D&D 5E (2024) Opinions on the Topaz Dragon Reverse Wings?

[Rainbow Scissors]

That is pretty much what I am talking about doing. How does everyone keep missing that point?! I am not talking about keep the design as is, but taking the concept and running with it. I guess it might be that I say "tweaks" and perhaps my perspective on tweaks is more generous than others?

What has got me interested is how we do it, not how it can't be down. In fact, all the reasons it "can't be done" are more inspiration for how to do it. Don't shackle yourself to what isn't possible. Let's expand our thinking and make the ludicrous possible. At least that is what I find interesting.

I think what people are saying is that "how it can be done" is to have a completely different creature than the 5e24 Topaz Dragon.

You'd essentially be starting from scratch to design a new creature. So, the first step to accomplishing that would be to come up with the new creature concept. What is it that you want from the new creature? ...for the creature to be able to do?

 

[Charlaquin]

Yep, if you read through a few more posts you will see that is exactly where I am going. Still not enough of concept for some though! I am trying to come up with a reason for why they are like this though. The FR wiki gave me some ideas, I need to look at FToG and see if I can get a few more.

I mean, I’m technically one of those people it isn’t enough for. But, I wanted to engage with the question earnestly. If you want to keep the backwards wings, having them work sort of like insect or hummingbird wings is probably the least-wrong way to do it. It’s still wrong and I still think it looks bad, but that isn’t what you asked about. If it works for you, awesome.

 

[dave2008]

I think what people are saying is that "how it can be done" is to have a completely different creature than the 5e24 Topaz Dragon.

You'd essentially be starting from scratch to design a new creature. So, the first step to accomplishing that would be to come up with the new creature concept. What is it that you want from the new creature? ...for the creature to be able to do?

Basically, but I don't think it needs to be a completely different creature (thought that is OK too). I've got some ideas going based on existing material. I'll try to flesh them out over the next few days.

 

[dave2008]

I mean, I’m technically one of those people it isn’t enough for. But, I wanted to engage with the question earnestly. If you want to keep the backwards wings, having them work sort of like insect or hummingbird wings is probably the least-wrong way to do it. It’s still wrong and I still think it looks bad, but that isn’t what you asked about. If it works for you, awesome.

To clarify, it doesn't "work" for me. I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to dragons. That being said, the naysayers have made me want to figure out a way if could "work" more generally. It is never something I would have in my game - just like any other gem dragon really (or psionics for that matter).

Really, this just to have some fun and I appreciate your engagement!

 

[Demetrios1453]

I’m about 99% confident the ancient Greeks did not place stars in the sky to trace the outline of a ship, but had to do with what was already there.

Then call the stern the prow. Given the stars in question, it would work fine either way.

 

[Demetrios1453]

I really like the design and illustration.

That said, I do NOT like it as a Topaz dragon in D&D:
#1 The floating spine crystals, while cool make the dragon look too fantastical for it's 'family'. And I say this fully realizing that the Topaz dragon concept is already pretty fantastical...

All of the 5e gem dragons have floating crystals in some capacity on their bodies. Amethyst and crystal dragons have them as back spines as well.

 

[Rainbow Scissors]

Basically, but I don't think it needs to be a completely different creature (thought that is OK too). I've got some ideas going based on existing material. I'll try to flesh them out over the next few days.

Maybe, given the psionic nature of gem dragons, the wings aren't actually like that. It's a psychic projection to intentionally make the dragon look helpless and incapable of flight, to lure in potential prey.