D&D (2024) Check Out D&D's New Gold Dragon Redesign

In the new 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons, WotC is redesigning its iconic dragons. ComicBook.com got a close-up and personal look at the brand new gold dragon, with a gorgeous art piece by Chase Stone. The dragon is, as can be seen, wingless--or at least with greatly reduced wings--in a nod to older editions of D&D--in AD&D 1E, gold dragons were more inspired by Asian dragons, but gained large wings in later editions. ComicBook's Christian Hoffer spoke to WotC's art director Josh Herman, who said "The wing change was really to give it a little bit of something extra, but also hopefully make it clear that they don't need their wings to fly all the time".

You can read the full article and interview here.

 

[dave2008]

We've seen silver too.

Good point - I forgot about that. Though it didn't really look like it had any changes. It also did seem to get the same treatment as the other dragons we have seen concept art for.

 

[dave2008]

So it's less of a redesign than it is an "un-redesign" taking it back to its 2nd Edition AD&D roots. I always preferred the more Asian look of the gold dragon back in the day.

actually, I agree with the article: it is a blend of the 3e and 1e/2e designs.

 

[ezo]

Nice image, horrible dragon IMO. I don't mind the concept, but this is just too long and skinny to my tastes.

 

[Ruin Explorer]

Really good art piece here, in that it's beautiful and terrifying and somehow weighty despite curling through the sky.

I hope all the 2024 dragons are more differentiated from each other, more unique, less "different colour, different breath weapon".

 

[Vaalingrade]

Did I miss some period in 5e where dragons all looked alike and didn't maintain the Lockwood styles?

Am I Hallucinating the Dovakin horns and twin tail scythes of the black dragon or the silver dragon's mowhawk?

 

[dave2008]

Did I miss some period in 5e where dragons all looked alike and didn't maintain the Lockwood styles?

Am I Hallucinating the Dovakin horns and twin tail scythes of the black dragon or the silver dragon's mowhawk?

I think people are talking more about how they all had an almost feline/equine body structure (this was not 100% true though). They had the same general morphology with different wings, horns, sails, etc. It was more than that really, but these new designs seem to be pushing the differences further.

 

[bedir than]

It kind of makes sense that the gold dragon for the golden anniversary would be a form that could be an ampersand

 

[MGibster]

For a game called Dungeons & Dragons there have been a dearth of dragons in my campaigns. I think the new gold dragon looks pretty cool.

 

[Distracted DM]

For a game called Dungeons & Dragons there have been a dearth of dragons in my campaigns. I think the new gold dragon looks pretty cool.

I think folks hold back on the dragons because they want to save them for later. I'd suggest using them whenever you think it's appropriate, don't wait cuz your game might not make it to later!

 

[dave2008]

I think folks hold back on the dragons because they want to save them for later. I'd suggest using them whenever you think it's appropriate, don't wait cuz your game might not make it to later!

I typically don't use dragons younger than adult and usually only ancient dragons. However, it is not uncommon for one to make an appearance early in a campaign so the PCs understand the dangers the world has waiting for them.