Lost Company Press
Rising from the murky depths of bog and marshland, the Swamp Dragon, cloaked in glistening black scales, exudes a menacing aura. With eyes reflecting the grim swamp and a breath of corrosive fumes, this dragon specializes in ambushes, using both the treacherous terrain and its natural camouflage to its advantage. It silently glides through the water, emerging only to unleash terror upon its prey with sharp claws, powerful jaws, and a noxious, acid breath that can dissolve flesh and bone alike.
Motive: Territorial dominance and insatiable hunger
Environment: Dank marshes and fog-laden swamps (Wilderness)
Health: 21
Damage: 7 points
Armor: 2
Movement: Short; can swim and fly with Long movement
Modifications: Stealth maneuvers as level 8 due to natural camouflage; Resistance to poisons and disease as level 8
Combat: Apart from its physically powerful bite and claw attacks, the Swamp Dragon can exhale a cloud of corrosive gas once every other round as a short range attack that deals 6 points of damage and can affect multiple targets. Targets hit by the breath must make a Speed defense roll to avoid being partially dissolved, which hinders all actions for three rounds as the acidic fog eats away at armor, weapons, and flesh.
Interactions: Intelligent but cruel, the Swamp Dragon can understand several languages but prefers to demand tribute from those encroaching on its territory rather than engage in meaningful conversation. It has little patience for those who refuse or hesitate to comply.
Uses: As the characters navigate the treacherous swamp, they may stumble upon ancient ruins, a lonely hermit, or desperate poachers, all of whom tell tales of the black terror that hunts in the foul waters.
Loot: Swamp Dragon scales that resist acid and damage, valued by armorers and alchemists.
GM Intrusion: As players engage or attempt to sneak by the dragon, they may find the ground beneath them giving way, as they fall into a sinkhole filled with acidic swamp water, potentially separating them and offering the dragon an easy target.