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CHROMATIC WYRMLINGSEMILY FIEGENSCHUHWhen a newly hatched dragon emerges from theegg, it is sodden in nutritive fluids and slightly stifffrom never before having flexed its muscles. Withinthe day, though, the awkward wyrmling transformsinto a creature already in possession of a full suite ofpowers and fully conscious of its surroundings.Wyrmlings are sometimes confused with drakesor mundane reptilian creatures, but not for long.Black Dragon WyrmlingBLACK DRAGON WYRMLINGS HUNT THE EDGES ofswamps and bogs beneath the cover of fetid vegetationand dank water. They are dependent on water,not only to ambush prey, but also to hide from largercreatures. They know their best chance to survive ahard world is to avoid attacking unless they are confidentof success. They are quick to learn the tacticsof older black dragons, but in their early lives two orthree might work together to bring down potentiallytasty or dangerous prey.A black wyrmling’s bony horns are mere nubscompared to those of older black dragons, but alreadythe characteristic crescent shape that frames thesnout is recognizable. On the other hand, its eyes andnostrils are not so sunken and skull-like as an adult’s.Its black scales are smeared with gray, dark green,and deep blue.Black Dragon Wyrmling Level 2 Elite LurkerMedium natural magical beast (aquatic, dragon) XP 250Initiative +10 Senses Perception +3; darkvisionHP 68; Bloodied 34; see also breath weaponAC 18; Fortitude 16, Reflex 18, Will 16Resist 5 acidSaving Throws +2Speed 6, fly 6 (clumsy), overland flight 8, swim 6Action Points 1m Bite (standard; at-will) ✦ Acid+7 vs. AC; 1d6 + 3 damage, and the target takes ongoing 5 aciddamage (save ends).m Claw (standard; at-will)+7 vs. AC; 1d4 + 3 damage.M Double Attack (standard; at-will)The wyrmling makes two claw attacks.M Tail Slash (immediate reaction, when an enemy misses thedragon with a melee attack; at-will)The wyrmling uses its tail to attack the triggering enemy: reach2; +7 vs. AC; 1d6 + 4 damage, and the target is pushed 1 square.C Breath Weapon (standard; recharges when first bloodied;encounter) ✦ AcidClose blast 4; +6 vs. Reflex; 1d12 + 3 acid damage, and thetarget takes ongoing 5 acid damage and a –4 penalty to AC(save ends both).Alignment Evil Languages DraconicSkills Nature +7, Stealth +11Str 16 (+4) Dex 20 (+6) Wis 15 (+3)Con 16 (+4) Int 12 (+2) Cha 10 (+1)Black Dragon Wyrmling LoreA character knows the following information with asuccessful Nature check.DC 15: A black dragon lays its eggs in dismalforests and gloomy swamps—if possible, near areaswhere the Shadowfell’s influence is strong. Thus, itseggs are more difficult to find than those of otherchromatic varieties, and more likely to survive longenough to hatch.DC 20: Black dragon wyrmlings can breathe acidas older blacks can, but they do not possess an innatepower over darkness.Black Dragon WyrmlingTacticsA black wyrmling begins an encounter in hiding,preferably beneath murky water. It emerges to useits breath weapon first, then closes on its foes, usingits action point to make a double attack against thetarget that seems hurt worst by its breath. Afterthat, it makes claw attacks against different opponentswithin reach or a bite attack against a singlefoe, blasting them again with its breath weapon if itrecharges.Encounter GroupsA black dragon wyrmling is usually encountered withits siblings, but sometimes one forms a short-termalliance with other beings, such as goblins. Occasionallyan older dragon teaches the tricks of the trade toyoungsters.CHAPTER 4 | New MonstersCHROMATIC WYRMLINGS179