The Horror Of It!!

[Xarlen]

This thread is great!

It just so happens I'm working on some dragons, and this is just further focus.'

I like white dragons. I find it's sad that most are stupid, and not very powerful, so I sought to change that. This dragon (http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=fr/fx20011121wn) inspired me.

I basicly used him, but instead, had the Great White *think*. He rules an arctic region, only like this: Before the coming of him, there were three main inhabitants of the area, Gnolls, Barbarian humans, and Lizardfolk (Adapted to the cold). They fought over territory, hunting grounds, and survival. When He came, he breed with their strongest, gave them Magic, Powerful leaders, and Unity, allowing them to survive in this cold region.

In exchange, they Worshiped this dragon like he was a God.

Later on, the gnolls broke away, and thus a war was forged between the others and gnolls. My group happened to travel through the area on a quest, got in a tangle with it, but they've never met the Great White.

Soon, the party shall be meeting their first dragon. Another inspiration: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.asp?x=fr/fx20020227wn

She has ties with a city they've been saving. They're heading into the High Forest for portal exploration, one which unbenounced to them is guarded by Eilistraee, and a target for Zhentriam smugglers. In any event, the dragon will be playing both sides for treasure, using her vast connections with tribes, monsters, et al in the High Forest to full advantage.

In other words, Dragons Aren't Dumb. Some can just sit there and wait for envasion, or they act like illithids, vampires, or any other intelligent monster, and make the world work for Them.

Keep up the good work. Good show, Edena.

 

[DerianCypher]

that's why I'm a Great Wyrm Prismatic Dragon. I don't have to worry about them

 

[William Ronald]

Good thread, Edena!

There are much that dragons can do to ensure their survival.

A nation of dragons can be a hidden secret, with locations in different areas. (Necessary for food.) The killing of a dragon may well provoke retaliation from its kin. Indeed, that lone red dragon sitting on a pile of treasure may have a defense pact with others of its kind. (Who would be wise to worry about becoming the next target.)

Similarly, a dragon can take a place in a human or demi-human society and have its allies do so. Officials can be persuaded, bribed, or charmed. Also, there is nothing to prevent a dragon from joining a human or demi-human organization as a member in good standing. Indeed, the other members may not even be aware of this for a while.

In the case where dragons are known to be members of an organization or country, attacking them would be tantamount to a crime in the eyes of their allies.

Also, even an evil dragon may prove a useful ally. In my campaign, one evil dragon has helped others when it was in his self-interest to do so. After all, there are some threats -- such as a planar gate to the lower planes -- that even the most evil dragon may have reasons to stop. ("No, Asmodeus, I am a free agent. )

A good use of dragons in an official module came in the old GDQ series where two dragons were allied with giants for mutual protection and gain. Remember, most dragons are extremely intelligent. They will likely have not just servants, but allies who may approach them in power.

 

[GILGAMESH]

Ok, all of you out there, imagine this ...

You're living in your home, minding your own business, not bothering anyone - just living a normal life.

In this theoretical and abstract scenario, the Government either no longer exists as far as you're concerned, or they cannot (or will not) aid you in any way.

Now ...

They are coming to get you.
I do stress the They, and They have an agenda on their minds.

Their Agenda, is to kill you. Killing you is very important to them.
So important that they will probably do whatever it takes to succeed.

They will come for you, and They are stronger than you are.
They will break into your home by force, and They intend to attack you, and kill you where you stand.

If you fight, They have more weapons and firepower than you.
If you run out of the house, they will pursue you to the death.
If you hide in the house, They will search through the house, overturning every piece of furniture and firing into every floor, wall, and ceiling, to find you, and kill you.
If you get in your car to drive away, They will get in their cars, and give chase, and will never stop until They catch you and bring you down.

If you have family in your home, They will kill your family, in the process of trying to kill you.
If you have anything of value in your home (you probably do) then They will take it.
What They cannot take, they will destroy, or leave a guard over until They find a way to take it.

And remember, you cannot call on the authorities, or on friends, or on neighbors, for none of these will willingly aid you against Them.

If you somehow overcome Them, then Their allies will come to avenge Them against you.
There is no end to the resources They can call upon, whereas you have only your own strength.

Does this sound like an unpleasant situation for you?

OH MY GOD!!!.... You've been peeking into my Paranoia closet!!!!