I am apparently on a draconic roll. I really like the various dragons created over the years. There are a number of dragons that were created in the Forgotten Realms books, Dragon Magazines, and a few other sources. Some have translated over into Pathfinder, and some, I have started translating into Pathfinder. I find trying to update the Dragons that I find to be a somewhat cathartic experience. I can't guarantee that I'll even use half of these dragons, but I at least know that they're there if I need'em. Also, it helps get some of my mildly creative juices going.

The Primordial Dragons

While not a true "type" of dragon; like the arcane, chromatic, or metallic; Primoridal Dragons are a general classification among some sages for those dragons that meet the following "requirements" :

1. A True Dragon


2. Not easily classified into another category (ie. not a dragon "known" for it's colorization or other trait)


3. Have a more "primal" or "primitive" appearance (such as smaller or no wings, weaker spell casting ability)


4. Found in very selective locations or in lower numbers than other dragons.

While these "requirements" are not hard rules by any means, the designation of "primordial" places the dragon in a rather interesting place for those that study the true dragons of the world.

It has been proposed that this dragons are forebears to the current dragon races. They are to the other dragons what some consider orcs and neanderthals to humans and elves. This proposition is not one that is ever addressed in the presence of any dragon, as the very notions seem to cause even the most tolerant of dragons to lash out the one who made the "derisive statement". Most such thoughts are wisely kept to the quiet musing and pondering of sages,  written in tomes that are best tucked safely away for draconic eyes.

It is interesting to note, though, that while a number of the "primordial" dragons have a limited spell casting ability, many are specialized in natural traits that make them masterful counters against the arcane arts. The Fang Dragon and Rattelyr Dragon's spell turning abilities are but one example of this natural adaptation. One cannot but wonder if these are dragons that aren't the primitive forebears, but an actual newer group of dragon breeds meant to counter the increasing magic found more and more among the "lesser" races.

Rattelyr Dragon

This wingless dragon, it's mahogany colored scales shimmering in the heat of the day, raises it's hood as you approach. The dragon's tail begins to twitch and what starts as a low rattle becomes a cacophony of terror in your head and chest, as your heart races to match the frantic sound. 

LE dragon (fire)
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Base Statistics
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CR 2; Size Tiny; Hit Dice 2d12
Speed 60 ft., burrow 30 ft.
Natural Armor +2; Breath Weapon Cone, 1d6 fire
Str 11, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 8

Ecology
Environment Hilly or rocky desert
Organization solitary or rampage (2-4 dragons)
Treasure triple
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Special Abilities
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Hood Extension (Su): A rattelyr dragon can extend it's hood as a free action. Beginning at adult, an extended hood acts as spell turning, able to turn a number of spell levels equal to the dragon's HD, per day.

Rattle (Su): A rattelyr dragon can employ the rattle on it's tail as a standard action. Any nondragon within 240 feet of the rattelyrmust make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 the dragon's HD + the dragon's Cha modifier to a minimum of 0). Those that fail are panicked for 4d6 rounds. Those creatures with 5 or more HD are instead shaken for 4d6 rounds. If a creature saves against the rattle it cannot be affected by the same rattle for one day. Spell casters within the range of the rattle must make a Concentration check (DC 10 + 1/2 the dragon's HD + the dragon's Cha modifier to a minimum of 0) in order to cast any spell or employ any spell-like ability. This is a sonic, mind-affecting ability.

Rattle, Improved (Su): In addition to the affects of the rattle, an Old rattelyr dragon can also induce vertigo in those affected by the rattle. In addition to the Will save, those in range for the rattle must also make a Fortitude save at the same DC, or become sickened for 4d6 rounds.  If a creature saves against the rattle it cannot be affected by the same rattle for one day. This is a sonic, mind-affecting ability.

Tremorsense (Ex): A very young rattelyr dragon gains tremorsense out to 60 feet.

Resistance to Electricity (Ex): Starting as a wyrmling, the dragon develops a resistance to electricity that increases over time, until it reaches it maximum as a Mature Adult.

Rapid Strike (Su): A very young rattelyr begins to show the quick and brutal moves that the breed is well known for. A rattelyr has a +4 bonus on Initiative checks. This ability does stack with Improved Initiative, should the dragon take that feat. Additionally, if a rattelyr dragon goes first in the round, at the end of the round the rattelyr dragon can either make a single melee attack at a -5 penalty or move half it's speed.

Spell Like Abilities (Sp): Rattelyr dragons, unlike most other dragons, only gain one spell-like ability. This ability is still usable at will. Great Wyrm - scouring winds.

Viscous Breath (Su): An ancient rattelyr has learned to make the most of it's breath weapon. Instead of just breathing flame, it will mix the breath with sand and dirt, creating a thick, sticky, crude blast of molten glass. The first time an ancient uses it's breath weapon in combat the breath weapon is this vicious viscous conflagration. Those that do not save against the breath weapon continue to take damage for a number of rounds equal to the dice of the breath (thus if the breath weapon does 6d6 of damage, it would last for 6 rounds). Each round the damage done by the viscous breath is one die less as the breath begins to cool, until it finally hits 0d6. The additional damage can be avoided by either taking a round to remove the heated goop, or using a cold or water based spell on the victim (many a life has been saved by a well timed create water spell).

Age Category	Special Abilities	Caster Level
Wyrmling	Resistance to Electricity 5, Rattle	---
Very Young	Rapid Strike, Tremorsense	---
Young	Frightful Presence, Resistance to Electricity 10	---
Juvenile	DR 5/Magic	---
Young Adult	Resistance to Electricity 15, Spell Resistance	---
Adult	Hood Extension	1st
Mature Adult	DR 10/Magic, Resistance to Electricity 20	3rd
Old	Improved Rattle	5th
Very Old	DR 15/Magic	7th
Ancient	Viscous Breath	9th
Wyrm	DR 20/Magic	11th
Great Wyrm	Scouring Winds	13th

Found in remote "badland" environments, filled with rocky outcroppings, sparse vegetation, and many stony canyons and vales, rattelyr dragons are a hardy breed of dragons, rarely found near the settlements of other beings. Very territorial, and somewhat xenophobic, rattelyr dragons prefer their solitude. Yet, despite this, they are also a curious lot, and will often question helpless victims about the latest gossip and news while the unfortunate soul slowly bakes in the heat of the day.

While not the most social of dragons, rattelyrs are not fools. They will negotiate agreements with others if that agreement is beneficial to the dragon. Evil wizards, fleeing warlords, and others that may find a "badlands" area as a perfect place to establish a power base would do well to curry the favor of a local rattelyr. The easiest way to do this is to slay a blue dragon. Blue dragons are the greatest rivals of rattelyrs, and the two often attack the other first and never get to asking questions.

Rattelyr dragon's scales start of a reddish mahogany color, darkening to a black, almost charcoal, as it grows older. The hood also  grows more elaborate as the dragon ages. No two hoods are the same, each with ornate gray-white markings on the back. Some hoods maintain a smooth curved appearance, while others present a more ribbed, almost spiny hood. Among rattelyr's, one's hood is a matter of pride, and it is not unusual for an older rattelyr's impressive hood to also be adorned with rings and babbles. It is also not unheard of for rattelyrs to stop and converse with any creature with a hood or similar mantel. One confirmed report indicated that a dragon actually spent a number of hours speaking with a cobra caste Nagah regarding the proper maintenance and care of one's hood.