Dragonis Oxychalkos (copper dragon)

Dragonis Oxychalkos

Species	dragon
No. Appearing	1–2 (+1–4)
Behaviour	social
Range	barrens, subterranean
Size	39 ft. long
Weight	7,700 lbs.
Intelligence	15 to 17
Armour Class	1
Hit Dice	7 to 9
Action Points	8
Max. Stride	13
THAC0	15 to 17
Hp/Die	2d8
Attack Forms	4: talons, fangs and tail
Damage	two talons (3–12); fangs (4–40); tail (4–24)
Special Attacks	breath weapon, buffeting, flying, incidental damage, raking

Dragonis Oxychalcos, also "copper dragon," make their homes in regions of rocky terrain, often hidden in mountainous caves or underground lairs. They have a preference for high places where they can see the surrounding barren plain for miles in any direction. They're known to form alliances with nearby kingdoms or settlements that share in the dragon's good will. Often, they take on the role of protectors and mentors over these communities, defending the realm from external threats, offering advice on governance or disputes, and assisting in solving complex problems.

They consume rock and stone, reduced by their own acid disgorge, which is swallowed once more to gain the sustenance from the minerals consumed. In this fashion they build their lairs as a maze of passages, which also occasionally serve to capture lesser animals and beasts, that are likewise eaten by the dragon. Due to the nature of it's acid, gemstones are exempt and are therefore often to be found scattered in heaps through the oxychalkos lair, scraped into piles for the dragon's amusement. These are neither polished nor cut, but are a source of wealth since they can be hauled away by the bucket-full.

Behaviour

When encountering intelligent creatures in its lair, the oxychalkos is sometimes inclined to "play" hide-and-go-seek in a light and friendly fashion — in character, these beasts are fascinated by demi-humans and their ways. They may form bonds with individuals who share their interests, whether in magic, history, art or other pursuits.

As such, they are avid seekers of knowledge and love to be taught things, by those who are prepared to stay awhile and teach. In particular, oxychalkos have a keen interest in history, magic and lore. They enjoy discussing philosophical topics and often engage in deep, intellectual conversations. Elder individuals are known to collect hundreds, even thousands of books as donations from outsiders, and may be encouraged to part with some of these in exchange for other knowledge.

Advantages

Dragons can unleash four distinct melee attacks: two talons, fangs and tail. However, they cannot simultaneously use their breath weapon or buffet with their wings during melee. There's an even chance that the dragon might opt to breathe acid instead, combining it with wing buffeting. The oxychalchos can employ it's breath weapon but three times in a day.

Raking. When the dragon strikes successfully with both its front talons, it gains two extra raking hits with its rear talons. This reflexive damage is applied without the need of a to hit roll, landing on the target that took the most damage from either or both talons — or randomly determined if need be.

Buffeting. Dragons have the ability to beat their wings with tremendous force, generating a powerful, buffeting wind. This wind causes between 7 and 9 damage to any with a front facing to the dragon, the number being equal to the oxychalchos's hit dice. Creatures positioned in front of the dragon can avoid this damage by lying flat or or taking hold of something which requires a successful save vs. magic. However, those who succeed in avoiding the damage can take no other action during that round.

Additionally, all creatures in the path of the buffet are pushed back one combat hex; those weighing less than 100 lbs. are tossed back two hexes. No additional damage accrues from this. There's a risk of individuals being blown off ledges or into other perilous situations. Buffeting also extinguishing torches and open lanterns and forces flying creatures to land; it disperses clouds, fog and precipitation caused by spells. Dust devils are torn asunder, though a dust elemental can withstand this force.

Breath Weapon. The oxychalchos's fire breath is one of the most devastating attacks in all of D&D. The oxychalchos is able to turn its head while spewing forth its gullet, affecting those in a 120° arc, engulfing all beings within an incredible 90 feet. This arc can be in any direction. The dragon is wise enough to direct its breath weapon against it's most dangerous adversary, as it possesses keen observation skills and vast combat experience. It can easily detect a spellcaster or the strongest fighter in its presence.

The breath weapon inflicts damage equal to the dragon's hit dice multiplied by its age of maturity. For example, an ancient dragonis oxychalchos with 9 hit dice and a maturity rating of 8 would deal 72 damage with its fiery breath weapon. Those within the area of effect can halve the damage by making a saving throw against the breath. Despite this, it still inflicts significant harm, especially when combined with the dragon's wing buffeting.

Creatures touched by the breath weapon must also make saving throws against acid damage for all possessions they carry, from armour to weapons to magic items.

Flying & hovering. Dragons can make use of the high ceilings in their lairs to hover during combat, especially when they feel threatened. Positioned 20 feet above the ground, they can attack with their head and tail but not with their talons. While hovering, they also lose the ability to cause incidental damage. However, they become more impervious to melee attacks, and if stunned, they're considered to rise to 25 feet above the ground while still hovering.

In addition, a dragon may fly from one end of their lair to the other, gaining distance on opponents while readying their breath weapon again against a whole party at once. When it's time to retreat, dragons often have access to a sizable tunnel through which they can escape, unless somehow this tunnel has been somehow blocked ahead of time.

Incidental damage. The considerable size of the oxychalchos is able to cause up to 7 hit points of incidental damage to any creature standing adjacent to its massive body during combat.

See Bestiary