Making dragons bigger

[ruleslawyer]

Gentle Posters,

I've been thinking, for various reasons, to increase the size of true dragons IMG (mainly, because I tend to think that the HD and stats for dragons are way out of line with their size as written). Leaving aside the question of whether this is an appropriate step, do you think a CR adjustment would be necessary? In effect, bumping up dragons' size category by one step would give them increased attacks and damage and a larger breath weapon, but would make them more vulnerable to multiple attackers due to larger space. Is that a wash, or should the CR go up by 1 or 2? Thoughts?

 

[Henry]

Keep in mind if you do it, the dragons will be easier to slay if they are at all indoors - it would relegate the smaller dragons to a tougher time of it, because the slightly increased base damage I don't think is worth their more limited maneuverability. A young Huge Dragon, is likely a DEAD dragon.

 

[ruleslawyer]

But won't a young Huge dragon be at minimum a 13-HD creature (young red?).

What if I added in the size category modifiers to Str and Con?

 

[Mercule]

I had a bit of a problem with the size of dragons, too. That is, until I picked up the Draconomicon. That young adult red that measures 15' x 15' on the map is really 55' long, 8' wide, 12' high, has a wingspan of 75', fully stretched out, and weighs 10 tons.

That 15' x 15' space represents the dragon in a combat position. It's a bit coiled up and has its appendages drawn in and ready to strike. It requires 15' minimum for anything approaching decent mobility.