CHAPTER 4
DRAGONDESCENDED
deadly rage. These dark tendencies are more common in Death the progeny of evil dragons, but the possessive nature of A dragon’s life span is truly remarkable—it can live a milall dragons manifests itself to some degree in love. As a lennium or longer, and even at the end of its life transform result, the best mate for a half-dragon is usually another into a permanent part of the land or become ascendant and immortal. Half-dragons usually share the heritage of half-dragon or a crossbreed creature with a similarly lonely a less long-lived race and so might endure no more than a background. The two cling to one another with a fierceness few centuries. Still, they are granted far more time than difficult for others to understand. Very rarely, a half-dragon enters a romantic relationship most, and those born of a dragon–elf union can challenge with a true dragon. Other dragons look on such couplings ancient wyrms for longevity. Most half-dragons covet life as they do so many things. with distaste, as further muddying of bloodlines, so the They often seek ways to prolong life by magical means. lovers must share an isolated existence. Roleplaying Application: What is your character’s expeSome explore dark paths that lead to undeath or even worse, rience with love? Was he isolated from birth, or accepted such as grafting fiendish spirits to themselves. Others seek to some degree in his society? Has he ever had his heart an apotheosis to make them true dragons at last. They do broken? Can he ever trust another individual enough to not risk their lives needlessly, but the quest for immortality love truly? Is he the type who worships a beloved in the is worth taking the chance. tradition of courtly love, or is he consumed with possesSome half-dragons find the burden of a half-breed siveness and jealousy? existence more than they can bear. They indulge in lonely, sad thoughts of death that often take the form of fantasies in which a grieving community finally realizes the halfHalf-Dragons at War dragon’s true worth. Suicide is not a seriously considered Being apart from the society into which they are born, option, though. half-dragons do not often become involved in the martial Such afflicted creatures might turn their black moods traditions of that society. Sometimes this state of affairs to creating supremely mournful works of art or music. is simply due to bigotry and distrust. The community is Others might set out on dangerous journeys, hoping for unwilling to train such a dangerous monster in even more reward but not caring much if they do not return. A few lethal techniques. Other times, a half-dragon is too deeply immersed in arcane study to learn military arts. Mostly, seek to renounce their dragon heritage entirely, becoming half-dragons feel no sense of duty to a community that has wholly humanoid and, they hope, finding acceptance at the cost of a shorter life. rejected them. Much as dragons do, they fight only when In either case, half-dragons do not usually share the its suits their purposes or in defense of their property. religious outlook of humanoids. Racial deities in particuHalf-dragons do have formidable natural armament lar offer no sense of belonging. Nor do dragon deities, in the form of teeth, claws, and a breath weapon. Those other than Io, hold much meaning for these misfits. A with wings are capable of swift and maneuverable flight, half-dragon makes his own religious choice based on his sometimes taking feats, such as Flyby Attack or Hover, experience and the color of his soul, and his thoughts on that enhance their aerial combat abilities. the afterlife reflect that choice. Most half-dragons try to stay at a distance and dispatch a threat with breath weapon or spells. If hand-to-hand fighting is unavoidable, a half-dragon’s vitality, strength, DRACONIC CHARACTERS and ferocity make him a redoubtable opponent. Draconic characters are tougher, stronger, and more selfIn a very few cases, a half-dragon takes on a position confident than those who do not have dragon blood. Many of great authority. For instance, cultures that value brute exploit these advantages to the fullest. strength in their leaders might elevate half-dragons to war chiefs, sending them on the most dangerous and potentially Leisure most rewarding missions. Such beings are fully aware they Draconic characters don’t live much longer than their ordiare seen as expendable, but they channel their anger at such nary kin, even though their draconic stamina gives them a better chance of surviving to old age. Thus, they do not treatment into furious battle and bringing back prodigious focus on long-term activities as much as half-dragons. spoils. Having proven their prowess at war and leadership, A draconic creature’s interests are often colored by the such half-dragons advance rapidly in the hierarchy of their people. nature of her dragon ancestor. Thus, a descendant of a lung Most half-dragons never become part of an army or dragon (from Oriental Adventures) has a philosophical bent even a ragtag warband. They either make their own way and might be scholarly or interested in art. Someone with and fight their own battles or join a band of like-minded green dragon blood tends to be aggressive, interested in outcasts to turn their talents to lucrative challenges. boxing or other contact sports. The scion of a brass dragon Roleplaying Application: What is your character’s can happily spend hours in conversation. attitude toward organized warfare? Did the society in Sharp claws make it difficult to pursue activities that which he was raised treat him as an equal, as a traitor, or require fine manipulation. Draconic pastimes therefore as an expendable? Does he have any military experience? tend to those focusing on physical strength and endurance. Does he desire a leadership position? Is he interested in A draconic creature might be a champion long-distance fighting only for himself, or is there a greater cause for runner, for example. which he might lay down his life?
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