Black dragons are sadism incarnate. Sure, reds may have them beat in terms of flashiness, but black dragons take the cake when it comes to cruelty. While some dragons may hunt for food or to protect their territory, black dragons hunt because bringing pain and destruction pleases them.

Black dragons love to surround themselves with decay. In doing this, they are reminded of their own power and invulnerability in that everything around them dies while they remain strong. Choosing to make their homes in swampy regions, murky water and dying plants are commonplace in a black dragon’s lair. In fact, black dragons will often let their prey rot before eating it, as they prefer rotting flesh over freshly killed prey. Seeing as their lairs are often subterranean mazes of tunnels and acrid-smelling pools, rotting flesh is easy to come by for them.

Black dragons begin their lives with dark glossy scales resembling obsidian. As they age, however, this sheen fades, giving them the ability to blend in with the natural features of their preferred territory – bogs and swamps. Their unique facial features earn them the nickname “skull dragons”, as their faces begin to resemble a horned skull with age. Despite these horrifying features and scarier disposition, black dragons can be remarkably cowardly. 

Preferring to ambush their prey from the air or water and use the element of surprise in order to gain an advantage, black dragons are quick to retreat if met with enough opposition. Of course, even if it retreats, it will just come back even angrier. You don’t want to be in the way of their acid breath…trust me. My advice: don’t let it get away…ever. Also, despite their inflated sense of strength, black dragons cannot tolerate living in salt water. It won’t kill them outright, but it will severely irritate their skin. While this may sound funny, you definitely don’t want to be caught by a dragon with a bad rash.

The notable black dragons of the Sword Coast are Garrundar the Vile and Vartilingorix. Garrundar seems content to terrorize the inhabitants of the earth motes of Pirates’ Skyhold and pollute the surrounding terrain with his toxic essence. Vartilingorix, on the other hand, has begun to work with the Cult of the Dragon in Ebon Downs. Approach both with extreme caution.

While they may not be as calculating as green dragons, black dragons are thoughtful enough to know what will make their prey suffer. While a black dragon can be frightened into leaving you alone, there’s no bargaining or trickery that works against the bestial fury of a white dragon…

-  Lumis Brightpath

Check back next week for an in-depth description of white dragons from Lumis Brightpath! 

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