The Magician Class for Classic B/X Rules

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Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, BX, Classic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Ghastly Affair, Gothic Gaming, Gothic Horror, Gothick, Medieval Folklore, Medieval Magic, old school, old school renaissance, old school revival, OSR, rules conversions

This version of the “Magician” class from Ghastly Affair has been reworked for use with retro-clones of the classic B/X rpg rules, such as Necrotic Gnome’s “Old School Essentials”. It differs slightly from the same Class found in Ghastly Affair, to make it more suitable for use in Dark Fantasy B/X campaigns. Compared to the standard B/X Magic User, the Magician is more versatile, but the magic they employ is both riskier and more costly.

MAGICIAN

Sorcerer. Witch. Warlock. Theurgist. Conjuror. Necromancer. Whatever the name, you are a worker of wonders, and a keeper of mysteries. You might be a member of secret society pulling the strings of princes and presidents. Perhaps you are a noble-born witch who slips from her palace by night to dance naked under the moonlight. Maybe you’re a rogue scholar who owes his soul to a Demon Lord. You could even be a pious canoness who can call upon the aid of celestial beings.

As a Magician, you can utilize spells by four different means: by using Incantations, by performing Ceremonies, by creating Talismans, or by employing Pacts. The knowledge of a spell might be directly imparted by a magical being, taught by another Magician, gleaned from an ancient text, or even discovered through long hours of magical experimentation.

You will have to decide who initiated you into magic – another Magician, an occult order, or a magical being of some kind. Perhaps you accidentally summoned a Planetary Angel while pursuing an ancient work of magical philosophy; or have performed the Ritual of the Crossroads, and signed the Black Book in your blood. Maybe you even studied at one of the fabled Black Schools of the Underworld – where sorcery is taught by Infernal masters who claim the soul of every tenth scholar.

Use the Magician Class to create characters inspired by such fictional characters as Heinrich Faust (from Goethe’s “Faust”) and Carathis (from the novel “Vathek”), or historical figures such as Cagliostro and La Voisin.

ABILITY REQUIREMENTS: Intelligence and Wisdom of at least 9 each.
PRIME REQUISITE(S): Intelligence and Wisdom.
HIT DICE: d4 + Constitution Bonus, up to 9th Level.
+1 Hit Points per Level after 9th, and Constitution Bonus no longer applies.
USEABLE WEAPONS: Dagger, Staff, Club, or Crossbow. (+ Pistol, if available.)
USEABLE ARMOR: None. (Breastplate, if available). No shields.
ATTACKS: As Magic user
SAVING THROWS: As Magic user
ALIGNMENT: Any.
LANGUAGES: Common and Alignment. Magicians often learn the native languages of magical beings.

SPECIAL ABILITIES:

Esoteric Knowledge: You have a base 30% chance to correctly identify a magical being (such as a Djinni or Demon), to remember some bit of esoteric lore appropriate to your current situation, to decipher a code, or to read an inscription written in an arcane language. At the GM’s discretion this ability can be used to correctly identify a magic item. You can only roll once per subject or encounter. The chance to remember relevant Esoteric Knowledge increases by 5% per Level, to a maximum of 95%.

Use Incantation: By means of your Magical Implement (and the secret words of power) you can use any spell from the list of Incantations you know. You do not need to re-memorize or otherwise prepare Incantations before using them.

The total Levels of Incantations you can use per day is equal to your Character Level times two. However, if you reach that that total, you will fall unconscious for a full Turn. Furthermore, even after you regain consciousness you will be so exhausted that you will be unable to use Incantations, perform Ceremonies, or Employ Pacts again until you get a full night’s rest.

• For example, if you are 4th Level Magician, you can use a total of 8 Levels worth of Incantations a day. This could be eight 1st Level spells; four 2nd Levels spells; two 1st Level spells and three 2nd Level spells; or any other combination that doesn’t exceed 8 total Levels.

Perform Ceremony: Through a lengthy series of symbolic words and actions you can create magical effects from the list of Ceremonies you know. You can even affect a target you cannot see, if you have a piece of them (or something they own). Also, spells cast as Ceremonies can be held “in-reserve”, to take effect at some later time.

Ceremonies require half an hour per Spell level to perform, and require materials with a value in gp equal to 20 times the Spell’s level squared. If you are traveling or adventuring, you will have to obtain the materials you need to perform any desired Ceremonies before you set out, unless you can somehow obtain them in the course of your travels.

Any particular Ceremony can only be performed once a day, and only one spell can be held “in reserve” at a time. If you use a Ceremony on target you cannot see, they always receive a Saving Throw (even if the spell doesn’t ordinarily allow one), and if they Save, you can never again affect them with that Ceremony.

• For example, Wizard Lock is a 2nd Level Ceremony. It requires an hour to perform, and 80 gp worth of non-reusable materials. If you perform a Ceremony of Wizard Lock today, you will have to wait until tomorrow to use it again.
• As a second example, if you perform the Purify Food and Water Ceremony (1st Level), it will take a half hour, and expend 20 gp of materials. At its performance, you can decide to hold the spell “in reserve” until the next time you encounter spoiled food that you need to eat. If you already have Purify Food and Water “in reserve”, its the the only spell you can have so prepared.
• For a third example, you can perform a Ceremony to inflict a Curse on somebody whose hair, blood, or clothing you posses, even if they are currently 100 miles away. Since Curse is a 3rd Level Ceremony, it will require an hour-and-a-half to perform, and use 180 gp worth of materials. If your would-be victim saves versus Magic, you can never try to Curse them again with a Ceremony.

Create Talismans: You can create an item that grants you (or a specified person) a constant spell effect. The physical basis of a Talisman requires rare materials worth 200 times the square of the Spell’s Level in gold pieces, or else blood and body parts from magical beings with total HD equal to twice the Spell’s Level. Charging a Talisman takes 1 hour per Spell Level. A charged Talisman lasts for 30 days, and will be ruined if touched by anyone other than its intended wearer. You can only create a Talisman if you know the appropriate spell in its “Talisman” form. You can only have one charged Talisman active at a time, whether worn by you or another.

• For example, creating a Talisman of Read Magic (allowing the wearer to automatically decipher all magical writings) is a 3rd Level Spell. It requires either materials worth 1,800 gp, or else the blood (and/or body parts) from at least 6 HD worth of magical beings (such as two Thouls, or a single White Dragon). It requires 3 hours to charge.

Employ Pact: You can make sacrifice to a being from another plane of existence, and thereby temporarily gain some of their magical power.

Each Pact you can employ is activated by a different sacrifice, imposed by the being who grants it. Roll a d4 to determine what the granting entity wants in exchange:
1 = The blood of specific creatures with total Hit Dice approximately equal to the Level of the Spell.
2 = Wealth equal to 200 gp per Spell level (the coins or items disappear into the entity’s hoard on its home plane).
3 = A point of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability) per Spell Level. (This heals back at the rate of 1 point per day).
4 = The Magician’s blood, resulting in the loss of 2 Hit Points per Spell Level

A particular Pact can only be employed once a day, but you can employ many different Pacts per day – as long as you are capable of offering all the necessary sacrifices!

• For example, you might be able to employ a 5th Level Pact enabling you to Teleport – provided you are willing to sacrifice 10 HP worth of your own blood to the abomination Yrazzin, who dwells in the void between dimensions.

WEAKNESSES:

Magical Implement: You must have and employ a specially prepared object in order to use any Incantations. If you lose your Magical Implement, you must replace it (at a cost of 1000 gp per Magician Level possessed) before you can use Incantations again. Typical Magical implements include a staff, a wand, a sword, a dagger, a book, or an inscribed pantacle.

Power Object: Your magical power is bound to an object, such as a book of magic, an inscribed ring, or the text of your contract with an Infernal being. If you do not actually carry the object on your person, you use magic as if you were one Level lower (a 1st Level Magician must carry their Power Object to use magic at all). If your Power Object is destroyed, you lose the ability to use spells until it can be replaced. Replacing a Power Object costs 5,000 gp per Level of the Magician.

FOLLOWERS AT 11th LEVEL:

At 11th Level you will attract another Magician of 1st – 3rd Level, as well as 1d12 ordinary men and women seeking to be initiated by you as 1st level Magicians. These new initiates will become the core of your support within your magical order, secret society, or coven – or else follow you to form new one.

Experience Points	Level	Title	Hit Points	Esoteric Knowledge	Maximum Levels of Incantations per Day	Maximum Spell Level Usable
0	1	Initiate, or Covener	1d4	30%	2	1
3,000	2	Practiced Initiate, or Fellow Covener	2d4	35%	4	1
6,000	3	Journeyman Magician, or Ordinary Warlock / Ordinary Witch	3d4	40%	6	2
12,000	4	Practiced Magician, or Practiced Warlock / Witch	4d4	45%	8	2
24,000	5	Adept, or Sorcerer / Sorceress	5d4	50%	10	3
48,000	6	Major Adept, or Great Sorcerer / Great Sorceress	6d4	55%	12	3
96,000	7	Thaumaturge	7d4	60%	14	4
192,000	8	Great Thaumaturge	8d4	65%	16	4
384,000	9	Master Magician, or Master Warlock / Witch Mistress	9d4	70%	18	5
559,000	10	Past Master / Past Mistress	9d4+ 1	75%	20	5
734,000	11	Magus / Maga, or Warlock Lord / Witch Lady	9d4+2	80%	22	6
909,000	12	Magus / Maga, or Warlock Lord / Witch Lady (12th Level)	9d4+ 3	85%	24	6
1,084,000	13	Magus / Maga, or Warlock Lord / Witch Lady (13th Level)	9d4+ 4	90%	26	6
1,259,000	14	Supreme Magus / Supreme Maga, or Witch Queen / Witch King	9d4+ 5	95%	28	6

Starting Spells for Magicians

A Magician character starts play knowing three 1st level Spells. These Spells can represent any mix of Incantations, Ceremonies, Talismans, or Pacts the Player desires. The Player of a Magician character must keep a current list of all the Spells that her PC knows, broken down by Incantations, Ceremonies, Talismans, and Pacts.

A Magician’s Grimoire

Magicians keep Grimoires that record their words of power and magical techniques, much like the spell books of “standard” Magic Users. Unlike a Magic User’s spell book, however, a Grimoire is not usually inherently magical (unless it is also the Magician’s Power Object). A Grimoire may be written in a magical cipher or arcane language, but many are actually just inscribed in Common.

Gaining More Spells as a Magician

The Magician is assumed to automatically gain 1 new Spell per Level gained, which can also be of any kind the Player desires (Incantation, Ceremony, Talisman, or Pact), and any Level the Magician can currently employ. All other Spells must be located and learned in the course of regular game play.

The same Spell may in fact be found as an Incantation, Ceremony, Talisman, or Pact, but each version must be learned separately. Magicians in Campaign that also include the “standard” spell-casting Classes can adapt spells they learn from Magic User Scrolls or spell books into Incantations, by making a successful Esoteric Knowledge roll. Likewise, a Magician can attempt to adapt a divine spell they find written on a scroll into a usable Pact, by successfully rolling their Esoteric Knowledge.

Generally, any intelligent being with inherent magical abilities is able to teach a Magician spells corresponding to its own powers. For example, an Efreet can teach the Wall of Fire spell, and a Dryad can teach Charm Person. A magical being can choose to impart a spells as an Incantation, Ceremony, Talisman, or Pact (as appropriate). Of course, most beings from other planes of existence prefer to offer any spells they teach in the form of Pacts.

MAGICIAN SPELLS BY LEVEL

The following lists utilize the Cleric and Magic User spells enumerated in the “Old-School Essentials Classic Fantasy: Cleric and Magic-User Spells”. Game Masters can see that work to adjudicate their effects, use the equivalents from another OSR retro-clone, or refer to the original B/X books.

Note that while many Magicians spells replicate those of Clerics, such spells are “arcane”, and not “divine” in the forms used by Magicians. The “standard” and “reversed” forms of spells (such as Light and Darkness) must almost always be learned separately by Magicians.

* Indicates that a Ceremony’s effect can be held “in-reserve”.

1st LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

1st Level Incantations
Cause Fear
Darkness
Detect Evil
Detect Magic
Floating Disc
Hold Portal
Light
Magic Missile
Protection from Evil
Read Languages
Read Magic
Remove Fear
Resist Cold
Resist Fire
Shield
Sleep
Ventriloquism

1st Level Ceremonies – Require 30 minutes, + 20 gp worth of materials.
Charm Person *
Cause Light Wounds
Cure Light Wounds
Purify Food and Water *

1st Level Talismans – Require 200 gp of materials, or at least 2 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Detect Evil
Detect Magic
Purify Food and Water

1st Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 1 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 200 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 1 point of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability).
4 = 2 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Cause Fear
Cause Light Wounds
Charm Person
Cure Light Wounds
Darkness
Detect Evil
Detect Magic
Floating Disc
Hold Portal
Light
Magic Missile
Protection from Evil
Purify Food and Water
Read Languages
Read Magic
Remove Fear
Resist Cold
Resist Fire
Shield
Sleep
Ventriloquism

2nd LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

2nd Level Incantations
Detect Evil
Detect Invisible
ESP
Find Traps
Hold Person
Invisibility
Knock
Know Alignment
Levitate
Locate Object
Mirror Image
Phantasmal Force
Resist Fire
Silence 15’ Radius
Snake Charm
Speak with Animals
Web

2nd Level Ceremonies – Require 1 hour, + 80 gp worth of materials.
Bless *
Blight *
Wizard Lock

2nd Level Talismans – Require 800 gp of materials, or at least 4 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Resist Cold *
Resist Fire *

2nd Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 2 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 400 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 2 points of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability).
4 = 4 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Bless
Blight
Detect Evil
Detect Invisible
ESP
Find Traps
Hold Person
Invisibility
Knock
Know Alignment
Levitate
Locate Object
Mirror Image
Phantasmal Force
Silence 15’ Radius
Snake Charm
Speak with Animals
Web
Wizard Lock

3rd LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

3rd Level Incantations
Dispel Magic
Fire Ball
Fly
Growth of Animal
Haste
Hold Person
Invisibility 10’ Radius
Lightning Bolt
Locate Object
Protection from Evil 10’ Radius
Protection from Normal Missiles
Striking

3rd Level Ceremonies – Require 1 ½ hours, + 180 gp worth of materials.
Cause Disease
Clairvoyance
Continual Darkness
Continual Light
Cure Disease
Curse
Infravision *
Remove Curse
Water Breathing *

3rd Level Talismans – Require 1,800 gp of materials, or at least 6 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Darkness
Light
Protection from Evil
Read Languages
Read Magic
Speak with Animals

3rd Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 3 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 600 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 3 points of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability).
4 = 6 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Cause Disease
Clairvoyance
Continual Darkness
Continual Light
Cure Disease
Curse
Dispel Magic
Fire Ball
Fly
Growth of Animal
Haste
Hold Person
Infravision
Invisibility 10’ Radius
Lightning Bolt
Locate Object
Protection from Evil 10’ Radius
Protection from Normal Missiles
Remove Curse
Striking
Water Breathing

4th LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

4th Level Incantations
Charm Monster *
Confusion
Dimension Door
Growth of Plants
Hallucinatory Terrain
Massmorph
Neutralize Poison *
Polymorph Others
Polymorph Self
Speak with Plants
Sticks to Snakes
Wall of Fire
Wall of Ice
Wizard Eye

4th Level Ceremonies – Require 2 hours, + 320 gp worth of materials.
Cause Serious Wounds
Create Water
Cure Serious Wounds
Protection from Evil 10’ Radius

4th Level Talismans – Require 3,200 gp of materials, or at least 8 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Charm Person (Constant effect)
Cure Disease (Effective Immunity)
Infravision
Remove Curse (Effective Immunity)
Water Beathing

4th Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 4 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 800 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 4 points of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability)
4 = 8 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Cause Sr. Wounds
Charm Monster
Confusion
Create Water
Cure Serious Wounds
Dimension Door
Growth of Plants
Hallucinatory Terrain
Massmorph
Neutralize Poison
Polymorph Others
Polymorph Self
Protection from Evil 10’ Radius
Speak with Plants
Sticks to Snakes
Wall of Fire
Wall of Ice
Wizard Eye

5th LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

5th Level Incantations
Cloudkill
Feeblemind
Finger of Death
Hold Monster
Insect Plague
Magic Jar
Pass-Wall
Telekinesis
Transmute Rock and Mud
Wall of Stone

5th Level Ceremonies – Require 2 ½ hours, + 500 gp worth of materials.
Animate Dead
Commune
Conjure Elemental *
Contact Higher Plane
Create Food
Dispel Evil *
Raise Dead
Teleport *

5th Level Talismans – Require 5,000 gp of materials, or at least 10 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Neutralize Poison (Effective immunity)
Protection from Evil 10’ Radius
Speak with Plants

5th Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 5 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 1,000 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 5 points of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability)
4 = 10 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Animate Dead
Cloudkill
Commune
Conjure Elemental
Contact Higher Plane
Create Food
Dispel Evil
Feeblemind
Finger of Death
Hold Monster
Insect Plague
Magic Jar
Pass-Wall
Raise Dead
Telekinesis
Teleport
Transmute Rock and Mud
Wall of Stone

6th LEVEL MAGICIAN SPELLS

6th Level Incantations
Anti-Magic Shell
Death Spell
Disintegrate
Geas
Lower Water
Move Earth
Part Water
Projected Image
Stone to Flesh

6th Level Ceremonies – Require 3 hours, + 720 gp worth of materials.Control Weather (Can be cast on a disant location, if the Magician has a handful of soil or rocks from it, or something belonging to a person currently there.)
Stone to Flesh *
Invisible Stalker
Reincarnation *
Remove Geas

6th Level Talismans – Require 7,200 gp of materials, or at least 12 HD of slain magical creatures. Remain charged for 30 days, or until dispelled.
Create Food (Character can survive without eating as long as they wear the Talisman.)
Raise Dead (Character is automatically Raised if killed, as if the spell was immediately cast on them)
Remove Geas (Effective immunity)
Stone to Flesh (Immunity to Petrification)
Telekinesis

6th Level Pacts – d4 to determine the required sacrifice.
1 = 6 HD worth of blood from a specific creature.
2 = 1,200 gp worth of treasure.
3 = 6 points of the Magician’s Constitution (or other Ability)
4 = 12 Hit Points worth of the Magician’s blood.
Anti-Magic Shell
Control Weather
Death Spell
Disintegrate
Flesh to Stone
Geas
Invisible Stalker
Lower Water
Move Earth
Part Water
Projected Image
Remove Geas
Stone to Flesh

The Summerland Dragons, Part IV – The Rosy Dragon

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

We finish the series on the magical Summerland Dragons with the mightiest of their number – the mysterious Rosy Dragon.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

The Rosy Dragon

Number Appearing: 1 (and 2 Quercic Dragon Consorts)
Size: Large (40’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Maximum
Intelligence: 25
Move: Walk 2 x human speed.
Fly 4 x human speed.
Armor Class: 15 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 20 (160hp)
Attacks & Damage (front):
Bite 3d12, or Transporting Breath
Claw 1d12
Claw 1d12
Attacks & Damage (sides and back):
Wing Buffet (right) 1d6
Wing Buffet (left) 1d6
Tail Lash 1d10
Special:
* Transporting Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon are transported to an environment of symbolic challenges (No Save, but a target can only be affected once per day). See below.
* Polymorph Self at will.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Casts Spells as a 20th Level Magic User, with access to every spell on all spell lists (including Cleric and Druid).
Saves: As Cleric 20
Treasure: A hoard of art objects, gems, crystals, coins, and jewelry worth 1,000,000 gp, plus 10 Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 20th Level Characters

There is only one Rosy Dragon, and all the Dragons of Summerland pay homage to it. It appearance it vaguely resembles a Red Dragon of Panzoasia, its body being covered with scales that resemble the petals of deep-red roses. A closer look reveals a number of differences, however. The tail of the Rosy Dragon shades into green, and is covered with thorn-like spines. Its horns are like thorny spikes, glittering gold in color. Its large eyes are like pools of molten gold, and its claws are also golden. Its ears are long and pointed. Long, thin frills of red frame its face, and similar filaments form a beard-like growth under its chin. A green ridge with a saw-tooth edge runs along the Dragon’s back, from nose to tail. The Rosy Dragon appears in many other forms, however, as it can Polymorph itself at will. Among its favored alternate forms is that of a red-haired Human or Elf woman with brilliant green eyes, clad in golden robes, and crowned with roses. It also enjoys appearing as a golden swan or lioness. While it usually prefers to assume a female body, it will become male if it feels the situation warrants it.

The Rosy Dragon embodies the philosophy of “there is a time for all things”. It treats every situation individually – sometimes striving for peace, sometimes promoting war. It motivations can thus seem completely inscrutable to most other beings. It is never without its two Consorts – a (currently) male and female pair of Quercic Dragons with maximum Hit Points. It is also known to associate with the the similarly mysterious Wizard-Druid known as The Traveler, and the equally strange Green One, both of whom are similarly committed to maintaining the balance of Nature throughout time and space.

The Rosy Dragon only keeps its treasure on the Isle of Dragons in the Summerland. There it dwells in a palace made of colored glass as strong as granite, amid a field of ever-blooming roses. It rarely chooses to visit Panzoasaia, and then only for brief periods.

Fighting the Rosy Dragon
The Breath Weapon of the Rosy Dragon is unique, even among the Summerland Dragons. Rather than inflict damage, or even immobilize victims, its targets are enveloped in a red mist that physically transports them to a Realm of Testing. There they will be faced with a series of challenges that symbolize their various prejudices and shortcomings.

Before introducing the Rosy Dragon the DM should prepare a short dungeon adventure (or small island hex-crawl) tailored to the PCs, where they must solve problems in ways completely contrary to their usual methods. For example, a party used to hacking their way through adventures will be faced with continually regenerating creatures who can only be defeated through lateral thinking. Or, a party completely reliant on magic items will be transported to a place that temporarily disenchants their equipment. Members of the same adventuring party will be transported to the same Realm of Testing to join their compatriots, even if they had been affected by separate blasts of the Dragon’s breath.

Once all affected PCs arrive in the Realm of Testing, they will see an image of the Rosy Dragon standing before them in Human or Elven form. It will tell them the place they must reach, and give them a clue (in the form of a riddle) as to what action they must perform once they get there. The image of the Dragon is only a phantom, of course, and cannot be attacked. If the PCs survive the challenges of the place, and perform the correct action in the right place (which will always in some way symbolize the harmonious union of opposites), they will find themselves back in front of the Rosy Dragon, 10 minutes after being first transported. Regardless of how much time seemed to pass in the Realm of Testing, exactly 10 minutes (1 Turn) will have passed in the “real world”. The bodies of those who die in the Realm of Testing will remain there.

Upon the return of transported PCs, the Rosy Dragon (who will be have been waiting for them) will ask them if they are still committed to their murderous intentions. If so, the Dragon will attack them with its most powerful magic – and it can cast all known Magic User, Cleric, and Druid spells, as a 20th Level Magic User. Creeping Doom is a favorite effect. If forced into hand-hand-combat the Dragon will furiously bite, claw, buffet with its wings, and lash with its thorny tail. Meanwhile, combatants will also have to deal with the Rosy Dragon’s two consorts – unless they have already been neutralized by other means.

The Summerland Dragons, Part III – Quercic and Corylic

Tags

Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Here are two more of the magical Summerland Dragons – the mighty Quercic, and the mysterious Corylic.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

Quercic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (35’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 16
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 4 x human speed
Armor Class: 10 better than unarmored (+ bonus of magical armor when in Human or Elf form. See below.)
Hit Dice: 10
Attacks & Damage (Dragon form):
Bite 3d8, or Fascinating Breath
Gore 3d6
Claw 1d8
Claw 1d8
Attacks & Damage (Human or Elf form):
Weapon (By weapon type, + magical bonus from weapon. See below.)
Special:
* Fascinating Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or become unable to do anything but stand in awe of the Dragon for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Eagle, Deer, or Oak Tree.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 10h Level Druid.
Saves: As Cleric 10
Treasure: Art objects, gems, crystals, and rare plants worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1 Magic Weapon, 1 Magical Armor, and 1d2 additional Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 10th Level Characters

The natural form of a Quercic Dragon is a regal being with scales that resemble the tips of oak leaves. In the spring and summer the scales are green, but turn brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow in autumn. In either case, the underbelly is reddish-brown – and in the winter the Quercic Dragon turns that color completely. The creature has human-like eyes that can be brown, blue, green, or gray. The branched horns atop their stag-like heads are glittering ivory, as are their claws. Unlike other types of Summerland Dragons, the sharp tips of the horns point forward. Two long fangs also extend downwards from the creature’s mouth when it is closed. Under its chin is a beard of golden hair. The Dragon’s ears are long and pointed. In all seasons, the creature’s wings are spotted with metallic gold. The Dragon’s legs are stag-like, and always a lighter shade than the body. Quercic Dragons also take the forms of armor-clad Humans and Elves, wearing red cloaks, and crowned with oak leaves and acorns. Their two other usual forms are that of a golden eagle, or a majestic stag (or doe).

Quercic Dragons are generally honest and direct in their speech. They expect to be treated with due respect, but will return courtesy with courtesy. Above all, they will not abide lies and deception. Their natural homes are the deep forests of the Summerland, but they sometimes come to Panzoasia to protect the balance of Nature, and those aligned with the forces of harmonious Neutrality. The thus freely associate with Druids, those sylvan creatures descended from the Fairies of the Summerland, and all manner of natural beasts. They will tolerate the company of any Panzoasian Dragon that does not despoil their environment, but have antipathy for the deliberately deceptive Corylic Dragons of the Summerland.

In the Summerland, Quercic Dragons nest in bowers formed from enormous trees whose trunks have been trained to grow together into vaulted canopies. In Panzoasia, however, they will lair and keep their treasure in castles, where they spend most of their time in Human or Elven form. Such castles will always be built to blend harmoniously with the landscape. Their hoard always include a magical weapon, and some kind of magical armor – both of which they will wear and employ. The Dragons grow rare and valuable medical plants in their castle gardens, which they use to heal local animals, and Neutrally-aligned people living in harmony with the forest. Note that Quercic Dragons are Neutral, not Good – they care only about the welfare of Nature, and those devoted to Nature. Quercic Dragons do not consider themselves bound to help starving urban children, for example. Nor will they stop a predator from killing what they need to eat.

Fighting the Quercic Dragon
Quercic Dragons only attack first if they see someone despoiling Nature, or engaged in unwarranted aggression towards a Neutrally-aligned being. They prefer to fight in a shape appropriate to their opponents – Human or Elf form for humanoid foes, stag or eagle form if they must cull a mad beast, or full draconic form when they are forced to fight a monster. As previously noted, in Human or Elf form they will always use a magical weapon of some kind, and wear Magical Armor. When they dressed in such protection, their Armor Class is improved only by the “plus” rating of the item. For example, a Quercic Dragon fighting in Chainmail +3 has an Armor Class 13 points better than Unarmored, rather than 10.

Corylic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (30’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 17
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 4 x human speed
Armor Class: 9 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 9
Attacks & Damage (in front):
Bite 3d8, or Oneiric Breath
Claw 1d8
Claw 1d8
Attacks & Damage (sides and behind):
Tail Whip 1d6
Special:
* Oneiric Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or mentally re-experience a previous night’s dream, becoming unable to effectively deal with the real world for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Nightingale, Toad, or Hazel Tree at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 9h Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 9
Treasure: Coins, art objects, books, and jewels worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1d6 potions and 1 Magic Wand.
Challenge: Four 11th Level Characters

Corylic Dragons in their natural form are sinewy creatures about 30 feet long, with scales that resemble the leaves of a hazel tree. Their snouts are distinctly wedge-like, coming to a sharp point. Their extremely flexible tails are long, thin, and often contorted into odd corkscrew shapes. Their wings have peculiar, feathery edges that resemble the husk around a hazelnut. Like hazel foliage, Corylic Dragons are usually green, but their scales turn yellow in autumnal environments. Some have dark purple scales instead – but all Corylic Dragons turn brown in winter. The eyes of a Corylic Dragon change colors in the light, alternating from green to brown. The creature’s forked horns are pale, glittery yellow, as are its claws. In addition to their natural form, Corylic Dragons often assume the shape of black-robed Humans and Elves, crowned with Corylic leaves and catkins. Their other possible forms include nightingales, toads, and hazel trees.

Corylic Dragons delight in mystification. They will never directly state what they can instead imply, and fill their speech with poetic allusions. They are collectors of secrets, and are willing to pay to learn some bit of otherwise unknown information. Those who try to learn secrets from a Corylic Dragon, however, must be prepared to piece together the truth from numerous hints, insinuations, and metaphors.

Corylic Dragons naturally live in the forests of the Summerland, but sometimes visit Panzoasia in search of new secrets. There they will freely associate with witches, sorcerers, and Druids of dark inclination. They actually get along well with the Green Dragons native to Panzoasia. They do not like the blunt honestly of the Summerland’s Quercic Dragons, however.

Corylic Dragons love silver, and stones which are opalescent or mottled in color. They will usually have a library in their lair, filled with strange and obscure works. Additionally, a Corylic Dragon always possesses a magic wand of some kind, which they are fond of using. They keep their treasures in underground vaults, the entrances to which are often disguised by cottages of the type that might be inhabited by rural hedge witches.

Fighting the Corylic Dragon
A Corylic Dragon will always begin a fight with either a magic spell, or the effect from its wand. Secondarily, they will use the yellow fumes of their Oneiric Breath to incapacitate attackers. Physical attacks are used only when necessary. Corylic Dragons are almost never wantonly destructive, but they show aggressors no mercy.

The Summerland Dragons, Part II – Lotosic and Orchidic

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Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Presenting two more examples of the Summerland Dragons. These time we feature rival breeds that both prefer the warmer climes of Panzoasia‘s Ultimate South and East.

See the first post in this series to learn more about these unique creatures.

Lotosic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (40’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Average
Intelligence: 18
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3.5 x human speed
Swim 1.5 x human speed
Armor Class: 8 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 8
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d6, or Soporific Breath
Claw 1d6
Claw 1d6
Special:
* Soporific Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or fall asleep for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Frog, Dragonfly, or Lotus Plant.
* Breath Water or Air.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerate 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as an 8h Level Cleric.
Saves: As Cleric 8
Treasure: Art objects, rare books, gems, crystals, and exotic plants worth approximately 20,000gp, plus 1d6 Magic Scrolls and 1d4 other Magic Items (1 of which will be intended for Clerical use).
Challenge: Four 10th Level Characters

A Lotosic Dragon’s natural form is a thin, serpentine creature about 40 feet long, with a body covered in purple-edged pink scales that resemble the petals of a lotus flower. The legs, however, are bluish-green. Their wings are dark purple, resemble the fins of a betta fish, and are also used for swimming. Several drooping, tendril-like whiskers hang from their catfish-like face, and their eyes resemble sapphires. Their antler-like horns resemble green brass, as do their claws and teeth. They also take the shape of white-haired Humans or Elves, dressed in pink robes, and crowned with lotus flowers. They can disguise themselves as frogs and dragonflies as well.

Lotosic Dragons are philosophical and learned creatures, possessing Wisdom Scores of 18 in Human terms. Lotosic Dragons collect philosophies as much as any other treasure. A visitor willing to debate the Dragon will earn their respect – one who can actually win a philosophical debate will be treated as an honored guest in the Dragon’s lair from then on. Lotosic Dragons often leave their homes in the swamps and waterways of the Summerland, and travel to the warmer areas of Panzoasia in search of new perspectives on reality. There they freely associate with Nagas, Mystics, sages, scholars, and open-minded Clerics willing to freely exchange ideas. While Lotosic Dragons enjoy the company of Panzoasian Gold Dragons, they have antipathy for the hedonistic Orchidic Dragons of their homeland.

Lotosic Dragons love to swim and spend time underwater, but they always maintain dry, temple-like lairs for their treasures. They love statues, especially ones depicting creature of the water. They will always have a store of scrolls – some inscribed with exotic philosophical treatises, and others with magic spells. Every Lotosic Dragon also owns some kind of magic item of a Clerical nature, such as a Snake Staff, which they will employ in their own defense.

Fighting the Lotosic Dragon
A Lotosic Dragon does not like to fight, and will always seek to end hostilities if possible. If forced into combat, however, it will first try to use the pink vapors of its Soporific Breath. If its would-be opponents have all been put to sleep, the Dragon will change into human form and bind the aggressors. Combatants so bound will be treated to a thorough lecture on the absurdity of pointless violence, and imprisoned for a month in the Dragon’s lair – every day of which they must listen to another extremely long monologue on the value of living in harmony with one’s fellow creatures. Combatants who foil the Dragon’s plan for their enlightenment will be subjected primarily to magical attacks, unless the creature is forced into close quarters where it must bite and claw.

Orchidic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1 (In Panzoasia , an Orchidic Dragon has a 75% chance of being accompanied by 2d6 enthralled people and humanoids, and a 50% chance of being served by 6d6 Lizard Man worshipers.)
Size: Large (30’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Average
Intelligence: 17
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3.5 x human speed
Armor Class: 8 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 9
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d6, or Intoxicating Breath
Claw 1d6
Claw 1d6
Special:
* Intoxicating Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or become so overcome with the intoxicating smell that they are unable to attack, defend, or otherwise think clearly for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Cobra, Butterfly, or Orchid.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Cast Spells as a 9th Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 9
Treasure: Art objects, gems, crystals, and rare plants worth approximately 30,000gp, plus 1d6 Magic Items.
Challenge: Four 11th Level Characters

An Orchidic Dragon in its natural form is strikingly beautiful, and emits a wonderful perfume that can be detected from 300 feet away. The scales on its serpentine body resemble the petals of a jungle orchid, darkest purple shading to almost pink at the edges. The underbelly is intense blue-green. The wings seem to flow out of the body, and are mottled purple and white. Intricate, petal-like frills frame the face. The thin, turquoise horns resemble curling tendrils, and glitter in the light. The Dragon’s eyes are emerald green. The inside of its mouth is magenta, and the creature’s bright pink tongue is long and serpent-like. A soft dorsal fin of purplish-red runs along the back, from the creature’s head, to midway along the tail. The tail itself flattens into similar purple-red fins, oriented laterally. Flower-like fins of dark purple project from the Dragon’s legs and forearms. In addition to its draconic form, the creature can appear as a Human or Elf dressed in purple, and crowned with orchids. It can also assume the shape of a cobra, or large and colorful butterfly.

Orchidic Dragons are selfishly hedonistic beings, who conceive of no higher goal than their own pleasure. They will preach their philosophy of pure self-indulgence to all who will listen – and those who don’t are apt to be dosed with the creature’s Intoxicating Breath! They inhabit the colorful jungles of the Summerland, but often come to Panzoasia ins search of new experiences. There they tend to attract small cults of people (and humanoids) addicted to the effects of the Dragon’s breath. Such cultists are also magically Charmed as a safeguard to maintain their compliance. Often, Orchidic Dragons are also served by tribes of Lizard Men, who voluntarily worship the creature as a god. It is possible for the same Orchidic Dragon to both have addicted cultists, and Lizard Man worshipers, living as a joined community. Of course, Orchidic Dragons give not a single thought to questions of Good, Evil, Law, Chaos, or anything besides their own amusement. They are far too selfish to tolerate the company of any other Dragon type, and especially despise the philosophical Lotosic Dragons.

In the Summerland, Orchidic Dragons store their treasure in glittering caverns, but in Panzoasia they prefer to make their lairs in abandoned jungle ruins. They love art of all kinds – especially if it depicts themselves! They have a particular fascination with sculptures carved from large gemstones. They also collect rare plants, especially those which have intoxicating qualities. Additionally, every Orchidic Dragon hoard will include at least one magic item, that the creature always carries when in human form.

Fighting the Orchidic Dragon
An Orchidic Dragon’s first attack is always its Intoxicating Breath, since the creature enjoys watching the effect the purple fumes have on other beings. Next, it usually attempt to magically Charm would-be combatants, so it may add them to its cult of attendants. Cultists and Lizard Man worshipers already in the Dragon’s thrall will then be sent to fight any remaining belligerents. Only if attackers make their way through its followers will the Orchidic Dragon itself physically attack – but once it does so, it luxuriates in the sight and taste of its enemies’ blood. The Dragon will eat its fill of any slain, and thereafter give the remaining meat to its surviving cult members to consume.

Orchidic Dragon Cults
Roll 2d6 times on the following table to find the composition of the Dragon’s cult. Note that the cult can be composed of species normally hostile to each other – a fact that the Dragon will cynically point to as evidence that it alone can bring true peace and harmony to the world!

d20	This cultist is a
1 – 5	Human
6 – 9	Elf
10	Gnome
11	Dwarf
12 – 13	Halfling
14	Goblin
15	Kobold
16	Hobgoblin
17	Orc
18	Gnoll
19	Ogre
20	Troll

Any Lizard Man worshipers of an Orchidic Dragon will themselves be of the brilliantly colored variety– it does not accept the service of those who are simply drab green or brown.

The Summerland Dragons, Part I – Trefolic and Urtician

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Adventure Game, B/X, BECMI, Creature, dragon, old school, OSR, RC, role playing, role-playing game, roleplaying game, TTRPG

Like all Dragons inhabiting Panzoasia and the Corners of the Earth (besides the primordial Fire-Breathing and Serpentine breeds), those of the Summerland are descended from the uplifted Dragon of the Terrestrial Paradise. In the case of the Summerland Dragons, their ancestors were female Fairies who mated with the Dragon after its expulsion from Paradise. Their offspring were permitted to dwell in the Summerland by the Lord and Lady of Life, who bore no ill-will towards the Dragon for having been the agent of the First Person’s division into the Five Peoples.

The Summerland Dragon notably share characteristics with certain plants and trees. Although they are often smaller than other kinds of Dragon, they are powerfully magical beings. Each can speak, read, and write every language in existence, and every one is an accomplished spellcaster of some kind. All have several alternate forms that they can assume at will. As natives of the Summerland, they are all true Neutral in Alignment, but while some embody Nature’s harmony, others tend to evidence its darker side of violence and predation.

Summerland Dragons do not pass through all the age categories of other dragons. They are effectively immortal unless killed, and each is born a fully formed adult. Like all Dragons they are sequentially hermaphroditic (passing through alternately male and female phases), but they don’t ordinarily reproduce in the expected way. If one is slain through misadventure, a plant of the appropriate type will spring up overnight on the site where the dragon died. Over the course of a week the plant will transform into a new adult Dragon of the same type. The new Dragon will not remember anything of its previous life, however. The total population of Summerland Dragon thus remains constant. Summerland Dragons who mate with other beings, however, (which they often do when in their alternate forms) can either father, or become pregnant with, half-draconic offspring (according to the Dragon’s current gender).

Many of the Summerland Dragons change colors with the seasons. Notably, most of the Isles of the Summerland experience a single perpetual season (which is generally – but not always – summer), and thus the Dragons who live there remain a single hue. However, certain breeds who choose to live in Panzoasia (particularly the Quercic and Corylic Dragons) will show different colors throughout the year.

The Breath Weapons of Summerland Dragons are also unique. Rather than damage their victims, each incapacitates them in some way instead. Whether an affected person should consider this a blessing, or an especially cruel curse, however, varies from breed to breed. Significantly, Summerland Dragons are immune both to each other’s Breath Weapons, and those of Panzoasian Dragons – who are in turn cannot be incapacitated by a Summerland Dragon.

All Summerland Dragon know how to travel the secret Fairy Paths. They can walk, fly, or swim back to the Summerland from Panzoasia, or any Corner of the Earth (Shadowland, the Chthon, etc.), in 10 minutes. Likewise, from the Summerland they can reach any other Corner of the Earth by traveling for 10 minutes. Travel within Panozaosia (or a a Corner of the Earth) is accomplished normally – unless the Dragon chooses to travel back to the Summerland, and from there to someplace else.

Like other Dragons, Summerland Dragons can consume anything organic, but can also live on dirt or mud if need be. Their connection with the world of growing things allows them to regenerate 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.

Trefolic Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (15’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: Low
Intelligence: 12
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3 x human speed
Armor Class: 6 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 6
Attacks & Damage:
Bite 3d4, or Indolent Breath
Claw 1d4
Claw 1d4
Special:
* Indolent Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or completely lose interest in attacking, defending, or pursuing any useful activity for 2d4 minutes.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Bee, Rabbit, or a 10’ x 10’ Clover Patch at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 6th Level Cleric.
Saves: As Cleric 6
Treasure: Rare minerals, nuggets of precious metal, uncut gems, crystals, wood-carvings, and finely-crafted toys worth approximately 8,000gp, plus 1d6 potions, and 1 random Magic Item.
Challenge: Four 7th Level Characters

In their natural forms, Trefolic Dragons are small, pot-bellied dragons about 15 feet long, with scales that are similar to leaves of green clover. The snouts of their dog-like heads are rounded, and relatively short for Dragons. Their large eyes are milky white, and there are arcs of white coloration in the webbing of their wings. Their short, bud-like horns are glittery white. In the winter, a Trefolic Dragon’s scales turn brown. These creatures are also fond of appearing as Human or Elven children, dressed in green clothes, and crowned with blooming clover. In addition, they can assume the shapes of bees, rabbits, or even clover patches!

Trefolic Dragons are the most playful and good-natured of the Summerland Dragons, but greatly resent any attempt to draw them away from their frolicking. Their natural habitats are the rolling fields of the Summerland Isles, but they are known to make their way to Panzoasia from time to time, for no purpose beyond the sheer enjoyment of travel. Besides Fairy Folk, they love the company of Fool Hares, humorous Gnomes, and the various animals of the open meadow. They do not get along, however, with the Urtician Dragons of the Summerland.

Trefolic Dragons are especial collectors of toys, and visitors who bring the creatures new, interesting, or especially well-crafted toys will earn their favor. They otherwise prefer natural, uncut gems and minerals, as well as rustic carvings of rare woods. They keep their treasures well-hidden in natural caves and burrows.

Fighting the Trefolic Dragon
Trefolic Dragons fight to kill only when attacked first. Their first defense is always to release the fumes of their Indolent Breath, a 30 foot cloud of green vapors. If all the targets become stupefied, the Trefolic Dragon will usually try to flee the scene. Those who annoy the Dragon by interrupting its playtime will be treated similarly. If cornered or otherwise forced to engage in combat, the Dragon will rely on its magic first, resorting to bite and claw attacks only as a last resort. Generally, the Trefolic Dragon avoids killing and violence whenever possible, and will ask attackers to “please stop”. However, it has no qualms about eating the bodies of those who persisted – and lost!

Urtician Dragon

Number Appearing: 1
Size: Large (15’ long)
Alignment: Neutral
Morale: High
Intelligence: 12
Move: Walk 1.5 x human speed
Fly 3 x human speed
Armor Class: 7 better than unarmored.
Hit Dice: 7
Attacks & Damage (front):
Bite 3d4, or Agonizing Breath
Claw 1d4
Claw 1d4
Attacks & Damage (back and sides):
Wing slash (on right) 1d4
Wing slash (on left) 1d4
Tail Slap 1d4 (+ Save versus Dexterity, or suffer effects of Stinging Spines. See below.)
Special:
* Agonizing Breath (3 x per day): All within a 30’ x 30’ cloud in front of the Dragon must Save versus Breath Weapon or experience a burning pain that fully incapacitates them for 2d4 minutes.
* Stinging Spines: Unarmed attacks on the Dragon cause the attacker to Save versus Paralysis or suffer 1d4 points of temporary Dexterity damage, which heals back the next morning.
* Can assume the form of a Human, Elf, Wasp, Viper, or Nettle Plant at will.
* Speaks and reads all languages.
* Regenerates 1 hp per Round when in contact with soil or water.
* Immune to Dragon Breath of all kinds.
* Can travel to and from the Summerland in 10 minutes.
* Casts Spells as a 7th Level Magic User.
Saves: As Magic User 7
Treasure: Rare minerals, torture instruments, nuggets of precious metal, uncut gems, and crystals worth approximately 12,000gp, plus 1d4 potions, and 1 magical weapon.
Challenge: Four 9th Level Characters

The natural form of the Urtician Dragon is slender and sharp-featured. The creature’s scales resemble the leaves of a stinging nettle, and are covered with similar spiny hairs. The creature’s eyes are red. Its horns are straight and spine-like, as are its teeth. A saw-like ridge runs down the Dragon’s back, to the tip of its spiny tail. The “fingers” of the creature’s wings end in long, sharp points, and the webbing between them is purple. In winter, the Dragon’s hide turns completely gray. The inside of its mouth is always dark purple, however, as is its tongue.

Urtician Dragons are louts that see themselves as the embodiments of Nature’s callousnesss – and act appropriately. They are fond of insulting and provoking other beings, just to see what will happen. While their behavior thus tends towards malevolence, they also see their own actions in terms of a harmonious totality of being that includes the counterbalance of mercy – just, not from themselves. They have even been known to remind people being eaten alive that “its nothing personal”! When in Panzoasia, they freely associate with bandits, outlaws, assassins, and most other draconic beings. However, they despise the happy-go-lucky Trefolic Dragons from their Summerland home.

Whether in the Summerland or Panzoasia, Urtician Dragons fill their lairs with traps and snares. They prefer to dwell in ruins, especially those that were destroyed by fire. They collect instruments of torture, particularly if such have been artistically wrought. Their hoards also always include at least one magical weapon – kept as a curiosity, since they prefer to attack in in their natural draconic form.

Fighting the Urtician Dragon
Urtician Dragons attack mercilessly, and often without provocation. They will begin combats by breathing out the green fumes of their Agonizing Breath. Next they will savage their opponents with every physical attack they have. If the fight turns against them, then they will seek to retreat and use magic spells (such as Lightning Bolt) from a distance.