Overview
Brass Dragons are highly talkative creatures that thrive in the intense heat of deserts. They are known for their love of conversation, often engaging in discussions for hours or even days if given the chance. While they prefer dialogue over combat, they are not defenseless—when threatened, they utilize their breath weapon, a cone of sleeping gas, to subdue foes. The classic metallic dragons are considered the weakest regarding raw power, but they remain steadfastly aligned with the forces of chaotic good, valuing freedom and individuality.
Description
Brass Dragons have a distinctive appearance, with broad wings that form a triangular shape when outstretched. Their scales shimmer with a warm brass hue, radiating heat and light, and grow glossier as they age. Their heads are marked by a large, curved plate extending from their eyes and cheeks, giving them a uniquely armored visage. As they mature, sharp chin horns elongate into prominent points. These dragons also emit a faint metallic scent, akin to sun-warmed brass, a natural trait distinguishing them from other metallic dragons.
Personality
Brass Dragons are gregarious and endlessly talkative, willing to converse with anyone, from travelers to rivals. While they are often perceived as humble compared to their more regal kin, their loquacity is rooted in draconic hubris—they believe that through conversation, they can outwit, outlast, or even enlighten others. Despite this, they genuinely value humility and enjoy sharing their skills of persuasion and storytelling with those who appreciate a good discussion.
Combat & Abilities
Though Brass Dragons prefer conversation over battle, they are far from defenseless. Their abilities allow them to control encounters, evade danger, and hold their own against stronger foes when necessary.
• Shape-shifting: Like most metallic dragons (except for Copper Dragons), Brass Dragons can assume different forms, allowing them to blend into mortal societies or explore without drawing attention.
Breath Weapons:
o A cone of sleeping gas, used to incapacitate foes without causing harm.
o A line of fire, capable of incinerating threats when forced into battle.
• Burrowing: Brass Dragons can dig through sand and loose earth with incredible speed, allowing them to create tunnels, escape danger, or ambush foes from below.
• Sunlight Empowerment: As creatures of heat and light, older Brass Dragons may regenerate or grow stronger in direct sunlight. In extreme heat, their fire breath can become even more potent.
• Hypnotic Speech: Their natural talent for conversation extends into low-level enchantment, allowing them to influence or lull creatures into a trance-like state with their words. Though this does not grant full mind control, it is a powerful tool for de-escalation or persuasion.
• Mirage Creation: Brass Dragons can distort light and create mirages, making it difficult for enemies to track them in desert environments. This ability can conceal their movements or mislead intruders trying to approach their lairs.
• Fire and Heat Resistance: They possess natural resistance to fire, making them highly resilient to flames, lava, and extreme temperatures.
• Wind Manipulation (Limited): Some Brass Dragons can summon small sandstorms or control desert winds to obscure vision, disrupt enemy movements, or make flight difficult for foes.
Though not the strongest of metallic dragons, Brass Dragons excel in evasive tactics, battlefield control, and subduing enemies without lethal force. When forced into battle, they use a combination of their breath weapons, speech-based abilities, and the harsh desert terrain to outmaneuver their foes.
Culture & Interactions
Brass Dragons are native to arid regions, preferring the scorching deserts where few others can endure. Their lairs are often carved into the peaks of desert cliffs, always facing eastward to catch the morning sun. These lairs are intricately designed with confusing layouts to deter intruders and safeguard their hoards.
They frequently clash with Blue Dragons, as both species favor desert landscapes. While Blue Dragons seek dominion and order, Brass Dragons embody freedom and unpredictability, leading to natural territorial disputes.
Brass Dragons are also known to form unlikely friendships with wanderers, scholars, and adventurers, provided they can endure the dragon’s insatiable love of conversation. They are particularly fond of bards and storytellers, seeing them as kindred spirits.
Notable Brass Dragon:
Hespherus
Hespherus was a charismatic and powerful Brass Dragon, renowned for his skill in both battle and diplomacy. During the Battle of Vacari, he defeated the formidable Drakthor, a malevolent Black Dragon, after an intense struggle. However, the victory came at a cost—weakened from his battle with Drakthor, Hespherus was slain by Zylron, a cunning Red Dragon who exploited his moment of vulnerability. Though his death was tragic, his legacy endures in tales of courage and sacrifice.
Aurix:
A commanding and authoritative Brass Dragon who oversees Afor alongside his fellow Brass Dragons. His primary duty is to prevent evil from returning to Vacari, maintaining constant vigilance over potential threats. Aurix and his Brass Dragons will appear in the Dragons of Vacari series, Book 7.