Black Dragons

in Chromatic Dragons

Growth Rate & Stages

Female dragons took the lead when it came to breeding, choosing their mate largely based on the size of the hoard of prospective males. Because of this, male black dragons would often brag about their accumulated wealth to communicative creatures or others of their own kind, in the hopes that rumors of their hoard would spread to any females in the area that were looking to mate. When two or more females selected the same male as their partner, they would fight for dominance high in the air above the lair of the male, allowing him to gaze upon his future mate's victory in admiration. Black dragons were not noted as good parents, relying more upon disguise and hiding to protect their eggs than upon guarding them personally. Black dragon eggs must be submerged in strong acid while growing, which helped protect the dragon as well. Black dragons would only protect their young so long as that responsibility didn't threaten their own life. If they had to choose between saving their own life or those of their clutch or spawn, they would most certainly choose the former; though they would assuredly seek revenge afterward.   Their wyrmlings were noted for their exceptional cruelty and their utterly insatiable appetites. They ate almost anything organic they could kill, even plants. As a black dragon matured, its scales gradually grew lighter. The most ancient black dragons appeared almost purple in color.

Ecology and Habitats

Lair

Black dragons lived in swamps, jungles, and fetid marshlands. They were cunning creatures who lived to inspire fear and rule by intimidation. The black, glossy scales of black dragons added to their camouflage within swamplands. They preferred to ambush their targets, using darkness or water as their cover. They were excellent swimmers and often made their lairs in submerged caves or underground chambers near swamps or murky ponds. Their lairs always had two entrances: one underwater through the adjacent swamp or pond, and one above-ground, disguised amidst the undergrowth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

A black dragon's diet consisted of fish, mollusks, aquatic critters, and some red meat from terrestrial animals.