dragon-magic-oef

CHAPTER 2
DRAGON
ASPIRANTS
Illus. by F. Tsai
equal to 1/2 your dragon lord class level (rounded up). If you
can’t be flanked (such as if you have the improved uncanny
dodge class feature), you still gain the benefit of this ability
when opponents occupy flanking positions around you.
Dragon Leadership (Ex): Starting at 4th level, you add 2
to your Leadership score for the purpose of attracting a cohort
with the dragonblood subtype. Most dragon lords prefer the
Dragon Cohort feat (see Draconomicon) to the Leadership
feat, but this benefit applies equally well to any feat or other
benefit that grants you a cohort.
Crushing Defeat (Ex): Starting at 8th level, you gain the
ability to demoralize your enemies by dealing with them
harshly, ensuring that they know your power just as lesser
beings know the power of true dragons. Whenever you slay or
incapacitate an opponent (by reducing him to –1 or fewer hit
points), you can make an Intimidate check as a free action to
demoralize a number of foes equal to your Charisma modifier
(minimum 1) within 60 feet (see the Intimidate skill, PH 76).
This ability is a mind-affecting fear effect.
PLAYING A DRAGON LORD
Like the dragons that roam the land, you are the master of
all you survey. There is no fortress you cannot capture, no
hold you cannot defend, no army you cannot overrun, and
no enemy you cannot face down. You know that strategy is
the larger part of victory in battle, and as a result you turn
your mind toward the tactical side of command. Yet your
mentors and heroes are not generals and commanders
of old, but
rather the dragons
that live in the
world here
and now. The
greatest strategy
of all is
to rout your
enemy not
with your
sword
but with your presence. Just as a dragon flies overhead,
causing panicked masses to flee, so too do you ride into
battle with confidence and savagery, driving your enemies
to flee before you.
This philosophy also applies to life beyond the battlefield.
When faced with a challenge, you know it is best to
proceed with confidence and a solid strategy. Having the
right tool for the job is a significant part of success, and
you’re willing to take what you need to accomplish your
task. If those you take from are willing, so be it; if not, it is
of no concern. Though you demand discipline from those
who serve you, the notion that local laws and other trivial
matters apply to you is laughable. A dragon does not ask
before it takes treasure for its hoard, and you are a dragon
among mortals.
Some would call you lawless, even criminal at times, but
such unenlightened lesser beings fail to realize that you make
the laws. By your decree are actions taken, just as a dragon
bends to its command all those who live in its domain. This
is the natural way of things; the strongest set the rules for
the weaker to follow. The dragon is not meek before the
shepherd, and you are not meek before those who lack the
will and knowledge to challenge you. The few beings whom
you consider your equal—namely, fellow adventurers and
other warlords—are afforded the respect and admiration
that one dragon might give to another. Loyalty is a virtue
that you expect from those who serve you, but your loyalty
is earned only by those who prove themselves your equal in
bravery, cunning, or power.
A dragon lord surveys the site
of his latest military conquest
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