The Summerland Dragons, Part III – Quercic and Corylic

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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.

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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.

Picturing the Bogeymen of Panzoasia

Tags

B/X, BECMI, bogeyman, Fantasy Campaign, humanoids, illustration, OGL, old school, old school renaissance, old school revival, OSR, RC

Here are some illustrations of various “humanoid” species in my Panzoasia fantasy campaign. My Orcs are boar-headed, my Kobolds are Old-School dog-lizard-rat things, and my Ogres are dumb brutes with a distant kinship to Orcs. I conceive of the Goblinoids as nightmarish creatures with distinctly bat-like features. As for the Trolls, I portray them as somewhat more human-like than the standard in classic Old-School rpgs. In the Ultimate West of Panzoasia, all these beings are encompassed by the term “Bogeymen”.

 

The Planetary Abodes Above Panzoasia

Tags

B/X, Campaign Setting, old school, rpg, science-fiction, scifi

And now, a little “blacklight poster” inspired, space fantasy. Because Panzoasia is meant to be an an easily-approached, all-ages setting, I’ve tried to strike a balance here between the wondrous and the inaccessibly weird. There are naturally nods to some classic tropes of pulp sci-fi.

In the present of Panzoasia, no race of the solar system knows how to build large rockets, and only the light beings of the Sun can travel from planet to planet without magic. Three hundred years into the future, however…

The Planetary Abodes at a Glance

1. A visitor from Earth observing the sky above Panzoasia would see what appears to be the same Sun, Moon, stars, and planets as in the northern hemisphere of the world they know. Although they seem to be identical, and occupy the same positions, the Planetary Abodes of Panzoasia are more fantastical than their mundane counterparts.
2. The Sun of Panzoasia is inhabited by super-intelligent beings of living light who dwell in palaces made of solid force, and who can freely ride sunbeams to and from their home. They communicate with each other by altering their brightness, temperature, and color.
3. The Moon of Panzoasia is dotted with jeweled cities, and gardens of mineral flowers, made by an insectoid race of living crystal.
4. The Red Planet (mundane Mars) is a harsh world where deserts alternate with areas of hardy vegetation that is red in color, rather than green. The Red Planet is dominated by a hermaphroditic race of short, reptilian humanoids with extremely large eyes.
5. The Opaline Planet (mundane Mercury) has a thick atmosphere of swirling, multicolored clouds wherein float inhabited islands of fluorescent rock. Its four-armed and four-eyed people possess strikingly-colored wings with which they fly from island to island.
6. The Blue Planet (mundane Jupiter) is an ocean world with no continents, only scattered islands. Luminescent jellyfish with strange mental powers are the dominant race.
7. The Green Planet (mundane Venus) is covered by fragrant jungles filled with plants that are both beautiful and carnivorous. Three main races dwell there: the colorful bird-folk who live atop the trees, the flower-headed plant people who live on the ground, and the three-eyed walking serpents who inhabit subterranean cities.
8.  The Adumbral Planet (mundane Saturn) is so cold that its surface is inhabited only by terrible, semi-organic abominations. Below the surface is a network of tunnels filled with steam-powered machinery built by hairy dwarfs with twisted and evil minds.
9.  Each Planetary Abode is also a conduit for energy flowing from one of the Perfect Celestial Spheres ruled by the Lord and Lady of Destiny. The positions of the celestial bodies are therefore studied by astrologers hoping to discern the intended fates of mortal beings.
10. A Tezacan astronomer has recently invented a magical lens that can transform travelers into light, and project them to and from the Planetary Abodes. The lens is mounted within a 30 foot long tube mounted atop a pyramid in the city of Huizalatl. Wizards in Corthis and Hian are experimenting with similar devices.