Return of the Arcane Dragons

While working on a new setting, I was called to remembrance of the Arcane Dragons. They were in the Creature Catalog V, published in Dragon Magazine #343, and written by Jake Manely. These were an interested group of true dragons, currently consisting of only two breeds, the Hex and the Tome. I wanted to update them for Pathfinder. In looking over the dragons, and the Advance Player's Guide, I see these dragons as having some very interesting potential.  After looking again and again on the internet, I did not find anyone else having posted or presented an updated versions of these dragons, so I figure I will. Now, there are going to be some alteration to some of the dragons in these posts from the original. These are meant to catch the flavor of the dragon, as well as present some new options. I want to keep with the theme of the dragon, and open the arcane dragons as a more specialized casters. I'm, as always, not trying to step on any toes, or infringe on any copyrights or anything like this. These are all little bits of Fan Love, presented to the general public as little bits to add to their own games.

Dragons, Arcane

Arcane Dragons are tied more closely to the inherent magic that courses through all draconic veins. As such, while they are physically weaker and more fragile then their chromatic or metallic brethren, they are master of magics known to few others. Also, due to their high arcane abilities, but weaker physical capability, arcane dragons often spend almost as much time in and around humanoids, residing in ruins, monasteries, and, in some cases, even cities. They can serve as advisers, instructors, and patrons. Rarely does an arcane dragon take a real leadership roll. Even rarer is the knowledge that the sage, scholar, sorcerer or wandering stranger was anything more than a typical member of the society. This secrecy is due to the number of beings out there that would attempt to enslave or otherwise misuse the dragon.

Combat

Most Arcane Dragons, even in their older years, are not the titanic powerhouses their cousins are. In combat an arcane dragon will prefer to send minions in first, if possible, and whittle away at their foes with breath weapon and spell. Preferably, though, an arcane dragon will never get into the position that they have to engage in combat, instead manipulating and affecting things from the shadows. Most arcane dragons actually feel the notion of dirtying their claws is a sign that something failed terribly. Arcane Dragons have many of the same options as a standard true dragon, with the following additional traits.

Alternate Form (Su): An arcane dragon can assume another form 3 times per day as a standard action. All arcane dragons can assume the form of any humanoid creature or animal of Medium size or smaller.

Graceful Flyer (Ex): A young or older arcane dragon's aerial maneuverability is one step better than normal.

Physical Frailty (Ex): Arcane dragons have smaller limbs and weaker natural weapons than other dragon breeds, and are far less suited for physical combat. When determining the type and damage dealt bu their natural weapons, treat arcane dragons as if the dragon is  one size category smaller than they actually are (minimum of Tiny), and subtract the reach of all claw and wing attacks by 5 feet.

Hex Dragon

The dragon's scales ripple with eldritch might, with faint glowing runes pulsing in time. Deep purple in color, the dragon's horns corkscrew above a pair of cunning emerald eyes.

NE dragon (arcane, earth)
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Base Statistics
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CR 3; Size Small; Hit Dice 4d12
Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft., swim 30 ft.
Natural Armor +2; Breath Weapon line, venom (see below)
Str 9, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 15

Ecology
Environment Any forest, marsh, or underground
Organization solitary or coven (1-3 dragons)
Treasure triple
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Special Abilities
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Breath Weapon (Su): A hex dragon has one breath weapon, a line of venom. The following is the effects of the venom:

Putrid Venom breath weapon
Type Poison, Contact; Save Fortitude DC (constitution based.)
Frequency 1/round for 4 rounds.
Effect Con damage equal to 1/2 the dragons age catagory

Hex (Su): A hex dragon gains the ability to cast hexes, as a witch. At each age category a hex dragon can select another hex, from the hexes available to a witch. When a dragon reaches Adult it can begin to select hexes from the Major Hex list. Beginning with Ancient, a hex dragon can choose a Grand Hex.

Unless otherwise noted, using a hex is a standard action that does not provoke an attack of opportunity. The save to resist a hex is equal to 10 + 1/2 the dragon's HD + the dragon’s Charisma modifier.

Patron (Su): A very young hex dragon can choose to become a witch's patron. The patron's theme for the witch are the same as the themes of the hex dragon know to the hex dragon at that time. Upon reaching Old, the hex dragon can expand the benefits of belonging to a coven to a number of other individuals equal to the dragon's Charisma modifier. The dragon counts as a hag for the purposes of creating a coven.

Retributive Curse (Su): Hex dragons have learned to channel their pain and anger into terrible retributive magic; many foes who succeed in wounding a hex dragon find themselves wishing they could take back the blow. On any round in which a hex dragon is injured (takes hit point or ability damage), the dragon may curse one of the opponents who injured it as a free action. The effects of this curse increase as the dragon ages:

Sickness: The target is sickened for 1d4 rounds.
Agony: The target is crippled by agonizing pain (treat as nauseated) for 1d4 rounds.
Blindness: The target is permanently blinded.
Insanity: Target becomes permanently confused, as per the spell insanity.
Oblivion: Target is obliterated (as if affected by a sphere of annihilation).

A successful Will save negates the effect. A hex dragon may bestow curses from younger age categories, if it so chooses. The save DC against the curse is 10+1/2 the dragon's HD + the dragons Charisma modifier.

Should a hex dragon ever be killed or mortally wounded (reduced to negative hit points), it reflectively unleashes a death curse against all creatures withing a radius equal to 10 feet per age category. All creatures within the area must save as above or suffer the affects of the highest level of curse available to the dragon.

Spells (Sp): A hex dragons cast spells as a sorcerer of it's appropriate caster level. It selects its spells, though, from the witch's spell list. A hex dragon also selects a Patron theme starting as at Very Young, and then one additional Patron theme for every other age category. The bonus spells from the theme are automatically known as the dragon progresses in age.

Vile Resistances (Ex): A hex dragon receive a +4 bonus on saves versus death effects, enchantment spells, and spells and effects that deal negative energy damage. They are immune to disease and poison.

Age Category	Special Abilities	Caster Level*
Wyrmling	Hex, Retributive Curse (sickness), Vile Resistances	---
Very Young	Hex, Patron, Patron theme	1st
Young	Hex, Retributive Curse (agony), spell resistance	3rd
Juvenile	Hex, DR 5/magic	5th
Young Adult	Hex, Frightful Presence	7th
Adult	Hex, Retributive Curse (blindness)	9th
Mature Adult	Major Hex, DR 10/magic	11th
Old	Hex, Expand Patron	13th
Very Old	Hex, Retributive Curse (insanity)	15th
Ancient	Grand Hex, DR 15/magic	17th
Wyrm	Hex	19th
Great Wyrm	Hex, Retributive Curse (oblivion)	21st**

*See Spells above.

**Grants no more spells know per day than a 20th level sorcerer, but improves spell effects depending on caster level.

Cunning manipulators, hex dragons prefer to reside in swamps, marshes and forests, not too far away from a settlement of creatures that it can bring under it's thrall. Hex dragons prefer to work through henchmen and agents, using it's hexes, spells, and other talents to manipulate, cajole, intimidate, and otherwise insinuate itself behind a mask of patsies and minions into an area. The less they have to do themselves, the better. Do not take this for laziness. A hex dragon can be very industrious should the need arise.

There is a common misconception that there are only female hex dragons. While the number of female hex dragons do out number males by three to one, the male of the species do exist. It is not unheard of, though, for a female hex dragon to breed with another dragon breed, if they can find a willing possible mate, or trick a potential mate.

A hex dragon's greatest threat, though, is not heroes. Other dragons that may share it's territory are the truest threat to a hex dragon. Black dragons are known to find hex dragons and their eggs to be a delicacy. Green dragons, on the other hand, are fond of selling stolen hex dragon eggs to foolish "lesser beings", enjoying the treasure the sale has brought, and the chaos soon to be wrought. It is not unheard of for a noble family to have a "pet dragon" in it's household, not realizing that it's the dragon that is turning the family into it's pets. Such arrangements do not often end well for the nobles.

Return of the Arcane Dragons III

I know that the original song dragons, from the Forgotten Realms, was not considered an Arcane Dragon. I also know that it wasn't a water dragon. I wanted, though, to recreate it in a more "appropriate" aspect though. The wandering dragon bard made a lot more sense to me then the more martial dragon type originally presented. This is actually pretty much a completely new dragon, that shares really only the name with it's predecessor, and possibly the art, since I haven't found anything else that fits.  As usual, this is not meant to be a challenge of copyright, or any of that nonsense. This is just a fan created modification of a dragon offered to other fans as a possible addition to a game. 

Song Dragon

With rippling silver-blue scales and an expressive face, this slender and elegant dragon's voice is like a running mountain stream. The scent of a midsummer rain storm hangs in the air, adding to the feelings of anticipation the dragon seems to inspire. 

NG dragon (water, arcane)
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Base Statistics
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CR 3; Size Tiny; Hit Dice 3d12
Speed 30 ft.
Natural Armor +1; Breath Weapon Cone, 2d4 sonic
Str 9, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 17

Ecology
Environment Any
Organization solitary or troop (1-6 tome dragons)
Treasure triple
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Special Abilities
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Draconic Knowledge (Ex): Song dragons, much like bards, are walking libraries of stories, myths, legends, songs, poems and parables. While bards must study for this information, it is ingrained in a song dragon from birth. A song dragon adds half her hit dice (minimum 1) to all Knowledge skill checks and may make all Knowledge skill checks untrained.

Draconic Performance (Su): Natural performers, story tellers and minstrels, young song dragons are able to use bardic performances as if they were bards of the same level as their caster level. They use the same rules for Bardic Performance, replacing their caster level when determining prerequisites. A song dragon can use her draconic performance a number of rounds per day equal to 4 + her Charisma modifier + her Hit Dice.

Summon Lillend (Sp): Old song dragons can call a lillend forth from Elysium to serve as either accompaniment or an ally in battle. This ability works like a summon monster spell, except that it only summons a lillend. This is equivalent of a 6th level spell.

Spell-Like Abilities (Su): Song dragons gain a number of spell-like abilities as they age that are useful in their travels. The abilities are usable at will upon reaching the listed age category. Very Young - charm person; Young Adult - hydraulic push; Mature Adult - detect thoughts; Very Old - control water; Wyrm - elemental body III (air, electricity, ice, or water); Great Wyrm - weather control.

Truespeech (Su): Adult song dragons have learned the secrets of languages, surpassing even the best linguist. Song dragons can speak with any creature that has a language, as though using the tongues spell (equal to the dragon's Hit Dice). This ability is always active.

Vertigo's Song Breath (Su): Instead of a cone of sonic energy, a song dragon can breathe a cone of sound the induces vertigo. Creatures caught in the cone must make a Fortitude save or gain the mauseated condition for 1d6 rounds plus 1 per age category of the dragon.

Age Category	Special Abilities	Caster Level*
Wyrmling	Draconic Knowledge, Vertigo's Song Breath	---
Very Young	Charm Person, Water Breathing	---
Young	Draconic Performance, Spell Resistance	1st
Juvenile	DR 5/magic	3rd
Young Adult	Hydraulic Push	5th
Adult	Frightful Presence, Truespeech	7th
Mature Adult	DR 10/magic, Detect Thoughts	9th
Old	Summon Lillend	11th
Very Old	Control Water	13th
Ancient	DR 15/magic	15th
Wyrm	Elemental Body III	17th
Great Wyrm	Weather Control	19th

*Song Dragons cast spells and select spells as bards, instead of as sorcerers.

One of the most wide spread of the dragons, song dragons can be found almost anywhere. They prefer travelling from place to place, often secreting themselves into a nomadic tribe, traveling actors troop, or even the occasional adventuring party. They love social interaction, but understand that their draconic nature can be as much a curse as a benefit in this regard. Thus, a song dragon is not open about their nature to most who come in contact with them. Sadly, this does, occasionally mean a surprising birth of a half-dragon a number of months after the minstrel has left town.

Return of the Arcane Dragons II

The second of the Arcane Dragons, this breed is actually my favorite. It's really the reason that I started "updating" this and the Hex Dragon to Pathfinder. I hope that this updated version works for you and your game. 

Tome Dragon

With a mane of white hair framing it's wise face, this dragon's many hued scales reflect light in a shimmering pattern. It's tail ends in a wide fin, not unlike some great fish.

LN dragon (air, arcane)
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Base Statistics
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CR 3; Size Tiny; Hit Dice 3d12
Speed 30 ft.
Natural Armor +1; Breath Weapon blast,1d8 elemental
Str 7, Dex 14, Con 9, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 15

Ecology
Environment Any mountain or ruin
Organization solitary or cloister (2-6 tome dragons)
Treasure triple
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Special Abilities
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Breath Weapon (Su): A tome's dragon breath weapon is weak (compared to other dragons), but very adaptable. Tome dragons can accurately spit a small bead of raw elemental material great distances (as far as a dragon's line breath weapon can extend), which then explodes in a manner similar to a fireball (blast radius equals 5 feet per age category). While the amount of damage remains the same no matter which element is used, the type of damage varies: a blast of air deals sonic damage, earth deals piercing damage, water deals non-lethal bludgeoning damage, and fire deals fire damage.

Eldritch Study (Su): Beginning as a wyrmling, a tome dragon takes a subject of magic and focuses on the study and mastery of that aspect. The tome dragon selects a school of magic as if it were a wizard. She gains the benefits of that school with her caster level being used as her wizard level; she also gains the same drawbacks as a specialist wizard and must select two opposing schools. Also, at each increase of caster level, if the dragon has chosen to specialize, she gains a bonus spell known from the selected school.

Free Metamagic (Su): Metamagic comes naturally to tome dragons. Applying a metamagic feat to a spell takes no extra time for a tome dragon (rather than increasing casting time to a full-round action, as normal for a sorcerer). In addition, tome dragons can subtract an amount based on their age category from the increase in spell level caused by using metamagic feats. The number listed is the total reduction in extra spell levels, not the reduction for each feat applied. This bonus can only be applied to one spell per round (additional spells cast in a single round are unaffected).

Insight (Ex): After years of studying a diverse number of topics, a young dragon begins gaining an understanding on how others think, and react. This translates into an insight bonus to AC, CMD, and Will saves equal to half the dragon's Intelligence modifier.

Spell-Like Abilities (Su): Tome dragons gain a number of spell-like abilities as they age that assist them in the gathering of knowledge. The abilities are usable at will upon reaching the listed age category. Wyrmling - arcane sight; Juvenile - clairaudiance/clairvoyance; Mature Adult - plane shift; Ancient - true seeing; Great Wyrm - astral projection.

Age Category	Special Abilities	Caster Level
Wyrmling	Arcane sight, eldritch study, spell resistance	1st
Very Young	Free metamagic: +1 level	3rd
Young	Insight, DR 5/magic	5th
Juvenile	Clairaudiance/clairvoyance	7th
Young Adult	Free metamagic: +2 level	9th
Adult	Frightful presence, DR 10/magic	11th
Mature Adult	Plane shift	13th
Old	Free metamagic: +3 level	15th
Very Old	DR 15/magic	17th
Ancient	True seeing	19th
Wyrm	Free metamagic: +4 level	21st*
Great Wyrm	Astral projection	23rd*

*Grants no more spells know per day than a 20th level sorcerer, but improves spell effects depending on caster level.

The most powerful of draconic spell casters, tome dragons are also one of the weakest of dragons. Where most dragons are known for hording gold, gems, and art, a tome dragon is a gatherer of arcane knowledge. Their hordes are filled with books, scrolls, and crystal balls. While they are not known for aggression or violent behavior, they will defend their libraries and areas of study viciously.  That being said, they understand that throwing their lives away for simple material things is not worth the lost of collected knowledge that they contain.

It is due to this mentality that you will often find tome dragons working and living with others of their kind, or in the employ (sometimes slavery) of powerful beings. In those circumstances they prefer to serve as mentors, instructors, and advisers; roles that their talents shine.

During times that tome dragons gather together, it is often referred to as a "conclave" instead of the more traditional terms of "flight" or "rage". In fact a gathering of such rarely, if ever, has anything to do with "rage". More often a conclave either will gather to discuss important arcane matters, or to make use of a discovered source of knowledge or to construct such a source. Though rare, there have been known instances where some academies of magic, universities and important centers of learning are a long term conclave that never disbanded. It is interesting to note that such gathers rarely have tome dragons that have specialized in the same paths of magic. In a conclave with an "Evocationist", it would be rare to also have an "Admixturist", but not unheard of. In the same example, though, you would not see a second Admixturist or "pure" Evocationist, unless it was a pupil of one of the older dragons.

As a side note, learning and magic are not the only things tome dragons are known for. They have, as a whole, a deep love of tea. While each dragon has slightly differing views on what makes a good tea, anyone that can present a proper tea, especially a rare or exotic blend, will earn the dragons favor. One can make suppositions on the type of tea the dragon will prefer if one knows what type of school of magic they have chosen to focus on. Evocationists enjoy flavorful, spiced teas, Illusionists will oft prefer ones that include heady smells and unique or new flavor combinations, while an Earth elementally focused dragon will be drawn towards earthy, root based teas.

A tome dragon's focus also seems to directly relate to their outlook. A divinationist will look at the bigger picture, an evocationist will be bombastic, a dragon that focuses on Air may be flighty and easily distracted, and a necromancer will be often be morose and dour.