If the dragon wants to be treated as decide whether you want that relationship to evolve
a god and issues edicts that it expects the heroes to into an alliance among equals or into a rivalry that
follow 'without question, it adds a different flavor to the characters must contend with.
your campaign. Yet in all three cases, the dragon's Draconomicon: Chromatic Dra80ns introduced
campaign role is the same: patron. the notion of draconic patrons. This campaign role
A patron is a powerful creature that sends the is a relatively rare occurrence among chromatic
characters on missions, provides key campaign dragons, but metallic dragons serve as adventuring
information, and sometimes delivers rewards. Played patrons with far greater frequency. Some do so as a
well , a metallic dragon patron can be one of the DM's means of exercising their own power and authority
best friends . It can deliver exposition and explain through proxies, rather than risking their own lives
to the characters (and by extension the players) how or expending their own effort. Some do so purely
the world works. Its lair can serve as the characters' for the social interaction. Some, such as chromatic

C HAPT E R 2 I DM's Guide to Dra80ns

dragons that serve as patrons, have their own agendas they are, how best to manipulate them to the o...J
or evil schemes. And others, as in the tragic tale of dragon's ends. a:
the dragon known to mortals as Silvara (page 214), o
do so because they genuinely want to help other races Another possibility is for the endeavor to be some· ~
overcome the evils that beset them on a daily basis. thing the dragon wants the characters to find for
Regardless of motivation, a metallic dragon patron their own good. Possibilities include:
normally provides the characters with funding, shel­ ... A magic item the characters can use to thwart
ter, knowledge, and advice. (The latter often takes the some great evil (or some enemy of their patron's).
form of cryptic hints rather than overt information,
especially if the dragon wants to obscure its true
+ A piece of knowledge or lore the characters will
stumble across on their way to completing their
motives, nature, or reasons for helping.) Only rarely
assigned mission.
does a draconic patron assist its adventurers in any
physical capacity. + An opportunity for the characters to grow more
skilled (that is, gain levels), perhaps to make them
ready for a particular enemy or so the dragon can
MISSIONS AND ENDEAVORS
make more effective use of them later.
Since metallic dragons tend to be both more subtle
and more social than chromatic dragons, their
reasons for using adventurers as proxies are rather INDIVIDUAL PATRONS
broader and can be adapted to fit the needs of your Unlike chromatic dragons, which tend to connect
campaign. Some of the most common reasons that with humanoid adventurers only as adults or elder
dragons use proxies include the following: dragons , even very young metallic dragons might
employ humanoids. This might be because they don't
+ The dragon thinks the objective isn't terribly
feel powerful enough to accomplish their objectives.
important or is too time·consuming to warrant the
or it might be a means oflearning how to interact
dragon's full attention.
with the more powerful individuals in human ­
+ The dragon can't accomplish the objective on its oid SOCiety. Similarly. although ancient chromatic
own. dragons tend either to be loners or to have already
+ The dragon thinks the objective is too dangerous established a network of slaves and servants as they
to attempt itsel f. age, metallic dragons retain their social nature even
into their twilight years and , thus, might continue to
There are times when a dragon might want to keep take up the role of patron to adventurers.
its involvement in an overall endeavor secret. The Bronze. gold, mithral, orium, silver, and steel drag­
dragon might then engage proxies to pursue missions ons are more likely to become patrons of adventurers
related to larger endeavors such as these: than other kinds of metallic dragons. Bronze and
+ Guiding the fate of a mortal family, community, or gold dragons often prefer to have a few trusted opera­
organization from behind the scenes. tives rather than a wider variety of proxies. Cobalt
dragons contact humanoids only when the strength
+ Acquiring a magic item that the dragon doesn't
and power of a particular party impresses them. and
want its rivals to know it has.
copper dragons do so only when it seems more profit­
-+- Completing a goal or task that borders on violat­ able than other alternatives. Brass. iron, and mercury
ing (but doesn't quite break) an oath or religious dragons, which often find themselves working for
precept. others, almost never take up with adventurers, and
+ Thwarting an enemy without that foe knowing adamantine dragons do so only when a party involves
who was responsible. itselfin events in or near the dragon's domain.
Draconomicon: Chromatic Dra80ns offered a number
Sometimes, the objective is a secondary reason for of sample chromatic patrons intended to serve as
a dragon to use proxies. The dragon's actual reason models for specific types of patrons. That book goes
might be something such as the following: into detail , but here is a qUick summary:
+ To know if the characters can be trusted with a -+- The open patron is up front and honest with the
more important emleavor in the future. characters about its purposes and draconic nature.
+ To learn if the mortals of the region might be able -+- The hidden patron keeps its draconic nature
to develop sufficient skill and power to pose a hidden and might work through proxies, but is oth­
threat, either to the dragon itself or to its aWes or erwise truthful with the adventurers.
enemies. -+- The deceptive patron hides its true nature and
-+- To determine if the characters are part of a par­ also deceives the adventurers as to the true
ticular prophecy or religious revelation and, if objectives of the quests it offers. It means to use

CHAI'T E H 2 I V At's Guide to D,.a8o n s

 the characters to further a goal they might not OTHER CAMPAIGN ROLES
approve of.
• The intimidating patron demands obedience and FOR A METALLIC DRAGON
expects, by virtue of its strength and power, to be Ifyou don't develop a dragon as a patron for the
obeyed . characters, there are still plenty of ways to use a
dragon-or more than one-in interactions or relation­
These types of patrons are quite common among ships with the adventurers.
metallic as well as chromatic dragons. The roles Dragons have a wide array of tools. They are
of guiding patron and controlling patron (detailed smart, conversational, and social enough to gather
below) can appear among chromatic dragons, but other monsters around them in order to engage in
they are more common among metallic dragons. plots and schemes that eventually include adventur­
As with the samples in Draconomicon: Chromatic ers. And they're phYSically dangerous. A dragon has
Dra8ons, you can use these characters as they are or the defenses and hit points to stand toe-to-toe with
as models for designing your own patrons. the toughest characters, but it's maneuverable enough
Jolvadiris, Guiding Patron: An adult steel that it doesn't have to. Many dragons are magically
dragon who has held multiple humanoid identities potent as well. and higher-level dragons have centu­
in several major cities, Jolvadiris serves as a patron ries of experience behind them.
for adventurers who have widespread reputations. In Dragons also come with lairs, adventure sites
part, he enjoys interacting with impressive human· you can populate in whatever way you want. And a
oids, but he also-like other guiding patrons-seeks to lair provides adventurers with at least one inherent
aid individuals and communities in bettering them­ motivator: the pile of shiny coins and magiC items the
selves. He does so partly to alleviate suffering and dragon sits on. Delving into a dragon's lair delivers
partly to maintain peace and stability in the region. a memorable session ofD&D. Ifyou want to use a
Many guiding patrons are up front about their metallic dragon as more than a monster the charac­
draconic nature. Others, such as Jolvadiris, prefer to ters fight for one encounter, try some of the campaign
maintain a human guise, believing that those with roles described in the following sections.
whom they interact are more honest and cooperative Chapter 1 discusses the different ways in which
that way. Unlike truly open patrons, gUiding patrons metallic dragons interact with humanoids (such as
have no compunctions about lying to or misleading the characters). But you also want to think about how
their adventurers, often Withholding the true purpose the dragon interacts with your overall narrative-the
of their missions or the true nature of their endeav­ role it plays in your campaign. A metallic dragon's
ors. But unlike a deceptive patron,Jolvadiris believes campaign role doesn't limit it to interacting with the
that he does so for the good of the adventurers, allow­ characters only in certain ways.
ing them to gain power and uncover secrets at their
own rate. MYSTERIOUS STRANGER
Omalikos, Controlling Patron: A controlling One way a metallic dragon can keep your ongoing
patron, such as the elder orium dragon Omalikos, narrative in flux is by not appearing at all-or at least,
tends to be straightforward and to expect obedience not appearing as a dragon. Some metallic dragons,
from its associates. Unlike intimidating patrons that notably the steel and mercury dragons, can change
use personal strength and threats to enforce their shape into humanoid forms . A metallic dragon can be
dictates, Omalikos and his ilk rely on a sense of the hooded stranger in the corner of the bar, the old
external authority. Some dragons, for instance, claim crone yelling words of prophecy in the bazaar, or the
rulership of a region that includes the areas where cloaked thief who absconds with the idol just as the
the characters are operating, while others-such as characters reach the temple chamber.
Omalikos-take advantage of their greater knowledge If you introduce a dragon as a mysterious stranger,
of regional events, using that information to bribe, consider carefully the pacing of the "reveals" you do.
threaten, or browbeat others into obedience. Oma­ You want the dragon to be mysterious, but you don't
Iikos uses adventurers primarily to collect lost lore want it to stay mysterious indefinitely. This is a mys­
but also to expand his influence and knowledge of tery the characters should solve over time. Let each
distant regions. interaction with a shapechanged dragon provide the
Most relationships with controlIing patrons last a characters with another clue about what the mysteri­
short time, unless the dragon holds some legal , moral, ous stranger is and why it's skulking about.
or religiOUS authority over the characters. (Those Also consider the payoff: the moment when the
dragons that do not, but that continue to attempt to characters realize that they've been in the company
enforce obedience, tend to shift into intimidating of a dragon all along. Does that knowledge lead to a
patrons.) fight? A social challenge? A rescue from an otherwise
catastrophic situation? No matter how it plays out,

' HAPTER 2 I DM's Guide to Draaons

this is a moment rich with drama. Try to clear some climactic scene: an actual confrontation with the no a
~
space in your plot for the characters to enjoy the longer mysterious dragon. a:
moment when the dragon ceases to be a mysterious o
stranger. OCCASIONAL ALLY 3
More so than other roles, the mysterious stranger Sooner or later, the characters are going to get in over
role evolves into another role; the dragon, once it's their heads. When that happens, a metallic dragon
revealed, becomes a rival, a patron, an occasional ally, can serve as the metaphorical cavalry, flying over the
or some other campaign role. In terms of the plot, it hill and forcing the characters' enemies to flee.
was performing that role all along. But for the play· With their intelligence, physical potency, and
ers, confounded by the "Who is that guy?" puzzle, maneuverability, dragons bring a lot to the table as
the dragon is a mysterious stranger until the moment allies for the characters. A dragon can fight, relay
they solve the mystery. information , give transportation, and provide a safe
A metallic dragon without the ability to place to stay when black-clad assassins are burning
shapechange can be a mysterious stranger, too. In down every village the cha racters visit.
this case, it stays mysterious by keeping just out of What metallic dragons don't do well is fight along­
reach. At first, the characters don't encounter the side the characters for extended periods of time. You
dragon at all. They come across the fresh corpses of have enough work to do without dealing with a solo
enemies the dragon just defeated . Fast·forward a few monster as the characters' constant ally. Putting a
sessions, and the heroes find smashed treasure chests dragon on the heroes' side in a battle is a fun change
and some reptilian footprints leading to a stained­ of pace once in a while, but when repeated , it loses its
glass window with a gaping hole in the middle. They luster for the players and becomes a burden for you .
stay one step behind the mysterious stranger for a The key part of this campaign role is the word
long time, but each time they come a little closer and "occasional." Know ahead of time what factors pre­
gain another clue to solving the mystery. Eventually, vent the metallic dragon from working with the
they might meet a survivor of the dragon's attacks. characters full-time. Perhaps the dragon won't ven­
Perhaps after that they spy a glimpse of the dragon ture far from its lair, nor stay away too long. Maybe
at a distance. The characters are now primed for the it has other allies that need its help more . Or maybe
it exacts a price (literal or figurative) for its assis­ When you use a metallic dragon in this role,
tance that the characters aren't always willing to answer three key questions: What does the dragon
pay. Finally, the dragon's personality might render it have? How do the characters find out what the
inherently unreliable. dragon has? What hoops will the dragon make them
jump through to get it?
VEXING ALLY Metallic dragons own all sorts ofstuff that adven­
Characters naturally want a dragon on their side, and turers want: rare magic items, powerful rituals,
this campaign role plays on that inclination. A vexing ancient lore, and so on. And you can seed a clue in
ally seems like an asset at first, but eventually grows an early part of your campaign that lets the charac­
to be more trouble for the characters than it's worth. ters know where to go to obtain these things. They
A vexing ally might be overzealous, seeking the might have to piece together several clues to figure
same overall goal as the characters but seeking it in out where the uncaring obstacle dragon is, or it might
a way the characters regard as beyond the pale. The be as simple as another character telling them, "Only
dragon might be more militantly religious than the the iron dragon Arthanaclaur knows the secrets of
characters, trying to convert everyone it meets. Or the Twelve Portals."
the dragon might be so arrogant, short-tempered, or Figure out what it takes for the characters to get
indiscriminate in its diet that the characters can't what they want. The simplest solution is for them
deal with it even to reach a common goal. to battle the dragon in its lair, slay it, and reap the
The dragon might also be working toward a goal reward they came for. But a dragon might also give
that seems to be in concert with the characters' goal up what the characters want after negotiation (a skill
at first, but gradually diverges over time. A copper challenge), after they answer three riddles (or solve
dragon can find common cause with characters who any sort of puzzle), or after they undertake a quest for
are trying to drive ogres out of the nearby foothills, the dragon (a specific adventure).
but when the dragon starts constructing a fortress-lair How does this role differ from that of the occa­
on the hill that overlooks the characters' home town, sional ally? It requires less work in terms of plotting.
the characters might wish the ogres were still around . because the dragon is indifferent to the various
Like the mysterious stranger campaign role, con­ machinations of the heroes and villains. It's also less
sider how you'll gradually reveal the vexing aspect likely to be a recurring campaign role . This dragon
of the dragon ally. Eventually, you want the heroes to is in your campaign to make the characters solve a
face the fimdamental choice: What do they do about puzzle or undertake a quest, and it remains offstage
this dragon? Should they rein it in somehow, keep it thereafter. It's merely a delivery mechanism for a plot
at arm's length, or confront it once and for all? That element, not a plot element in and of itself.
choice takes on added richness when the characters
have had several interactions with the vexing ally, RIVAL
and each interaction has widened the gap between Metallic dragons often have nuanced personalities,
the characters and the dragon a little more. and it's easy to have them ride the fence between ally
Prepare the dragon's response to each of the pos­ and enemy. A metallic dragon rival might be working
sible solutions the characters could use to deal with toward the same goal as the characters, or it might
their vexing ally. At this point, the metallic dragon have schemes of its own that merely run parallel to
takes on a new campaign role. Whether the dragon their plans. The dragon might have the same patron
becomes an occasional ally, a rival. a villain, or some­ as the characters, and might try to curry favor with
thing else entirely is up to you and your players. the patron and make the characters look incompetent
or untrustworthy in the process.
UNCARING OBSTACLE The key element to an ongoing rivalry is provid­
Sometimes you want a powerful figure in your cam­ ing variety in each interaction with the characters.
paign that fundamentally doesn't care about your If the heroes simply fight the rival dragon each time
campaign. It starts to look a little suspicious if every they meet, the dragon just feels like a recurring
creature in the world is consumed with the drow enemy, not a full-fledged rival. Sometimes the rival
incursions into the surface world (or whatever the dragon merely makes mischief when the characters
overall conflict is in your campaign). It can be useful are engaged in another challenge and then escapes
to have a powerful figure that isn't going to be drawn before the characters can confront it directly. Some­
into the ongoing connict-neither as an enemy nor as times the rival dragon is the opponent in a skill
an ally. A metallic dragon's long outlook and tendency challenge or in another situation in which it will
to hole up in its lair make it a good uncaring obstacle trade insults but not blows with the heroes. And don't
that the characters must contend with outside ofyour forget one of the oldest plot twists in fiction: two rivals
core narrative, which already has plenty of scheming who are forced into a reluctant, temporary alliance to
factions and adversaries. defeat a foe that neither could withstand alone.

CHAPTJdl. 2 I DM's Guide to Dra80ns

 That isn't to say you shouldn't let the characters DRAGONS IN Cl
..J
fight their rival. They're going to ache for the chance a:
arter a while, and you should satisfy that urge. You THE BACKGROUND o
have several tools to make sure that the battle doesn't MetalliC dragons can be important when they aren't 3
end in death. You can make it a duel of honor (see directly interacting with the player characters. Even
page 50), have a more powerful creature intervene when they're in the background, dragons are bound
near the end of the battle, or merely play the rival to catch the interest of the characters.
dragon cautiously enough that it can escape a losing Strategic Weapon: When you need to threaten
fight of its own volition. a town or a city with destruction, nothing does the
As you introduce a rival dragon, have some idea job better than dragons Circling in the sky overhead.
ohvhen you want to resolve the rivalry-one way or Faced with this threat, the characters can try to nego­
another. The characters become more powerful over tiate with the dragons to keep them on the sidelines,
time, but dragons tend to stay the same for decades. find a magic countermeasure for an impending
Make sure your rivalry comes to a dramatic conclu­ dragon attack, preempt the villain as he's about to
sion before the characters' level is high enough to launch the dragon attack, or evacuate the city. None
render the dragon rival inconsequential. of those responses involves a direct battle with drag­
This campaign role differs from the vexing ally ons, and only one of them interacts with the dragons
mostly in that it's not a gradual reveal. The charac­ at all. The dragons are a plot element that remains in
ters feel the rivalry right away and must deal with the background but drives the story forward.
it throughout the campaign. But a vexing ally can Mass Transit: Dragons have fast overland night
become a rival once the characters realize just how speeds, making them an effective way to move char­
wrong they were to make it their ally. acters from place to place-when used sparingly.
There's something inherently cool about traveling on
VILLAIN the back of a d ragon, but that sense of the fantastic
Metallic dragons are less likely to be evil than are loses its luster ifit becomes commonplace.
chromatic dragons, but even so, there are more than Border: The terra incoanita at the edge of the map
a few bad apples among them . Good and unaligned marked "Here be dragons" is a cartographic cliche.
creatures can make effective villains, too. But viewed through the lens of the game world, that
Just because a dragon is good doesn't make it wise cliche becomes far more real: a far-off ridge that
or honorable. It can be as haughty, qUick to anger, and people dare not explore because they see brass drag·
driven by ignoble emotions as humanoids -or other ons soaring overhead, for example. You can use the
dragons . A good dragon might see the characters as presence of powerful dragons to channel characters'
evildoers (whether that's accurate or not), as obstacles explorations elsewhere until the heroes are powerful
to its ongoing schemes, or as necessary sacrifices in enough to face the dragons. At that point, they will
order for good to triumph over evil. have earned the right to cross the border you've set
An unaligned dragon can likewise be a center­ up.
piece villain in your ongOing campaign. It's easy to Scenery: Dragons have a symbolic value that the
justify a dragon that's a callous mercenary, because players instinctively understand. A dragon signifies
draconic greed is legendary. And a metallic dragon power, and it signifies the fantastic. You can put a
could be egomaniacal enough to see itself as the dragon in the literal background of a scene to add
arbiter of some sort of cosmic balance, battling power and a sense of the fantastiC to what you're
the characters lest the forces ofgood become too describing. Players are likely to respect a general
powerful. who has a sleeping dragon curled up behind his tent,
Tru Iy evil meta II ic dragons are out there, too. even if the dragon never wakes up and neither the
Some are outwardly evil, but others play on the general nor the characters mention the dragon in
metallic dragons' heritage as children ofBahamut. conversation.
They hide their evil behind metallic scales, sending
their minions out on quests that appear beneficial but
have a darker purpose. You can start a dragon in the
patron or vexing ally campaign role, and then switch
the dragon to a villain role when the characters real­
ize that the dragon they've been fighting with or
working for was evil all along.

C HAPTER 2 I DM's Guide to Dro80ns

-. --. _ . _ . _-.- - . - .- . - _ . _ , - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . -- . _ . ­

DRACON1C ENCOUNTERS -'

'W hen you put a dragon in front of the characters, a dragon two levels lower, then you can add at least
you'll definitely get the players' attention. More so two-and often three-standard monsters.
than any other monster, a dragon makes any encoun­ And you can both downshift the dragon and raise
ter something the players will be talking about in the encounter level ifyou want an encounter in which
the weeks and months to come. Players know that the dragon is only a small part of the monster mix.
they'll be dealing with a solo monster that has potent (But be aware of the complexity issues described in
attacks, high defenses, and at least some maneuver­ "Managing the Encounter's Complexity.")
ability. And they probably suspect that where there's Use an Elite Dragon: Turn a normal solo dragon
a dragon, there's probably a dragon hoard. into an elite using the advice given on page 218.
But a dragon-especially a metallic dragon-is more Give the Characters an Advantage: Ifyou want
than just a statistics block. You have a lot of tools at to add monsters to a solo dragon encounter without
your disposal, including mixes of dragons and other raising the encounter level, you can provide advanta­
monsters, subdual encounters, and social challenges. geous terrain or other equaliZing factors to make for
a fair fight. How you pull off this trick depends on the
COMBAT ENCOUNTERS specifics ofyour adventure, but it's easy to justify the
presence of almost anything in a dragon's lair. The
The obvious way to build a combat encounter with
characters might benefit from any of these advantages:
a dragon is to pick a dragon of an appropriate level
and use only that dragon. Dragons are solo monsters, ... Fantastic terrain such as blood rock, a font of
after all. Just because that approach is simple doesn't power, or a pillar of life (all described on pages
mean it isn't effective. A dragon has enough powers 67-68 of the Dungeon Master's GUide). Such terrain
in its arsenal to keep the characters on their toes, and is an advantage for the characters only if they seize
if they can defeat a solo dragon, they've earned their it before the monsters do. A small piece of terrain
experience points and their treasure. More to the such as a single pillar oflife might work against
point, a dragon is designed to place roughly the same the characters if they cluster around it, letting the
demands on the characters as five normal monsters dragon use its breath weapon on everyone at once.
would . Play that solo dragon, play it well, and that's all ... A distraction that the dragon or some of the mon­
the encounter-building you need to do. sters must deal with. I f the monsters must keep
But sometimes the ongoing adventure (or your one of their number tending an ongoing ritual
own sense of creativity) demands that you mix it up a every round, for example, they can't focus their
little. Making a solo monster part of a larger encoun­ full attention on the characters. Although you
ter is tricky because you face two limiting factors: the don't need to immediately explain to the players
experience-point budget for the encounter and the how the distraction works, what's going on should
limits of what you can bring to life at the game table. be apparent after a few rounds of observation. If,
for example, the dragon always flies back to the
MANAGING THE XP BUDGET blue orb in the round after the orb flashes, then
The following tips can help you manage a dragon the characters can put that knowledge to work for
encounter without ruining the XP budget. them-and they'll have an interesting puzzle (what
Raise the Encounter Level: A solo monster of does the blue orb do?) when the fight ends.
a level equal to the party's level takes up the entire + Reinforcements that enter the fight gradually.
budget for an encounter of that level. So ifyou want to If the door opens at the start of round four and
add monsters, you can make the encounter tougher kobold cultists start pouring into the dragon's
(and they're fighting a dragon, so doing so makes chamber, then you've added monsters but given
some dramatic sense). Adding one standard monster the characters a key advantage: three rounds of
of the dragon's level puts the encounter on the cusp of focused attacks against the dragon.
being one level tougher. Ifyou add two standard mon­ + An unusual victory condition. The characters might
sters or one elite, you're at least one level tougher and be able to overcome the challenge of the encounter
sometimes almost two levels tougher. without beating every Single monster down to 0 hit
Lower the Level, Then Add Monsters: If you points. Tfthe dragon yields as soon as it's bloodied ,
want to add monsters without breaking the budget, for example, it's not a solo monster. It's more like a
you can use a lower-level dragon to begin with . Ifyou supercharged elite, and your encounter planning
use a dragon one level lower than the party's level, should reflect that. Likewise, if the other monsters
you can definitely add one monster and sometimes flee or surrender as soon as the dragon goes down,
two monsters and keep the overall encounter at then the characters have a Significant advantage.
the same level as that of the characters. Ifyou use

CHAPTER 2 I DM's Guide to Dranons

If you include an unusual victory condition, realize notes behind your screen. If you've pulled out all the
that it's more meaningful if the players know about it relevant rules text and terrain information, you'll
ahead of time. If the characters are tenaciously fight· spend less time flipping through books and more
ing the dragon, hoping to take it down and thus cow time making the fight a challenge for the players.
the kobolds into submission, that's tactically useful One final consideration: As you build your dragon
and a recipe for a dramatic encounter. But if they encounter, take a critical look at complexity that's
don't suspect that the kobolds will surrender, they invisible to the players, because it's rarely worth the
might kill the kobolds first, denying themselves the effort. Ifreinforcements arrive through the north
advantage you intended and making the encounter door, there's little point in having them arrive in a
more difficult than you planned. random round (the players aren't going to go through
the encounter more than once, so it won't be a
MANAGING THE random round to them). Nor would it be worthwhile
to have the type of reinforcements depend on a die
ENCOUNTER'S COMPLEXITY
roll or the specific situation in the dragon's lair. To the
Although it's tempting to build a dragon encounter
players, it's just monsters coming through a door.
with other monsters, interesting terrain , reinforce ­
ments, and an unusual victory condition, it's your
ability to manage all those elements that determines SUBDUAL ENCOUNTERS
whether anyone has fun in your game-including you. D&D has a long tradition of dragons that can somehow
By itself, a solo dragon isn't too complicated , but don't be subdued - defeated instead of killed . SubdUing a
mistake that solo dragon for an ordinary monster. dragon makes particular sense in the case of metallic
When you start adding more monsters, complex ter­ dragons, which are usually less antagonistic than their
rain, and other factors to your encounter, it's easy for chromatic counterparts. A subdual encounter provides
the overall complexity to creep past the point where the players with a fight that's out of the ordinary. And
you (or anyone) can comfortably manage it. by preserving the dragon for future encounters, a sub ­
Just as you can give your encounter a bigger XP dual encounter can assist the ongoing narrative.
budget by increaSing its level, you can allow yourself At its Simplest, a subdual encounter is one in
more complexity in your encounter by spending time which the dragon stops fighting-and the characters
preparing for it beforehand. One overlooked aspect win-when the dragon is bloodied . But the degree of
of preparation is practice: running through the fight the victory matters, so you will need to keep track
ahead of time. If you've practiced with the dragon a of how many characters were bloodied during the
few times, you can run through its attacks without a course of the battle.
lot of thought, position it favorably for breath weapon Why would a dragon fight this way? For two main
attacks without a lot of contemplation, and remember reasons: honor and survival. Some dragons abhor
the details such as auras and recharges that a harried needless bloodshed as inherently dishonorable, and
DM can easily forget. Another way you can improve those dragons are more likely to be metallic than chro­
your ability to handle complexity is by having good matic. Other dragons will fight a subdual encounter

C HAP T ER 2 I DM's Guide to Drasons

Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
been recognized by society. Men need the protection of the
childhood home for a much less protracted period than women do.
In contrast to men, women have a much smaller store of
aggression directed toward the outside world. Their activity is largely
directed inward. Psychologically speaking, woman is, in a very real
sense, conditioned by her final biological function. At the very center
of her nature she is preparing herself for motherhood, and this fact
determines the main direction of her psychic energy. Her childhood
interests show this clearly. She plays with dolls, she plays house,
loves to be around Mother, fantasies marriage, is enormously curious
about all of her internal functions. She has, of course, a certain store
of interest and aggression which she can direct outward, but this
characteristic becomes very secondary to her when inward or
outward circumstances do not force her to use it.
Intellectually woman is also basically inward. Her most potent
faculty is her great intuition, her almost magical ability to understand
another person by consulting her own inward nature. This is
contrasted to man’s objective “intellectual” type of understanding.
In describing the essential characterological structure of the male
and contrasting it with the female I am describing absolute types,
not people as they are. In actuality most men have a certain store of
passivity, of inwardness; and normal women have a certain amount
of aggression. However, the normal male will be preponderantly
outgoing and aggressive; the normal female’s psychic energies will
be preponderantly directed inward.
As a direct or indirect result of man’s aggression and his
commitment to the outside world, in maturity he develops certain
behavioristic patterns that are diametrically opposite to female
characteristics. Inevitably the frigid woman will use his attributes to
show that her man has no interest in her, or is weak, or is
withdrawn, or is cruel and wishes to exploit her. Having no
objectivity about men, she will find in his differences from her
further cause for estrangement, fear, and hostility.
 Let me give some instances of these behavioristic differences in
everyday life.
To the woman, the bearer of children and the nest-maker, the
home and everything in it are all-important. She invests her home
with a great deal of pride. She loves clean sinks, clean windows,
clean floors. She wants things in her nest to be neat and orderly;
she has made them that way and she wants them to stay that way.
It will be very easy for her to misunderstand the fact that her
husband has invested a major portion of his pride elsewhere: in his
work, in his achievements in the outside world. The cleanliness and
neatness of his home he takes for granted. He may even be, by his
wife’s standards, seemingly antagonistic to neatness, actually sloppy,
throwing his clothes around, leaving the sink cluttered, forgetting to
use the ash tray, and what not. These things, of course, are not in
themselves pleasant traits, but the frigid woman will generalize
about them, use them to indicate her man’s essential indifference to
her.
He may also not notice a new rug or even a new chair in the
house. He may have very small patience with any household duties
he is forced to undertake: replacing a broken step or even a burned-
out bulb. These attitudes can be quite confusing to a woman, and if
she has any motive to do so she can easily interpret this kind of
male behavior as further evidence of her husband’s indifference to
her and to the family. It is not; when it occurs it is just male. It may
be helpful to her to try to imagine how long her interest in the
details of his business life actually hold her attention. The house is
her business, and it is not surprising that he behaves the way he
does in it, nor is it indicative of any lack of love in him.
Another aspect of man that can be easily misinterpreted is the fact
that the male tends to be more sociable, likes to seek out and find a
vigorous and sometimes quite varied social life. This, too, is part of
his aggressive nature. A woman, though she may be quite
gregarious, is generally more content to sit at home, and her
immediate circle of friends is enough for her. The frigid woman may
try to make much of her husband’s aggressive sociability. She is not
enough for him; he is restless and dissatisfied, etc.
The vigor and aggressiveness of a man during the course of a
social evening are also often misunderstood by women. He may on
occasions be quiet, but he sometimes wants to do a great deal of
the talking, may even, in his enthusiasm, raise his voice in a
conversation. His competitiveness may even embroil him in an actual
argument, perhaps a violent one. The woman likes things to run
smoothly, to be utterly friendly and tranquil. Her husband’s normal
social aggressiveness can appear to be rude and crude to her. It can
frighten her. Afterward she may confront him with it, accusing him of
strutting, of showing off, of cock-of-the-walk behavior. She is merely
confronting him with his maleness again.
A very odd difference between men and women is the difference
in their reactions to pain and fatigue. Women have a very high
threshold for both, and most men have a relatively low one. If a
woman gets a burn on her hand she can stick it in butter or in cold
water and go on making the dinner. A man with the same burn could
be completely incapacitated for a while—and awfully angry at
himself besides. The same is true of all sorts of minor aches and
illnesses that occur in the normal course of events. Because of this
difference in pain thresholds, men tend to pamper themselves or
want to be pampered when they have head colds, headaches, sore
throats, or other minor illnesses that a woman might ignore. The
frigid woman, of course, finds this difference a rich mine to work.
She can and does use it to taunt her husband with his “weakness,”
again showing her essential ignorance of and lack of sympathy with
the male nature.
Of course sex itself remains one of the most fruitful sources for
resentment and misunderstanding in the frigid woman. Here male
aggression can be most clearly seen. The man is stimulated easily by
things that would not excite his woman in the least. He is
susceptible erotically to all sorts of sights, sounds, and odors. His
wife undressing may excite him; her perfume may excite him; he
may become aroused if she is looking wan or looking bright-eyed.
The frigid woman, not comprehending male reactions or their plural
causes, generally feels that his lust is unselective and impersonal.
She takes his ardor as an affront for that reason.
In the sexual act the aggressive thrusting of the penis offends too.
As passion increases during the act, the strength of the thrust
increases, sometimes becomes quite a formidable series of pushes
(one of the slang expressions men use for intercourse is “a bang”).
This sometimes violent thrusting is a perfectly normal aspect of male
sexuality and to the normal woman is of course highly desirable.
Frigid women are frightened of it, experience it as an invasion of
their integrity, an act of hostility against them.
Nothing could be farther from the fact. In his aggressive
movements a man is showing his love in his particular way, his
passionate need to lose his isolation, to rid himself of it, to join with
his beloved. To misunderstand this is to misunderstand all.
Doubtlessly we could make a longer list of the characteristic things
men do and feel that anger or are misunderstood by women with a
frigidity problem. If you have started the form of self-inquiry I have
advocated you have made your own list and have felt strong
negative emotions about many of the items on it.
But the point I wish to emphasize now is that the majority of
these negative emotions is caused directly or indirectly by man’s
underlying and most distinguishing characteristic—his aggression. It
is this trait that most clearly defines him, and it is this trait that is at
the root of the frigid woman’s anger, fear of, and feeling of rejection
by men.
She is antagonistic to this aggression because she does not
understand it. Since she cannot understand or accept her own role,
her feminine nature, she feels that male aggression is opposed to
her and she takes every opportunity to prove to herself that this is
so. His strength, his ability to master the outside environment make
her feel personally nullified, a drab, a slavey. She endlessly contrasts
his essential quality of aggression with woman’s essential traits, to
her detriment.
Now if men were out to enslave them, women would be very
justified in fearing, hating, envying man’s central strength, his
aggressiveness. But is he?
A re-examination of this single point can put the whole basic
attitude of the frigid woman (once she has allowed herself to feel
the negative power of her emotions) back into proper perspective, to
correct her fundamental distortion of view. We can do this by looking
at the single most important thing men do with their aggression in
our society.
“All men have nightmares.”
I heard a fellow psychiatrist say those words during an impromptu
discussion of male psychology recently, and the phrase struck me as
dramatically true. For the majority of men, when they come of age
and marry, take on an enormous burden which they may not lay
down with any conscience this side of the grave. Quietly and without
histrionics they put aside, in the name of love, most of their vaunted
freedom and contract to take upon their shoulders full social and
economic responsibility for their wives and children.
As a woman, consider for a moment how you would feel if your
child should be deprived of the good things of life: proper housing,
clothing, education. Consider how you would feel if he should go
hungry. Perhaps such ideas have occurred to you and have given
you a bad turn momentarily. But they are passing thoughts; a
woman does not give them much credence; they are not her direct
responsibility; certainly she does not worry about them for long.
But such thoughts, conscious or unconscious, are her husband’s
daily fare. He knows, and he takes the carking thought to work with
him each morning (and every morning) and to bed with him at
night, that upon the success or failure of his efforts rest the
happiness, health, indeed the very lives of his wife and children. In
the ultimate sense he alone must take the full responsibility for
them.
I do not think it is possible to exaggerate how seriously men take
this responsibility; how much they worry about it. Women, unless
they are very close to their men, rarely know how heavily the burden
weighs sometimes, for men talk about it but little. They do not want
their loved ones to worry.
Men have been shouldering the entire responsibility for their
family group since earliest times. I often think, however, when I see
the stresses and strains of today’s market place, that civilized man
has much harder going, psychologically speaking, than his primitive
forefathers.
In the first place, the competition creates a terrible strain on the
individual male. This competition is not only for preferment and
advancement. It is often for his very job itself. Every man knows that
if he falters, lets up his ceaseless drive, he can and will be easily
replaced.
No level of employment is really free of this endless pressure. The
executive must meet and exceed his last year’s quota or the quota of
his competitors. Those under him must see that he does it, and he
scrutinizes their performances most severely and therefore
constantly.
Professional men—doctors, lawyers, professors—are under no less
pressure for the most part. If the lawyer is self-employed he must
constantly seek new clients; if he works for an organization he must
exert himself endlessly to avoid being superseded by ambitious
peers or by pushing young particles just out of law school and filled
with the raw energy of youth. A score of unhappy contingencies can
ruin or seriously threaten a doctor’s practice, not the least of which
is a possible breakdown in his ability to practice. A teacher must
work long hours on publishable projects outside of his arduous
teaching assignments if he is to advance or even hold his ground.
There is no field of endeavor that a man may enter where he can
count on complete economic safety; competition, the need for
unremitting year-in, year-out performance, is his life lot. Over all this
he knows, too, stands a separate specter upon which he can exert
only the remotest control. It is the joblessness which may be caused
by the cyclical depressions and recessions that characterize our
economy.
It is true; all men have nightmares.
Few if any women could take the kind of daily strain and worry
men commit themselves to when they sign the marriage contract.
And no woman in her right mind would want to take it. It is true that
many women go into the market place, but most of them are waiting
only for the day that they marry, or they are already married. Those
who stay of their own free will are few and far between, and in my
experience some have proven to be difficult people in their family
relationships, though some of them are talented. Women are
designed for duties different from those of the market place, another
kind of stress entirely, and lose or tend to lose their essential
womanliness if they stay by choice.
As women look at man’s characteristic of aggressiveness in terms
of the tremendous duties, daily struggles, and awful responsibilities
men must and do assume, they can begin to call up in themselves a
different emotion from anger or envy. They can begin to see how
altogether worthy of their highest admiration man is. Not just some
abstract man, either; the man they love, the man they have married,
the man upon whom they have been heaping their criticism, their
jealousy and rage.
Far from seeking to enslave our sex, to exploit us through his
strength and his aggression, man has put these two great and basic
attributes entirely at our service. It is (and always has been) this fact
that makes it safe for us to be women, to bear his children with a
sense of security, to rear them, knowing that he is there, always and
forever, earning our bread, watching over us ceaselessly, keeping his
terrible anxieties about us and our safety to himself so that we will
not worry as he does.
Certain it is that boys are generally given their freedom a lot
earlier than girls. And it is also true that the quality of aggression in
the male makes him the wooer and the woman the wooed. I have
yet to hear a woman suffering from a frigidity problem who did not
deeply resent both of these facts.
But now, looking at the end to which male aggression is directed
when it matures, can any woman honestly hold onto such
resentment? When she realizes that society instinctively grants him
more and earlier freedom so that he may develop the great self-
reliance necessary to take on the responsibilities of a family, she
cannot validly hold this view any longer.
Nor can she hold onto her resentment of the fact that it is
generally the male who initiates the sexual act. For it is the same
male aggression which protects her, allows her to be wife and
mother, that makes him the wooer and she the wooed. Again,
knowing how easily women are distracted from sexual feeling by
trivial upsets, by the small things that occur during the day, imagine
what would happen if women had to take the male’s anxieties and
yet be responsible for initiating sex at night. Should such a reversal
of roles ever happen to mankind, the world would soon be
depopulated. Women must learn to thank God daily for the
enormous energy and drive of their men.
In terms of this lifelong commitment of man to the service of his
wife and family, let us take another look at the things in his conduct
which irritate women, or at least irritate women with a frigidity
problem, for now they begin to be understandable. Minor
irritabilities, cock-of-the-walk behavior, slackness, sloppiness,
whatever—these are either the outlets or the results of the
accumulated tensions of a man’s day. He will not tell you of the
humiliations or defeats or worries of his day in any direct manner
usually. As his wife, you must understand that these are the only
remonstrances against his hard and anxious struggle that he will
permit himself. If you see his behavior in this light it will be difficult
to harbor any deep-seated resentment against him; one can only
wish to comfort him, to help in any conceivable way to make his
burden less onerous, his worries less sharp, his nightmares less
frequent.
The espousal of this view of the male, the accurate one, can be
another great forward step toward femininity. Seeing her man’s
aggression in its true light, aimed first and foremost at procuring her
safety, happiness, and security, she can now dare to take down, one
by one, the precarious defenses she has maintained against him
from the beginning of their relationship. She sees that her husband’s
wonderful aggression actually defines her true role, makes it ever
clearer and more desirable to her.
Let us now see how her altered attitude can ultimately affect her
and what she can do to hasten and further the process of change.
 Chapter 16
THE NATURE OF SURRENDER
When the frigid woman, using the methods described in this
section, has divested herself of the destructive fears and false
convictions that have been left over from her childhood; and when,
in all honesty, she is able to view her husband with new eyes,
knowing him to be the hard-beset but loving human being he is
rather than an abstract power she had conjured up in his image—
when these things are achieved, a profound change begins to take
place within her.
This change is not a direct product of her conscious will. Forces
which have the character of a tide suddenly freed of long-standing
barricades now begin to move irresistibly within her. She feels a new
potentiality inside, intimations of an emotional richness she had not
dared dream of.
When such a process is loosed within a woman, we say that she is
ready to surrender; that, indeed, surrender has already started
within her. What does this mean?
It means, in the broadest sense, that at long last she is prepared
to become a woman. It means that she is ready, indeed anxious, to
yield to her biological and psychological destiny. She has ceased to
fear her real role, mentally, spiritually, and physically; ceased to
resist it and ceased to resent it. Now she is ready to glory in it. She
is ready to love.
When a woman is ready for this final step she no longer needs
any urging, any coaxing or coaching. Since this ultimate surrender to
her true nature is so natural to a woman, she is often not entirely
conscious of its varied manifestations. It is slow, cellular, tidal,
certainly unsubject to the conscious will.
 Though change is now largely going on outside one’s awareness, I
should like to emphasize, however, that this phase is very much a
part of the process that was initiated with the first two steps—of
airing one’s emotions and fantasies and of revaluating one’s
husband. We have found that, for a woman whose whole mind and
body are, for the first time, taking the path nature intended, it is
wise to be as conscious as possible of the process that is going on
within her. Many of the feelings are new and powerful and run
counter to much of what she has experienced and believed in
before. New convictions, new insights, new prospects open up
before her. This novel proliferation may be confusing or even
frightening. Therefore, the more she understands the nature of her
brave new inner world, the more thoroughly and swiftly can she
claim it for her own.
For this reason I should like to urge that those who are trying the
techniques advocated here continue with the regular daily sessions I
mentioned at the beginning. At this point much of the mental activity
in such sessions with oneself will be a simple matter of watching—of
watching the process unfold in oneself, even of celebrating these
advances of the unconscious.
In this role of constant observer, however, the conscious mind can
also be ready for more aggressive activity. Any tendencies of the old
pattern to reassert itself, for angers, fears, fantasies to come out in
new guises, can thus be noted and dispensed with before any real
damage can be done. Such pullbacks are not only possible but usual,
and it is well not to abandon the sessions with oneself until they
have disappeared entirely—or as entirely as they’re going to.
The process of inner growth that follows when a woman is ready
to surrender to her real nature, we have found, traces a rather clear
pattern. Some of the new feelings overlap, but mostly they emerge
in a given order, each unfolding separately but related to the other
as petals to a bud. Let us take them in the usual order of their
coming.
 As the woman who has suffered from frigidity explodes her
groundless fears one by one and explores a new attitude toward
men, toward love, toward motherhood, feels a new esteem for her
husband—as all these things happen, her lifelong restlessness begins
to depart. For the first time she realizes just how restless she has
been, how unsatisfied; she feels how precariously balanced her life,
inwardly and outwardly, has always felt. Now something deep within
her relaxes, lets down. When this happens she is beginning to
experience the essential attribute of all that is truly feminine,
spiritual tranquillity.
The arrival of this tranquillity, or even the arrival of intimations of
it results from the fact that she is really allowing herself to trust her
husband in a very deep sense. It means that she finally realizes that
she no longer has to fear or to oppose his strength, but that she can
now rely on it to protect her, to give her the secure climate
necessary for the full flowering of her femininity.
Feminine tranquillity of spirit is a grace and a beauty of the first
order. It is the psychological cornerstone of the happy family. Based
on an abiding faith in the goodness and loyalty of her husband, it
emanates from a woman who has found herself and pervades those
about her, giving them unity and strength. The children of such a
mother are strong against the neurotic restlessness of these difficult
times. The husband of a wife who has achieved such tranquillity
returns from his work to his home as to an oasis, redoubles his
loving efforts to make her ever more secure.
Because she can trust no man, the frigid woman’s approach to the
tasks of life has a difficult, painful, frenetic quality. She feels
responsible for everything; guiltily responsible. Details and trivia
overwhelm her. She has no unity and has to fight herself, her
resentment, her self-rejection to get the simplest things done—her
household work, planning the dinner, carrying and fetching the
children. Everything looms.
 With the development of the new quality of tranquillity those
details of life that once seemed so difficult become simple. And
because they are feminine tasks, household work, planning or
getting dinners, keeping the children busy or in line—whatever life
demands—soon lose their irksome and irritating quality and become
easy, even joyful.
As tranquillity moves over to serenity, becomes more and more a
part of her psychic character, a woman begins to realize what a
miraculous and wonderful thing womanhood is. Most frequently this
realization is ushered in by a sudden awareness of the miracle that
her body is able to perform: the miracle of childbirth.
In her frightened heart the frigid woman has always detested and
feared her capacity to become pregnant. To her this faculty has
seemed onerous and burdensome, a curse. In pregnancy she feels
trapped, sick at heart and in body during it, increasingly frightened
of delivery as the day of confinement approaches. She views all this
as woman’s burden; men, those enviable creatures, are free of such
a frightening duty. Indeed, has she not heard that men use
pregnancy as a technique of keeping women subject to them! Thus
she frets and rages and trembles, rejecting her destiny.
But with her new evaluation of her husband, the deepening of her
sense of security, and the growth of her tranquillity, all this childish
frightened protest against the miracle of motherhood washes away.
Now the scales really fall from her eyes and she feels the full
meaning and majesty of what it means to be a woman.
What a privilege it is, she realizes, to be the carrier of the race,
the agent of its immortality. What fate could be richer, more
beautiful, more filled with wonder and with awe.
I am not exaggerating the importance of this realization. Pride in
it, joy in it are the very most central characteristics of the feminine
woman. To me its highest expression is in the Madonna paintings
which the great Renaissance artists took, over and over again, as a
major subject. The Alba Madonna by Raphael catches the essential
quality of femininity, expresses it for all to see—and to revere.
Now, with this realization, the last vestiges of her envy of the male
and of his role in life disappear. How, she may wonder, with this
marvelous capability of hers, inimitable by man, could she ever have
depreciated the role of woman, wanted what men have?
At this juncture, or closely following on it, a woman begins to feel
her full power, the power that comes to her for her surrender to her
destiny. She now realizes that, far from being in a weak position in
relationship to man, her position is so strong that she must be
careful not to exploit it. One of the deepest and strongest
psychological needs of man is his poignant desire for immortality
through his children. She could deny him this, or she could make his
life miserable while granting him it. Or she can make it the most
beautiful and meaningful thing in her life and in his.
What this new realization means to a woman was stated very
beautifully in a letter I received from a former patient. We had been
able to work only two weeks on her problem, for she came from a
different section of the country and could spend only that amount of
time in New York City. We worked quickly, and she had been able to
surface the hostilities to and misapprehensions about men that had
plagued her grown-up life. I had been able also to give her a
thumbnail sketch of the problems and changes she might encounter
within herself in the future—much as I have described them here.
Within six months I had a letter from her. It described the step-by-
step process I have depicted: the change in her feelings toward her
husband, the incredibly swift growth within her of the new and
wonderful serenity. And then she had come to the point where she
realized with her whole emotional being the miraculous nature of the
female body and the feeling of power and glory that it gave her.
But [she wrote] this feeling of power was quickly
followed by an intense feeling of humility. I thought of
how I held within me, within my body, the power to bring
 him the greatest of joys; or to deprive him of it. And then
I realized the terrible thing it would be to ever misuse this
power. And now I felt really for the first time, despite my
former lip service to the idea, the reason why marriage
must be considered sacramental. The relationship
between husband and wife which results in the unsolvable
mystery of birth goes far beyond human understanding.
To participate in this mystery really requires a
consecration by both. Any lesser attitude toward it is like
the laughter of mockery in a holy place.
With this kind of acceptance of her central role, changes now
come rapidly to a woman. As she feels the unity of need and goal
between her husband and herself, any remaining contentiousness
leaves her. In the marriage, consensus now becomes her aim. She is
no longer afraid of losing an argument, fearful that she will be forced
to do something that is repugnant or humiliating to her, for she
realizes that to her husband her welfare is the dearest of all things.
And, conversely, his happiness and peace of mind become her first
desire.
And now she has tapped in on the greatest psychological joy of
woman—her capacity to give. If you remember, in an earlier chapter
we called this “essential female altruism,” a characteristic rooted in
every woman’s biological nature. Women who are really secure
within themselves and in their roles have an inexhaustible store of
this altruism. Frigid women fear this basic characteristic, feeling as
they do that men will exploit and abuse their desire to give.
As she reaps the rewards of her new capacity to give of herself
unstintingly and fearlessly to her husband and her children, the very
appearance of a woman often begins to change. Drawn expressions
relax, anxious forehead wrinkles disappear, thin-lipped mouths
soften. Indeed, her whole body rounds and softens, taking on the
look associated with a tender and giving femininity.
 Physical difficulties often disappear. I have known women who had
been plagued with intense pre-menstrual and menstrual pains all
their lives to lose such symptoms in a matter of weeks. I have
known women whose irregular periods have become regularized.
And I have also known women with one or two desperately difficult
pregnancies behind them who, becoming pregnant again, went
through the entire nine months not only without discomfort but with
a highly accelerated feeling of pleasure and well-being.
These, then, are the results, or some of them, that a woman who
is willing to give up the things of childhood and yield to her true self
may expect. The return on such an investment of self is enormous.
It is paid in the coinage of love returned for love given; love from
one’s husband and children, love from friends, new and old,
attracted by the endless largesse of the woman who has
surrendered all to find all.
 Chapter 17
SEXUAL SURRENDER
The ability to achieve normal orgasm can be called the physical
counterpart of psychological surrender. In most cases of true frigidity
it follows on a woman’s surrender of her rebellious and infantile
attitudes as the day the night. It is the sign that she has given up
the last vestige of resistance to her nature and has embraced
womanhood with soul and body.
The achievement of orgasm, usually, is the last step in the process
of growing up. If one reviews in one’s mind the actual orgastic
experience it is not difficult to see why this is so.
For a woman orgasm requires a trust in one’s partner that is
absolute. Recall for a moment that the physical experience is often
so profound that it entails the loss of consciousness for a period of
time. As we know, in sexual intercourse, as in life, man is the actor,
woman the passive one, the receiver, the acted upon. Giving oneself
up in this passive manner to another human being, making oneself
his willing partner to such seismic physical experiences, means one
must have complete faith in the other person. In the sexual embrace
any trace of buried hostility, fear of one’s role, will show clearly and
unmistakably.
But there is even more to the psychic state necessary for orgasm
than faith in one’s partner and readiness to surrender. There must be
a sensual eagerness to surrender, in the woman’s orgasm the
excitement comes from the act of surrender. There is a tremendous
surging physical ecstasy in the yielding itself, in the feeling of being
the passive instrument of another person, of being stretched out
supinely beneath him, taken up will-lessly by his passion as leaves
are swept up before a wind.
 There can, it is clear, be no crossed fingers about such yielding, no
reservations in such surrender. As one thinks of it one can certainly
feel why, of all the steps in the process of yielding, of surrendering,
the orgasm should be last. To those who are moving toward it the
experience often remains for a time elusive because its very totality,
its uncompromising demand that the whole being be swept up in the
experience, remains somewhat frightening.
Orgasm, as I have said, is the physical aspect of surrendering.
However, while there are similarities between the physical and the
psychological experience, there is also an important difference
between the two.
The difference is that orgasm cannot be sought entirely rationally.
It will arrive when it will arrive, as the end process of a total change
in a frigid woman’s deepest psychological attitudes. It cannot be
sought separately or as an end in itself. Indeed, to seek it directly, to
wait upon it, to try to force it are the surest possible ways of
postponing its arrival.
The idea that orgasm can be forced is typical of the thinking of a
frigid woman. We have seen that, because she is basically
frightened, basically mistrusts her husband’s love of her and her own
femininity, she has to feel that she is “in control” all the time. The
trouble with that standpoint is that in real orgasm a woman must be
out of control; must willfully, delightedly desire to be entirely so.
The delusion that the orgasm can or should be sought as an end
in itself and not as the result of a deep inner change of the kind
discussed in the preceding chapters of this section has been fostered
by many of the books which have dealt with the problem of frigidity
or with the role or responsibility of woman in marriage. One recent
book counseled the conscious contraction of certain muscles during
intercourse, holding that this would heighten sexual pleasure. Other
books emphasize the importance of position during intercourse.
Their tacit or stated contention is that orgastic potency can be
achieved by mechanical means.
 The simple fact is that concentrating on one’s sensations during
intercourse, wondering if one is feeling the “right” feeling, can
destroy real sexual passion more completely than any technique I
can think of. We know this from scores of patients. Such a clinical
and objective attitude toward local sexual sensations merely reflects
the frigid woman’s need to be in control of a situation and her fear
of surrendering herself to her man. She can get little more from this
obsessive scrutiny of her sexual reactions than an even more
frustrating experience than usual.
Is there, then, an attitude one can take toward orgasm before one
has achieved it? Yes, there is, and we have found it a helpful and
productive one. This attitude may be summarized in this fashion: If
one has truly pursued the goal of self-surrender, uprooting and
exposing attitudes left over from childhood and youth, the ability to
achieve orgasm must inevitably arrive. Until that time, and
particularly during intercourse, one must put the matter out of one’s
mind entirely.
The growth of a woman’s ability to have orgasm is a natural
growth. It has been impeded by her psychic attitudes; it resumes its
development when these attitudes change. It is as natural a move as
the move from winter to spring. Gradually she finds herself allowing
her new tenderness and concern for her husband to become a part
of the meaning of her sexual embrace. She sees and feels the
pleasure her sexual thawing brings him, and this process becomes
circular, his increased pleasure giving her more pleasure. And with
his pleasure in mind she now seeks out more and more those things
that please him, and her exploration leads inevitably to the discovery
that what pleases him most, outside of his own sensations, is her
pleasure. This mutual spiraling of feeling ultimately climaxes in her
unconscious decision to give him the greatest psychological pleasure
of all, her total surrender to the delights he can bring her.
For many women the ability to surrender physically comes rather
swiftly; to others it is a very gradual process, as though the
unconscious mind needed to build up a reserve of reassurances
before it felt perfectly secure. In either case, but particularly in the
latter, they can be forewarned of one important thing: sexual thaw
will not proceed uninterruptedly; there is no straight line from
frigidity to true womanhood. I should like to explain this more fully.
When, in the sexual embrace, a woman allows herself to
experience more pleasure as her physical sensations increase, a part
of her unconscious mind very frequently takes alarm and causes her
to draw back from any further immediate advance.
If you stop to ponder this point you will find it readily
understandable in terms of our former discussions. The experiences
and relationships upon which frigidity is based took place a long time
ago, often in very early childhood. They occasioned fear in the child,
fear of sexuality, of surrender to one’s sensual impulses, or powerful
guilt. Now, as one starts to move toward a resumption of one’s
sensuality, it is almost certain that these irrational, buried fears will
try to reassert themselves.
In most cases it is not necessary to uncover the childhood
incidents upon which these fears were based. If one will insist on
pursuing the techniques for inner change I have described here,
these fears will finally become inoperative in the sexual area. It is,
however, necessary to know that you are experiencing such fears.
Generally speaking, they do not show themselves directly. A woman
will not say to herself: “That new sensual experience I had last night
is causing me alarm.”
The fear separates itself from the sensual experience and
expresses itself indirectly. The woman may find herself once again
becoming quarrelsome, critical of her husband; old feelings of
deprivation or of inferiority may reassert themselves with apparently
new vigor. And the new sensual capacity may retire once more from
view. The reason: the old defenses are protecting one against the
new femininity.
 Such anxiety reactions, I wish to make clear, should not give any
real cause for concern. Indeed, one does not have to analyze them
or to investigate them. One merely has to be aware that they are
the result of the new advance in sensuality, the new ability to
surrender oneself a bit more completely than formerly. Advance of
this kind is never lost in any final sense.
Let me give you an example of a typical reaction to such an
advance. The patient was of the type I call the clitoridal woman. Her
orgasm had been exclusively clitoral. Together we had covered the
ground that I have presented in this section. She had been able to
air her feelings about men and about woman’s lot; she had corrected
her view of men and, in a very real way, had begun to view her
husband with the eyes of a loving woman. Then one day she came
to me in great excitement. It was unmistakable, she told me; during
last night’s love-making she had felt, for the first time in her life,
distinctly pleasurable vaginal sensations.
But in the next session her attitude was entirely different. She had
had a quarrel with her husband over some trivial matter, and she
forthwith launched into the kind of tirade against men I had not
heard from her for several sessions.
After letting her air her feelings, I pointed out to her the possible
connection between her new sensual experience and her regression
to her old defenses. She was incredulous and remained so until, a
week later, the episode repeated itself in its entirety: vaginal
sensations and delight, followed quickly by a quarrel and ill feelings
toward her husband. Forewarned, she was now on guard for such
negative reactions, and when they did appear, knowing their
significance, she was able to handle them, prevent herself from
actually acting out her irrational feelings by quarreling with her
husband.
In making the above point I do not wish to be misunderstood or
thought to be contradicting myself. I am not advising women to
fixate obsessively on their new sexual sensations. However, noticing
such new experiences will be unavoidable, and I am simply saying
that it is helpful to know that they may be followed by minor
neurotic regressions.
The above observations now lead me to a closely related matter
which I consider to be of central importance.
In the move toward womanhood there comes a juncture in most
cases which can be called “the danger point.” When a woman is
working with a therapist on her problem, the danger when she
reaches this point is minimized by the fact that her therapist is aware
of the problem and can usually help her to handle it when it arises.
If a woman is working on her problem by herself, however, she
should be strongly forewarned of her potential reaction.
This danger point generally comes when a woman who has
suffered from frigidity has at last allowed herself to experience
orgasm for the first time. Her immediate reaction is one of
tremendous relief. But this is almost always followed by the same
kind of regression I have described above; only this time the pull-
back from her own advance and from her husband is far more
powerful. We have seen in some of the case histories in the last
section just how dangerous this period can be to the entire
relationship. Indeed, the wife may at this point precipitate a crisis of
such severity that the marriage itself is endangered.
The form the difficulty takes is always individual; it is usually an
exaggerated version of the particular woman’s most typical neurotic
characteristic. If she is argumentative, she is apt to start a fight of
proportions heretofore undreamed of. If her tendency is to become
depressed, her melancholy can become very, very profound indeed.
If she is critical and carping, she can make Craig’s wife appear to be
a normal, healthy woman.
I am not exaggerating. It is not impossible that many divorces are
caused by wives who, by the natural reassurance that marriage to a
tender husband often brings, have moved close to their true natures
all unwittingly. They achieve orgasm; and then, without the benefit
of any insight, the intense anxiety reaction sets in, causing a
powerful desire to flee from the frightening situation.
The pull-back, of course, is caused by an exacerbation of early
fears brought on by the orgasmic experience. But again I must
emphasize that the chief danger during this period of reaction lies in
the fact that the woman sees no connection between her emotional
upset and the successful sexual experience she has just achieved.
Why should she see such a connection? Orgasm is what she has
been consciously waiting for, has it not? It would only be surprising if
she did see a connection between the two experiences.
Her emotional outburst represents, at this point, an inner panic.
Consider this: in the course of growing up it took her years to
construct a defensive system against a feminine sensuality which
she had learned was dangerous or wicked. Though this defensive
system (her frigidity, her psychological rejection of men, etc.) had
deprived her of much, it had at least allowed her to feel secure in
some deep manner; she has maintained her defenses in order to
hold onto her feeling of unconscious security.
And now, with orgasm, she feels all these defenses swept away in
a moment. She feels exposed, guilty, naked to her imaginary enemy,
tempted to surrender to him completely. In her panic she forgets the
advance she has been making, the revaluation of her attitude toward
men, children, womanhood.
She cannot admit the irrational nature of her unconscious fear,
even to herself, so she represses it and creates an exterior diversion.
Real trouble is always an excellent defense against insight.
In the case histories I have given of frigid women you will recall
that the discovery of true feminine sexuality within her often brought
a woman to therapy. In a sense the therapist, at the beginning,
represents a safe harbor, a protection against the woman’s
frightening femininity. Coming for help is, in part, a kind of flight in
itself; a search for a place to hide.
When women do not understand the nature of their actions in
such cases, the flight can take a potentially harmful direction. I have
known some who “fall in love” with another man at this juncture.
Others feel that they have really discovered just how incompatible
their husbands are and think seriously of divorce. Still others develop
somatic difficulties, sometimes serious ones. I know two women who
had had tuberculosis during adolescence and who both broke down
again during this “danger point.” In both cases their disease had
been considered totally arrested.
I realize, of course, that such reactions sound alarming to a
reader. However, my intention in stating the facts here is not to
frighten but to forewarn. There is nothing in reality to be alarmed
about. Feelings are not reality. But a woman must be certain that
she does not act upon her feelings. The only danger is that she
might.
But, I am often asked, how can one cope with such fears, fears so
deep one does not even dare to let them into the conscious mind?
The answer is that, generally speaking, you do not have to cope with
them in any active way. They will pass. All you have to do is to sit
tight, so to speak. The unconscious will in fairly short order (a week,
a month) calm down.
Reality, a good reality, can prove to the infantile unconscious that
it has nothing to fear. When one has quieted again, resumed the
straight line of progress one had been pursuing, orgasm will occur
again. This time the reaction of alarm is generally far less. By the
third and fourth times it has become virtually nonexistent. The
neurotic, defensive portion of one’s mind has then been permanently
disarmed.
 All frigidities are basically related. We could prescribe no general
approach that would be helpful if this were not so. However, I have
found that there are specific measures that can be of great value if
applied to the individual kinds of frigidity. Indeed, if these measures
are omitted, the return to full feminine maturity can be slowed down
dramatically or even stopped, at least on the sexual level.
I must warn once again, however, that one should be careful to
put no reliance on these techniques if they are not combined with
the “feeling through” and revaluative processes I have described.
With this in mind, then, let us examine these measures that can be
taken by individual types.
First let us look at the masculine type. As we have seen both in
our abstract description and in our case-history approach to this
type, the only method of gratification possible for this woman is
clitoral. She achieves climax through self-masturbation or through
masturbation by her husband. She has few if any vaginal sensations
during intercourse, and her orgasmic reactions are confined entirely
to the clitoris. This is so even if she is able to establish contact
between her clitoris and her husband’s penis in intercourse. In most
cases vaginal entrance of the penis is a matter of indifference to
such women; to some it is actively disliked.
We have seen how women establish this erotic primacy of the
clitoris. Because of early fears connected with becoming women they
have firmly rejected the vagina. They have held onto infantile and
pubertal masturbation long past the point when it is normal for a girl
to give it up.
Now, with a new evaluation of the meaning of feminine sexuality,
with a new tenderness and warmth toward their husbands available
to them, the time at length comes when it is possible for them to
switch from clitoral sensations to vaginal. However, the pathways for
satisfaction have been set up for many years, the “habit” of clitoral
climax has been deeply established. What should they do?
 We have found that, if the clitoridal woman wishes to achieve a
more mature form of sexual satisfaction she may be aided in
reaching her goal if she can give up the form of gratification she
now employs. This form of gratification still symbolizes an
attachment to the earlier form of sexuality. For that reason, of
course, it is a defense against the type of sexuality that stands for
psychic maturity. The simple decision to abandon the less mature
form of gratification often signifies a deep decision within a woman:
the decision to take the final step toward womanhood.
On the other hand, many women experience the abandonment of
clitoral gratification as a keen deprivation and deeply resent it. In
such cases the resentment signifies that they have not sufficiently
“felt through” their childhood defenses against femininity.
Obviously there are only two possible steps to take: one can
continue the practice of masturbation or one can examine the
resentment that is caused by giving it up. If a woman decides on the
first step, progress toward the goal of vaginal orgasm may be
slowed down or halted completely.
If, however, one decides to examine the resentment more closely,
using the “feeling through” technique I have described, the bases
upon which the resentment rests may be discovered and disposed
of, just as resentments against men and against motherhood were
disposed of. Indeed, many of the same feelings, though now more
specifically related to sexuality, often come out.
Let me give an example. A patient with a clitoridal fixation had
worked through many of her negative feelings toward her husband;
she had seen that these feelings had been based on an irrational
envy and fear of men and a depreciation of women. Her progress,
however, seemed to halt completely when she attempted to give up
clitoral masturbation.
All of her early feelings toward men returned, only now they
referred to the act of intercourse. Men were the lucky ones; they
were on top. Just as in life. Woman’s classical sexual position in our
civilization (on the bottom) was “degrading and humiliating.” It
represented her position vis-à-vis men in life. As in life, men were
the ones for whom irresponsible enjoyment was designed; no
wonder they could enjoy sex so much; and they couldn’t get
pregnant; they didn’t have to menstruate, etc., etc.
She aired these irrational feelings quite completely and saw them
for what they were. She saw that they were a recapitulation, in
sexual terms, of the negative feelings she had expressed earlier
toward men. She realized, too, that her feeling that it was
humiliating and degrading to be “on the bottom” really showed her
deep distress, fear of, and underlying depression about what she
took to be woman’s role in life.
The patient was rather surprised to see these irrational feelings
reappearing. However, because of her earlier work on her
psychological defenses, it was not too difficult for her to dispose of
these negative attitudes toward the sexual act and to integrate her
positive feelings about womanhood with woman’s sexual role. At
that point she was not far from achieving vaginal orgasm. Within a
month or so she had achieved it.
When a woman consciously abandons clitoral gratification in favor
of her search for a deeper and more abiding joy, the switch from
clitoris to vagina usually takes place gradually. I have known cases in
which it has happened rather quickly, but it is more frequently a
matter of two, three, or even more months.
One further word on this type: the clitoridal woman may discover
that she cannot take the final step to vaginal primacy alone. She
may need direct and expert counsel. This should in no way
discourage her. The problem is a deep-seated one, but it almost
certainly can be resolved. If after a few months of trying to handle
the problem alone one finds out that too little progress is being
achieved, I strongly urge that outside help be sought (see Addenda
I, page 260, for methods of obtaining the correct kind of aid).
 I have heard the therapy for total frigidity described as “a problem
in rerearing.” Recalling the case history of Patricia Agnew, one can
easily see why this phrase is so apt. The causes of this kind of
frigidity go back to infancy. Punishment for infantile masturbation
and/or an overly strong early fixation on the male parent causes the
child to repress her sexual feeling entirely. She does not go through,
in any complete way, the normal stages of psycho-sexual
development; a part of her, the sensual and sexual part, remains
frozen in the bud.
In my opinion, psychotherapy is frequently indicated when the
frigidity is of this total type. The sexual aspect of the problem is
sometimes too deeply seated for the individual to handle alone.
However, I know of several women who, when therapy was not
possible, were able to make great strides toward truly feminine
values and behavior by adopting the procedures described in this
section. Though some of them were not able to achieve orgasm, the
psychological change they were able to effect in their personalities
added greatly to their general happiness and security in marriage. A
few even were able to achieve orgasm.
For women with this form and degree of frigidity who wish to or
must attempt to approach their problem without outside aid, I
should like to point out that if general sexual development is
resumed it will tend to recapitulate the stages of psycho-sexual
growth we have described. Thus we find that when such women,
through insight, are once again able to experience sensual feeling
they sometimes go through a period of self-masturbation. Recall that
this stage had been omitted in their development.
I should like to emphasize that, in terms of the final resolution of
her sexual frigidity, this masturbation is perfectly normal for this kind
of woman—just as it is contraindicated for the masculine or clitoridal
woman. The totally frigid woman is making up for phases of
development she had missed in growing up. Guilt feelings about
masturbation in such cases are harmful, and the ego of the
individual can be put in the service of overcoming such emotions.
For those who have moral feelings against masturbation it is
sometimes helpful to realize that modern scientific findings indicate
that societal prohibitions against it were partly based on insufficient
and incorrect information. It was believed for centuries that pubertal
or infantile masturbation was harmful physically and mentally. It has
now been clearly demonstrated, however, that the only harm of any
kind that can come from masturbation is the psychological harm that
is caused by guilt feelings connected with it.
The fact is that, in attempting to establish her lost sexuality, the
totally frigid woman may be helped by encouraging, any sensuality,
however meager, she may discover in herself, whether it is
psychological or physical. The sensuous feelings engendered by sun-
bathing, of the press of the earth under one when lying down in a
field or under a tree, the soft beauty of the moon on a hazy night,
the warmth and coziness of a fireplace as the rain beats upon the
roof—if she will allow her body and mind to enjoy these kinds of
things, they can help to awaken her dormant sensuality, can help
her to move back from her dusty sensationless condition toward a
reappreciation of the glory of the senses.
Some women may discover (if they can consciously dispense with
their inhibitions or with a hindering sense of propriety) that they are
able to experience sensual feelings of a moderately keen nature in
areas which are secondarily erotic. During our work together one
woman suddenly discovered that she enjoyed having her back
stroked by her husband. Another discovered that though she could
not enjoy kissing her husband if she was in bed with him she could if
she remained fully clothed in the living room. A third was able to
respond quite strongly to clitoral stroking if she had a drink of liquor
with her husband beforehand. In each case the sensual capacities
described in these women preceded their work with me. But it was
only when they realized that they possessed unexplored
potentialities and that these could be used to enrichen their sensual
lives, to move them closer to the ultimate experience of love, did
they dare to take their first tentative steps toward maturity.
As we have observed, partial frigidity includes those degrees of
frigidity that lie between total frigidity and normalcy. This includes
such a large range of sexual reaction (or the lack of it) that it would
not be possible to describe specific measures that would be helpful
in all cases.
However, those who find they are closer to total frigidity on this
scale than to normalcy often discover that the general techniques
just described are helpful. Many of these, if they persevere, will find
that they will ultimately achieve orgasm without requiring
psychotherapy. Others, after determining the distance they can go
on their own, may wish to seek outside help.
For those who lie closer to normal feminine sexual reactions it is
usually sufficient to persist in the techniques for self-discovery and
self-realization described earlier in this section.
As we saw when we examined psychic frigidity, it seemed to be
the exception that proved the rule. Women of this type are able to
have orgasms that are apparently normal. But they cannot form a
relationship with any man that will endure. They frequently select
ineligible men as partners or, if by chance the man happens to
become eligible, they will then flee the relationship. If they cannot
flee it they become sexually frigid.
We have found that women with this type of frigidity can help
themselves by denying themselves the easy gratification to which
they are accustomed. Their facile sensuality is a red herring used to
disguise their real fears from themselves. They can come to grips
with these fears only when they allow themselves to enter a close
psychological relationship with an eligible member of the opposite
sex.