Crystal Dragons
When Crystal Vanguard (who I will be shortening to Vanguard for the rest of this entry) arrived in the Hilt and met with the king I was luckily in town. Word had gotten to me that they travelled with two companions, a giant spider (meaning my giant spider article had to be revised) and a rare crystal dragon. Talking with individuals in Darkroad let me know that these dragons existed but their caverns were closely guarded and few had ever seen one and lived to tell the tale.
This crystal dragon was Mezzudan, and was a very young hatchling. So all the information I have regarding crystal dragons is rumours from the Lordless Lands or from my brief 30 minute encounter with Mezzudan. Sorry, but to be fair it doesn't seem like you should be hunting these things to begin with.
Crystal Dragons enjoy caves and crystals. Crystals function as a secondary food source for the dragons, who can also live off of meat. Though rocks and gems of the shiny variety are preferable. They seem to have a quiet and territorial disposition. From rumours of adults its easy to see that they don't trust others easily, and for good reason. An adult crystal dragons horde is its own body. Eating a gemstone will see its scale growth change to include elements of the gemstone within its very crystal scales. So getting a Crystal Dragons horde would require the killing and harvesting of its body. They aren't easy to gain the trust of. I spent 30 minutes with Mezzudan and he only approached me when verbally asked to by Ulubel.
Disclaimer here, as with many of my articles regarding intelligent creatures like this. I don't think its morally or ethically right to get in physical conflict with a crystal dragon. They are smart (swords, there's a chance they're smarter than you and me combined) and from my understanding just wish to be left alone. So leave them alone.
All dragons rely on two key things: flight, and their breath weapons. Some have other tricks like spell casting, but from what I can gather Crystal Dragons are simple in combat tactics. They fly and they breath glass. This glass hurts, a lot. Vanguard informed me that even as a hatchling, Mezzudan was breathing shards at the faces of individuals in an attempt to blind them and would shred the skin off bone like each shard was a sharp dagger. Cover would be the best way to avoid it. You also want to either match or shut down its flight. This is one of those moments where fighting it in its lair may be preferable, since it'll be in a cave and can't gain as much height on you. Another note is that younger crystal dragons don't appreciate loud noises. Mezzzudan had some cracks in some scales after being caught in a thunderwave spell. I have a theory that these scales harden to to that kind of attack over time, but have no physical evidence of it.
Disclaimer here, as with many of my articles regarding intelligent creatures like this. I don't think its morally or ethically right to get in physical conflict with a crystal dragon. They are smart (swords, there's a chance they're smarter than you and me combined) and from my understanding just wish to be left alone. So leave them alone.
All dragons rely on two key things: flight, and their breath weapons. Some have other tricks like spell casting, but from what I can gather Crystal Dragons are simple in combat tactics. They fly and they breath glass. This glass hurts, a lot. Vanguard informed me that even as a hatchling, Mezzudan was breathing shards at the faces of individuals in an attempt to blind them and would shred the skin off bone like each shard was a sharp dagger. Cover would be the best way to avoid it. You also want to either match or shut down its flight. This is one of those moments where fighting it in its lair may be preferable, since it'll be in a cave and can't gain as much height on you. Another note is that younger crystal dragons don't appreciate loud noises. Mezzzudan had some cracks in some scales after being caught in a thunderwave spell. I have a theory that these scales harden to to that kind of attack over time, but have no physical evidence of it.
Basic Information
Anatomy
A standard dragon shape in terms of limbs and wings, however the scales are perfectly formed crystals of a wide shade of colours. Beneath the crystals is a pure white scaled dragon from what I've seen.
Biological Traits
Crystal dragons have the full capability of flight, but also a small burrowing speed that allows them to cut into rocks. This is probably due to their taste for gemstones and crystals, which the dragon will consume along with meat. This seemingly helps fuel a breath weapon, which is shattered pieces of crystals and glass. I saw it used once. Doesn't seem fun to be hit by.
Genetics and Reproduction
I've never seen dragons mate. I hope to honestly stay clear of that. I will note that Vanguard informed me that they found the egg of Mezzudan beside a skeletal corpse, showing that eggs may take decades to hatch.
Growth Rate & Stages
Presumably the same as standard dragons.
Additional Information
Domestication
Vanguards crystal dragon was not domesticated per say, but was friendly enough and stuck around the crew as they travelled. I don't believe they can be domesticated but you could build a bond with one.
Average Intelligence
Quite smart. They can learn languages, patterns, and I would imagine would have above human intellect.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Dark vision of some sort, seemingly at least out to 60 feet. Would maybe more advanced as age increases?
Lifespan
Unknown, long most likely.
