Dragon, Mountain (Red) 9 (27)

Lost Company Press

These majestic crimson-scaled beasts embody the fury of the mountains they call home. Eclipse in size by their grand wingspan, they guard their territory and treasure with vigilant eyes and a fiery breath that can turn stone to molten slag. These dragons prefer high altitudes and solitude, but they are intelligent and can converse in many tongues, often striking fear and awe into those who encounter them.

Motive: To amass treasure, assert dominance over mountain regions, and sate its hearty appetite

Environment: High-altitude lairs, usually in deep caverns of the tallest mountains (Mountains)

Health: 27

Damage: 9 points

Armor: 3

Movement: Immediate on foot, Short when flying

Modifications: Intellect defense as level 10 due to cunning intellect; Persuasion and deception as level 10 due to ancient knowledge

Combat: The Mountain Red Dragon exhales a scorching breath of fire in a wide arc causing severe burns and setting the surroundings ablaze, inflicting 10 points of damage to everyone in an immediate area. Anyone hit by the breath must make a Speed defense roll or catch fire, taking an additional moderate wound (5 points) per round until extinguished.

• Wing Buffet: The dragon can beat its massive wings to create a powerful gust of wind, knocking back foes within immediate range and making them prone.
• Fearsome Presence: It instills a paralyzing fear in its opponents. Those within short range must succeed on an Intellect defense task or be unable to move or act for one round.

Interactions: Proud and commanding, they engage with others only on their terms. They might parley with adventurers who show proper respect or amuse them, or they might simply demand tribute or service. Deception or disrespect is met with a swift fiery retribution.

Uses: An ancient Mountain Red Dragon awakens from its slumber due to disturbed ley lines. It could be a destroyer, a wise ally, or an indifferent force to be navigated. The dragon could also be a catalyst for an adventure, sending characters on quests to prove their worth or retrieve items.

Loot: Huge piles of gold and jewels, magical artifacts, ancient tomes, and the occasional rare weapon or piece of armor.

GM Intrusion: A sudden and violent tremor shakes the dragon's lair, dislodging stalactites and causing fissures in the ground; or the dragon feigns injury, luring the attackers closer before launching a devastating surprise attack.