Periodic Table of Dragons

A short /tg/ thread asking about the nature of draconic colors lead to a discussion about metallic dragons, and all the various metals on the periodic table of elements. Glorious writing and drawing results.

Periodic Table

Basic In-Universe Rules/Stuff

World General

• The world is inhabited by the typical D&D races, humans, elves, and orcs have all been mentioned. Others may exist, but we haven't tried to incorporate them yet.
• Dragons and other races can use magic.
• Magic is limited in general, it doesn't allow the full range of D&D reality warping.
• All magic in this setting works through symbology. You use a rune as a focus for your spell and activate it by feeding mana into it, which requires physical contact (this is a replacement for the idea of using magic words to activate the runes). The amount of mana needed directly relates to the size of the rune, so bigger spells take more mo-jo to make go-go.
  • Powerful or large-scale spells use more complex and big runes, placing a limit on the practicality of magic. Yes, with the appropriate knowledge, you might cast a spell that liquifies a whole city. Good luck carving a rune the size of a football field unnoticed in the city, though.
• In general, an Elemental Dragon doesn't go through Age Categories as do D&D dragons. Whatever it is born as is how it is, and it becomes more intelligent and more cunning over time, rather than unlocking new abilities all of a sudden.
  • Carbons are a notable exception to this, as they mature, they become SIGNIFICANTLY smaller, tougher, more intelligent, and more dangerous, taking on a diamondlike characteristic.

Magic General

• Magic can be used by anyone, but some have more affinity for it than others, like math
• Magic comes from living creatures as mana
• Magic is channeled through runes of varying complexity, simple effects require simple runes
  • Spell runes are from a large alphabet of sorts, with modifier lines, dots, and curves that change the effect, and more powerful spells could actually be words or sentences from the alphabet as well as just bigger runes.
    • This alphabet would be written from the center, so that size and space are still the main concern.
    • A letter has different effects depending on the positioning of a letter within the rune, so you can get multiple effects from the same combination
• The larger a rune, the more powerful it is, so vaporizing a city is possible, but it would take a rune several hundred feet across to accomplish
  • The more powerful a rune, the more safeties are required so you don't accidentally fry yourself with the back blast from that fireball, which in turn requires more mana.
• Larger runes require more mana, think of each rune as a carving to fill with water, more water is needed to fill a larger rune, but not necessarily a complex one.
• You can use multiple runes at once, but they fill at 1/(number of runes) the rate.

Wizards

• Wizards are organized into Tiers, higher Tiers have more mana and can use more complex runes.
  • Rank is determined by a combination of mana pool size, mana expenditure rate, and mastery of the language.
• Wizards often have to develop their own runes, but some are willing to sell their patterns to others, though they are regarded as slightly odd by other wizards.
• There are Licensed wizards who have passed the local tests and gained access to the area's library, and unlicensed wizards who do not have access, but a license is not required to practice magic, except in certain countries or cities.
  • Gaining a license does not mean free access to all rune patterns available, only those within your Tier and below are available.

Dragon General

There are 3 types of dragon, Metallics which look metallic but aren't necessarily metal, Crystal which cover the non-metallic solids, and Fluid, which cover the gasses. Radiants are any radioactive element and are a subtype of any of the above. Nobles are a subtype of Fluid, though many uneducated people use the terms interchangeably.

• Fluid dragons live in cold climates exclusively, they cannot survive in non-arctic regions.
• Metallic dragons live in all non-polar regions, barring those that cannot tolerate water or sunlight.
• Crystalline dragons have the broadest range of habitation, ranging everywhere the Metallics do, and somewhat into the polar climates.
• Radiant dragons are dangerous beasts, deadly to be around and exceptionally powerful by and large. The more radioactive the element, and the shorter the half-life, generally the more mentally unstable and shorter-lived the dragon is. Francium is the most extreme case.
• Elements more massive than Plutonium are exceptionally rare, and are essentially mythological. If one did appear, it would be part of the setting, like describing a Primarch, not something that people would homebrew their very own Nobelium dragon to play with.
• Runic dragons exist, taking great pains to etch spells into their scales, and are exceptionally powerful, though it takes them a thousand years or more to achieve this. They are not innately magic beyond what allows their Elemental bodies to exist, and in this regard they are different from D&D dragons, for whom magic runs in their blood.
  • A scale's lifespan depends on the breed and age of the dragon, but a spelled scale will last 3 times the duration of a normal one
• Elemental dragons have to EARN their wizard skills, and have to learn them from the younger races, since draconic wizards are loathe to let other dragons "skip the work" so to speak.

Runic Dragons

Dragons can do magic the "normal" way, but it's embarrassing and inconvenient to be a dragon caster that needs a spellbook.

• Dragons with exceptionally hard scales have a hard time carving spellrunes into their scales. Thus, wizardry is less common among their species. (Run like hell from a Diamond with spells.)
• It's difficult for a dragon to carve a spell into his own scales, so paying someone to do it (a common service in the scale trade) for you is the norm.
• Naturally, dragons shed their scales. Rune-carved scales are eventually shed, but they take 3 times longer. A dragon has to replace the lost rune when such a scale is shed before they can use that spell again.
• Runic dragons usually don't help other dragons become Runics. They don't share the knowledge of their runes, nor do they lightly offer to carve a rune for another dragon. The philosophy is "Earn it to learn it".

Alloys and Breeding

• Alloys can be produced through breeding
  • Alloys will not breed true, instead producing one of the elements present in the mating, use Mendelian genetics square
• A dragon can eat another dragon or dragon's scales to gain an alloy's properties, but this is temporary
  • More mass consumed = longer duration
  • A dragon can eat a born-Alloy or a Pure and gain its properties, but can only 'hold' three elements including their own. Ex: Iron + Carbon/Chromium = stainless steel, but eating another dragon will cause the previous elements to "drop".
    • Some Alloys cannot be done (Au+any Hg-containing alloy for example) and result in either weakening or death.
    • Elements that do not react will not form an alloy.
  • Eating the scales or body of a dragon that ate another dragon will only confer the element that was the original element, not the element of the dragon they ate.

• Combinations of Metallic and Fluid dragons never end well, because the two species are incompatible. The Metallic dragons burn the Fluid dragons, and the Fluid dragons cool and shatter the Metallics. This is to prevent having to describe the insanely huge range of chemical compounds that might result, and keep the narrative focused on the Elemental Dragons, not their hybrids.

• Fluids cannot eat each other to make compounds because their blood evaporates once outside their bodies, leaving no element for the other dragon to absorb. Also, few Fluids possess teeth strong enough to penetrate flesh.
• Fluids can crossbreed, but the hybrids are universally sterile.

Miscellaneous

• Inuit-type people follow Nitrogen dragons around in the cold, watching to see where their mating frenzies in the snow leave nitrogen in the earth, churned into the soil. (this isn't how nitrogen fixation works IRL, obviously, but it's a reference). Those tribes then use the extra-fertile soil to perform agriculture in the short growing seasons of the polar summer, enabling them to harvest food that's not just seals and whales. This permits some human habitation in Gaseous dragon territory, normally too inhospitable for other forms of life, and these people would be the ones to have the strongest legends and interactions with the gaseous breeds.

Hydrogen 1

Given the distinct characteristics of most of dragon-kind, the existence of Hydrogen dragons is a hotly debated topic among zoologists, some argue that the creatures called Hydrogens are not dragons at all but rather some unusual form of sea serpent or snake. However, until a kind of Hydrogen is found which conforms to the template, those who disagree with the naming of the creatures have little choice but to accept it.

Hydrogen dragons are an unusual breed, the eggs are laid in typhoons during the hurricane season to be spread throughout the ocean. Early in life they are little more than sea serpents, unintelligent and voracious.

Once they reach adolescence they begin to grow extremely quickly, putting on as much as a foot of length in a single day. However, the most unusual thing that happens is that during this growth spurt is that they begin to grow massive amounts of excess skin, enough to cover themselves ten or fifteen times over. During this time their appetite increases to truly legendary proportions; a Hydrogen dragon has been known to eat an entire whale in a single day, and will happily eat the same again the next day. What happens next is a mystery, for they dive deep into the ocean and do not surface again until they are fully grown.

A fully grown Hydrogen dragon is a truly enormous creature, dwarfing all other breeds in terms of volume. However, they are unbelievably light for their size, swimming through the air like a fish through water. Known to follow storm clouds, there are accounts of them deliberately getting struck by lightning, though determining the purpose of this has proven difficult. According to other sources, a Hydrogen deprived of lighting will eventually sink to the earth and will be unable to fly until struck again.

Hydrogens produce a blinding flame which is believed to be used in mating rituals, though these take place inside of storm clouds and are rarely seen anywhere else.

They are notoriously difficult to hunt, given the altitudes they live at, though it is possible to find one that has been downed by bad luck. Even after finding one there is little to gain from them beyond a large amount of extremely tough leather. The gas inside of their hides escapes through the smallest puncture and should it be exposed to a flame a large explosion will result.

If sufficiently startled they will produce a brilliant flame of sufficient force to launch them several hundred meters into the air, though reports of this ability should be considered anecdotal at best.

Helium 2

Helium Dragon

Helium dragons are one of the most unusual of the elemental dragon varieties. For much of history, their existence was totally unknown, as they spend almost all their lives high in the atmosphere to keep themselves at a sufficiently cold temperature. They subsist almost entirely on drifting molecules of organic matter, filtered through their thin, diaphanous skin, and only come to earth to reproduce.

Their bodies are long and slender, with small flotation bladders spaced evenly along its length. Their wings are enormous, shot through with incredible numbers of capillaries filled with a strange fluid, whose unnatural hydraulic properties allow the movement of the gigantic wings with almost no effort. These wings absorb the nutrients they need to survive.

Their eggs are incredibly lightweight, and must be glued to the ground with ice, which the female must constantly refresh to protect the egg. On the ground, helium dragons can only defend themselves with incredible cold, sprayed at the enemy in a jet of their own liquid blood, and they seek the most isolated mountains to brood. Their coloration suspected to be a product of this, as they only descend to earth in the light of dawn or dusk, making their pinkish-orange color a highly effective camouflage.

Heliums have no natural predators, and by and large are totally inaccessible, and totally disinterested in the affairs of the world below. What little is known about them has come from dissecting the rare corpses that survive the fall from the upper atmosphere, and from the vanishingly rare individuals that have spoken to other living creatures besides themselves.

It is known that the auroras are influenced by the Helium dragons, and they may use those events as a signal to congregate in huge flotillas to socialize.

Lithium 3

At the far extent of the Metallic dragon family, we observe the Lithium dragon family. The smallest of the true metallics, they are often mistaken for other animals, confused with natives of Mechanicus in particular.

Only about the size of a small child, and not particularly intelligent, the Lithium dragon is nevertheless dangerous, in no small part because of its profligate breeding habits and vast population. To other dragons, they are a nuisance, but to humans, they can be a menace if enraged. Fortunately, the Lithium dragon is the gentlest of the Alkali subfamily.

To smaller creatures like Kobolds and Halflings, their speed makes them deadly, though the Lithium's soft flesh is easy enough to pierce with a spear or sling stone.

They are native to deserts, high mountaintops, and anywhere where there is little moisture. Rain causes their flesh to bubble and sear, and is extremely painful. For this reason, water is the weapon of choice against them.

The Lithium's breath weapon is one of the most distinctive of the metallic species, colored a brilliantly deep red flame. This flame is used in their mating rituals, and males that can breathe the largest and most colorful flames are the most desirable. Unlike the Bismuths, Lithiums are quite territorial, and do not lightly permit outsiders to observe their rituals.

Beryl­lium 4

Beryllium dragons are quite rare, and are highly photosensitive. Small but tough, their skin begins to decompose in the sun, for the radiation of stars is deadly to them. They are highly resistant to the "radiant" metallics, as the energy simply seems to pass through them, unlike the Borons, which absorb and diffuse the radiant energy.

They have no breath weapons of their own, but when threatened, they shed copious amounts of toxic dust from underneath their scales, which cause growths to form in the victim's lungs, choking them to death.

Beryllium dragons are widely sought after as mates by Copper, Aluminum, Iron and Nickel dragons, because their crossbreeds exhibit highly improved scale strength and hardness. As such, the smaller Berylliums are often politically minded dragons, pitting their larger allies against those that would harm them, and forming familial houses dedicated to strategic intermarriage and bloodline management.

A Beryllium dragon can be identified not just by its small size, but by the greenish emerald nodules decorating the length of its spine. On the females, the emeralds are about the size of a man's thumb, but on the males, they can grow to nearly the size of a soda can in the largest and oldest specimens. Used to attract mates, shed scales are also presented as gifts to other dragons and even mortals on occasion.

Beryllium dragons signify marriage by inscribing their names into the male's largest emerald spike, which is then shed and carried with them as long as the relationship lasts.

Boron 5

Many of the larger metallic dragons are deadly not because of their strength or speed, but because they are surrounded by a strange force, akin to heat or a very bright, penetrating light. Simply being near them is enough to kill an unprotected man, and the nations of the Material Plane fear their blessedly rare incursions.

One species of metallic though, barely deserving of the name, is the Boron Dragon. Relatively small, and quite fragile, they are astoundingly swift creatures, with gigantic, gossamer wings disproportionate to their size. High altitude fliers, they can take to the air with nothing more than a slight breeze and a well angled wing. On the ground, they are nimble, seeming to defy gravity as they scamper around with a decidedly un-draconic glee.

These strange dragons were once more common than they are now, because the Material Plane denizens figured out that their bodies could absorb and block that deadly force of the greater Metallics. A great slaughter ensued, hunting the Borons nearly to extinction for their skin and wings, which could forge protective cloaks and armor for an entire human or orc tribe.

The Borons now live in extremely isolated areas, and are profoundly reclusive and distrustful. Gear made from their bodies is a relic now, and fetches astronomical prices.

Entire tribes die each year hunting the remaining beasts, but when a single corpse can buy a mighty town or army, the lust for greed eternally fuels the hunt.

Carbon 6

Carbon dragons are distantly related to the Metallics, though are considered Crystalline by some scholars. Jet black in appearance, with diamond spikes only on their backs, claws, teeth, and the tip tail to reflect light, they are primarily nocturnal creatures. The lenses of their eyes incorporate diamonds as well, collecting and refracting light into the eye more efficiently than human eyes, allowing them to see in the dark.

They are a very common species, inhabiting a diverse range of climates. Ferocious on the attack, they're downright cowardly on the defense because their scales are frail, almost crumbly. Inside, they are one of the few Elemental dragons to have very human-like muscles, but their blood is a dark, strange-smelling liquid. When set alight, it will burn for hours, and is a valued commodity in the Northlands.

The young Carbon's primary means of attack is a fire breath that makes up for in endurance what it loses in heat, as a flammable black fluid they produce can infuse the fire with the ability to stay alight for hours or days. They are also virtually immune to any fire or heat themselves, as it only serves to harden their scales. They often reside in caves beneath the earth or deep in mountains, often near natural lava flows that they drink and bathe from. When they are young, the Carbon dragon has quickly shedding scales that can be used as an effective fuel source, making them highly sought after to be tamed or hunted. As they mature, however, grooming with flame and natural changes leads to a harder coat of scales that shed less frequently. However, once they reach a certain point of crystallization, their flame begins to weaken until it disappears altogether upon becoming a Diamond dragon.

Carbon dragons are remarkably unintelligent, barely more than clever animals, and they adopt a pack mentality in most things, though they are renowned for using their shed scales to make cave images by scrawling black marks on the walls. The meaning of these marks is unclear, but is a favorite topic of discussion among scholars debating the Carbon's status as intelligent beings.

The same cannot be said of the older examples of the species, however. Diamond dragons are considered one of the most dangerous kinds of dragon, having lived through centuries of predation, they are devious fighters and brilliant tacticians, able to outwit any hunter. The only reliable way to beat a Diamond is to enlist both a wizard and a stronger dragon such as a Tungsten or Osmium, and this leaves little in the way of scavengable remains.

Perhaps as a sign of their distance from the true Metallics, Carbons are preyed upon at nearly every opportunity by their larger cousins, who incorporate their essence into their own bodies. However, they breed easily with other species and can even catenate hybrids that normally can not mix, so some of the more far-sighted dragons exhibit a more protective response.

Their bones are composed primarily of a tough, flexible material that has defied investigation. Though poorly suited for use as armor because it is prone to fracturing, Carbon bones are commonly used as handles for maces, due to their light weight. For small projects, they can be used as support beams in buildings. Their wings have a peculiar sheen to them, and are coated in a very thin layer of a flaky material that has excellent heat and electrical conductivity. Despite their small size and relative fragility to physical impact, the Carbon dragon is very skilled at using their wings to deflect and resist both fire and electrical attacks.

Nitrogen 7

Nitrogen dragons were once believed to be two separate species. One form are the pale, almost translucent dragons with a faint purple blue glow that live in extremely cold temperatures. These dragons have fine smooth scales, small horns and claws, and a thin elongated frame, giving them a deceptively weak appearance. While all gas dragons can breathe supercooled liquid as a weapon, only a handful of gas dragons can match the nitrogen for the intensity of the blast, and none can sustain a blast as long as a nitrogen dragon.

More commonly seen are the so-called "Bomb Dragons" who, as the name implies, have such volatile internal processes that when disturbed or damaged, they tend to violently explode. Larger, bulkier almost to the point of being bloated, and generally with a dirty yellow coloration, these dragons are a slightly more common form of Nitrogen dragon, and perhaps uniquely, are commonly found away from the frozen preserves of other gas dragons. Careful study has found that Nitrogen dragons that ingest large quantities of organic matter find their internal chemistry altering, similar to the process of 'alloying' that occurs with other dragons.

The breath weapon of a Nitrogen 'Bomb Dragon' is a projectile globule of a viscous, colorless liquid that violently detonates wherever it impacts. More than one Bomb Dragon has been reported to inadvertently detonate themselves by use of this weapon.

Despite the danger, many consider the Bomb Dragons a good omen. A Bomb Dragon rooting through a field is said to guarantee bumper crops for years to come, and as few other dragons will approach a Bomb Dragon, these volatile and dangerous beasts are viewed as affording a measure of protection to those nearby.

Oxygen 8

Oxygen dragons are amongst the most common as well as the most approachable fluid dragons. Dwelling all along the sides of mountains and in frozen valleys, they make their homes in cold regions similar to other fluid dragons.

Unlike other fluid dragons they are not immediately corrosive to the mortal races, but still a danger to many metallic dragons as their breath and indeed their blood will quickly cause the metallics to rust.

Oxygen dragons are a striking blue color, with the blood that flows through their veins even more so. In fact their bodies are fairly translucent allowing the direct observation of the deep blue blood that runs in their circulatory system. Similar to many of the fluid dragons, they tend to spend most of their time in the air, which is supplemented by 2 sectional wings similar to a butterfly with swirled hues of blue, their slim bodies and 4 slender, spindly limbs that act as legs and manipulators.

Lacking float bladders the oxygen dragons do not climb to extreme altitudes, but they do have two evaporator bladders on their underside that convert some of the blue liquid to gas and force it out at high speeds.

In terms of breathe weapons oxygen dragons are further unique as they have 3 gas sacs on their neck from which different gases are used for different purposes. The first appears to be relatively harmless to the mortal races, but has a profound effect on metals and metallic dragons, the second is even more dangerous to metallics as well as destroying the lungs of any creature nearby, and the third is highly corrosive and destructive to most organic matter and dragons.

Oxygen dragons are commonly of a thinking and calm temperament, and are often willing to trade with mortals for their breath as reagents as well as knowledge they have gained from the air or of other dragons.

Neon 10

Neon dragons are perhaps the most sociable of the "noble" gaseous dragons. Though they are remarkably private about their personal lives, they enjoy interacting with those others who brave the cold to come and speak with them.

Many a polar traveler has seen what looks like a mirage, only to find a Neon dragon family's dwelling, carved from ice and illuminated with beautiful red lamps, whose origin is not told to outsiders.

Inside, the Neon dragons welcome visitors, and enjoy learning of the outside world, though they typically have little to share themselves other than a comfortable bed.

Like most of the "noble" gaseous dragons, the Neons have no breath weapon other than a suffocatingly cold jet of the same liquid pumping through their veins, which chokes people to death even as it freezes them and buffets them with waves of cold, expanding air.

Their bodies are shorter and heavier than the Helium dragons, though similar in overall structure, and their wings are considerably smaller. They enjoy flying, though they are a primarily terrestrial species.

Sodium 11

Sodium dragons are one of the smaller metallic dragons, but not quite on the scale of their Lithium cousins, growing to about the height of an average- sized man and having a little less mass than one. Unmistakable in shaped they grow with hind legs, clawless wings, and frills along their neck that expand when threatened.

These frills allow for sodium dragons to scare potential enemies in an attempt to prevent a fight as they have flesh and scales that barely match the defensive strength of human skin. Though lacking any claws, these dragons have exceptional speed and their lightweight frames allow them to jump and fly exceptionally well turning their powerful hind legs into formidable weapons against small foes.

Sodium dragons can also be identified by their distinctive bright yellow flame and the white powdery coating on their silvery scales. The properties of this white powder and the scales that produce it are sought after by many as cleaning agents and as flux in glass making. However due to the relative difficulty of catching or killing these speedy creatures, the market remains fairly lucrative.

The sodium dragons live in deserts, mountain tops, and other areas with low moisture as do its close relatives as water is caustic to it’s flesh, sometimes to the point of ignition, making water a useful agent for protection, but at the same time an unreliable method for obtaining any salable materials from their bodies.

Magnesium 12

Magnesium dragons are one of the stronger and lighter metallic dragons, silvery-white they produce a remarkably bright white flame, the use of which attracts their family as they usually live quite close to each other and associate the light of their breath weapon with dire situations and danger. So besides a weapon it's an alarm too, immediately calling back-up for the fight.

Most immediate cousins to the magnesium dragon within the metal family are actually quite vulnerable to oxygen, magnesium dragons have a natural immunity negating the alkali weakness though, although it can be temporarily undone by certain spells. Magnesium dragons are quite fearsome, among all dragons they can hold continuous fire the longest, indeed even having trouble stopping and have a mixture of toughness and lightness that's great for high altitude flight.

Magnesium dragons are very similar to aluminum dragons in build and personality can often live near them without conflict.

Aluminum 13

Aluminum dragons are one of the most common of the metallic dragons, and although abundant they are not generally a danger to the mortal races unless provoked. The dragons are slightly larger than a horse and serpentine in nature with a series of vestigial wings along the sides of their bodies that are used as reflective plates to attract mates as well as to control their movement in bodies of water.

Unusual to the metallic dragons, aluminum dragons are not particularly adverse to water and due to their unique physiology are often found living near sources of fresh water. The dragons use this water to produce a low-density gas in a specialized bladder that not only helps them maintain buoyancy, but also can be exhaled and ignited in an orange flame as a breath weapon against intruders.

Aluminum dragons’ vestigial wings and scales, despite being fairly weak as a form of armor due to their softness and flexibility, are found to be quite useful as heat sinks and electrical conductors. This gives the aluminum dragon a natural strength against heat and electric attacks, as well as a product to sell to the mortal races.

An aluminum dragon’s greatest weakness is the touch of a gallium dragon, which immediately poisons their flesh causing it to rot and fall apart. Depending on the location, this can often be quite fatal, especially if the dragon is affected around its gas bladder which in conjuncture with the gallium rot can rupture or even explode due to the pressures within. For this reason aluminum dragons avoid gallium dragons at any cost, sometimes even fleeing their homes at the slightest sign of ones presence.

Silicon 14

Silicon dragons are unusual creatures, having characteristics of both crystal and metal. They are tough and strong, but also lightweight, and have a strange, multifaceted exterior.

Their claws and scales are soft and easily fractured when new, looking almost like transparent glass, but as they age, Silicon dragons consume inordinate amounts of coal, plant matter, and anything else with plenty of carbon in it, including animal life. As they process this material, their scales harden, taking on an extremely hard, sharp outer edge that can cut like a razor and withstand incredible strain. Their claws likewise harden, darken, and can slash through armor with ease.

Underneath their scales are thick, glutinous pseudomuscles made of a rubbery material, which they can flex a little bit to let off heat from underneath, and raise the scales up so their outer edges face predators. In the wild, Silicon dragons flare these scales up both to look larger, and as a mating display. The dark outer edge and the metallic crystal main body make a striking show.

These dragons are very social, forming large groups for protection, and can breathe blasts of fine, glittering powder at their enemies, blinding and choking them.

They fly well, and stand about 14 feet high at the shoulder.

Silicon dragons love glass and glass sculpture, and share an interesting friendship with the Uranium dragons, making and coloring sculptures of inordinate beauty and grace.

Phosphorous 15

Phosphorous dragons are a genetically unstable species, with four common subcategories distinguished by the vibrant colors of their scales. White, Red, Violet, and Black Phosphorous dragons have all been observed in the wild.

White is fairly uncommon, and is characterized, much as Francium dragons are, by mental instability, a volatile temper, and a short lifespan of only a few decades to a century. The Whites breathe a powerful flame, and when struck by edged weapons, will shed a gout of sparks from their hide. In general, it is recommended to use only maces and other blunt weapons when hunting this breed.

Whites are easy to detect, because in the dark, they glow a faint bluish-green.

Reds are more stable than Whites, and their scales are very small and flexible, almost like a snake's. With age, the Reds become Blacks, almost inert and without fire. These are the elders of the species, and can live for millennia.

Violet Phosphorous dragons are only found in close proximity to Lead dragons, and seem to absorb some of the Lead's stability and resilience. This subspecies is genetically distinct from the other Phosphorous dragons, rare and poorly studied.

Sulfur 16

Sulfur dragons live up to their reputation as fiery creatures, often found in and around volcanic vents and fumaroles. Extremely difficult to spot in their native environment, when found elsewhere they have an extremely distinctive yellow hue.

They smell extremely pungent, and are unwelcome in towns or around vegetation, which they kill just by being around. Scrapings of their shed scales provides extremely useful anti-fungal and anti insect powders though, and provide the beasts with valuable trade goods. Ground into the soil, their scales also promote plant growth, and are in demand by farmers everywhere.

When angered, they squeeze water from an internal bladder, mixing it with their essence and forming a profoundly deadly acid, which can strip a man's flesh in minutes. As such, they are extremely hazardous in a fight, for armor means nothing to their liquid fury.

When crossbred with Iron dragons, a hybrid is formed that looks very like a Gold dragon, though it is a sterile, fairly unintelligent creature, much weaker than either parent. However, as might be expected from parents of Iron and Sulfur, when the Pyrite child strikes a claw against its chest, sprays of hot sparks can be formed. Sometimes, when Sulfur dragon scales are ground up and mixed with secret compounds, an explosion occurs from a Pyrite's spark.

Indeed, the Pyrites, despite their lack of intelligence by draconic standards, are the world's first users of guns and gunpowder, using tools to make up for what mother nature didn't give them, and they get along with mortal races far better than most.

Chlorine 17

Chlorine dragons have a distinctive pale yellow green color, and a thin, sinewy frame that gives the impression of hunger or even malnourishment. Like all gas dragons, chlorine dragons prefer colder climates and are relatively fragile. However, chlorine dragons are short lived by draconic standards. This limited lifespan will often drive the Chlorine dragons to take risks that their more stable cousins would not countenance, and as a result they may be found ranging far from their natural habitat.

Chlorine dragons are best known for the exhalations of chlorine gas that their physiologies constantly produce. The Chlorine dragon's breath weapon is a supercooled near-liquid jet of this same dangerous corrosive gas, and is extraordinarily dangerous to dragon and human alike. Many dragons will find themselves corroded or poisoned by the blast, even the normally impervious Gold dragons. This breath weapon is considered particularly insidious, as the gas warms, and diffuses, it will linger near the ground in great choking clouds.

Little else is known about the Chlorine dragons physiology, personality, or temperament, and there are few brave enough to investigate this species further.

Argon 18

Argon dragons are one of the most common gaseous dragons, having a very broad range of habitation. They're somewhat better at tolerating warm temperatures than the other gaseous dragons, and their scales are unusually thick among their fellows.

Unlike Helium and Neon dragons, Argon dragons actually have evolved a true breath weapon, a powerful beam of intensely blue-green light capable of burning, blinding, and killing opponents.

They are a mysterious species on the whole, and do not interact with other races unless forced to.

Potassium 19

Potassium dragons, although quite similar to their lithium and sodium relatives, have some clear distinctions from them. Being one of the lightest metallic dragons by volume, growing to be slightly larger than good sized horse but remaining substantially light, have taken full advantage of this adaptation in the form of flight.

On both their forelimbs and hind limbs, potassium dragons have sets of wings as well as frills adorning its neck, body, and tail being used to maintain stability as well as act like rudders in the air for enhanced maneuverability. Although more clumsy on the ground than its other relatives, its powerful legs allow it to launch into flight from almost any dangerous situation, trading land traversing for skill in the air.

Being so well adapted for flight makes them difficult to kill as they are quite adept at dodging incoming attacks, making them a danger for travelers despite their soft flesh, quickly striking them and then retreating to safety.

Another identifying trait of the potassium dragons are their lilac colored flame breaths, and their extremely valuable scales that can be used in potent fertilizers, explosives, and, in combination with the scales of a bromine dragon, as a powerful sedative.

Like lithium and sodium dragons, water is a danger to them, causing them to live in extremely arid or even desiccated environments. In fact water is an even greater danger to potassium dragons than their brethren, with its touch not only bubbling and burning their flesh, but also violently producing large amounts of highly flammable gas and heat, which can lead to an even more violent combustion.

Calcium 20

Calcium dragons have an ominous reputation among the other races. With a pale, chalky-white coloration and a tendency to hoard the bones of their prey, Calcium dragons held in superstition to be associated with death.

Calcium dragons are covered in scales of the aforementioned chalky white color. Great spikes of bone grow out of the dragon's spine during adolescence, beginning with small ridges on the tail and culminating in a great crest on the head. These growths are prized for their strength and their light weight. Alchemists have discovered that if one spine is damaged or removed by hunters, the dragon is able to regrow it quickly by consuming a portion of their stash of bones.

Incredibly light for their size, Calcium dragons are one of the few species of larger metallics that are capable of regular, long-distance flight. They avoid water, however. Upon contact, their scales begin to heat up and dissolve.

Contrary to the superstitions associated with them, Calcium dragons support a variety of life. Small crustaceans and mollusks have been found to live on the dragon's hide, making themselves at home by shaping its thick scales into shells, alcoves, and coral-like structures.

Scandium 21

Scandium Dragon

Scandium dragons are very rare. They are silvery-white, sometimes tending to yellowish or pinkish. They are very lazy and don't do much of anything at all unless accompanied by aluminum dragons, with whom, for reasons that are not fully understood, they make highly productive partnerships.

Titanium 22

Titanium dragons are one of the physically strongest species of dragons in existence - they are nearly as resistant to chemical-based damage as platinum dragons, their scales are extremely strong, and despite weighing significantly less than the typical iron or steel dragon, they possess just as much strength as most, if not all members of the former, as well as many instances of the latter. They are very resistant to corrosion, and are one of the few species willing to take on Sulfur and Chlorine dragons, though even a Titanium keeps a wary distance from the deadly Fluorines. They are also quite resistant to heat and electricity compared to other types of dragon, though their strength wanes when exposed to very high temperatures for extended periods of time; notably, their scales, normally a silvery grey-white colour, tend to be shed more frequently in hotter environments, and after shedding, fade to white and erode to a powder that is highly sought as a pigment.

A Titanium is easily overlooked in a draconic lineup, being barely larger than an adult human or orcish male, with an alert countenance and eyes that are ever roaming, seeking danger and threats.

Their most distinctive feature is an extraordinarily elongated tail, being nearly half again as long as the dragon itself. Some of the largest males have been recorded as ten feet from tail base to tip. The dragon itself has very small scales, almost invisible from a distance, but the tail scales are much larger and more hexagonal.

These impressive structures are used for both defense, lashing out as a deadly whip, and for mating displays. By raising the tail into the air, the Titanium dragon male uses his scales to reflect the sun in brilliant flashes, attracting mates.

The Titanium dragon tends to be aggressive in the wild, living in large social groups of several dozen and constantly competing for status among their peers.

Their greatest strength, however, is perhaps located in the versatility that their offspring show, specifically their hybrids, whose natural traits and inclinations can range from military knowledge to medical application, and in a few rare cases, some that even possess all the traits needed for them to be capable of flights into the planet's upper atmosphere and beyond, up to and including metabolisms that eliminate the need for oxygen. Due to this, alongside a general inclination towards non-similar dragon breeds, titanium dragons will almost always live and mate with dragons from other breeds if they have a choice, typically preferring iron, aluminum, vanadium, or molybdenum partners, though concerted efforts from other species and the relatively high rate at which titanium dragons can produce offspring ensures that their pure forms remain one of the most common species of metal dragon in existence.

Chromium 24

Chromium dragons are an incredible species of metallics, their scales shining with a luster and reflectivity far beyond any of their cousin species. They are unusually friendly to mortal races, and commonly come to towns to trade goods and services.

One of the most notable quirks of the subspecies is their use of gizzard stones, as many birds do, in order to aid digestion. Over the course of decades, these rocks roll around in their hot, acidic insides, and absorb the essence of the dragon. When they are eventually regurgitated or excreted, the stones that emerge are beautiful jewels, usually rubies and emeralds. It is said that over the millennia, almost all such gems found by miners in fact have their origins in a Chromium's gut.

The Chromiums attach no value to these stones, but have learned over the years that other species desire them, and use them as trade goods.

In the wild, the lightweight Chromiums usually fly away from their assailants, but their large, flexible wings can also reflect and concentrate light by forming a parabolic shape, blinding and burning their enemies. For this reason, Chromiums tend to live in well-lit areas, often atop mountain peaks.

Manganese 25

Manganese dragons are among the middleweights of the true metallics, with thick scales that each have a large hemispherical stud of thickened metal in the center.

They enjoy the water, though they cannot remain in it for prolonged periods, and their skin is distinguishable by the wide range of colors it takes upon exposure to air. After shedding scales, the dragon is shiny and metallic, but the scales darken rapidly, becoming a multi-hued swirl of pinks, purples, greens and blues. Shed scales are a valued trade commodity, and find use in pigments around the worlds.

Manganese dragons commonly interbreed with Aluminum and Iron dragons, as is typical for those profligate breeds, but the most interesting crossbreed comes when a Manganese produces a child with a Zinc dragon.

Those crossbreeds generate powerful internal electricity, and can store vast quantities of it inside their bodies, to be unleashed at need. Though dangerous, wizards love the crossbreeds for their utility in assisting with experiments, and commonly hire or contract with them for that work. As a result, many Manganese dragons pick up some basic magical skills by observing their children, and carve spellbooks into their hard, durable skin.

Iron 26

Iron dragons may not have the grace of their rivals, but they are some of the most numerous in this day and age and they simply exude a feeling of strength and durability. They are among the handful of dragons that can control magnetic fields, and use this ability to create tools that rival those of Copper Dragons in quality and intricacy. Rust is an ever constant threat, so many iron dragons tamper with their own bodies, trying to reforge their own scales into something less resistant to corrosion: the Steel Dragons have perfected a version of this technique and keep this hard earned secret well guarded.

Iron dragons are one of the most common breeds of metallic dragon. Massive, heavy, and confident, they roam the worlds as they wish. Impervious to most weapons, they often take work as mercenaries, miners, and metalworkers, as the mood takes them. This breed has an oddly humble streak, viewing themselves as a more "base" metal than others, and is willing to work closely with mortal races, often living among them.

The Iron dragons are profligate cross breeders, strengthening their familial status through strong children, and they are fiercely protective of their young. Their eggs are massive spheres of hard, grey metal, and are laid in clutches of several dozen.

The Iron dragons fly, but only poorly, and have no breath weapons of their own. They have been learning the ways of gunpowder and firearms from their Pyrite children, and they have been seen laying unfertilized eggs for use as ammunition in heavy cannons carried in both hands. In this way, even those eggs that never become children serve the family.

Iron dragons are vulnerable to corrosion, and never stay in areas where Sulfur dragons are present.

Cobalt 27

Cobalt dragons are interesting beasts, preferring to live below the surface in deep warrens. Unlike most elemental dragons, who were identified by humans, orcs, elves, and other surface races, first contact with the Cobalt dragons came through the race known as Kobolds. It is known that one was named after the other, but the truth is hidden so far back in time that it is unlikely we will ever know.

The association these two races have with each other is most distinctly shown in the art that Kobolds make; their warrens are filled with blue glass, blue pigmented murals and ceramics, and blue hued clothing. Blue is the color of the Kobold, and their goods are traded across the worlds at very high prices, helping to stabilize the Kobold economy.

The Cobalt dragons themselves are content to interact with surface dwellers through Kobold intermediaries, direct contact with other races is quite rare, and earning their trust is difficult.

The Cobalt dragon is a relatively small breed, no more than 6 or 7 feet at the shoulder and about 10-12 feet in length. Their wings have atrophied, used only for temperature regulation and digging tunnels. The leading edge of the bone, where a human hand would be, is a long, hard spike of metal, which the Cobalt dragon can use as a scraper to make small tunnels taller, while they shovel out the floor with their powerful forelimbs.

Nickel 28

The Nickel dragon is a pleasant creature, enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and generally living life with a free spirited air. The breed is dispersed widely upon the earth, and does not form large social groups, usually just a mated pair, their children, and in rare cases, one or more elder Nickels, who pass their knowledge on to the young in their travels.

The Nickel dragon flies well, and makes some of the longest migrations of any metallic dragon species, carried aloft with an ease that defies simple muscle strength. Indeed, some invisible force seems to move at the Nickel's command, allowing them to stay in the air for days on end if they so choose, though they cannot fly very high.

They are relatively hefty creatures, and do not hesitate to lash out with claws, teeth, and tail if threatened. They have no breath weapon, nor any defensive equipment beyond their scales, preferring flight to fight.

Copper 29

Copper Dragons would be considered one of the more attractive breeds, older ones wearing their green patina with pride. A side affect of this attractiveness is the sheer volume of bastardized offspring that Copper dragons produce, most notably the clans of Brass and Bronze dragons. (While the Brass and Bronze hybrids do not breed true, enough of them exist that they band together to form miniature societies of their own.)

Copper dragons have powerful electric breath, and offspring with Zinc dragons have electricity visibly crackling across their skin, though neither comes close to Silvers in terms of voltage.

Early societies worked the scales of these dragons into tools and weapons before they mastered harder metallics like Iron and Bronze.

They are incapable of living near saltwater, as they and their offspring will exhibit Bronze Disease, a corrosion that appears and green and blue lesions on their scales and continued exposure will eat into their skin, causing immense pain and disfiguring scars.

An interesting side note: Nickel-Copper hybrids are notorious counterfeiters, one should only accept goods as payment from them since any money is likely their own scales carved into the likeness of coins.

Zinc 30

Zinc dragons look similar to many other varieties of dragon, being of average size with a dull silver luster, though shortly after molting their scales are a brilliant blue-silver. However, they are easily identified at closer ranges by the mottling on their scales, said to look like large overlapping crystals or flakes. They can be identified tentatively at a distance by their hexagonal head crests, though it is inadvisable to depend on this unless using a telescope.

The scales of Zincs are highly prized by alchemists for a wide range of applications, from glowing paint to preventing rust in objects of iron and steel. Small amounts of ground scale, administered to a sick or injured person, can even speed healing. As such they are zealously harvested whenever they are shed. Indeed, those Zincs who regularly interact with humans have amassed fortunes by collecting their molted scales and selling them.

Zinc dragons crossbreed easily with many varieties of dragon, including the dreaded Mercury dragons, but the most interesting hybrids come from mating with either Manganese or Copper dragons. These two pairings produce individuals with astonishingly powerful lighting attacks, moreso than Coppers and far more than Manganeses, capable of turning an armored human to slag with a single discharge.

When kept wet for extended periods of time, Zincs develop 'white rust' or 'wet stain,' which if left untreated will cause their scales to rot away, causing death in extreme cases. This malady is most common in young and newly-molted dragons, those with older scales seem to have greatly enhanced resistance. It should be noted that white rust only occurs when there is liquid water present, with humidity having no effect whatsoever.

Zinc dragons avoid Lead dragons at all costs, remaining in a Lead dragon's aura for more than a few hours results in 'zinc pest,' an irreversible disease that is similar to white rust, but rather than only affecting the scales of the dragon, it will cause even those scales that grow back to crumble to dust.

Gallium 31

An enigma to be sure, Gallium dragons are elusive and masters of misdirection. Often mistaken for unusually large Carbon dragons, this is actually part of their disguise. Underneath several layers of 'dead' scales, is the small silver colored metal dragon.

If its shell is broken, one may first notice that it bears a strong resemblance to a juvenile Mercury Dragon, but Gallium Dragons are seldom bigger than this. Also unlike Mercury Dragons, a Gallium Dragon will 'melt' into a liquid form and hide in deep narrow crevices until it feels the threat has passed. Then it will find a safe place to regrow its shell.

How Gallium Dragons are capable of melting themselves is a matter of strong debate even today, and their elusiveness has kept them safe from captivity for generations. There is a high price for one who can capture a live specimen in an attempt to put this mystery to rest.

The touch of a Gallium is the bane of Aluminums, as it will cause their skin to crumble like rotten leather.

Germanium 32

Germanium dragons are strange species, bearing the appearance of a lustrous gray-white metallic dragon, whilst also having properties of a crystal dragon, but truly being neither.

Growing to the size of a small shack with 4 limbs a pair of broad wings, the germanium dragon looks similar to the standard dragon form, but with crystalline horns on its head and a row of crystalline spikes on its tail which seem to crackle with electrical energy.

Although lacking a powerful flame weapon, the germanium dragons make up for it with a powerful shock breath and a tinge of power in their melee attacks with their sharp crystal claws and tail spikes.

Germanium dragons’ scales, despite their strength against sharp weapons, are fairly brittle and shatter with relative ease. Even in their shattered state, however, they are sought out by wizards and healers alike for their properties as an electric magic focus and for their mysterious disease curing properties.

Arsenic 33

Arsenic dragons are lightweight, greyish creatures, often found in the company of Lead dragons. For most of history, they spent their time wandering the world, driven from place to place by an endless stream of mysterious deaths that seemed to follow them around. Long eons have passed, and there is as yet only the vaguest of explanations for the phenomenon, but the breed has a reputation for being cursed, and have taken to acting as oracles and seers, given their association with death.

They're not particularly strong dragons, nor do they have any breath weapons, but those around them almost inevitably succumb and die, unless they are metallic or more exotic races. The land withers and dies, and remains uninhabitable for generations where they pass.

Lead dragons are almost the only ones who will tolerate them, and the half-breeds are terrifying creatures indeed. Stronger, smarter and faster, these are the scholars and generals of their kinds. So long as they are left alone, the Arsenic dragons are mostly harmless, but if attacked, the repercussions can linger for millennia.

Selenium 34

Selenium dragons, somewhat related to germanium dragons, showcase their intermediacy between metallic and crystal dragons by being born as a deep brick-red crystalline dragon and remaining so through their youth. At one point in their life time they move into areas with high heat, such as a volcano or deep underground, and through a mysterious and unknown process become lustrous black metallic dragons.

As a young dragon, its red scales are sought out for creating red glass, as well as for its powdered form as a potent poison. This toxic property is useful in that young Selenium dragons’ claws leave traces of this toxin in the wounds of its foes, making them difficult and dangerous enemies of those who hunt or displease them. This toxic property accelerates death and marks their opponent with a distinct stench so the dragon to find prey that was wounded but fled, even if they later die from the poisoned wound. To be able to easily make out where a recent opponent has hidden adds to their nature as difficult and dangerous enemies or prey. Unfortunately due to the rash and proud nature of young ones, enemies can be made quite easily. Along the back of a juvenile Selenium dragon are what appear to be partial fins whose purpose at this stage is unknown.

Adult Selenium dragons do not lose the toxic property of their scales and claws, however, they do not poison without outside processes unleashing such nature. This is traded off by the adult gaining a great resistance to most forms of acid as well as electricity sparking through its scales and back fins, whose exact purpose are unknown. This development gives the once breathless dragon an electric breath weapon slightly weaker than that of a Germanium dragon, but their scales are far tougher as a counterbalance.

In sunlight the adults seem to grow in strength and power, but the mechanism remains unknown why such a change occurs.

As adults their scales are no less valuable, now used as weak electric and solar focuses as well as catalysts in alchemical experiments. Adults, unlike juveniles, understand the value of their own scales and are far more level-headed and mellow than they were when they were young. It is unknown why their transformation has such profound changes in personality.

Bromine 35

Bromine dragons are one of the strangest forms of dragon, being the only true liquid dragon that is not metallic. Lacking any form of scales, their bodies are a red-brown fluid that is constantly shifting and morphing to maintain the shape of wingless, six-limbed dragons.

Their fluids, although not greatly toxic, are extremely corrosive, killing most forms of life that come into direct contact with them. This property makes them relatively easy to track due to the swath of destruction to both plant life and the landscape that they leave in their wake as they travel.

Like Mercury dragons they tend to inhabit bodies of water, killing the life within as well as expanding its size due to the corrosive actions of its physiology. Unlike Mercury dragons, these lakes can become habitable again within a few years of the dragon leaving.

The Bromine dragons are also extremely dangerous to Metallic dragons, especially in the presence of water, as their liquid breath weapon and bodies convert the Metallics’ flesh into brittle crystals in an extremely painful fashion. Another problem facing other dragons is that Bromine dragons are highly flame retardant, causing their flame breaths to have little to no effect.

Although extremely dangerous, the liquid breath of the Bromine dragon is sought out for its useful properties as a flame retardant, as a pesticide, a sedative when mixed with a Potassium's scale, and in very small amounts acts as a water purifier.

Their rarity is a blessing to both dragons and mortal alike for the many dangers they pose, however, they are not a threat to the world at large.

Krypton 36, Xenon 54, & Radon 86

Krypton, Xenon, and Radon dragons are extremely closely related, and are often lumped into one family by the careless observer. All three species are quite uncommon, and dwell on land almost exclusively, interacting with few outsiders.

They can be distinguished best by their breath weapon, that of Krypton a brilliant white, Xenon an electric blue, and Radon dragons are a bright yellow-green.

Additionally, Radon dragons prefer to dwell underground, in perpetually frozen caves deep beneath the permafrost of the frozen northlands. Their dwelling places are sacred and protected fiercely, though certain ones have been abandoned for reasons known only to themselves, and are hotbeds of exploration and study by those wizards seeking to understand these enigmatic creatures.

One unusual oddity with the Xenon dragons is that while they shun almost all other creatures, they have an inexplicable affinity for Fluorine dragons, with whom they sometimes form large familial groups. A single Xenon dragon male may have two, four, or six females associated with him, but no one other than them knows why this is so.

The most likely theory in academic circles is that Fluorine females are so aggressive, they will pursue other draconic species simply for the pure challenge of it, and the "noble" gaseous draconics are considered a socially valuable prize because they are so standoffish.

Rubidium 37 & Cesium 55

Rubidium and Cesium dragons are very closely related subspecies, both reacting very violently to water, and both living in extremely isolated, cold deserts. Assumed to be the result of a disadvantageous mutation that left the species overspecialized, they cannot tolerate heat or moisture, and have very soft flesh by the standards of metallics, barely tougher than human skin.

Their populations are small by necessity, for there are few regions they can inhabit, and few predators they can overcome.

Though the two species look similar, their flames give them away. Cesium dragons give off a blue-violet flame, and Rubidiums produce a brilliant peach-red.

These dragons interact extremely rarely with any other species out of fear of injury and moisture, and even with each other, socializing is uncommon. Only a few human explorers have ever encountered these dragons.

Their strangest quirk is the obsessive need of Cesium dragons to keep time, probably caused by a recessive genetic trait. They are brilliant makers of sundials, and every Cesium dragon has one at all times.

Strontium 38

Strontium dragons are curious beasts, with a soft, silvery metal flesh that rapidly tarnishes to a dull yellow exterior. They are a fairly common species, fairly small and delicate, often seen in concert with "radiant" dragons for reasons that defy explanation, as the "radiants" mostly ignore the Strontium's presence.

The species is distinguished by the globular nature of its scales, which begin broad and smooth at the scale root, but gnarl, twist, and develop nodules at the edges. These nodules fall off easily, as a defensive mechanism against anything that tries to eat a Strontium dragon. When ingested by most mortal creatures, the water in their bodies causes an explosive reaction that kills the predator.

The most aggressive risk takers among the species even carry vials of water upon their person, despite the hazard, and will place scale nodules coated with a thin sheet of oil inside, throwing them at the enemy. As the oil sloughs off, an explosion occurs. More than one Strontium dragon has blown off their own arm through careless use, however.

They have an antagonistic relationship with Calcium dragons, and the two species compete closely for food, territory, and resources.

Their flame is a brilliant orange-red, and their burn marks are often confused with the attack of a Red dragon, though the two species are visually distinct.

The species is vulnerable both to water, and to attack by stronger metals, and as such has adapted an opportunistic predatory nature. A Strontium dragon will lie in wait for hours before making its move, because if it makes a mistake, tragedy often ensues.

Yttrium 39

Yttrium dragons are born in very special locations in the far border zones of the Elemental Plane of Earth. They are highly rare, and are part of a broad family of similar draconic subspecies, genetically divergent from most of dragon-kind. They intermingle freely with many other creatures, and in general, these half-breeds offer no real significant properties of note, beyond enhanced hybrid vigor with many other elemental dragons.

But, rare even among these rare breeds, is a subtype, the Ybacuo tribe. This tribe lives in a conflux of local energies within the Plane of Earth, which has attracted other metallic dragons for centuries like a lodestone. The inevitable crossbreeding, blending bloodlines from a dozen different species, has given rise to a group of dragons ignorant of their true power until recently.

A surge of energy from the Plane of Ice cast the region into an unnaturally cold winter for several years, and the Ybacuo dragons discovered that the energies of the leylines flowed into them with tremendous force as their bodies cooled.

So long as they remained chilled, they could fly with trivial effort, summon whirlwinds of magnetic force, and most intriguingly, store titanic quantities of magical energy with no difficulty. Drinking deeply from the leylines, the Ybacuo could shatter mountains with no more effort than picking up a quill pen.

Once the winter subsided, the energies dissipated, and now the Ybacuo are considering immigrating to colder climates, to study what their true power might be. Other elemental dragons are conspiring against them, though, for fear of what their super-magical powers might allow them to do.

Zirconium 40

Zirconium dragons have large, pure white, razor edged scales covering most of their bodies, with smaller silvery metal covering their extremities and wings. Their horns, teeth, and claws appear to be made of diamond, and they have a row of crystalline spiked running down their spine, and jutting out from the tips of the bones in their wings. These creatures are graceful and agile flyers, owing to their relatively low weight for their size, and their scales are tough and resilient. Despite this resplendence, and seeming abundance of natural weapons, Zirconium dragons are often preyed upon by the other Metallic dragon, as for all their hardness, their scales can be brittle when struck.

The breath weapon of the Zirconium dragon is, unusually for elemental dragons, a jet of bright, sparking intense flame. While effective against some dragons, it does them little good against their metallic predators. It does ensure however, that they are rarely hunted for the natural gems that adorn their body, or their scales, prized for use in crafting knives and other cutting tools.

Some Zirconium dragons have been known to form an unusual symbiotic relationship with Radiant dragons. For some reason Zirconium dragons can survive in the deadly aura of a radiant dragon better than most. It is not known how this could be, as unlike Boron or Lead, the body of a Zirconium dragon offers no protection from the emissions of a Radiant. Zirconium dragons will often work with Radiant dragons as aerial scouts or simply spend time with them as companions. This arrangement affords the radiant protection from slow moving Leads, who the Zirconium can spot from afar, and the Zirconium protection from their natural predators.

Tin 50

Tin Dragons are the empire builders, dedicated to working in countless mundane tasks while not demanding the levels of recognition that dragons typically impose. Most notably, Tin dragons worked closely with Copper dragons during the Bronze Age, happy to work with them to create all varieties of tools that brought the mortal realms to new heights. Despite losing these empires to the tides of Iron Dragons, the Tin do not begrudge them for it, or hold many grudges at all.

Tin Dragons are among the most stable dragons both chemically and emotionally. An adventurer may find them participating in any one of countless jobs from plumbing to librarianship to agriculture and more. Among other dragons their austerity and humbleness brings a calming effect: it was only through their efforts that the War of Iron did not end in total genocide.

Tin Dragons grow to be relatively large, approaching nearly twice the height and six times the heft of iron and copper dragons. Despite their bulk, they make poor fighters even when they overcome their pacifistic nature, even lacking a breath weapon.

Despite their own resistance to and ability to prevent corrosion and corruption in other dragons, Tin Dragons themselves can find themselves host to a number of maladies. Most commonly, before a tin dragon warms up in the morning their scales and joints produce an iconic crackling sound known as "tin cry", which dissipates as the dragon continues to move around. If a Tin Dragon finds himself in situations of undue stress, physically or emotionally, they can develop "tin whiskers", which are small hairlike growths on the scales. This too is harmless and can be removed with a simple polish, but can cause itching on the dragons part and contribute to the already present stress.

Far more lethal is "tin pest", a form of necrosis caused by cold temperatures. The condition is easily cured if spotted early, but if left alone the dragon will break out into dark grey splotches and rot to death

Iodine 53

Iodine dragons are large, reclusive creatures. Fairly rare, they are generally found near the sea. They are large creatures, and rather docile, living in large family groups.

The Iodine dragon is dark and metallic gray, but their breath is a deep, rich purple, and smells foul. This breath is much heavier than air, and rolls along the ground burning vegetation and animal species alike. When angered, they can vent a copious quantity of this gas, and are considered extremely dangerous.

Those protected from corrosion and inhalation, however, will find the Iodine to be surprisingly soft and easy prey. The Iodines are slow and clumsy dragons, only barely capable of flight, with unusually soft scales. It is fortunate that their corpses aren't used for anything in particular, or the species would surely face extinction in short order.

Some Iodines have found service as healers, having discovered that small amounts of their breath can kill infections and bacteria. If you can tolerate the smell and the burning sensation, an Iodine can give you a new lease on life.

Tantalum 73

Tantalum dragons are uncommon, related closely to Osmium dragons and sharing many of their high density, high strength, high thermal tolerance natures. They have a beautiful blue-gray sheen, allowing them to be distinguished from their fellows, and they take great pride in their appearance.

Their scales are unusual among the metallic dragons, broad at the base and sharply tapering to an extremely long, slender point, with some scales being as long as two or three feet. If you can break the scale spike off, they make excellent swords and spear tips, and are highly sought after worldwide. Shed scales are greedily harvested.

They have a strange fascination with Platinum dragons, and seem to be somewhat in awe of them. Humans have tried to unravel this riddle for generations, but the Tantalums keep their secrets well.

Tantalums get along well with mortal races, and in collaboration with a prestigious college of wizardry, their scale spikes have even been used to replace shattered bones. Many medical facilities bear the emblem of a Tantalum dragon.

Tungsten 74

Tungsten dragons (also known as Wolfram dragons in most tongues) are a species that is well known in one area of the world, and yet unheard of in others. Usually found in hilly areas, they are a relatively friendly species, when it comes to interactions with other beings that approach them without hostility. However, as a general personality, they do have a reputation for leaving nothing intact of things that do approach with a malicious intent.

Tungsten dragons are known for the hardness of their scales as well as their sheer weight. Not as heavy as an Osmium dragon, nevertheless, they are a formidable living battering ram. Therefore, flight is impossible, the wings having atrophied into smaller, more maneuverable limbs that fetch incredible prices as tower shields. They also have a significant resistance to the 'radiant' types, though not as much as a Boron or Lead dragon. Their most well known trait however, is their sheer heat resistance. They can survive the breath weapons of even the hottest types of dragon without a scratch, the only type of dragon more heat resistant being the Carbon dragon. This brings us to our third topic.

Tungstens also are a species that seeks out other species to form hybridized children with. For this species, most often they attempt to find Carbon dragons to mate with. The offspring appears to combine traits from both, being born with a hardness comparable to relatively old Carbon dragons, the power of weight on their side and the extreme heat resistance of their parents. Other elementals that the Tungsten seeks out exist, but these are rare to find.

Wolfram dragons, to use the other name, are quite an interesting sight. Their scales are a deep, lustrous gray, at times confused with slightly aged silver. Their most iconic feature however are the razor-thin filaments that appear to grow through a narrow channel in their scales, giving the dragon a slightly furred appearance from a distance. This is exclusive to the species, which makes a tungsten-scale very recognizable. Another fascinating adaption of the species are larger, forward facing spines in the head, usually right next to an eye. Long thought to be a form of armor for the eyeballs, in fact, these are natural projectile weapons, capable of being fired at a surprising speed through specially evolved muscle groups, used in lieu of a non-existent breath weapon. Plate is of no defense against them, the projectiles of the largest Tungstens having enough mass and speed to pass straight through a fully armored man.

Osmium 76

Osmium Dragon

Osmium dragons are the heaviest of the naturally occurring dragons (that is, those that are not the result of powerful atomic magic). They are also the rarest sort of dragon that is not universally radioactive.

Their shiny, bluish white or gray scales are extremely hard, but can be rather brittle. Their touch is highly poisonous to most creatures and their meat even moreso. Even more than their cousins, platinum and iridium dragons, osmium dragons are curiously prone to writing. They seem driven to collect and record information, though the specific interests of individual osmium dragons vary widely.

They are very resistant to heat, even by the standards of dragons.

Iridium 77

Iridium dragons are very rare, and very poorly understood. Evidence suggests that they may be among the oldest of the metallic species, having come into being far away from the Elemental Plane of Earth or the Material Plane. Some great catastrophe is known to have occurred in the Material Plane's history, and the stones record a layer of Iridium and other draconic scales powdered and scattered across the plane. Whatever this was, it was so total that the species never recovered, and we may never know if it was invasion, the work of gods, or simple accident that killed so many.

Now, the species survives only in small enclaves, and they are widely reviled among the metallic dragon subspecies for reasons that are as mysterious as their origins. Their scales shine with a dull metallic hue, and their weight leaves deep impressions in the ground as they walk. They do not fly, but tunneling through rock is almost as easy as a man swimming in water, owing to their tremendous density.

Volcanoes are often their homes, for protection and because they themselves are immune to virtually all mundane sources of heat. They are almost immune to all forms of corrosion, and impact, making them intensely difficult to kill.

It is suspected among draconic circles that the Iridiums are embarking on grand projects, far in the wilderness where no one can see. Whether they're trying to return to their origins or finish the job they might have started long ago, we can only speculate.

Gold 79

Gold Dragons are noble creatures indeed, their fiery gleam recorded in countless stories across time. Heavy, solid beasts, they can fly though rather poorly, and prefer to spend their time on the ground when possible.

They're great swimmers, and no matter how long they spend in the water, their scales never tarnish in the slightest, as do some other metallics.

The males, upon reaching maturity, seek a place to install a "beacon" made by carefully laying their shed scales over a surface exposed to the sun. This beacon serves to attract females and prove the value of the male as a mate. A large, shiny beacon is proof of the health and strength of the one who made it and defended it--or the one who took it. Golds like all shiny things and particularly appreciate the work of mortals. More than one skilled goldsmith got rich by embellishing a Gold's lair.

Though valuable and hunted, unlike the Borons, a Gold is perfectly capable of smashing human-sized enemies asunder, though they come off decidedly the weaker in clashes with Iron, Tungsten, Titanium, and other such draconics, as their scales bend under the pressure those dragons can produce. The true strength of the Gold is its ability to produce and channel enormous blasts of electrical energy, enough to sear flesh from bone and turn bone to charcoal, though they still cannot match their Silver cousins' utterly titanic electrical capacity.

The Golds fear Mercury dragons above all else, whose cloying touch will slough their flesh off their bones like so much pudding.

When crossbred with Silver or Copper dragons, the half-breeds are not much stronger than either parent, and sometimes weaker, but they attain an incredible array of subtle variations in hue, with rose, whitish, greenish-yellow and reddish hues all observed. These dragons are commonly considered among the most beautiful of all Metallic dragonkind, across the various species, and often become something rather like cultural idols.

Mercury 80

Mercury dragons are deadly creatures indeed, for they have no scales, and move almost as fluidly as creatures of flesh and blood. Heavy and dense, their swinging arms, legs, and tail can do immense damage, and they are expert contortionists, capable of slipping through cracks no larger than a dog or a small child, despite being more than 30 feet from head to tail on average, and standing ten feet high at the shoulder when fully grown.

When threatened, they sweat profusely, exuding rivulets of thick, silvery metal. This substance is highly toxic, and kills almost on contact as it slides into the skin. They can also spit globs of metal more than 50 feet with great accuracy, shooting it from a wide tongue curled into a kind of straw.

Mercury dragons do not fly, but instead prefer to inhabit pools of water. Lakes inhabited by mercury dragons for a long time fill up with their secretions, becoming lakes of flowing silver. in their element, the dragons are invisible, and many an adventurer has been fooled into thinking they've found a silver treasure, only to be pulled in by an outstretched claw.

Mercury dragons are extremely dangerous to many other metallics, corroding them and dissolving their flesh on contact. Other metallics become brittle at a Mercury's touch, crumbling to dust in moments. As such, Mercury dragons are considered apex predators among metallic dragonkind, and most will keep a wide distance away from them. Fire will defeat a Mercury dragon though, melting them away extremely rapidly, and the breath of a Sulfur dragon can also harm them, with time.

It is fortunate that the species is rare, otherwise they might represent a real threat to all metallics, and the mortal realms as well.

Thallium 81

Thallium dragons are rare and dangerous beasts, heavy and powerful, with unusually well-developed wings for one of the larger metallics. Reasons for why this species retained much of its power to fly, when most of the heavier metallics abandoned flight, remain unclear.

Their flame is very distinctive, blazing a brilliant, almost unnaturally green flame. Beyond its natural danger from heat, the flame carries with it vaporized particles of the Thallium's inner nature, which are extremely toxic and leave a deadly residue behind.

It is wise for a kingdom to appease a Thallium dragon, for their wrath can have repercussions for generations. A pleased Thallium dragon will share its scales, which when ground up and applied carefully protect against rats and insects, sparing communities from disease and starvation.

In this way, some primitive tribes revere Thalliums as harsh yet benevolent agricultural spirits, and many homes have small statues of Thallium dragons, which they believe will ward off harmful spirits just as they ward off vermin. The Thalliums themselves care little for the opinions of mortals, but they never refuse an offering of food, and consider themselves honor bound to reciprocate the favor.

Lead 82

Lead Dragon

Lead dragons are enormous, placid creatures, one of the very bulkiest of the metallic dragons, and aside from very unusual specimens from other species, by far the heaviest. Though other species can be denser, none can match the Leads for sheer mass. For all their size and power, they are fairly disinterested in the mortal world around them, preferring to wander the world in small groups.

They make a surprising number of friendships with other metallic dragons, though, and are commonly seen interacting with Arsenic and Phosphorous dragons, to name a few.

Leads fight mostly by crushing and bludgeoning, but are rather vulnerable to being stabbed by tougher metals. They exude a poisonous aura, causing rapid brain damage in their foes, and they can concentrate this into a blast of deadly powder that seeps into the skin, killing quickly.

Their role in the ecosystem seems to be to prey on the "radiant" species of metallic dragonkind, and they can be seen feasting merrily on Uranium, Thorium, Neptunium and Plutonium dragons with relish. The energy those species produce sloughs off the Leads like water. Though the species bear many similarities, the end for a Uranium dragon is very often being overthrown and consumed by a Lead.

For this reason, those mortal kingdoms at risk of attack by "radiants" often court the Leads to assist them, but the Leads are almost as dangerous in their own indirect fashion, and extremely hard to coerce.

Bismuth 83

Bismuth Dragon

Bismuth dragons are a strange breed indeed. In their early life, they are dull metallic gray, looking little different from most other metallic dragons.

As they mature, though, a strange and wondrous change occurs in their scales. Both genders develop large growths all over their upper bodies, with the male's being much larger. These extended scales are jagged and rough, with no two looking alike, and no two dragons having the same growth patterns. Similarities exist between families, but for this species, their scales are their fingerprints, and they take inordinate pride in them.

Growing to about the size of a man's head, the scales have all the colors of the rainbow, and reflect brilliantly in the sun. Mating displays are wondrous to behold, a riot of color and flashing lights. Though intended for their mates, the Bismuths are unapologetic attention whores, and love it when tourists come to observe their shimmering rituals.

When ground up, shed scales can be used in makeup and pigments, creating a beautiful pearlescent color, and it is highly in demand across the worlds.

They are also much less toxic than most of the heavier metallic dragons, and as such are far safer to interact with, which encourages their tourism trade.

Polonium 84

The nickname for the Polonium dragon is "the walking wasteland" and it fits them admirably. Like many of the heavier metallic dragons, Poloniums have a field of invisible heat but theirs burns so hot that no Polonium can form a den that doesn't become a smoking crater after only a short rest.

But this is not the cause of their nickname. There is some quality about Poloniums, some sickness in their blood which seems to leech out and affect all things around them. Plants wither and rot, animals are still-born or horribly deformed and humans go mad and die in agony when they come in contact with a Polonium or lands they have stayed in for longer than a week.

By necessity they follow a nomadic lifestyle, something that becomes more difficult the older they get since their powerful wings find it harder and harder to lift their increasingly dense body.

Polonium dragons exhibit a great variety within their species. Some remain excellent flyers throughout their lives, some prove so toxic that even a day's rest ruins their environment. Some are softer then others, some harder. Some burn with an intense azure light which obscures the yellow-black serrations of their hides while others only release a deceptively soft blue glow.

They have no breath weapon; it isn't needed. The fire that constantly licks across their body burns so hot that only the toughest of magics, armor and dragons can resist it for long. However, the greatest weapon in their arsenal is their touch. Some kind of toxin exists on their teeth and claws that takes effect the moment an organism's skin is pierced; there has been no record of any creature surviving the drawn out, torturous events that follow.

For these reasons, killing a Polonium dragon is an act that would catapult one into the realms of the richest and most renowned of heroes. The materials from their bodies are prized for being able to withstand the hottest furnace and will even remain unscathed by a Silver's strongest lighting. (Much to the chagrin of silvers, golds and other dragons that rely on electricity for their breath weapons.)

The constant, instinctive need to travel and feed to keep their bodies fueled means these 40-foot monsters have little time for cerebral matters. This, plus the inability of Polonium dragons to interact with most other creatures, results in them being almost as dumb as common lizards due to their constant isolation.

It is only with other Polonium dragons or Fluorine dragons that they get a chance to interact with intelligent beings. These encounters are often cataclysmic, intense and brief as most environments aren't sustainable with one incredibly destructive dragon charging through it, never mind two. It is fortunate for the Polonium dragons then that they are long lived and aren't unlikely to become extinct despite their rare interactions and even rarer offspring. Their courtships have never been observed, with only the aftermath of multiple craters containing sputtering blue fire hinting at what has occurred.

Astatine 85

Just as Uranium and Plutonium dragons birth Francium dragons once in a great while, so too do Neptuniums give rise to the rare and mysterious Astatines.

Astatines live slightly longer than Franciums, blazing with internal energy, but unlike the extroverted, angry, and aggressive Franciums, the dark black Astatines are very morose creatures, consumed with their impending mortality. When they can be roused to action, they are fierce fighters, but generally, this only occurs when their Neptunium parents call them to war against other metallics, as Astatines have no natural predators aside from the occasional hungry Lead.

The Astatines can breathe a dark, black-purple gas, which ignites the air around it with a terrible heat. It is corrosive, but most substances are ignited first, rather than dissolved.

Francium 87

Francium Dragon

Francium dragons are a tragic case of genetic instability. Once in a great while, Uranium and Thorium dragon mothers lay a silvery egg possessed of incredible heat, enough to melt the other eggs in the clutch and sometimes, even injure the mother itself. The female dragon cools the egg inside the body, but the birthing process often causes fatalities.

These eggs are sequestered well away from the rest of the family, for their tremendous heat precludes the need for incubation, and they hatch phenomenally quickly, within a matter of days, compared to the usual months.

The young dragon emerges, and within hours is walking, talking, flying, and growing. By the young dragon's fifth day of life, it is fully mature, a silvery creature blazing with radiant, flameless heat. For the safety of its family, Francium dragons are immediately exiled upon reaching maturity, with no small degree of sorrow.

Their emotional and mental stability is questionable at the best of times, and Francium dragons keenly feel their own mortality ticking forward minute by minute. Oftentimes, they lash out at anything and everything near them, enraged at their minute lifespan.

Even the most heat resistant dragons, Osmiums and Tungstens, fear the Francium dragon, whose sustained torrent of energy will eventually penetrate their carapace.

Whatever the chaos their lives may cause, a Francium's rampage is cut short quickly, limiting the damage to a local scale. Whereas their mothers may live for tens of thousands of years, these mutant children burn away within a single year at most.

A rare handful do manage to achieve some measure of stability, and have produced musical art, for no other form of art could survive their heat, of great beauty and poignancy.

Only two known instances of Francium dragons meeting in the wild have ever been recorded, and no details of the incidents have survived. The breed's reproductive potential is unknown.

Radium 88

Radium dragons, though closely related to Francium dragons, are their most hated enemies. Nothing makes a Francium more jealous than a dragon almost as energetic as they, but who will live a thousand years instead a thousand days.

Radiums are aptly named, and were the first dragon identified to have the "radiant" energy that many breeds are known for. They harness this power in beams of blue light, burning and killing their foes. They emit this light at all times, but it becomes especially intense as they prepare to unleash their breath.

Radiums are predators born, living alone or in mated pairs and roaming the world with tremendous speed. They fly well, they fight well, and they leave nothing where they pass, one of the most aggressive Metallics in existence. The Radiums have one great weakness though, their bodies cannot tolerate water, which burns, and even detonates on contact with them. For this reason, their range is limited to desolate, dessicated areas, and they cannot do much more than short raids into moister climates.

Nomads cling to oases for this reason just as much as to use water for themselves, for a Radium dragon could be upon them at any moment.

When wounded, Radium dragons have a blindingly pure silver luster in the wound, but it rapidly becomes black and tarnished, like the rest of their bodies. Some desert faiths preach of this as proof that the Radiums burn with the fires of hell, and their hells are filled with invisible death, not the fire and smoke of other religions.

The way their bright scales violently blacken in air is considered an apt metaphor for all aspects of their lives by many who study them.

Some Radium dragons are compulsive 'justice' seekers, inflicting retribution across the land in oft questionably violent manner. Striking a Radium Dragon exposes its true colors momentarily, albeit through a burst of lung-scorching radioactive dust.

These dragons consider their blue glow a sign of a holy mandate and are quite social in the company of like-minded zealots. Makeshift 'knightly orders' of several mating pairs can devastate entire kingdoms with holy righteous fury, but may also break with sudden enraged violence, should individual views of a situation suddenly collide.

Thorium 90

Thorium dragons are massive, heavy creatures, with the dull silvery appearance common to most members of the metallic dragon subspecies.

As with many of the heavier varieties, they are surrounded by an invisible, heatless force, capable of poisoning and killing those mortals who dare to come too close.

With such protection, almost all the "radiant" metallics are peaceful creatures, having never had a need to defend themselves, owing to their size and energy. The Thoriums are particularly congenial and friendly, though still no less deadly.

Their breath is a strange, invisible gas, which carries the heatless death property of their bodies. It is much heavier than air, and though its range is limited, it pools, eddies, and is extremely hard to remove. Historical records indicate that a wealthy Drow noble made the terrible mistake of capturing a young Thorium dragon for his coliseum, and when the furious parents showed up to rescue their child, within a hour the underground cavern was devoid of life.

Even now, the city remains, filled with invisible death and lacking breathable air, a perfectly preserved monument to the folly of chaining forces beyond one's control.

Uranium 92 & Plutonium 94

Uranium and Plutonium dragons are very closely related subspecies, sharing a common genetic pool and often crossbreeding. They are profligate artists, crafting beautiful red, green, and yellow glass sculptures by mixing glass with their ground up scales. Colorful ceramics are also extremely popular.

The two species can live almost anywhere, heated by an internal warmth that never ends. Red dragons can breathe hotter fire, but a Uranium dragon's heat is something altogether different. The two species are too heavy to fly, their wings having become vestigial cooling devices.

Though normally peaceful, Uraniums and Plutoniums can harness their internal fire in a very different way than most of the other "radiant" metallics. When angered, they can release a blast of heat and light of truly immense proportions, enough to shatter a city's walls or incinerate an army, and they can sustain this force for hours if need be.

Most civilized nations treat them with some wariness, and in general, the Uranium and Plutonium species keep to themselves. Some few youngsters have been tempted by the promise of wealth and power though, and serve as unstoppable engines of war with which to conquer neighboring countries. It is unclear what this imbalance of power may lead to, but kings and emperors are emptying their treasuries to secure these dragons' services.

What being used as siege engines may do to the dragons and their mental state in the long term is an open question.

Neptunium 93

Neptunium dragons have little love for their close cousins, the Uranium and Plutonium dragons. Descended from common ancestors with the Uraniums, they rebelled against them and separated millennia ago, and the two species carry a grudge against one another to this day.

Neptuniums are the eldest of the Uranium children, estranged from the family, and they hate Plutoniums, the younger siblings, who are beloved by their parents.

As a result of this ancient feud, the three species react violently when near each other, and their duels have forged legends in many mortal races mythologies.

Most of the time Neptuniums keep to themselves, forced to the farther fringes of metallic territory because the combined strength of the Uraniums and Plutoniums keeps them contained.

Neptuniums are one of the few "radiant" dragons that enjoys interacting with humankind, and was responsible for the depletion of the Boron species, killing them and presenting them to warlike human, orcish, and even kings so that the Neptuniums could lead their armies without killing their allies. In this way, modern Neptuniums are seeking to rally the younger races to their aid, and finally redress their ancient grudges.

What the other metallics may do, particularity the Lead dragons, is an issue of hot debate among the younger races.

Curium 96

One of the few metallic dragons which will venture into the colder regions of the world, Curium dragons are strange, reclusive beasts. They are rarely seen, either by design or by simple rarity, and very little is known about them.

What little has been recorded mostly describes the pale purple aura surrounding their bodies, and the intense heat that staves off even the harshest winter storms. They move unopposed wherever they go, and when they attack, survivors are few and far between.

Some theorize that when the aurorae wax strong, the Curium dragons appear, but no definite correlation has been observed. Those that seek these dragons usually see nothing, or never return.

Stories

Saving the Crops

I swear by the holy Sun above us, and by Mok'Te, the name given to me at my coming of age, that the tale I'm about to tell is true.

Many years ago, when I was but an unnamed child of eight summers, well before my initiation into manhood, I was playing inside my house to escape the heat of the day. My father burst in suddenly, shouting that we must keep our heads down, and not show our faces outside, for one of the great beasts was upon us.

I had heard tales of these creatures, overhearing snippets from the campfire of the men, for I was a curious child and did things I was not supposed to, and knew some of what I should not.

I was consumed by curiosity, and though my father shouted curses at me, and said I had doomed us all, he did not dare move to stop me as I went to the door and opened it, for he feared what lay outside.

A mighty creature I beheld, black as the night sky, but gleaming with a strange luster. The sand and dirt shuddered at its every step, and it left footprints deep enough that I could have hidden myself from sight within.

I saw it was headed towards our oasis, and toward our crops. I should not have done this, but I yelled out to it, for I was but a child, and knew not the ways of the world. I begged it not to crush our field, for we would starve.

The creature paused, and looked at me, and I feared I my father was right, but it looked around, as if it had not even known where it was before then. It turned aside, and left our crops alone, going by a different way.

The village cheered me then, and my father had to beat me in secret, where no one could see. I didn't care, such was my joy.

Now, I am a man of twenty five summers, and I have seen many tracks in the desert since then, though not what made them. I seek them even now, that I may understand them.

If you have seen any, I beg of you to tell me.

Runics

The life of a dragon-hunter is an obviously dangerous and often short-lived one, with nearly all of their kin being extraordinarily lethal and difficult to kill depending on the nature of the particular species. However, there are very few things than a dragon whose scales have been carved into spellbooks by loyal followers. While the exact species of magic-wielding dragons can vary, they all earn the title of "Runic" that precedes their element. Even the most basic of spells carved into the dragon's scales can increase it's might exponentially and the more powerful and dedicated the dragon's followers, the greater the spells the dragon can cast. Fortunately Runic dragons are extremely rare and those who are powerful even among their ranks are even rarer still thanks to the extreme difficulty in finding followers who are not only trustworthy enough to be allowed near a dragon's prized scales, but also skilled enough to etch the complex runes required for such magic. Those lucky and skilled enough to slay such a creature for it's scales shall find themselves a great deal wealthier as any magician or noble would gladly pay vast sums of coin for such artifacts to use in their experiments or to be crafted into personal wargear.

Carbon Orgy

One of the rarest sights in nature is the elusive ritual of carbon dragons. Those gatherings often take place in the stormy valleys and remote islands, where Helium dragons are known to lay for their younglings. Presence of the concentrated gaseous Helium dragon remains and traces can act as an aphrodisiac attracting many lesser carbon dragons. Their usual progenitory prowess is naught compared to the libido awakened when exposed to them in a stormy season. The uncommon accounts of witnessing this unusual gathering tell that the ceremony begins with a strike of lightning, upon which the fierce wyverns amass, grabbing more than one usual partner. Groups and circles of twenty, thirty dragons all start going at each other. The twisted masses of flesh, scales and tails quickly begins to shed soot, as the piles forms sphere-like formations, with dragons periodically sweeping in and out of it. The beasts lose themselves in a powdery mess, driven by desire, with electric sparks and arcs emitted, as well as attracted from the clouds. The ritual is fierce and energetic, not bound to one location, but rather being a highly mobile event. Scarce stories of the sailors who happen to voyage around these report a ball of black bodies tumbling down the side of the rocky cliffs until the cold shower of water manages to separate them.

Viewing Bismuth Eggs

When today I finally arrived upon Endro Claffroy, which certain rumors claim to be a traditional gathering spot of the Bismuth dragons, I immediately found the speculations which I had gathered in the Andomen metropolis to be a mixture of grains of truth and laughable jokes. In a manner of speaking, I had spent my two weeks in that city with my eyes to the book and my ears to the merchant. If I wasn’t perusing one of Andoma’s many libraries, I was walking its market district making conversation with the people running stalls. Unfortunately, I did not keep my hand to my coin purse, and now I find myself liberated of a not-insignificant amount of money. It seems the future of this dracologist shall include more meals of turnip and bread at shoddy inns.

Andoma’s pickpockets aside, I found that most merchants weren’t so talkative after they realized I wasn’t seeking to buy any of their bismuth-scale dyes or crafted bismuth trinkets (beautiful as they were). Fortunately, I was eventually able to get audience with one of the more well-off bismuth merchants who shared my interest in collecting scales (I shall miss my Iodine dragon scale, but at least I know it still rests in the hands of a collector that acknowledges its value). With his advice and directions, I was able to locate Endro Claffroy, which is a small valley in the northern part of the Endro Hills.

It should be noted here that bismuth traders are, for the most part, a stingy and greedy lot who would rather keep secrets for the sake of profit than help a man wanting to learn and record knowledge of the draconics for the benefit of all.

True to the claim of most I spoke with in Andoma, Endro Claffroy is a place where many bismuth dragons go to lay eggs and raise young- even the attention-hungry bismuths like a bit of peace and quiet when it comes time to rear the next generation. Despite what some people might think after watching a brazen mating display, I have found that most bismuths do draw a line between public and private affairs- as I often have to remind the uneducated, the inclinations of a small few do not necessarily match those of the greater majority. In speaking with the bismuths at Endro Claffroy (who were surprised not to find in me another merchant come to barter food for scales), I learned that those “flashing ones”, as they refer to the most shameless of their kind, are rare and generally regarded with some contempt for embarrassing their kin.

Make no mistake though, bismuth dragons are certainly more open and show-offy as a species than most other dragons. It took a bit of effort and glib on my part, but the fact that I was able to talk my way into seeing a nest of eggs soon to hatch when most other kinds of dragons would at best have sent me running off before I could speak a word speaks for itself. The mated pair was cautious at first, understandably so, but once I had made myself a friend to them, they were excitedly watching for my reaction just as much as they were watching their eggs! An astonished reaction they must have seen on my face as well, for while most of the eggs I had seen walking around (the nests being made on the open ground, distanced from each other typically by at least 50 meters) were the familiar dull grey, these ones had taken on a distinct shine. The father jokingly stated that “the showiness of a bismuth starts before they do!”, while the mother told me it was a sign that the egg would soon hatch. A rough sketch of the scene has been scribbled on the opposite page.

Excerpt from the journals of Callsi Omalfen, Wandering Dracologist

Interview with an Iron Dragon

The working of a forge by an Iron dragon is an interesting sight to see. Although Iron dragons are perhaps the most well-understood of the draconics, they are still just as fascinating to me as any other species of dragon. In fact, I would venture to say they are made more fascinating by their willingness to mingle with non-dragons: it means this explorer need not spend days wandering the Wilds to find one and then hope it is in a good enough mood to humor his questioning!

In my continuing quest to find a Manganese dragon to interview about their cultural views on Runics, I have been traveling along the coast of the Hepellion Sea. Going from one coastal village to the next, most of the settlements I have visited offer little to weary travelers, because they have little themselves. I cannot blame them for this, but the carrot I have spent the day gnawing on has grown awfully short.

Two days ago, I arrived in one such village, and was surprised as I passed the local smithy by its large size. In most of these villages, I’ve found the smithy to have enough space for a lone resident to eat, sleep, and work his trade, but this one seemed large enough that I thought a pair of families must share between them both the house and the forge. Following an instinct from my gut, I investigated, and learned that size of the building was due to the nature of its inhabitant: an Iron dragon! Fortunately, my surprise that such a tiny village had attracted such a patron was received with good humor.

I shall record first a few preliminary details about this particular Iron dragon, a female who went by the name of Enula. She was only a couple hundred years old, still somewhat young by the standards of her kind (A standard that we humans could only dream of!). She had separated from her parents a few decades ago, but only came to this village six years ago.

Enula allowed me to examine her, in the form of a very brief physical. The luster of her scales, as well as their hardness, suggested Enula was healthy and well-nourished on her diet of fish and poultry. Her claws were of average length, except for on her left foreleg, which she complained often hurt. Examining it, I told her it was likely a certain sort of ingrowth, and advised her appropriately on how to fix the issue (it is best to tend to these problems while a dragon is young). This was the only defect I found in her health, something she was relieved to hear. I imagine the concerns regarding rust that an Iron dragon living coastally must fret over are significant.

I went on to ask the dragoness first about her kind’s history as metalworkers and smiths. She told me that while many other dragons take such pride in their racial features that they are left unwilling to help other races manipulate their associated element, Iron dragons are a more pragmatic sort that see potential benefit for both themselves and those around them. The generally-expressed sentiment among draconics is that the advantages of their unique elemental anatomy are theirs alone, but it seems Iron dragons are not as inclined toward this view.

Iron dragons are, of course, one of the more prolific alloyers among the draconics, and working the forges proves to an easy manner of getting the necessary scales, along with whatever else the dragon needs: in short, Iron dragons have adopted the economic spirit more that non-draconic civilizations foster more readily than other dragons. Enula stated that she suspects other dragons may eventually also come around to this same point of view, and that they stand to benefit for it a great deal when that happens (though if that day comes, they’ll have to find some other niche in the market, as Iron dragons seem to have this one cornered).

It seems that the modest Iron dragons are actually quite progressive in nature, at least in the eyes of their cousins.

At this point, I raised the fact that, despite what she says about Iron dragons seeking scales in barter, Enula has employed herself in a tiny coastal village with no prosperous economy or trade to speak of- she seemed to grow bashful at the comment and dismissed the matter without really providing a reason. It seemed particularly strange to me that she would come to a place so close to the water, where the risk of contracting rust runs high. The rest of our conversation delved into the subject of how she protected herself from the malady, as well as an anecdote about how her grandfather succumbed to rust. I decline to include that information in this journal, for the sake of keeping things organized, but should I ever compose a volume on illnesses which plague draconics, I shall surely reference this conversation again.

As our discussion ended, I asked my impromptu interviewee if she knew of any Manganese dragons living nearby. It is known that a fair number of them live around the Hepellion Sea, which was the reason I had been on this difficult adventure in the first place. As fortune would have it, Enula affirmed that there was one who lived not too far from the village. Given how her bashfulness returned at this point, I came to suspect an answer to my earlier questions about why she had come to this village, but I did not press on the matter. Young love, whether human or draconic, is a beautiful thing.

(On the opposite page, a drawing of an iron bauble has been made. According to the notes, the pendant was a gift from Enula, but Callsi found it too heavy to comfortably wear.)

Excerpt from the journals of Callsi Omalfen, Wandering Dracologist

The Legend of Saint Gilles de Mont-Eiresen

Hark ye now, children, to the history lesson for today. It is the anniversary of Saint Gilles de Mont-Eiresen, and we honor his memory by keeping it alive within our hearts.

Long ago, when our kingdom was young, still but a single hamlet underneath the awning of Mont-Eiresen going by no more regal a name than Riverton, young Gilles Urena fell foul of a mayor of supreme political misguidedness. You can still see the scars upon the mountain's peak, where the Uranium dragon Horkelen fought the Neptunium dragon Jelmno for supremacy over the pass between the crags.

Much trade passed through this pass, and our town was founded by the traders, and for long years, each mayor of Riverton swore allegiance and paid tribute to Horkelen, for the mountain had always been his, and Horkelen for his part ensured that no bandits or warlords molested the peaceful town. Mayor Brennan broke tradition, thinking himself more clever than he was, and, perceiving a vulnerability in Horkelen, allied himself with Jelmno in secret pact. With Horkelen gone, Jelmno swore to take no tribute, wishing only to slay his Uranium rival. Mayor Brennan promised to lure Horkelen into the open with a lie of some kind in turn, so that Jelmno might take him unawares.

The two came to blows, but at the last possible moment, Mayor Brennan unleashed a stolen spellbook upon both dragons, mortally wounding each. In their dying throes, they savaged the town, but Brennan emerged triumphant. The ambitious Brennan became dictator, marshaling the scum of the surrounding regions to his banner, and purchased Riverton's loyalty with stolen land and coin that no longer went to dragons. With the bandits now working for Brennan, the land came to know prosperity for a time, stabilizing the tyrant's rule.

Gilles was driven from the town, trapped on the other side of the pass when the dragons collapsed it. By the time Brennan removed the rubble, Gilles had long been forced to seek his fate elsewhere.

Gilles, friendless, without family, with only a few coins to his name, wandered the world as he grew to manhood. Serving in many armies, he developed a reputation as a capable fighter, and a man who other men would follow. High in the foothills of distant lands, at the end of a campaign under Emperor Alessandro the Majestic of Delarmien, Gilles was promoted to captain in the Delarmien Guard, and as was customary for those that earned their promotion in the field, permitted to claim a single artifact for themselves from the spoils of war, dragged from the vaults of distant lands.

Great jewels were there, born in the guts of Chromium dragons, and plates of shining Gold forged from a Gold dragon's scales. More beautiful than all else were glass artifacts of brilliant color, forged by Uranium dragons of a distant era, and a breastplate made with a single scale from an Osmium dragon was hotly contested. Goods of a more mundane nature were plentiful as well, but what man would turn down even an echo of draconic majesty?

Wise Gilles chose instead a simple spine from a Tungsten dragon, impossibly hard and sharp, which he fashioned into the head of a spear. Upon the campaign's conclusion, he thanked the Emperor for his generosity, and swore to return one day to serve under him once more.

The spear served Gilles well, and now at least he cleaved true to his innermost desire. Ever since he was a small child, watching his family be murdered by two rampaging dragons from the pass where he herded sheep, Gilles desired vengeance upon all dragonkind, since Horkelen and Jelmno were forever denied him.

Gilles is renowned as the only known human in all of history that slew five dragons, the Sulfur dragon Hes-Sarran, mighty Skethel the Leaden titan, cunning Fliqua of the Mercury breed, and the Boron dragon Chten the treacherous, who spoke of alliance with the dragonslayer, but instead betrayed Gilles to the mercy of all-consuming Quelkien the Francium terror.

Quelkien nearly killed Gilles, who managed to turn the tables on Chten and use his corpse for defense against Quelkien's radiant breath. With the scourge of the Southlands dead, Emperor Alessandro contacted Gilles once more, offering him a deal Gilles could not refuse.

With such honor heaped upon Gilles, now a known dragonhunter, and with such gifts bestowed him by the Delarmien nation, how, said Allesandro, could Gilles refuse to lead his army to war... against Brennan's Riverton duchy, squatting like a boil upon the mountain and river trade routes fueling fully a third of Alessandro's empire?

Alessandro's plans were clear to Gilles now. Gilles was to deliver Alessandro the land of his people, bringing them bloody war in the guise of liberation. Instead of Brennan's boot, it would be Alessandro's golden scepter pressing upon Riverton forevermore. Without Gilles' knowledge of the land, skill at arms, and reputation as a dragonslayer, no man would follow Alessandro into the valley flanked by peaks still glowing from dragonfire many years before. Riverton was a name of fear, ruled by a tyrant and perhaps haunted by the spirits of wrothful dragons.

Who else could dare the risk, but Gilles? And who else could have built Gilles' reputation, but an Emperor who recognized a dragon-killer in the making...

Though Gilles quailed at the thought of making war upon his hometown, he saw no way to extricate himself from his situation. Emperor Alessandro made it clear to Gilles that either he would conquer, or his spear would find a new home between his ribs. With a heart heavier than the tip of his spear, Gilles took command of the Southern Division, and marched to war.

The campaign was short, and without much interest to historians. All Alessandro needed Gilles for was to lead the army through the Mont-Eiresen pass, the disciplined warriors of Delarmien delivered the inevitable conclusion to Brennan's rabble.

Heartbroken at the carnage, Gilles entered the fray halfheartedly, playing his role by breaking down the doors before Brennan's hovel-turned-"palace", and slaying the would-be tyrant where he cowered before the throne.

Now, all that was left was to await the arrival of a true tyrant of men, Emperor Alessandro, who would arrive in person to officially claim his prize, and by his presence, convince traders that the pass and river were safe once more.

Gilles busied himself with the rebuilding of the town, at last having a job to do that didn't sicken him. Inwardly, he was thankful that none remembered who he was, for those that knew him were now dead.

In Brennan's personal records, Gilles found something curious, a series of messages to a bandit leader, detailing how merchants and bandits alike were going missing in the pass, their bodies never being found. Looking at Mont-Eiresen, Gilles noticed what others had not, too busy in banditry or keeping their heads down. The mountaintop was brightly lit, not merely by lingering radiance, but by lightning.

Gilles climbed Mont-Eiresen, telling his men that this would add to his reputation in order to calm their suspicions. Let them think him a glory-hound, so long as they let him climb alone.

About three quarters of the way up the immense spire or rock, Gilles found what he had hoped, though it chilled him to the bone. A swarm of Carbon dragons, entwined in their mating rituals, sending sparks into the air with wild abandon.

Steeling himself for what must be done, he descended into the rocky depression upon the mountain's shoulder.

Before he had gone three steps, it seemed that a piece of the mountain air itself had come to life, and was at his throat, hissing a warning in wordless tongue. Gilles had heard rumors of such creatures in his travels, of the oldest Carbon dragons, and now his hopes were confirmed. One of their old ones was perched upon his shoulder, observing him with the calm detachment of one who knows that it is in no danger whatsoever.

Gilles spoke no words, for the Carbon would surely kill him for interrupting its children's rituals, merely proffered the hide of Chten, preserved for years in Gilles' backpack. The Carbon dragon's gemstone eyes widened, and it sniffed the hide cautiously. With this, he could enter the radiant regions, and clear them out for his children to inhabit. With this, they could make a temporary stopover into a home, safe against detection by their many predators.

Gilles merely stepped back, and gestured that the Carbon should take the hide.

Now, the Carbon spoke, asking Gilles in a voice like broken glass what prompted a dragon killer to call upon dragons, for any Carbon who reached old age had eyes and ears in many lands, where Gilles' reputation had spread.

Gilles offered the hide, the mountain, and safety for all time to the Carbons. He offered them allies in the world of men, should they desire them, and the promise of easily accessing the crops of men, which the Carbons covet for nutrition.

The Carbon stared at Gilles for long moments, and with a hiss of crystal on flesh, slipped the Boron hide over himself without a word. Disappearing into the gathering night, the Carbon was gone.

Gilles feared the worst, but at least his conscience was assuaged. Whatever came now, he had done what he could.

Emperor Alessandro came upon Riverton on a bright and clear summer's day, regal in his gilded armor upon a majestic steed. Stepping to a podium, he gave a speech now lost to history, proclaiming his control over Riverton and the wealth that would surely come to them under his rule.

Though the legends are shrouded in mist, all are clear on one point. Midway through, Alessandro stopped, and rubbed his throat as if to clear his lungs. A thin line of red blood emerged, and his head fell from his shoulders. As his army, the assembled nobles, and the village looked on in horror, men began to die. A hot wind came down from the Mont-Eiresen peak, carrying a black cloud of choking dust, and the eyes of men were blind.

Something invisible passed among them, killing whom it would, a capricious spirit of wrath and horror, and a great wail of fear arose from the town.

When the black mist passed, only Gilles stood upon the stage. Only Gilles was free of the black dust. Only Gilles was illuminated by a brilliant beam of sunlight, spearing down from the church spire, though the sun was in the wrong position in the sky. If one looked carefully, one could see the spire twinkling and flickering, and the townspeople cried out that an angel had chosen Gilles to free them, and this is what the remnants of Alessandro's army told the nation of Delarmien, as they fled, never to return to Riverton.

Now, though Gilles revealed the deception to his people, we proclaim him as a Saint to all the lands around us. If ever an enemy enters the mountain pass, our "angels" swoop down upon them, and the river runs red with blood.

Our kingdom has grown since then, absorbing much of the Southlands of the dying Delarmien Empire. Without their king, and with the cream of their army dead, Emperor Alessandro's aggression came home to roost with a vengeance.

Once the breakers of nations, Delarmien is broken in turn, and its ruined lands are spoken of only with fear that it should not happen to the tale-teller.

Saint Gilles never broke his word to the Carbons, and every year we pay them a tithe of our produce. The rich river soil provides more than we need, and it is a trifle for the gift we receive in kind.

The blood of Saint Gilles remains with us now, his lineage strong and proud throughout the centuries.

How did the Saint die, you ask, if not at the claws of the Carbon, or the blade of Alessandro?

The true test of Gilles' allegiance came in the bitterly cold winter of Common Era 1327, a year when the skies darkened with soot, and the ground shook with such force that roofs and walls tumbled like matchsticks. A cadre of terrible Fluorine dragons descended from the heavens, ranging further south than any memory had ever recorded a Fluid dragon before. They wrought such havoc upon the Carbons, for they were desperately hungry, that even the old Carbon himself could not protect his kin. Gilles charged upward into the tempest, braving thunder, ash-dark, and the hellish breath of the Fluorines, armed only with his spear, and his courage.

None can say what transpired upon the mountain peak, but you have merely to look upon the pitted, corroded remnants of his spear, enshrined in the center of town, to know that not a single Fluorine dragon escaped his wrath. The old Carbon, himself a smoldering wreck of a beast, brought it back to us, and left without a word. We know not if he still lives, but the treaty Gilles signed with chisel, and validated in blood, is honored to this day.

Now then, I think I hear the Honor Bell tolling. It is time for the procession.