So You’ve Adopted a Dragon: A Comprehensive Guide to Dragon Care in RPGs

Congratulations, adventurer! You’ve done the seemingly impossible. You’ve either befriended, hatched, or somehow otherwise come into the care of a dragon. Whether it’s a tiny hatchling or a magnificent, scaled beast, caring for a dragon in a role-playing game (RPG) is no small feat. It’s far more complex than tending to a common house cat, and the consequences of neglect are, well, far more fiery. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the many challenges and triumphs you’ll face as a dragon keeper, ensuring your scaly companion thrives and doesn’t accidentally incinerate your favorite tavern.

Understanding Your Dragon: A Species Primer

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty of care, understanding the specific type of dragon you’re dealing with is crucial. In most RPG settings, dragons are diverse, each possessing unique dietary needs, temperaments, and environmental preferences. Here are some common types and what to consider:

• Chromatic Dragons (Red, Blue, Green, Black, White): These are typically evil-aligned and can be quite demanding. They often value power, treasure, and respect (or fear). They can be territorial and prone to fits of rage. Red dragons love heat and mountainous terrain. Blue dragons prefer deserts and open skies. Green dragons thrive in forests. Black dragons are at home in swamps and marshes. White dragons are found in cold, icy regions.
• Metallic Dragons (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Copper, Brass): These dragons are typically good-aligned and are more benevolent than their chromatic counterparts. They are often scholarly, curious, and value justice. Gold dragons prefer well-lit and ornate lairs. Silver dragons choose lofty peaks. Bronze dragons favor coastal areas. Copper dragons enjoy hilly regions with caves. Brass dragons prefer arid and sandy environments.
• Other Dragon Types (Gem, Fairy, Cloud, etc.): Depending on the RPG system, you might encounter other unique dragons. Researching their specific lore and abilities is crucial for understanding their needs. Gem dragons, for example, are often collectors of precious items. Fairy dragons are usually smaller and have a whimsical nature.

Key Questions to Consider:

• What’s their alignment? This dramatically affects their temperament and values.
• What’s their preferred environment? Keeping a white dragon in a desert is a recipe for disaster.
• What are their dietary needs? Can they eat common animals, or do they require more exotic fare?
• What is their hoard? Dragons are known for their hoard and may have specific requirements.
• What’s their personality? Are they playful or serious, arrogant or humble?

Step-by-Step Guide to Dragon Care

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s delve into the practicalities of dragon care. Remember, this is an adaptable guide. Adjust the steps based on your dragon’s specific characteristics and your RPG’s rules.

1. Housing Your Dragon: The Lair

A dragon’s lair is not just its home; it’s a reflection of its power and personality. Consider these factors:

• Size and Space: Dragons grow rapidly. A small cave that houses a hatchling will not accommodate a fully grown wyrm. Plan for growth, especially if it’s a young dragon.
• Environmental Needs: Recreate their natural habitat as closely as possible. Provide heat for red dragons, a cool, damp environment for black dragons, and so on. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid the buildup of noxious fumes.
• Security: Dragons are valuable targets for treasure hunters and rival creatures. Secure the lair from unwanted visitors using traps, illusions, or magical wards. The more powerful the dragon, the more impressive your security must be.
• Hoard Storage: Dragons, particularly metallic and chromatic, love to amass treasure. Provide a secure space for their hoard where they can see and admire their collected wealth.
• Comfort: Provide a comfortable resting place, whether that’s a pile of gold for a chromatic or a soft bed of moss for a metallic. Dragons have preferences, just like us.

Specific Housing Tips:

• Red Dragon: Volcanic caves, mountains, lava pools (ensure proper ventilation).
• Blue Dragon: Deserts, mesas, underground tunnels with access to the sky.
• Green Dragon: Dense forests, caves near waterways, hidden clearings.
• Black Dragon: Swamps, bogs, dark caves with stagnant pools.
• White Dragon: Ice caves, snowy mountains, frozen wastelands.
• Gold Dragon: Ornate temples, large caverns with natural light, sacred groves.
• Silver Dragon: Mountain peaks, cloud-kissed towers, majestic mountain homes.
• Bronze Dragon: Coastal caves, ocean cliffs, submerged ruins.
• Copper Dragon: Hilly regions with many caves, rocky landscapes, mines.
• Brass Dragon: Arid deserts, open plains, sandy canyons.

2. Dietary Needs: Feeding Your Fire-Breather

Dragons have voracious appetites. Providing them with a balanced and appropriate diet is essential for their health and well-being. Failure to meet their needs can result in a very grumpy and destructive dragon.

• Carnivorous Nature: Most dragons are primarily carnivores, requiring large quantities of meat. Provide them with regular meals of cattle, sheep, wild game, or even monsters depending on your setting and the dragon’s preference.
• Quantity: The amount of food needed will increase as they grow. Keep a stock of prey in your lair, or, if your dragon is agreeable, use it as an excuse for quests.
• Variety: Don’t feed them the same thing every day. A varied diet will keep them healthier and less likely to become bored. Offer different types of meat. Some dragons enjoy certain herbs or spices.
• Special Diets: Some dragons have specific dietary needs. For example, certain gem dragons might need to consume specific minerals, while others may enjoy magical herbs.
• Water: Fresh water is a must. Consider a large pool or a river running through their lair for easy access.

Feeding Frequency:

• Hatchling: Several times a day, small portions.
• Young Dragon: At least once a day, larger portions.
• Adult Dragon: Every couple of days to once a week. Depending on the dragon it can be in massive amounts.

3. Health and Hygiene: Keeping Your Dragon in Top Shape

Dragons are powerful creatures, but they’re not invincible. Regular health checks and proper hygiene are vital.

• Scales and Hide: Regularly check their scales for any signs of damage, parasites, or unusual growths. Address any issues promptly.
• Teeth and Claws: Just like any animal, dragons need healthy teeth and claws. Ensure they get to sharpen their claws on rocks and they may need a way to clean their teeth to prevent dental problems.
• Illness and Injury: Know the signs of illness or injury. A lack of appetite, lethargy, unusual behavior, or open wounds should be addressed. Have magical healing or access to a skilled healer on hand.
• Bathing: Some dragons appreciate a good bath, others don’t. Consider a natural hot spring or a magical cleansing pool. Research what your type of dragon would prefer.
• Exercise: Dragons need to fly and move. Ensure they have space to do this or take them flying to burn off energy.

4. Mental and Emotional Well-Being: More than Just a Beast

Dragons are intelligent and emotional creatures. Neglecting their mental well-being can lead to serious behavioral problems. A content dragon is a loyal dragon.

• Companionship: Dragons, even evil-aligned ones, need companionship. Spend time with your dragon. Talk to them, learn their language, understand their moods.
• Challenges: Dragons thrive on challenges. Engage them in activities, puzzles, or even combat training.
• Enrichment: Provide them with toys, interesting objects, and opportunities to explore. A bored dragon is a destructive dragon.
• Respect and Understanding: Treat your dragon with respect, regardless of their alignment. Understand their goals and motivations. Earn their trust.
• Communication: Learn their unique language, body language, and vocalizations. This will help you understand their needs and prevent misunderstandings.

5. Training and Bonding: Shaping a Loyal Companion

Training a dragon is a challenging task but can result in an incredibly loyal companion. Use positive reinforcement, not fear, as your primary method of training.

• Start Early: Begin training and bonding from a young age. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to shape your dragon’s behavior.
• Build Trust: Gain the dragon’s trust by consistently showing them kindness, respect, and care.
• Basic Commands: Teach simple commands, such as “come”, “stay”, and “attack”. Use a consistent tone and body language.
• Magical Training: If your dragon possesses magical abilities, help them develop control and hone their powers. Be warned this can be dangerous to learn.
• Flying Training: Train them how to fly safely and effectively, if they are capable of flight.
• Patience: Training a dragon takes time, patience, and understanding. Don’t expect results overnight.

6. The Hoard: A Dragon’s Pride and Joy

A dragon’s hoard is an important part of their identity and well-being. Respecting their hoard is key to building a strong relationship with your dragon.

• Treasure Collection: Dragons are natural collectors, so encourage them to seek out unique and interesting items to add to their hoard.
• Hoard Protection: Assist your dragon in protecting their hoard, which will earn you their trust and respect.
• Don’t Steal: Never steal from a dragon’s hoard. Even if it’s the smallest piece. This is the quickest way to earn their eternal hatred.
• Respect Value: Understand what your dragon values most. Is it gold, jewels, magical artifacts, or something else entirely?
• Hoard Maintenance: Assist the dragon in organizing and maintaining their hoard, if they want it.

7. Long-Term Planning: Life with a Dragon

Owning a dragon isn’t a short-term commitment. It’s a lifelong journey. Plan ahead for their future needs.

• Lifespan: Dragons live a very long time, often centuries. Consider your own character’s lifespan and how it fits with the dragon’s.
• Growth: Continue to accommodate the dragon’s growth as they get larger and more powerful.
• Social Dynamics: Dragons are apex predators, other creatures will react to them, so plan for how to deal with those issues.
• Political Implications: Owning a dragon may have significant political implications. Prepare to deal with those challenges.
• The Future: Consider your dragon’s place in the world. Will they rule an empire, become a legend, or just live a quiet life with you?

Challenges and Dangers

Of course, caring for a dragon isn’t without its risks.

• Dragon Rage: Dragons can be very temperamental. A slight misstep can lead to a fiery rampage.
• Treasure Hunters: People will want to steal your dragon or its hoard, so be prepared for this.
• Rival Dragons: Your dragon may attract the attention of other dragons, leading to territorial disputes.
• Magic Users: Powerful mages might see your dragon as a threat or a tool.
• Environmental Damage: A dragon can cause significant environmental damage if not kept in check.

Conclusion: The Reward of Dragon Care

Caring for a dragon in an RPG is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a player can have. It’s a testament to trust, understanding, and the deep bonds that can form between two vastly different creatures. By following this guide, you’ll be better equipped to raise, train, and befriend your dragon companion, creating unforgettable stories in your RPG campaign. Remember, every dragon is unique, so adapt and personalize this guide based on your own experiences. Good luck, adventurer, and may your scales always shimmer brightly!