Black dragon

Black dragons, also known as skull dragons, were far and away the most vile tempered and cruel of all chromatic dragons. They were solitary creatures that lived in the swamps and marshlands all around Aestria, from the marches of Mekrad to the jungles of Talonto.

Basic Information

Biological Traits

Black dragons appeared abnormally slender in comparison to other chromatic dragons—wiry, but not gaunt. Physically, they were most distinguished by their horns, which protruded from the sides of their heads and wrapped around, projecting forward. A large frill adorned the upper part of the neck. They smelled like rotting vegetation and foul water. And a wingspan of 80' (24.4 m).

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.[8] Fandom may earn an affiliate commission on sales made from links on this page.
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 afterwards.
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

Dietary Needs and Habits

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

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The skies over the southwestern Bay of Gaerood Pool and southern Gaerood Wood have been the source of multiple sightings of black dragons. Reports from the jungles of Talonto of dense, multi-layered tropical forest complete with its own ecosystem, were highlighted with tales of black dragons living within the canopy.

Average Intelligence

The black, glossy scales of black dragons added to their camouflage within swamp lands

Average Height

maximum size of 16' (4.9 m) tall

Average Weight

They weighed up to 160,000 lbs (72.6 mt)

Average Length

85' (25.9 m)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The black, glossy scales of black dragons added to their camouflage within swamp lands