How Greedy Are Good Dragons?

[The Amazing Dingo]

Just a question here to toss out concerning good aligned dragons...just how greedy are they?

When I hear good, I do admit that I think of someone willing to give money to help a good cause. A dragon's greed/covetousness of wealth is legendary.
So, would a good dragon do this? Would a Gold? Would a Silver? Would a Copper?

If so, how much would they give? Would they only give if they thought they might get some type of return other then just knowing they did something good? Would they perhaps be willing to let go of magical items they acquire for a fraction of their normal cost if they were going towards a good cause? If a dragon patron of a city saw his beloved city's coffers going empty would he help out by emptying his own funds into the city in some way?

These things have been playing in my mind. I do believe good dragons are just that, good. However, dragons are known for their desire to possess objects of value. I know there is another thread about Dragon Economics going around and something there struck me as interesting:

Perhaps good dragons value objects other then simple wealth? Perhaps they value things such as the first flower to bloom after winter or only objects of art? I don't quite really *want* to believe this since I think having a good dragon be acquisitive and stingy with his wealth is a nice foil and adds a depth of character.

My question is, how would such show through in their character and willingness to help others?

 

[humble minion]

I've always thought that good dragons would act towards humans/demihumans in a way similar to the way humans act towards pets. They're cute to have around, you encourage good behaviour in them, and you take them to the vet when they're sick.

But sometimes the vet bills are just too expensive, or they destroy the curtains one too many times, and, sadly, they just have to be put down.

I could see a good dragon helping out good humans financially if they really needed it. But I think the dragon would only offer them relative trinkets. Even the most altruistic dragon isn't going to put a big dent in its hoard for human concerns, although it might hand over a few bits and pieces off the top, more to make it feel good about itself than for any other reason. A dragon lives for hundreds of years and sees dozens of human generations come and go - it isn't going to be that emotionally involved in the fate of the current set. There's going to be more along soon enough.

I could see a dragon getting involved in the big, epic-scale campaign issues - evil gods arising, the sun being blotted out, the world being cast bodily into Hell and so on. That sort of stuff affects you even if you're a dragon. But in terms of mere mortal-scale matters, they're probably beneath a dragon's notice.

 

[RithTheAwakener]

I agree 100% with humble minion.

 

[wedgeski]

My question is, how would such show through in their character and willingness to help others?

Great question and I really like Humble Minion's answer. I've always considered hoarding to be a character flaw of good dragons, something that despite themselves they can never stop. A dragon that gave up any significant portion of its hoard for mortal concerns would be acting interestingly out of character, IMO.

(Hmm...)

 

[jonesy]

Goody good general: "We've got a major war coming up."
Goody good dragon: "And?"
Ggg: "Our intel has been telling us the enemy will most likely have evil dragons on their side."
Ggd: "Let me guess. You want me to come in and save the day."
Ggg: "Well, yes."
Ggd: "Sorry, my better half only recently got new hatchlings, so I've got to stick close to home guarding them."
Ggg: "I'll let you take a certain percentage of the spoils?"
Ggd: "You think I'm only interested in wealth being a dragon and all that? You hurt my feelings, you do."
Ggg: "I'll have my spys locate the lairs of the dragons you kill?"
Ggd: "I'm in."

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I concur with humble minion for the most part. I do think that the dragon's age, and color, may slightly skew things, however.

A younger dragon may be more inclined to feel connected to the short-lived humans, unlike a Great Wyrm which, as humble minion pointed out, has seen so many generations of humans go by that he isn't going to be overly concerned about the "current set."

Also, silver dragons in particular are noted as actually preferring humanoid form to their own. Silver dragons are the ones I can see falling in love with mortals, and giving pieces of their horde to deserving mortals they come across.

As for dragons in general, aside from the excellent comments of humble minion, I think it's also important to remember that you can certainly be good without being selfless. Paladins are the only character class that are sometimes expected to be selfless. Other than that, wizards, rogues, and other good PCs still collect swag as they adventure, and are considered no less good for it.

Think of a dragon as a Good-aligned rogue, if you like. They fight for the right causes and worship the right gods, but they still enjoy lining their pockets when they get the chance.

 

[Tonguez]

I agree 100% with humble minion.

Me too


However

Is a Dragon as good as Fort Knox?

We often hear about the wonky DnD economics and all that gold coin going around, thus I was thinking what if good Dragons have taken it upon themselves to control inflation! PCs coming back from tomb-raiding are obliged to hand a HUGE percentage of it over the the local patron Dragon who will sit on it and keep it safe not only for PC Bob but for his descendents too. This Gold Hoard reserve keeps growing and successful PCs gain better credit ratings (and maybe enough Ressurection insurance and Dragon bonds). These bonds are tradable stocks (underwritten by the Dragons hoard) and are used by Kings, Governments, Magic Academies, Temples and powerful Guilds in lieu of coins (which are only used by peasants and lowly adventurers anyway)

I haven't done it but it maybe an idea

 

[johnsemlak]

Good stuff mentioned above.

I think one thing to mention is that a good dragon isn't necessarily greedy but is very likely extremely proud, and may be very proud of its hoard.

It may be useful to try imagine that good dragons aren't necessarily possessive of their hoards. They might view themselves as guardians of it.

I don't think it's written in stone that a good dragon has to have a hoard of wealth. A DM can decide differently.

 

[shilsen]

Silver dragons are the ones I can see falling in love with mortals, and giving pieces of their horde to deserving mortals they come across.

[Pet peeve]Hoard. Giving away pieces of your horde means lending the other guy a dozen orcs [/Pet peeve]

Back to the original point - along with many of the approaches already mentioned, I usually treat the hoard issue for dragons as at least partly a biological imperative. And bigger hoards lead to greater confidence, sharper teeth, and improved skin...er, scale tone. Not to mention more reproductive ability. "Is that a big hoard in your cave or are you just glad to see me?" does work with dragons