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Message: <blockquote data-quote="WhimsyTheFae" data-source="post: 3987862" data-attributes="member: 8964">My first assumption is that these sorts of dragons will not be actively involved in the politics of the region.  Being hunted by magic-using adversaries is not something that they would probably want.  Therefore, most dragons will be solitary and prey on the fringes of society or just prey in the wild.So, what that leaves us with are the rare dragons who have the drive/ambition/wisdom/etc. to succeed in civilized lands.  Said dragon would know that having allied magic would be a benefit, so it would want to ally itself with a magic-using individual (I'm going to assume that dragons are still naturally resistant to magic, so direct spells probably don't concern them as much as spells which make physical confrontation easier).  When I say "ally", I mean control.  Low level kobolds or lizardfolk may suffice for this, since they are less likely to revolt.These magic using minions would ideally have certain alarming, warding, dispelling and communication-type spells. Perhaps even a spell or two to help move around freely in human society (such as Alter Self).  Standard survival needs for these minions would be met by the environment that they were already a part of, so nothing special needs to be present (at least not right away).The dragon may also want allies amongst the humans.  There are at least two feasible methods for this.  The first, and most distasteful to the dragon, is to become friends with the villagers or whatnot.  Save them from the goblins in the forest.  Drive away the wolves preying on their sheep.  Take care of the brigands in the foothills.  This would backfire if the dragon showed its true colors and ambitions, but if done carefully, the dragon could turn the people against their rulers.The other method is through fear.  If the villagers made to fear the dragon enough, they may actively work to prevent heroes from hunting it.  The last time that knights/hunters/adventurers/etc. went into the swamp looking for the dragon, not only was that group destroyed, but the villages crops were burned and some of their children eaten.  They may not like it, but appeasing the dragon is far less risky than opposing it.After that, the dragon will use its minions and servants to extend its influence.  One day, it may challenge the kingdom...or it may just remain a powerful force of evil in the area...or it may eventually be defeated.Without magic, the dragon can still be a very effective BBEG.  Even without non-humans to use as servants, the dragon can move to step two and gain human minions (reluctant or not), but it is more difficult.  It is true that more dragons may fail to become BBEGs without the magical support, but the ones that do are stronger for it (the rest either die or live outside civilized areas).</blockquote>

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