dragon-magic-oef

CHAPTER 5
DRACONIC
CAMPAIGNS
Illus. by E. Widermann
of figurehead rulers to take the blame for bad decisions—not
to mention assassins’ arrows. Particularly cunning dragons set
themselves up as minor villains of a nearby region, who have
already been cowed by the local rulers into never attacking
their territory. This allows them a small, undisturbed area close
enough nearby to keep an eye on their figurehead servants.
Dragons that avoid risk are less likely to push their subjects
to work on massive, long-term projects (though defenses are
a notable exception). If the dragon does opt to build a largescale
temple or monument, it attempts to show an immediate,
positive benefit, such as the favor of the deities, even if it has
to manufacture such a benefit itself. This process usually
involves selecting an obvious director of the project and
allowing her to absorb any blame. Even in a dragon’s realm,
some people are always willing to risk failure and death for
the chance at a great reward.
If forced to fight for its domain, a cowardly overlord uses
what resources it can to wear down foes before confronting
them directly. The dragon always couches this activity in
terms of “scouting enemy positions,” “making tactical raids,”
and holding itself “in reserve,” to prevent open rebellion
from the soldiers being sacrificed. If the dragon is forced
into personal combat, it tries to lay traps, choose favorable
terrain, and ambush opponents. Should those preparations
fail, a true coward flees its kingdom rather than face defeat.
Such dragons usually have one or more escape plans ready
to go at a moment’s notice, and they almost always abscond
with guards and treasure.
MINIONS AND
ADVERSARIES
Despite their clout and independence, most dragons are realists.
Even the mightiest solitary creature in the world can be
brought low if enough foes join against it. By the same token,
a weak creature can gain considerable protection by building
a network of support or joining a group already dedicated to
a more powerful ruler. Dragons that wish to interact with
other creatures on a regular basis soon recognize the need
to have spies, guardians, advisors, and contacts. Because they
can offer great rewards in the form of lore, aid, and treasure
(though most dragons give up pieces of their hoard only as a
last resort), they’re able to recruit skilled and loyal minions
to protect their interests, keep them informed, and strike
out at their foes. As dragons age, their organizations often
grow into powerful cults, noble orders of knighthood, or
respected academies of knowledge, depending on the dragon’s
own demeanor.
Of course, such organizations don’t grow unopposed. For
every cult dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests
of a dragon, a conflicting group forms to bring that dragon
down. Very few dragonslayers are foolish enough to believe
they can defeat their mighty enemies in single combat, or
that the creatures would allow such a battle to take place.
To have any chance against a dragon, its opponents must
gather for mutual support and aid. It’s common for knights
to band together to destroy evil dragons, but groups devoted
Members of the First Scroll,
the Harrowers, and the
Shadow’s Fangs
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