Dragonnels are powerful, graceful creatures often bred and trained as steeds for mighty paladins and knights. Though relatively simpleminded for dragons, they are fiercely loyal to their masters.
A dragonnel stands about 5 feet tall at the shoulder and measures nearly 10 feet from nose to tail. Its scales range from red-brown to a brilliant gold. A pair of muscled wings sprouts from its shoulders, spanning up to 30 feet in flight.
In the wild, dragonnels typically lair in hidden caves located far from civilization. Occasionally, a group of up to four families settles in nearby locations, sharing hunting and protection duties among the various adults.
Dragonnels speak
Draconic.
Training A Dragonnel
Although intelligent, a dragonnel requires training before it can bear a rider in combat. To be trained, a dragonnel must have a friendly attitude toward the trainer (this can be achieved through a successful Diplomacy check). Training a friendly dragonnel requires six weeks of work and a successful Handle Animal check (DC 30 for a young creature, or DC 35 for a mature creature of three or more years in age).
Dragonnel eggs are worth 5,000 gp apiece on the open market, while young are worth 7,500 gp each. Professional trainers charge 2,500 gp to rear or train a dragonnel. Riding a trained dragonnel requires an exotic saddle. A dragonnel can fight while carrying a rider, but the rider cannot also attack unless he or she succeeds on a Ride check.
Carrying Capacity: A light load for a dragonnel is up to 400 pounds; a medium load, 401–800 pounds; and a heavy load, 801–1200 pounds. A dragonnel can carry up to a light load (such as an armored Medium creature) while flying.
Dragonnels as Special Mounts
At the DM’s option, a paladin of 9th level or higher can call a dragonnel instead of a horse as her special mount. For the purposes of the mount’s bonus Hit Dice, natural armor, Strength adjustment, Intelligence score, and special powers, treat the paladin as if she were four levels lower than normal.
Combat
A dragonnel opens combat with its roar, hoping to frighten would-be opponents. Once engaged in battle, it fights fearlessly, using its claws and bite to shred its enemies.
Roar (Ex): Once per day, a dragonnel can unleash a mighty roar. All enemies within a 30-foot-radius spread who can hear the dragonnel must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or become shaken for 1d6 rounds.
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