Dragons... what should they be?

[TerraDave]

Yes, but can you subdue them?

 

[billd91]

But look at their opposition, the PCs.

Much tougher relative to the dragon than in 2e or even 3e. There's virtually no comparison. The upgrade dragons got was much needed.

 

[Ahnehnois]

My picture of dragons is of them as being descendants of the world's creators, and a greater force than the deities. Thus, I think they should be all-powerful. Virtually impoosible to harm, highly intelligent, and with the full array of spellcasting. Of course, I think there should be some variety, and that dragons that aren't "true" dragons can be weaker.

Once more with feeling: I would prefer that dragons be terrifying combatants, yep, but also that they have specific, tailored um, 'dragony' abilities. Supernatural powers and effects above and beyond 'fear aura' and the other usual suspects, such as they are. And this goes for other monsters, too. I'd love for them to be highly distinct, customised, that kind of thing.

Please yes.

 

[Nebulous]

4e dragons really need an option in the book for DMs to add in seconary or tertiary magical powers. I was trying to do this yesterday with a cobalt dragon in my campaign using the Monster Builder, but when i sat down to just *think* about what i might want it to do, i was drawing blanks. What spells should an adult cobalt dragon cast? What is in theme with its natural powers and temperment? What would it have that a younger dragon would not? What would an ancient dragon have? And i don't mean powerful spells, but maybe ritual-like spells of lower level it can cast automatically without components. Sure, i can eventually brainstorm a list, but ideally i want to see that list in print in front of me so i don't have to do a damn thing.

 

[Alaxk Knight of Galt]

I like my dragons to be major Antagonist to the PCs. The dragon at the end of the dungeon should be Smaug, not an Adult Red Dragon.

As for abilities, I think it's fine for dragons to have moderate spell use if appropriate for their personality and threat presented to the party.