Periodic Table of Dragons

A short /tg/ thread asking about the nature of draconic colors lead to a discussion about metallic dragons, and all the various metals on the periodic table of elements. Glorious writing and drawing results.

Dragons still needed: 71, 89, 95(?)

Periodic Table of Contents

Group	1	2		3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18
Period
1	1 H 1.008																		2 He 4.0026
2	3 Li 6.94	4 Be 9.0122												5 B 10.81	6 C 12.011	7 N 14.007	8 O 15.999	9 F 18.998	10 Ne 20.180
3	11 Na 22.990	12 Mg 24.305												13 Al 26.982	14 Si 28.085	15 P 30.974	16 S 32.06	17 Cl 35.45	18 Ar 39.948
4	19 K 39.098	20 Ca 40.078		21 Sc 44.956	22 Ti 47.867	23 V 50.942	24 Cr 51.996	25 Mn 54.938	26 Fe 55.845	27 Co 58.933	28 Ni 58.693	29 Cu 63.546	30 Zn 65.38	31 Ga 69.723	32 Ge 72.63	33 As 74.922	34 Se 78.96	35 Br 79.904	36 Kr 83.798
5	37 Rb 85.468	38 Sr 87.62		39 Y 88.906	40 Zr 91.224	41 Nb 92.906	42 Mo 95.96	43 Tc [97.91]	44 Ru 101.07	45 Rh 102.91	46 Pd 106.42	47 Ag 107.87	48 Cd 112.41	49 In 114.82	50 Sn 118.71	51 Sb 121.76	52 Te 127.60	53 I 126.90	54 Xe 131.29
6	55 Cs 132.91	56 Ba 137.33	*	71 Lu 174.97	72 Hf 178.49	73 Ta 180.95	74 W 183.84	75 Re 186.21	76 Os 190.23	77 Ir 192.22	78 Pt 195.08	79 Au 196.97	80 Hg 200.59	81 Tl 204.38	82 Pb 207.2	83 Bi 208.98	84 Po [208.98]	85 At [209.99]	86 Rn [222.02]
7	87 Fr [223.02]	88 Ra [226.03]	**	103 Lr [262.11]	104 Rf [265.12]	105 Db [268.13]	106 Sg [271.13]	107 Bh [270]	108 Hs [277.15]	109 Mt [276.15]	110 Ds [281.16]	111 Rg [280.16]	112 Cn [285.17]	113 Nh [284.18]	114 Fl [289.19]	115 Mc [288.19]	116 Lv [293]	117 Ts [294]	118 Og [294]
*Lanthanoids			*	57 La 138.91	58 Ce 140.12	59 Pr 140.91	60 Nd 144.24	61 Pm [144.91]	62 Sm 150.36	63 Eu 151.96	64 Gd 157.25	65 Tb 158.93	66 Dy 162.50	67 Ho 164.93	68 Er 167.26	69 Tm 168.93	70 Yb 173.05
**Actinoids			**	89 Ac [227.03]	90 Th 232.04	91 Pa 231.04	92 U 238.03	93 Np [237.05]	94 Pu [244.06]	95 Am [243.06]	96 Cm [247.07]	97 Bk [247.07]	98 Cf [251.08]	99 Es [252.08]	100 Fm [257.10]	101 Md [258.10]	102 No [259.10]

Periodic Table of Dragons articles
The Table of Elements Rules and the World - Races - Bestiary - Stories

Hydrogen 1

Hydrogen Dragon

Given the distinct characteristics of most of dragon-kind, the existence of Hydrogen dragons is a hotly debated topic among dracologists, some argue that the creatures called Hydrogens are not dragons at all but rather some unusual form of sea serpent or snake. However, until a kind of Hydrogen is found which conforms to the template, those who disagree with the naming of the creatures have little choice but to accept it.

Hydrogen dragons are an unusual breed, the gelatinous eggs are laid in typhoons during the hurricane season to be spread throughout the ocean. Early in life they are little more than sea serpents, unintelligent and voracious.

Once they reach adolescence they begin to grow extremely quickly, putting on as much as a foot of length in a single day. However, the most unusual thing that happens is that during this growth spurt is that they begin to grow massive amounts of excess skin, enough to cover themselves ten or fifteen times over. During this time their appetite increases to truly legendary proportions; a Hydrogen dragon has been known to eat an entire whale in a single day, and will happily eat the same again the next day.

What happens next is a mystery, for they dive deep into the ocean and do not surface again until they are fully grown.

A fully grown Hydrogen dragon is a truly enormous creature, dwarfing all other breeds in terms of volume. However, they are unbelievably light for their size, swimming through the air like a fish through water. Known to follow storm clouds, there are accounts of them deliberately getting struck by lightning, though determining the purpose of this has proven difficult. According to other sources, a Hydrogen deprived of lightning will eventually sink to the earth and will be unable to fly until struck again.

Hydrogens produce a blinding flame which is believed to be used in mating rituals, though these take place inside of storm clouds and are rarely seen anywhere else.

They are notoriously difficult to hunt, given the altitudes they live at, though it is possible to find one that has been downed by bad luck. Even after finding one there is little to gain from them beyond a large amount of extremely tough leather. The gas inside of their hides escapes through the smallest puncture and should it be exposed to a flame a large explosion will result.

If sufficiently startled they will produce a brilliant flame of sufficient force to launch them several hundred meters into the air, though reports of this ability should be considered anecdotal at best.

Helium 2

Helium Dragon

Helium dragons are one of the most unusual of the elemental dragon varieties. For much of history, their existence was totally unknown, as they spend almost all their lives high in the atmosphere to keep themselves at a sufficiently cold temperature. They subsist almost entirely on drifting molecules of organic matter, filtered through their thin, diaphanous skin, and only come to earth to reproduce.

Their bodies are long and slender, with small flotation bladders spaced evenly along its length. Their wings are enormous, shot through with incredible numbers of capillaries filled with a strange fluid, whose unnatural hydraulic properties allow the movement of the gigantic wings with almost no effort. These wings absorb the nutrients they need to survive.

Their eggs are incredibly lightweight, and must be glued to the ground with ice, which the female must constantly refresh to protect the egg. On the ground, helium dragons can only defend themselves with incredible cold, sprayed at the enemy in a jet of their own liquid blood, and they seek the most isolated mountains to brood. Their coloration is suspected to be a product of this, as they only descend to earth in the light of dawn or dusk, making their pinkish-orange color a highly effective camouflage.

Heliums have no natural predators, and by and large are totally inaccessible, and totally disinterested in the affairs of the world below. What little is known about them has come from dissecting the rare corpses that survive the fall from the upper atmosphere, and from the vanishingly rare individuals that have spoken to other living creatures besides themselves.

It is known that the auroras are influenced by the Helium dragons, and they may use those events as a signal to congregate in huge flotillas to socialize.

Lithium 3

Lithium Dragon

At the far extent of the Metallic dragon family, we observe the Lithium dragon family. The smallest of the true Metallics, they are often mistaken for other animals, confused with natives of Mechanicus in particular.

Only about the size of a small child, and not particularly intelligent, the Lithium dragon is nevertheless dangerous, in no small part because of its profligate breeding habits and vast population. To other dragons, they are a nuisance, but to humans, they can be a menace if enraged. Fortunately, the Lithium dragon is the gentlest of the Alkali subfamily.

To smaller creatures like Kobolds and Halflings, their speed makes them deadly, though the Lithium's soft flesh is easy enough to pierce with a spear or sling stone.

They are native to deserts, high mountaintops, and anywhere where there is little moisture. Rain causes their flesh to bubble and sear, and is extremely painful. For this reason, water is the weapon of choice against them.

The Lithium's breath weapon is one of the most distinctive of the Metallic species, colored a brilliantly deep red flame. This flame is used in their mating rituals, and males that can breathe the largest and most colorful flames are the most desirable. Unlike the Bismuths, Lithiums are quite territorial, and do not lightly permit outsiders to observe their rituals.

Beryllium 4

Beryllium Dragon

Beryllium dragons are quite rare, and are highly photosensitive. Small but tough, their skin begins to decompose in the sun, for the radiation of stars is deadly to them. They are highly resistant to the Radiant Metallics, as the energy simply seems to pass through them, unlike the Borons, which absorb and diffuse the Radiant energy.

They have no breath weapons of their own, but when threatened, they shed copious amounts of toxic dust from underneath their scales, which cause growths to form in the victim's lungs, choking them to death.

Beryllium dragons are widely sought after as mates by Copper, Aluminum, Iron and Nickel dragons, because their crossbreeds exhibit highly improved scale strength and hardness. As such, the smaller Berylliums are often politically minded dragons, pitting their larger allies against those that would harm them, and forming familial houses dedicated to strategic marriages with stronger dragons.

A Beryllium dragon can be identified not just by its small size, but by the greenish emerald nodules decorating the length of its spine. On the females, the emeralds are about the size of a man's thumb, but on the males, they can grow to nearly the size of two stacked fists in the largest and oldest specimens. Used to attract mates, shed scales are also presented as gifts to other dragons and even mortals on occasion.

Beryllium dragons signify marriage by inscribing their names into the male's largest emerald spike, which is then shed and carried with them as long as the relationship lasts.

Boron 5

Many of the larger Metallic dragons are deadly not because of their strength or speed, but because they are surrounded by a strange force, akin to heat or a very bright, penetrating light. Simply being near them is enough to kill an unprotected man, and many nations fear their blessedly rare incursions.

One species of Metallic though, barely deserving of the name, is the Boron Dragon. Relatively small, and quite fragile, they are astoundingly swift creatures, with gigantic, gossamer wings disproportionate to their size. High altitude fliers, they can take to the air with nothing more than a slight breeze and a well angled wing. On the ground, they are nimble, seeming to defy gravity as they scamper around with a decidedly un-draconic glee.

These strange dragons were once more common than they are now, because the intelligent races figured out that their bodies could absorb and block that deadly force of the greater Metallics. A great slaughter ensued, hunting the Borons nearly to extinction for their skin and wings, which could forge protective cloaks and armor for an entire human or orc tribe.

The Borons now live in extremely isolated areas, and are profoundly reclusive and distrustful. Gear made from their bodies is a relic now, and fetches astronomical prices.

Entire tribes die each year hunting the remaining beasts, but when a single corpse can buy a mighty town or army, the lust for greed eternally fuels the hunt.

Carbon 6

Carbon Dragon

Carbon dragons are considered Crystalline by most scholars. Jet black in appearance, with diamond spikes only on their backs, claws, teeth, and the tip tail to reflect light, they are primarily nocturnal creatures. The lenses of their eyes incorporate diamonds as well, collecting and refracting light into the eye more efficiently than human eyes, allowing them to see in the dark.

They are a very common species, inhabiting a diverse range of climates. Ferocious on the attack, they're downright cowardly on the defense because their scales are frail, almost crumbly. Inside, they are one of the few Elemental dragons to have very mammalian muscles, but their blood is a dark, strange-smelling liquid. When set alight, it will burn for hours, and is a valued commodity in the Northlands.

The young Carbon's primary means of attack is a fire breath that makes up for in endurance what it loses in heat, as a flammable black fluid they produce can infuse the fire with the ability to stay alight for hours or days. They are also virtually immune to any fire or heat themselves, as it only serves to harden their scales. They often reside in caves beneath the earth or deep in mountains, often near natural lava flows that they drink and bathe from. When they are young, the Carbon dragon has quickly shedding scales that can be used as a fuel source, making them highly sought after to be tamed or hunted. As they mature, however, grooming with flame and natural changes leads to a harder coat of scales that sheds less frequently. Once they reach a certain point of crystallization, their flame begins to weaken until it disappears altogether upon becoming a Diamond dragon.

Carbon dragons are remarkably unintelligent, barely more than clever animals, and they adopt a pack mentality in most things, though they are known for using their shed scales to make cave images by scrawling black marks on the walls. The meaning of these marks is unclear, but is a favorite topic of discussion among scholars debating the Carbon's status as intelligent beings.

The same cannot be said of the older examples of the species, however. Diamond dragons are considered one of the most dangerous kinds of dragon, having lived through centuries of predation, they are devious fighters and brilliant tacticians, able to outwit any hunter. The only reliable way to beat a Diamond is to enlist both a wizard and a stronger dragon such as a Tungsten or Osmium, and this leaves little in the way of scavengable remains.

Perhaps as a sign of their distance from the true Metallics, Carbons are preyed upon at nearly every opportunity by their larger cousins, who incorporate their essence into their own bodies. However, they breed easily with other species and can even catenate hybrids that normally can not mix, so some of the more far-sighted dragons exhibit a more protective response.

Their bones are composed primarily of a tough, flexible material that has defied investigation. Though poorly suited for use as armor because it is prone to fracturing, Carbon bones are commonly used as handles for maces, due to their light weight. For small projects, they can be used as support beams in buildings. Their wings have a peculiar sheen to them, and are coated in a very thin layer of a flaky material that has excellent heat and electrical conductivity. Despite their small size and relative fragility to physical impact, the Carbon dragon is very skilled at using their wings to deflect and resist both fire and electrical attacks.

Nitrogen 7

Nitrogen dragons were once believed to be two separate species. One form is the pale, almost translucent dragons with a faint purple blue glow that live in extremely cold temperatures. These dragons have fine, smooth scales, small horns and claws, and a thin elongated frame, giving them a deceptively weak appearance. While all Fluid dragons can breathe supercooled liquid as a weapon, only a handful of Fluid dragons can match the Nitrogen for the intensity of the blast, and none can sustain a blast as long.

The people in the far north follow Nitrogen dragons, watching to see where their mating frenzies in the snow leave their essence in the earth, churned into the soil. Those tribes then use the extra-fertile soil to perform agriculture in the short growing seasons of the polar summer, enabling them to harvest food that's not just seals and whales. This permits some habitation in Fluid dragon territory, normally too inhospitable for other forms of life, and these people are the ones with the strongest legends and interactions with the Fluid breeds.

More commonly seen are the so-called "Bomb Dragons" who, as the name implies, have such volatile internal processes that when disturbed or damaged, they tend to violently explode. Larger, bulkier almost to the point of being bloated, and generally with a dirty yellow coloration, these dragons are a slightly more common form of Nitrogen dragon, and perhaps uniquely, are commonly found away from the frozen preserves of other gas dragons. Careful study has found that Nitrogen dragons that ingest large quantities of organic matter find their internal chemistry altering, similar to the process of 'alloying' that occurs with other dragons.

The breath weapon of a Nitrogen 'Bomb Dragon' is a projectile globule of a viscous, colorless liquid that violently detonates upon impact. More than one Bomb Dragon has inadvertently detonated themselves with clumsy use of this weapon.

Despite the danger, many consider the Bomb Dragons a good omen. A Bomb Dragon rooting through a field is said to guarantee bumper crops for years to come, and as few other dragons will approach a Bomb Dragon, these volatile and dangerous beasts are viewed as affording a measure of protection to those nearby.

Oxygen 8

Oxygen dragons are amongst the most common as well as the most approachable Fluid dragons. Dwelling all along the sides of mountains and in frozen valleys, they make their homes in cold regions similar to other Fluid dragons.

Unlike other Fluid dragons they are not immediately corrosive to the mortal races, but still a danger to many Metallic dragons as their breath and indeed their blood will quickly cause the Metallics to rust.

Oxygen dragons are a striking blue color, with the blood that flows through their veins even more so. In fact their bodies are fairly translucent, allowing the direct observation of the deep blue blood that runs in their circulatory system. Similar to many of the Fluid dragons, they tend to spend most of their time in the air, which is supplemented by 2 sectional wings similar to a butterfly with swirled hues of blue, their slim bodies and 4 slender, spindly limbs that act as legs and manipulators.

Lacking float bladders, the Oxygen dragons do not climb to extreme altitudes, but they do have two evaporator bladders on their underside that convert some of the blue liquid to gas and force it out at high speeds.

In terms of breathe weapons Oxygen dragons are further unique as they have 3 gas sacs on their neck from which different gasses are used for different purposes. The first appears to be relatively harmless to the mortal races, but has a profound effect on metals and Metallic dragons, the second is even more dangerous to Metallics as well as destroying the lungs of any creature nearby, and the third is highly corrosive and destructive to most organic matter and dragons.

Oxygen dragons are commonly of a thoughtful and calm temperament, and are often willing to trade with mortals for their breath as reagents as well as knowledge they have gained from the air or of other dragons.

Fluorine 9

Flourine Dragon

Observable only from afar, the Fluorine dragon is a yellowish, ever-aloft affair with unusually smooth scales, making it appear that they have patterned skin rather than proper scales. These scales grow and regrow at an alarming rate, but without this rapidly regenerating outer layer, they would soon find their skin eaten through.

Not particularly dense, Fluorine dragons are ludicrously quick to please or anger, but relatively talkative at range. They lack the inherent defenses common to many dragons such as the protections against lesser magics or an aura of unnatural energy, but make up for it in several other ways. The aura of a Fluorine dragon is entirely natural and may vary by exposure; nearly all things react violently, causing explosions, the production of acids and poisons, with water being one of the most dangerous. Only certain particularly resilient Noble dragons and other Fluorine dragons can safely interact with them.

Though intelligent, they are short-lived, and so are willing to take risks that few except Franciums or Chlorines would tenant. They have been seen as far south as Mont-Eiresen, though those who roam outside of their native range care little for the havoc they cause. Those who live outside the Arctic know little of a Fluorine's pleasant demeanor, having only seen reports of the devastation left when a group of them flies over.

Fluorine dragons have no true breath weapon, and unusually for Fluid dragons, have rather strong teeth, though they prefer to fight with a blast-shaping wing-buffet or direct contact. With the proper preparation and runes they can be overcome, though one should be wary of allowing such a corpse to react with their own lands.

Attacking a Fluorine dragon is a folly for any man. To withstand the constant overpressure shell, acidic mists, concentrated toxins, flame and even electrical discharges requires nearly draconic might, and any violent contact as devastating for the assailant as the dragon.

Neon 10

Neon Dragon

Neon dragons are perhaps the most sociable of the "Noble" Fluid dragons. Though they are remarkably private about their personal lives, they enjoy interacting with those others who brave the cold to come and speak with them.

Many a polar traveler has seen what looks like a mirage, only to find a Neon dragon family's dwelling, carved from ice and illuminated with beautiful red lamps, whose origin is not told to outsiders.

Inside, the Neon dragons welcome visitors, and enjoy learning of the outside world, though they typically have little to share themselves other than a comfortable bed.

Like most of the "Noble" Fluid dragons, the Neons have no breath weapon other than a suffocatingly cold jet of the same liquid pumping through their veins, which chokes people to death even as it freezes them and buffets them with waves of cold, expanding air.

Their bodies are shorter and heavier than the Helium dragons, though similar in overall structure, and their wings are considerably smaller. They enjoy flying, though they are primarily a terrestrial species.

Sodium 11

Sodium dragons are one of the smaller Metallic dragons, but not quite on the scale of their Lithium cousins, growing to about the height of an average- sized man and having a little less mass than one. Unmistakable in shaped they grow with hind legs, clawless wings, and frills along their neck that expand when threatened.

These frills allow for sodium dragons to scare potential enemies in an attempt to prevent a fight as they have flesh and scales that barely match the defensive strength of human skin. Though lacking any claws, these dragons have exceptional speed and their lightweight frames allow them to jump and fly exceptionally well turning their powerful hind legs into formidable weapons against small foes.

Sodium dragons can also be identified by their distinctive bright yellow flame and the white powdery coating on their silvery scales. The properties of this white powder and the scales that produce it are sought after by many as cleaning agents and as flux in glass making. However due to the relative difficulty of catching or killing these speedy creatures, the market remains fairly lucrative.

The sodium dragons live in deserts, mountain tops, and other areas with low moisture as do its close relatives as water is caustic to it’s flesh, sometimes to the point of ignition, making water a useful agent for protection, but at the same time an unreliable method for obtaining any salable materials from their bodies.

Magnesium 12

Magnesium dragons are one of the stronger and lighter Metallic dragons, silvery-white they produce a remarkably bright white flame, the use of which attracts their family as they usually live quite close to each other and associate the light of their breath weapon with dire situations and danger. So besides a weapon it's an alarm too, immediately calling back-up for the fight.

While most immediate cousins to the magnesium dragon within the metal family are quite vulnerable to oxygen, magnesium dragons have a natural immunity which negates the alkali weakness (though this can be temporarily undone by certain spells). Magnesium dragons are quite fearsome, among all dragons they can hold continuous fire the longest, indeed even having trouble stopping and have a mixture of toughness and lightness that's great for high altitude flight.

Magnesium dragons are very similar to aluminum dragons in build and personality, and can live near them without conflict.

Aluminum 13

Aluminum dragons are one of the most common of the Metallic dragons, and although abundant they are not generally a danger to the mortal races unless provoked. The dragons are slightly larger than a horse and serpentine in nature with a series of vestigial wings along the sides of their bodies that are used as reflective plates to attract mates, as well as to control their movement in water.

Unusual to the Metallic dragons, Aluminum dragons are not particularly adverse to water and due to their unique physiology are often found living near sources of fresh water. The dragons use this water to produce a low-density gas in a specialized bladder that not only helps them maintain buoyancy, but also can be exhaled and ignited in an orange flame as a breath weapon against intruders.

Aluminum dragons’ vestigial wings and scales, despite being fairly weak as a form of armor due to their softness and flexibility, are found to be quite useful as heat sinks and electrical conductors. This gives the Aluminum dragon a natural strength against heat and electric attacks, as well as a product to sell to the mortal races.

An Aluminum dragon’s greatest weakness is the touch of a Gallium dragon, which immediately poisons their flesh causing it to rot and fall apart. Depending on the location, this can often be quite fatal, especially if the dragon is affected around its gas bladder which in conjuncture with the Gallium rot can rupture or even explode due to the pressures within. For this reason Aluminum dragons avoid Gallium dragons at any cost, sometimes even fleeing their homes at the slightest sign of ones presence.

Silicon 14

Silicon dragons are unusual creatures, having characteristics of both Crystalline and Metallic dragons. They are tough and strong, but also lightweight, and have a strange, multifaceted exterior.

Their claws and scales are soft and easily fractured when new, looking almost like transparent glass, but as they age, Silicon dragons consume inordinate amounts of coal, plant matter, and anything else with plenty of carbon in it, including animal life. As they process this material, their scales harden, taking on an extremely hard, sharp outer edge that can cut like a razor and withstand incredible strain. Their claws likewise harden, darken, and can slash through armor with ease.

Underneath their scales are thick, glutinous pseudomuscles made of a rubbery material, which they can flex a little bit to let off heat from underneath, and raise the scales up so their outer edges face predators. In the wild, Silicon dragons flare these scales up both to look larger, and as a mating display. The dark outer edge and the metallic-crystal main body make a striking show.

These dragons are very social, forming large groups for protection, and can breathe blasts of fine, glittering powder at their enemies, blinding and choking them.

They fly well, and stand about 14 feet high at the shoulder.

Silicon dragons love glass and glass sculpture, and share an interesting friendship with Uranium and Europium dragons, making and coloring sculptures of inordinate beauty and grace.

Phosphorus 15

Phosphorous dragons are a genetically unstable species, with four common subspecies, distinguishable by the vibrant colors of their scales. White, Red, Violet, and Black Phosphorous dragons have all been observed in the wild.

White is fairly uncommon, and is characterized, much as Francium dragons are, by mental instability, a volatile temper, and a short lifespan of only a few decades to a century. The Whites breathe a powerful flame, and will shed a gout of sparks from their hide when struck by edged weapons. In general, it is recommended to use only maces and other blunt weapons when hunting this breed.

Whites are easy to detect, because in the dark, they glow a faint bluish-green.

Reds are more stable than Whites, and their scales are very small and flexible, almost like a snake's. With age, the Reds become Blacks, almost inert and without fire. These are the elders of the species, and can live for millennia.

Violet Phosphorous dragons are only found in close proximity to Lead dragons, and seem to absorb some of the Lead's stability and resilience. This subspecies is genetically distinct from the other Phosphorous dragons, and is rare and poorly studied.

Sulfur 16

Sulfur dragons live up to their reputation as fiery creatures, often found in and around volcanic vents and fumaroles. Extremely difficult to spot in their native environment, when found elsewhere they have an extremely distinctive yellow hue.

They smell extremely pungent, and are unwelcome in towns or around vegetation, which they kill just by being around. Scrapings of their shed scales provides extremely useful anti-fungal and anti insect powders though, and provide the beasts with valuable trade goods. Ground into the soil, their scales also promote plant growth, and are in demand by farmers everywhere.

When angered, they squeeze water from an internal bladder, mixing it with their essence and forming a profoundly deadly acid, which can strip a man's flesh in minutes. As such, they are extremely hazardous in a fight, for armor means nothing to their liquid fury.

When crossbred with Iron dragons, a hybrid is formed that looks very like a Gold dragon, though it is a sterile, fairly unintelligent creature, much weaker than either parent. However, as might be expected from parents of Iron and Sulfur, when the Pyrite child strikes a claw against its chest, sprays of hot sparks can be formed. Sometimes, when Sulfur dragon scales are ground up and mixed with secret compounds, an explosion occurs from a Pyrite's spark.

Indeed, the Pyrites, despite their lack of intelligence by draconic standards, are the world's first users of guns and gunpowder, using tools to make up for what mother nature didn't give them, and they get along with mortal races far better than most.

Chlorine 17

Chlorine dragons have a distinctive pale yellow green color, and a thin, sinewy frame that gives the impression of hunger, or even malnourishment. Like all Fluid dragons, Chlorine dragons prefer colder climates and are relatively fragile. However, chlorine dragons are short-lived by draconic standards. This limited lifespan will often drive the Chlorine dragons to take risks that their more stable cousins would not countenance, and as a result they may be found ranging far from their natural habitat.

Chlorine dragons are best known for the exhalations of chlorine gas that their physiologies constantly produce. The Chlorine dragon's breath weapon is a supercooled near-liquid jet of this same dangerous corrosive gas, and is extraordinarily dangerous to dragon and human alike. Many dragons will find themselves corroded or poisoned by the blast, even the normally impervious Gold dragons. This breath weapon is considered particularly insidious, as the gas warms and diffuses, it will linger near the ground in great choking clouds, as well as turning all water within the cloud to an extremely strong acid.

Little else is known about the Chlorine dragons physiology, personality, or temperament, and there are few brave enough to investigate this species further.

Argon 18

Argon dragons are one of the most common Fluid dragons, having a very broad range of habitation. They're somewhat better at tolerating warm temperatures than the other Fluid dragons, and their scales are unusually thick.

Unlike Helium and Neon dragons, Argon dragons actually have evolved a true breath weapon, a powerful beam of intensely blue-green light capable of burning, blinding, and killing opponents.

They are a mysterious species on the whole, and do not interact with other races unless forced to.

Potassium 19

Potassium dragons, although quite similar to their Lithium and Sodium relatives, have some clear distinctions from them. Being one of the lightest Metallic dragons by volume, growing to be slightly larger than good sized horse but remaining substantially light, have taken full advantage of this adaptation in the form of flight.

On both their forelimbs and hind limbs, Potassium dragons have sets of wings as well as frills adorning its neck, body, and tail being used to maintain stability as well as act like rudders in the air for enhanced maneuverability. Although more clumsy on the ground than its other relatives, its powerful legs allow it to launch into flight from almost any dangerous situation, trading land traversing for skill in the air.

Being so well adapted for flight makes them difficult to kill as they are quite adept at dodging incoming attacks, making them a danger for travelers despite their soft flesh, quickly striking them and then retreating to safety.

Another identifying trait of the Potassium dragons are their lilac flame breath and their extremely valuable scales that can be used in potent fertilizers, explosives, and, in combination with the scales of a Bromine dragon, as a powerful sedative.

Like Lithium and Sodium dragons, water is a danger to them, so they are forced to live in extremely arid--some might even say desiccated--environments. In fact, water is an even greater danger to Potassium dragons than their brethren, with its touch not only bubbling and burning their flesh, but also violently producing large amounts of highly flammable gas and heat, which can lead to an even more violent combustion.

Calcium 20

Calcium dragons have an ominous reputation among the other races. With a pale, chalky-white coloration and a tendency to hoard the bones of their prey, Calcium dragons are associated with death in most superstitions.

Calcium dragons are covered in scales of the aforementioned chalky white color. Great spikes of bone grow out of the dragon's spine during adolescence, beginning with small ridges on the tail and culminating in a great crest on the head. These growths are prized for their strength and their light weight. Alchemists have discovered that if one spine is damaged or removed by hunters, the dragon is able to regrow it quickly by consuming a portion of their stash of bones.

Incredibly light for their size, Calcium dragons are one of the few species of larger Metallics that are capable of regular, long-distance flight. They avoid water, however. Upon contact, their scales begin to heat up and dissolve.

Contrary to the superstitions associated with them, Calcium dragons support a variety of life. Small crustaceans and mollusks have been found to live on the dragon's hide, making themselves at home by shaping its thick scales into shells, alcoves, and coral-like structures.

Scandium 21

Scandium Dragon

Scandium dragons are very rare. They are silvery-white, sometimes tending to yellowish or pinkish. They are very lazy and don't do much of anything at all unless accompanied by Aluminum dragons, with whom, for reasons that are not fully understood, they make highly productive partnerships.

Titanium 22

Titanium dragons are one of the physically strongest species of dragons in existence--they are nearly as resistant to chemical-based damage as Platinum dragons, their scales are extremely strong, and despite weighing significantly less than the typical Iron or Steel dragon, they possess just as much strength as most, if not all members of the former, as well as many instances of the latter. They are very resistant to corrosion, and are one of the few species willing to take on Sulfur and Chlorine dragons, though even a Titanium keeps a wary distance from the deadly Fluorines on the rare occasions that they enter the warmer climates. They are also quite resistant to heat and electricity compared to other types of dragon, though their strength wanes when exposed to very high temperatures for extended periods of time; notably, their scales, normally a silvery grey-white colour, tend to be shed more frequently in hotter environments, and after shedding, fade to white and and be ground into a powder that is highly sought as a pigment.

A Titanium is easily overlooked in a draconic lineup, being barely larger than an adult human or orcish male, with an alert countenance and eyes that are ever roaming, seeking danger and threats.

Their most distinctive feature is an extraordinarily elongated tail, being nearly half again as long as the dragon itself. Some of the largest males have been recorded as ten feet from tail base to tip. The dragon itself has very small scales, almost invisible from a distance, but the tail scales are much larger and more hexagonal.

These impressive structures are used for both defense, lashing out as a deadly whip, and for mating displays. By raising the tail into the air, the Titanium dragon male uses his scales to reflect the sun in brilliant flashes with a large range of colours, attracting mates.

The Titanium dragon tends to be aggressive in the wild, living in large social groups of several dozen and constantly competing for status among their peers.

Their greatest strength, however, is perhaps located in the versatility that their offspring show, specifically their hybrids, whose natural traits and inclinations can range from military knowledge to medical application, and in a few rare cases, some that even possess all the traits needed for them to be capable of flights into the planet's upper atmosphere and beyond, up to and including metabolisms that eliminate the need for oxygen. Due to this, alongside a general inclination towards non-similar dragon breeds, Titanium dragons will almost always live and mate with dragons from other breeds if they have a choice, typically preferring Iron, Aluminum, Vanadium, or Molybdenum partners, and with the relatively high rate at which Titanium dragons can produce offspring, both hybrid and pure, they remain one of the most common species of Metallic dragons in existence.

Vanadium 23

While many types of dragons have been known to sell their scales for alloys, few are as prolific or as valued as the Vanadium dragon.

Dark gray and three times the size of a horse, Vanadium dragons are technically scaleless. However, upon exposure, their outer layers of skin rapidly transforms into irregular plates covering them. These plates will rapidly slough off, only for the next layer of skin to transform into new plates.

While Vanadiums lack a breath weapon, they are highly resistant to corrosion and are one of the tougher dragons, especially due to the fact that their bodies are not nearly as brittle as other Metallic dragons.

Even more significantly for their influence, their rapid shedding of plates grants the ability to sell large amounts of their castoffs for other dragons to consume. Among others, Titanium and Steel dragons can benefit, and they both gain a marked increase in durability, with Titanium dragons also gaining increase in resistance to temperature extremes. Because of this, both breeds will pay handsomely for Vanadium castoffs, and Iron dragons have been known to consume Carbon dragons for the sole purpose of being able to benefit from alloying with Vanadium. In addition, their plates are frequently bought by wizards for focus materials, given the prevalence of them compared to most other dragon pieces.

Chromium 24

Chromium dragons are an incredible species of Metallics, their scales shining with a luster and reflectivity far beyond any of their cousin species. They are unusually friendly to mortal races, and commonly come to towns to trade goods and services.

One of the most notable quirks of the subspecies is their use of gizzard stones, as many birds do, in order to aid digestion. Over the course of decades, these rocks roll around in their hot, acidic insides, and absorb the essence of the dragon. When they are eventually regurgitated or excreted, the stones that emerge are beautiful jewels, usually rubies and emeralds. It is said that over the millennia, almost all such gems found by miners in fact have their origins in a Chromium's gut.

The Chromiums attach no value to these stones, but have learned over the years that other species desire them, and use them as trade goods.

In the wild, the lightweight Chromiums usually fly away from their assailants, but their large, flexible wings can also reflect and concentrate light by forming a parabolic shape, blinding and burning their enemies. For this reason, Chromiums tend to live in well-lit areas, often atop mountain peaks.

Manganese 25

Manganese dragons are among the middleweights of the true Metallics, with thick scales that each have a large hemispherical stud of thickened metal in the center.

They enjoy the water, though they cannot remain in it for prolonged periods, and their skin is distinguishable by the wide range of colors it takes upon exposure to air. After shedding scales, the dragon is shiny and metallic, but the scales darken rapidly, becoming a multi-hued swirl of pinks, purples, greens and blues. Shed scales are a valued trade commodity, and find use in pigments around the worlds.

Manganese dragons commonly interbreed with Aluminum and Iron dragons, as is typical for those profligate breeds, but the most interesting crossbreed comes when a Manganese produces a child with a Zinc dragon.

Those crossbreeds generate powerful internal electricity, and can store vast quantities of it inside their bodies, to be unleashed at need. Though dangerous, wizards love the crossbreeds for their utility in assisting with experiments, and commonly hire or contract with them for that work. As a result, many Manganese dragons pick up some basic magical skills by observing their children, and carve spellbooks into their hard, durable skin.

Iron 26

Iron dragons may not have the grace of their rivals, but they are some of the most numerous in this day and age and they simply exude a feeling of strength and durability. They are among the handful of dragons that can control magnetic fields, and use this ability to create tools that rival those of Copper Dragons in quality and intricacy. Rust is an ever constant threat, so many iron dragons tamper with their own bodies, trying to reforge their own scales into something more resistant to corrosion: the Brightsteel Dragons have perfected a version of this technique and keep this hard earned secret well guarded.

Iron dragons are one of the most common breeds of Metallic dragon. Massive, heavy, and confident, they roam the worlds as they wish. Impervious to most weapons, they often take work as mercenaries, miners, and metalworkers, as the mood takes them. This breed has an oddly humble streak, viewing themselves as a more "base" metal than others, and is willing to work closely with mortal races, often living among them.

The Iron dragons are profligate cross breeders, strengthening their familial status through strong children, and they are fiercely protective of their young. Their eggs are massive spheres of hard, grey metal, and are laid in clutches of several dozen.

The Iron dragons fly, but only poorly, and have no breath weapons of their own. They have been learning the ways of gunpowder and firearms from their Pyrite children, and they have been seen laying unfertilized eggs for use as ammunition in heavy cannons carried in both hands. In this way, even those eggs that never become children serve the family.

Iron dragons are vulnerable to corrosion, and never stay in areas where Sulfur dragons are present. Iron/Chromium crossbreeds, on the other hand, are almost immune to most kinds of corrosion.

Cobalt 27

Cobalt dragons are interesting beasts, preferring to live below the surface in deep warrens. Unlike most elemental dragons, who were identified by humans, orcs, elves, and other surface races, first contact with the Cobalt dragons came through the race known as Kobolds. That one is named after the other is obvious, but which was named after is a truth lost so far back in history it will likely never be known.

The association these two races have with each other is most distinctly shown in the art that Kobolds make; their warrens are filled with blue glass, blue pigmented murals and ceramics, and blue hued clothing. Blue is the color of the Kobold, and their goods are traded across the worlds at very high prices, helping to stabilize the Kobold economy.

The Cobalt dragons themselves are content to interact with surface dwellers through Kobold intermediaries, direct contact with other races is quite rare, and earning their trust is difficult.

The Cobalt dragon is a relatively small breed, no more than 6 or 7 feet at the shoulder and about 10-12 feet in length. Their wings have atrophied, used only for temperature regulation and digging tunnels. The leading edge of the bone, where a human thumb would be, is a long, hard spike of metal which the Cobalt dragon can use as a scraper to make small tunnels taller, while they shovel out the floor with their powerful forelimbs.

Nickel 28

The Nickel dragon is a pleasant creature, enjoying swimming, sunbathing, and generally living life with a free-spirited air. The breed is dispersed widely upon the earth, and does not form large social groups, usually just a mated pair, their children, and in rare cases, one or more elder Nickels, who pass their knowledge on to the young in their travels.

The Nickel dragon flies well, and makes some of the longest migrations of any Metallic dragon species, carried aloft with an ease that defies simple muscle strength. Indeed, some invisible force seems to move at the Nickel's command, allowing them to stay in the air for days on end if they so choose, though they cannot fly very high.

They are relatively hefty creatures, and do not hesitate to lash out with claws, teeth, and tail if threatened. They have no breath weapon, nor any defensive equipment beyond their scales, preferring flight to fight.

Copper 29

Copper Dragons would be considered one of the more attractive breeds, older ones wearing their green patina with pride. A side affect of this attractiveness is the sheer volume of bastardized offspring that Copper dragons produce, most notably the clans of Brass and Bronze dragons. (While the Brass and Bronze hybrids do not breed true, enough of them exist that they band together to form miniature societies of their own.)

Copper dragons have powerful electric breath, and offspring with Zinc dragons have electricity visibly crackling across their skin, though neither comes close to Silvers in terms of voltage.

Early societies worked the scales of these dragons into tools and weapons before they mastered working the scales of harder Metallics like Iron and Bronze.

They are incapable of living near saltwater, as they and their offspring will exhibit Bronze Disease, a corrosion that appears as green and blue lesions on their scales, and continued exposure will eat into their skin, causing immense pain and disfiguring scars.

An interesting side note: Nickel-Copper hybrids are notorious counterfeiters, one should only accept goods as payment from them since any money is likely their own scales carved into the likeness of coins.

Zinc 30

Zinc dragons look similar to many other varieties of dragon, being of average size with a dull silver luster, though shortly after molting their scales are a brilliant blue-silver. However, they are easily identified at closer ranges by the mottling on their scales, said to look like large overlapping crystals or flakes. They can be identified tentatively at a distance by their hexagonal head crests, though it is inadvisable to depend on this unless using a telescope.

The scales of Zincs are highly prized by alchemists for a wide range of applications, from glowing paint to preventing rust in objects of iron and steel. Small amounts of ground scale, administered to a sick or injured person, can even speed healing. As such they are zealously harvested whenever they are shed. Indeed, those Zincs who regularly interact with humans have amassed fortunes by collecting their molted scales and selling them.

Zinc dragons crossbreed easily with many varieties of dragon, including the dreaded Mercury dragons, but the most interesting hybrids come from mating with either Manganese or Copper dragons. These two pairings produce individuals with astonishingly powerful lighting attacks, moreso than Coppers and far more than Manganeses, capable of turning an armored human to slag with a single discharge.

When kept wet for extended periods of time, Zincs develop 'white rust' or 'wet stain,' which if left untreated will cause their scales to rot away, causing death in extreme cases. This malady is most common in young and newly-molted dragons, those with older scales seem to have greatly enhanced resistance. It should be noted that white rust only occurs when there is liquid water present, with humidity having no effect whatsoever.

Zinc dragons avoid Lead dragons at all costs, remaining in a Lead dragon's aura for more than a few hours results in 'zinc pest,' an irreversible disease that is similar to white rust, but rather than only affecting the scales of the dragon, it will cause even those scales that grow back to crumble to dust.

Gallium 31

An enigma to be sure, Gallium dragons are elusive and masters of misdirection. Often mistaken for unusually large Carbon dragons, this is actually part of their disguise. Underneath several layers of 'dead' scales, is the small silver colored metal dragon.

If its shell is broken, one may first notice that it bears a strong resemblance to a juvenile Mercury Dragon, but Gallium Dragons are seldom bigger than this. Also unlike Mercury dragons, a Gallium Dragon will 'melt' into a liquid form and hide in deep narrow crevices until it feels the threat has passed. Then it will find a safe place to regrow its shell.

How Gallium Dragons are capable of melting themselves is a topic of hot debate even today, and their elusiveness has kept them safe from captivity for generations. There is a large reward for anyone who can capture a live specimen so the debate can be put to rest.

The touch of a Gallium is the bane of Aluminums, as it will cause their skin to crumble like rotten leather.

Germanium 32

Germanium dragons are strange species, bearing the appearance of a lustrous gray-white Metallic dragon, whilst also having properties of a Crystal dragon, but truly being neither.

Growing to the size of a small shack with 4 limbs a pair of broad wings, the Germanium dragon looks similar to the standard dragon form, but with crystalline horns on its head and a row of crystalline spikes on its tail which seem to crackle with electrical energy.

Although lacking a powerful flame weapon, the Germanium dragons make up for it with a powerful shock breath and a tinge of power in their melee attacks with their sharp crystal claws and tail spikes.

Germanium dragons’ scales, despite their strength against sharp weapons, are fairly brittle and shatter with relative ease. However, even in their shattered state they are sought out by wizards and healers alike for their properties as an electric magic focus and for their mysterious disease curing properties.

Arsenic 33

Arsenic dragons are lightweight, greyish creatures, often found in the company of Lead dragons. For most of history, they spent their time wandering the world, driven from place to place by an endless stream of mysterious deaths that seemed to follow them around. Long eons have passed, and there is as yet only the vaguest of explanations for the phenomenon, but the breed has a reputation for being cursed, and have taken to acting as oracles and seers, given their association with death.

They're not particularly strong dragons, nor do they have any breath weapons, but those around them almost inevitably succumb and die, unless they are Metallic or more exotic races. The land withers and dies, and remains uninhabitable for generations where they pass.

Lead and Cobalt dragons are the only ones who will tolerate them, and Cobalt dragons may even go so far as to share a lair with them, though physical size differences tends to make breeding among the pair rare. Lead/Arsenic half-breeds on the other hand are terrifying creatures indeed. Stronger, smarter and faster, these are the scholars and generals of their kinds. So long as they are left alone, the Arsenic dragons are mostly harmless, but if attacked, the repercussions can linger for millennia.

Selenium 34

Selenium dragons, somewhat related to Germanium dragons, showcase their intermediacy between Metallic and Crystal dragons by being born as a brick-red Crystalline dragon and remaining so through their youth. just before they reach maturity, they move into areas with high heat, such as a volcano or deep underground, and through a mysterious and unknown process, become lustrous black Metallic dragons.

As a young dragon, its red scales are sought out for creating red glass as well as for its property as a potent poison when powdered. This toxic property is useful for young Selenium dragons, its claws leave traces of this toxin in the wounds of its foes, making them difficult and dangerous enemies of those who hunt or displease them. This toxic property accelerates death and marks their opponent with a distinct stench so the dragon to find prey that was wounded but managed to flee, even if they later die from the poisoned wound. To be able to easily make out where a recent opponent has hidden adds to their nature as difficult and dangerous enemies or prey. Unfortunately, due to the rash and proud nature of young ones, enemies can be made quite easily.

Along the back of a juvenile Selenium dragon are what appear to be partial fins whose purpose at this stage is unknown.

Adult Selenium dragons do not lose the toxic property of their scales and claws, however, they do not poison without provocation. This is traded off by the adult gaining a great resistance to most forms of acid as well as electricity sparking through its scales and back fins, whose exact purpose are unknown. This development gives the once breathless dragon an electric breath weapon slightly weaker than that of a Germanium dragon, but their scales are far tougher as a counterbalance.

In sunlight the adults seem to grow in strength and power, but the mechanism by which this happens remains unknown.

As adults their scales are no less valuable, now used as weak electric and solar focuses as well as catalysts in alchemical experiments. Adults, unlike juveniles, understand the value of their own scales and are far more level-headed and mellow than they were when they were young. It is unknown why their transformation has such profound changes in personality.

Bromine 35

Bromine dragons are one of the strangest forms of dragon, being the only true liquid dragon that is not Metallic. Lacking any form of scales, their bodies are a red-brown fluid that is constantly shifting and morphing to maintain the shape of wingless, six-limbed dragons.

Their fluids, although not greatly toxic, are extremely corrosive, killing most forms of life that come into direct contact with them. This property makes them relatively easy to track due to the swath of destruction to both plant life and the landscape that they leave in their wake as they travel.

Like Mercury dragons they tend to inhabit bodies of water, killing the life within as well as expanding its size due to the corrosive actions of its physiology. Unlike Mercury dragons, these lakes can become habitable again within a few years of the dragon leaving.

The Bromine dragons are also extremely dangerous to Metallic dragons, especially in the presence of water, as their liquid breath weapon and bodies convert the Metallics’ flesh into brittle crystals in an extremely painful fashion. Another problem facing other dragons is that Bromine dragons are highly flame retardant, causing their flame breaths to have little to no effect.

Although extremely dangerous, the liquid breath of the Bromine dragon is sought out for its useful properties as a flame retardant, as a pesticide, a sedative when mixed with a Potassium's scale, and in very small amounts acts as a water purifier.

Their rarity is a blessing to both dragons and mortal alike for the many dangers they pose, however, they are not a threat to the world at large.

Krypton 36

Krypton and Xenon dragons are extremely closely related, and are often lumped into one species by the average careless observer. Both are quite uncommon, and dwell on land almost exclusively, interacting with few outsiders.

They can be distinguished most easily by their breath weapon, as that of a Krypton is brilliant white, while a Xenon's is an electric blue.

One unusual oddity with the Xenon dragons is that while they shun almost all other creatures, they have an inexplicable affinity for Fluorine dragons, with whom they sometimes form large familial groups. A single Xenon dragon male may have two, four, or six females associated with him, but no one other than them knows why this is so.

The most likely theory in academic circles is that Fluorine females are so aggressive, they will pursue other draconic species simply for the pure challenge of it, and the "Noble" Fluid dragons are considered a socially valuable prize because they are so standoffish.

Rubidium 37

Rubidium and Cesium dragons are very closely related subspecies, both reacting very violently to water, and both living in extremely isolated, cold deserts. Assumed to be the result of a disadvantageous mutation that left the species overspecialized, they cannot tolerate heat or moisture, and have very soft flesh by the standards of Metallics, barely tougher than human skin.

Their populations are small by necessity, for there are few regions they can inhabit, and few predators they can overcome.

Though the two species look similar, their flames give them away. Cesium dragons give off a blue-violet flame, and Rubidiums produce a brilliant peach-red.

These dragons interact extremely rarely with any other species out of fear of injury and moisture, and even with each other, socializing is uncommon. Only a few human explorers have ever encountered these dragons.

Their strangest quirk is the obsessive need of Cesium dragons to keep time, probably caused by a recessive genetic trait. They are brilliant makers of sundials, and every Cesium dragon has one at all times.

Strontium 38

Strontium dragons are curious beasts, with a soft, silvery metal flesh that rapidly tarnishes to a dull yellow exterior. They are a fairly common species, fairly small and delicate, often seen in concert with Radiant dragons for reasons that defy explanation, as the Radiants mostly ignore the Strontium's presence.

The species is distinguished by the globular nature of its scales, which begin broad and smooth at the scale root, but gnarl, twist, and develop nodules at the edges. These nodules fall off easily, as a defensive mechanism against anything that tries to eat a Strontium dragon. When ingested by most mortal creatures, the water in their bodies causes an explosive reaction that kills the predator.

The most aggressive risk-takers among the species even carry vials of water upon their person, despite the hazard, and will place scale nodules coated with a thin sheet of oil inside, throwing them at the enemy. As the oil sloughs off, an explosion occurs. However, more than one Strontium dragon has blown off their own arm through careless use.

They have an antagonistic relationship with Calcium dragons, and the two species compete closely for food, territory, and resources.

Their flame is a brilliant orange-red, and their burn marks are often confused with the attack of a Lithium dragon, though the two species are visually distinct.

The species is vulnerable both to water and attack by stronger Metallics, and so has adapted an opportunistic predatory nature. A Strontium dragon will lie in wait for hours before making a move, because if it makes a mistake, tragedy often ensues.

Yttrium 39

Yttrium dragons are born in very special locations in the distant smoking islands across the Nemarian Ocean. They are highly rare, and are part of a broad family of similar draconic subspecies, genetically divergent from most of dragon-kind. They intermingle freely with many other creatures, and in general, these half-breeds offer no real significant properties of note, beyond enhanced hybrid vigor with many other elemental dragons.

But, rare even among these rare breeds, is a subtype, the Ybacuo tribe. This tribe lives in a confluence of local energies within the volcanic island, which has attracted other Metallic dragons for centuries like a lodestone. The inevitable crossbreeding, blending bloodlines from a dozen different species, has given rise to a group of dragons ignorant of their true power until recently.

An eruption plunged the world into an unnaturally cold period for several years, and the Ybacuo dragons discovered that the energies of the leylines flowed into them with tremendous force as their bodies cooled.

So long as they remained chilled, they could fly with trivial effort, summon whirlwinds of magnetic force, and most intriguingly, store titanic quantities of mana with no difficulty. Drinking deeply from the leylines, the Ybacuo could shatter mountains with no more effort than picking up a quill pen.

Once the winter subsided, the energies dissipated, and now the Ybacuo are considering immigrating to colder climates, to study what their true power might be. Other elemental dragons are conspiring against them, though, for fear of what their powers might allow them to do.

Zirconium 40

Zirconium dragons have large, pure white, razor edged scales covering most of their bodies, with smaller silvery metal covering their extremities and wings. Their horns, teeth, and claws appear to be made of diamond, and they have a row of crystalline spiked running down their spine, and jutting out from the tips of the bones in their wings. These creatures are graceful and agile flyers, owing to their relatively low weight for their size, and their scales are tough and resilient. Despite this resplendence, and seeming abundance of natural weapons, Zirconium dragons are often preyed upon by the other Metallic dragon, as for all their hardness, their scales can be brittle when struck.

The breath weapon of the Zirconium dragon is, unusually for elemental dragons, a jet of bright, sparking intense flame. While effective against some dragons, it does them little good against their Metallic predators. It does ensure however, that they are rarely hunted for the natural gems that adorn their body, or their scales, prized for use in crafting knives and other cutting tools.

Some Zirconium dragons have been known to form an unusual symbiotic relationship with Radiant dragons. For some reason Zirconium dragons can survive in the deadly aura of a Radiant dragon better than most. It is not known how this could be, as unlike Boron or Lead, the body of a Zirconium dragon offers no protection from the emissions of a Radiant. Zirconium dragons will often work with Radiant dragons as aerial scouts or simply spend time with them as companions. This arrangement affords the Radiant protection from slow moving Leads, who the Zirconium can spot from afar, and the Zirconium protection from their natural predators.

Niobium 41

Niobium dragons are a very odd species of dragon; they are the one of the few species who forgoes the preening of their normally gray-silver colored scales to remove tarnish, which leaves them a distinctive dark grey-blue color.

They are not exceptionally strong dragons. With their soft bodies and lack of a breath weapon, they are more prone to flying away and avoiding conflict than partaking in it. When left with no other option, they use their powerful magnetic manipulation skills which are even greater than Platinum-Cobalt hybrids. However, despite being more powerful, they do not have the signature floating metals that the Platinum-Cobalt hybrids do, as they possess far greater precision and skill with the power.

The other distinguishing factor concerning Niobium dragons is that they are most likely the most promiscuous of the dragon breeds, showing no qualms about breeding with any other species. This is due to the super-alloy dragons that result from breeding. These hybrids lose the magnetic ability of the Niobium dragons, but are much stronger than either parent in most respects. In the past dragons had sought out Niobium dragons to consume and create these super-alloys on themselves, however, the process was not as effective as the actual hybrid offspring, for reasons unknown.

This hybridizing has created a set of Niobium dragons that will sell themselves to create such offspring, often incurring great profits. The scales of the Niobium dragon are also useful for wizards as magnetic focuses, and are sold for a high price.

Molybdenum 42

Molybdenum dragons are an interesting breed of dragon that lacks a breath weapon, but makes up for it in sheer power. Highly resistant to heat and having very hard scales, the Molybdenum dragons are not afraid to take on other dragons with brute force.

Despite being light enough to fly, the Molybdenum dragons’ wings have shriveled over time, becoming vestigial. so much so that they are often mistaken for underfed, skinny, juvenile Lead dragons.

Amongst dragons they are not considered to be attractive to others and this explains the relatively low rates of Molybdenum hybrids, even though they form even better super-alloys than Niobiums do, with the same stipulations on consumption. Due to the vanity of many dragons, the fact that their offspring would retain the undesirable looks of the Molybdenum dragon parent is enough to turn them away, but some power-oriented dragons will pay handsomely to have a Molybdenum hybrid.

Molybdenum dragons have value to mortals as well, with scales that act a catalyst and reagent in alchemy. It is often theorized that the Technetium dragons’ catalytic properties were derived from Molybdenum dragons. Other uses for the dragons’ scales are as a fertilizer, for weapons and armor, especially from hybrid scales, and among dwarves as an essential component for any device that will be working with or under high pressure. The dwarven Underships would not be able to go as deep as they do without Molybdenum components.

Technetium 43

Technetium dragons are the lightest of the Radiant dragons by a wide margin, making it the best flier amongst the Radiants, with a skill level comparable or exceeding that of other Metallic dragons. This is also aided by the gas bladder they have within themselves that fills with a lighter-than-air gas that is hypothesized to be similar or identical to that which a Helium dragon produces.

Technetium dragons have a near identical coloration to that of Platinum dragons, albeit much, much smaller, as well as lacking the hexagonal wings, but instead having striking wings of that resemble stars, no doubt as a result of their origin. The dragons are also quite corrosion-resistant and enjoy time in bodies of water.

The origin of Technetium dragons is a strange one, being entirely artificial. The dragon species was first birthed by a deranged wizard who wished to create a beautiful Radiant dragon in an isolated lab within the now-defunct city of Stingard. The exact events of the tragedy are lost, but those amongst the highest-ranked wizards hope to prevent a similar event from unfolding by withholding the knowledge of it.

The story that is known tells that the deranged wizard became interested in the taboo field of creating life, especially dragons. So he researched incessantly and shut himself away from the world. He created a great deal of experimental dragons similar to the Technetium dragons which could be considered prototypes. These prototypes were highly unstable, similar to the Francium dragons but far less powerful. Eventually he succeeded and created the first Technetium dragon. Proud of his success, he proceeded to create 15 more Technetium dragons. Unfortunately for the wizard, he neglected to dispose of his prototypes and one broke free. This led to all 30 artificial dragons escaping. The prototypes being as unstable as they were, flooded Stingard with Radiant energy, destroying it and its inhabitants. Most of these prototypes met their ends in the city, violently exploding with bursts of Radiant energy.

The Technetium dragons fled the chaos and proliferated, and although they are still rare, they are not endangered in numbers. Their violent origin still draws stigma for their kind.

Despite this stigma the Technetium dragons are tolerated for their usefulness and the fact that they are highly difficult to kill. As they are Radiants they have a natural defense against foes and a powerful breath weapon of Radiant energy that while weaker than the other Radiants is still quite powerful. Because they emit less radiance than other dragons, they are not as harmful to the environment and the energy can be used in alchemy to force new compounds into existence. Not only does the energy act as a catalyst, their scales do as well.

Ruthenium 44

Ruthenium dragons are oft mistaken for juvenile Platinum dragons due their similar coloring and wing shape, but can easily be distinguished by closely looking at the wings, the hexagonal patterns are elongated which provides for the fighting ability of the Ruthenium dragon.

Contrary to what one might believe from looking at a Ruthenium dragon, they are much more closely related to Iron dragons than Platinum dragons and share a similar hardness in their scales, but lack the forging skill and versatility of the Irons. Instead the Ruthenium dragons have mid-range electric breaths and magnetic manipulation, both of which seem to gain strength in sunlight through a mysterious mechanism similar to other dragons.

Unlike Irons, the Ruthenium dragon’s scales also have a reasonable catalytic property and are used as focuses for electric, magnetic, and solar magic. These scales can also create super-alloys through consumption by other dragons, unlike the scales of Niobium and Molybdenum dragons. Unfortunately this alloying only occurs with Nickel dragons which are generally not strong enough to win a confrontation. Therefore Ruthenium and Nickel hybrids are a relatively common hybrid as they are more powerful than their parents in every respect.

Rhodium 45

Rhodium dragons are very close relatives to the Platinum dragons, so much so that some believe that Platinum dragons were once mutations of the Rhodium dragons. These dragons are far more common, and although they share the same coloring and a similar but weaker corrosion resistance, Rhodium dragons do not have the notable features of Platinum dragons and are much more common.

Rhodium dragons do have the ability to fly, but their wings lack any form of specialization and their flying abilities are only average among dragons. Rhodium dragons are also much smaller than their Platinum cousin, only a bit larger than a horse. Much to the chagrin of the Rhodiums, they also lack a breath weapon but their extremely hard scales and sharp claws tend to make up for it. Despite their relatively small size they are very strong and formidable in a fight, and this is compounded by a near complete resistance to electric energies.

Another useful facet of Rhodium dragons is that they have an extra sense which allows them to detect Radiant energy, and by extension Radiant dragons. Due to their skills in this area, some hire Rhodium dragons as an early warning system, either for evacuations of cities that lack good defenses or by rich adventurers so they can avoid certain death. They also have a history of being hired by great Radiant slayers in order to track the beasts.

The detection property can be revived in shed scales with the correct runes, albeit much weaker, but enough that they still have value. The scales are also valuable as reasonable-quality catalysts, since although they may not be as powerful as Platinum scales, they are far more common.

Palladium 46

Palladium dragons, like the Irons and Tins, are one of the more industrious dragons. However, they are focused on Alchemy instead of more physical crafts.

Palladium dragons are highly reflective, with their flat octagonal scales as bright as mirrors. They possess a crest of spikes on the back of their head, and, like most of the denser Metallic dragons, are incapable of flight. However, unlike most flightless dragons who possess atrophied wings, Palladium dragons' wings have instead transformed into a pair of dextrous hands and arms.

While lacking a breath weapon and one of the less durable Metallic dragons, Palladium dragons are notable for their ability to create and hasten alchemical processes near them. This makes them highly valued for any work involving alchemy. Their ability to induce alchemical processes in living beings also makes them deadly foes should they manage to get close to their opponent.

Palladium dragons are notable for being one of the only Metallic dragons capable of alloying with a Fluid dragon via consumption, in their case Hydrogen dragons. This is due to the fact that they will actually absorb pieces of Hydrogen dragons on contact, as opposed to having to consume them conventionally. The result grants them large amounts of energy, and Palladium dragons have been known to go without sleep for days after consuming a Hydrogen dragon.

Nearly all Palladium dragons possess some degree of alchemical knowledge, and many are devoted alchemists, capable of large amounts of research and innovation due to their long lives.

Silver 47

The Silver dragon is one of the most feared of all dragons. Known as the 'Hammers of the Gods', these creatures possess the strongest lightning breath of dragon kind, able to scar any dragon save Poloniums. Even Osmiums and Tungstens fear a Silver’s wrath.

With their wiry bodies, they are often mistaken for lightning bolts when moving quickly, which they rarely aren't.

Highly social, they frequently groom each other to remove the tarnish that accumulates on their scales. This preening leads to an unusually visible social hierarchy: the shinier a Silver dragon’s scales, the farther up the ladder they are. Lower ranking members have duller scales, and the lowest develop spots of black. Exiled Silvers are entirely blackened, though some stronger renegades have bright outlines on their scale edges via sheer friction from intense physical activities.

Their brilliant blue lightning breath is powerful enough to blast through stone with startling ease; a powerful Silver’s breath pierced through a fortified castle from end to end, blasting through no less than 20 meters of stone wall in the process. Even viewing a Sliver’s breath can cause permanent blindness. The Silvers themselves are immune to other dragons' lightning save their own.

Silver dragon scales are relatively soft (though harder than a Gold's), so they rely heavily on speed as their defense. Few creatures are as fast as a Silver in flight, and none can reliably predate them. Would be Silver dragon hunters rely heavily on trapping or cornering Silvers in some manner. Silvers are susceptible to heat, though their scales efficiently diffuse heat throughout their bodies, preventing severe heat injury from anything short of direct sustained flame breaths.

The scales of a Silver are highly valued by alchemists for creating daguerreotype plates, high-quality mirrors and lenses, and as a catalyst for producing compounds from other dragons' scales. The medically-minded alchemists count silver tinctures (nitrates) among their bread and butter items.

Silver scale and bone are used in masterwork musical instruments, producing a soothing mellow sound only matched by alloys produced from specialized master alchemists, but the Silvers guard this craft closely.

Cadmium 48

Cadmium dragons are a small, bluish-gray species of Metallic dragon with unique physiology: they can’t internally charge their breath weapon. Instead they must use an external source, typically by prolonged exposure to the sun or another dragon’s electric breath. This gives them a substantially slower metabolism than other Metallics, an ancient adaption to their native, resource-scarce desert mountains. The breath itself is a narrow, violet beam that indirectly blisters and sunburns those around it.

Cadmium dragons have enormous, multi-jointed wings that help capture more sunlight; Cadmiums are frequently found sunbathing or gliding with wings fully extended. These large wings and their slow metabolisms make Cadmium dragons exceptional long-distance fliers; the oldest grand merchant clan is a group of Cadmium dragons that ferry wares and messages over enormous distances and climates.

"Sun foraging" is a slow process for Cadmiums; a twelve hour day of dedicated sunbathing fuels just a few seconds of their breath. They can replenish much more quickly with electric runes, wizard magic or the electric breath of other dragons. As Cadiums prefer not to spend entire days sunbathing, they will eagerly trade their services and scales for these artificial charges. Though their natural socialness is complicated by their toxic flesh, and they must be careful of where they preen and store shed scales.

Cadmium dragon scales are highly valuable for their absorption of Radiant dragon energy, as well as being a key component of vibrant yellow and red dyes.

Indium 49

Indium dragons are one of the weakest dragons due to the fact that they have extremely soft, scale-less bodies and one of the weakest electric breaths among the Metallics. However, what these gray dragons lack in power they make up for in ingenuity.

Indium dragons have three distinct properties that protect them. Firstly, they have strange pigments in their skin that allow them to change the color of their skin and mimic their surroundings with startling clarity and accuracy. Secondly, they secrete a very slick, oily substance from their skin that allows them to slide out of harm’s way, as well as protecting them from tarnish and rust. Lastly, the touch of their flesh, but not their oil, is deadly to many Metallic dragons, having an effect on Aluminum dragons that is similar to but weaker than the Gallium dragons', and on other Metallics it reduces their ability to withstand heat.

The anti-tarnishing properties of their oil make the product very valuable to Metallic dragons, at least those that aren’t afraid of dealing with them. Amongst the Alkali dragons this oil is a necessity to those who wish to venture out of their desert habitats, and maybe even for an easier existence in their desert environment. Amongst the mortals the oil is useful to those who wish to prevent rusting on their structures, and the dwarves use the oil to lubricate most of their machinery and keep their equipment operating smoothly.

Tin 50

Tin dragons are the empire builders, dedicated to working in countless mundane tasks while not demanding the levels of recognition that dragons typically impose. Most notably, Tin dragons worked closely with Copper dragons during the Bronze Age, happy to work with them to create all varieties of tools that brought the mortal realms to new heights. Despite losing these empires to the tides of Iron Dragons, the Tin do not begrudge them for it, or hold many grudges at all.

Tin dragons are among the most stable dragons both chemically and emotionally. An adventurer may find them participating in any one of countless jobs from plumbing to librarianship to agriculture and more. Among other dragons their austerity and humbleness brings a calming effect: it was only through their efforts that the War of Iron did not end in total genocide.

Tin dragons grow to be relatively large, approaching nearly twice the height and six times the heft of iron and copper dragons. Despite their bulk, they make poor fighters even when they overcome their pacifistic nature, even lacking a breath weapon.

Despite their own resistance to and ability to prevent corrosion and corruption in other dragons, Tin dragons themselves can find themselves host to a number of maladies. Most commonly, before a Tin dragon warms up in the morning their scales and joints produce an iconic crackling sound known as "tin cry", which dissipates as the dragon continues to move around. If a Tin dragon finds himself in situations of undue stress, physically or emotionally, they can develop "tin whiskers", which are small hairlike growths on the scales. This too is harmless and can be removed with a simple polish, but can cause itching on the dragon's part and contribute to the already present stress.

Far more lethal is "tin pest", a form of necrosis caused by cold temperatures. The condition is easily cured if spotted early, but if left alone the dragon will break out into dark grey splotches and rot to death

Antimony 51

While many dragons have a relation to fire, few are closer to it than the Antimony dragons.

Antimony dragons are lithe, highly refractive and silver in color, although the area around their eyes darkens as they age. They also bear broad, white-coated wings. Oddly, they prefer to dwell along the border between arid areas and rivers, and many have been known to acts as merchants for Alkaline dragons, bringing materials from the wetter areas they cannot go.

Unusually for Metallic dragons, Antimony dragons are highly flammable, burning quite easily. Indeed, their breath weapon is spitting steel-gray metal nodules that explode on impact. However, they are equally adept at putting out fires, as their wings are coated in fire-retardant white powder, allowing them to rapidly put out fires by flapping their wings. As a result of these two characteristics, Antimony dragons are obsessed with fire, frequently seeking to control it and prevent it from damaging anything. However, while they will not harm beings with fire, they have no qualms about using other forms of damage.

Crossbreeds of Lead and Antimony dragons are much more durable than either form, and possess the ability to spit nodules like their Antimony parents. However, the nodules are non-explosive and instead travel at much higher speeds, being capable of damaging castle walls.

Like many other dragons, Antimony dragons have been found to mate on rare occasion with Fluorine females, in this case producing an exceptionally horrific result. The offspring of an Antimony and a Fluorine is a Liquid dragon that secretes an exceptionally dangerous substance from every pore of it's body, reducing anything the dragon touches to a puddle within seconds. Even exceptionally resistant dragons bubble and melt at the hybrid's touch. Fittingly, these hybrid destroyers breathe a cloud of utter destruction, totally destroying any foe unfortunate enough to engage it in combat.

Tellurium 52

Tellurium dragons are extremely rare, being slightly rarer than the seldom-seen Platinum dragons. Adding to the mystery surrounding these strange dragons, an influx of them appear after large meteor showers and similar events, leading many to believe that they are not native to the planet. Some mortals even believe that these dragons orchestrate these showers to bring in more of their kind, but these claims are entirely unfounded by any research or logic concerning the beasts.

The rumors of extraterrestrial origins are galvanized by their ability to gain exceptional power from being in sunlight, so much so that they prefer to make their homes on cloudless mountaintops to get closer to what strengthens them. Unlike Cadmium dragons who adapted only their wings to catch sunlight, the Tellurium dragons’ entire back has been changed to help them gather the sun. Their wings are not as broad as Cadmium dragons', preventing the need for extra joints to allow normal walking, but to make up for the smaller size, their wings have adapted to bend into dishes that reflect and intensify light while still allowing great flying capability when held level. This intense light is mostly reflected towards their back which has concave scales embedded in it that capture light very efficiently.

The light the wings reflect can also be turned towards the Tellurium dragons’ foes, and when combined with the power of the Tellurium dragons’ moderate electric breath the combination is devastating. The Tellurium dragons can channel this breath indefinitely when in bright direct sunlight, but in darkness it only has a limited use, forcing them to resort to their sharp yet brittle claws.

Their scales are quite hard which offers good protection against slicing weapons, however, they share the same brittleness as the claws of the dragon, creating a weakness to very powerful blunt bashes. Their scales are valuable to wizards who can use them as both electric and solar focuses, as well as being exceptional Radiant energy detectors with the right runes placed upon them. The dwarves also find these scales to be quite useful in their mechanical endeavors, as mixing a Tellurium dragon’s scales with other metals allows them to be machined much more easily, allowing for mass production of necessary equipment.

Iodine 53

Iodine dragons are large, reclusive creatures. Fairly rare, they are generally found near the sea. They are large creatures, and rather docile, living in large family groups.

The Iodine dragon is dark and Metallic gray, but their breath is a deep, rich purple, and smells foul. This breath is much heavier than air, and rolls along the ground burning vegetation and animal species alike. When angered, they can vent a copious quantity of this gas, and are considered extremely dangerous.

Those protected from corrosion and inhalation, however, will find the Iodine to be surprisingly soft and easy prey. The Iodines are slow and clumsy dragons, only barely capable of flight, with unusually soft scales. It is fortunate that their corpses aren't used for anything in particular, or the species would surely face extinction in short order.

Some Iodines have found service as healers, having discovered that small amounts of their breath can kill infections and bacteria. If you can tolerate the smell and the burning sensation, an Iodine can give you a new lease on life.

Xenon 54

See Krypton

Cesium 55

See Rubidium

Barium 56

Barium dragons are another of the relatively small and hyper-reactive Metallic dragons, forcing them to live in very dry habitats. They are the size of large horse and have the typical wyvern body shape, with the exception of their long tail that is nearly the same length as their body. While their scales are truly a dark silver color, they are seen with a coating of dark greenish-gray tarnish which they don't bother to remove for it would return as fast as they preen.

Although this species is not as violently affected by water as its relatives, coming into contact with it is still a very painful experience. The hyper-reactivity of the Barium dragons' flesh does have an advantage though. By using its tail as a whip, it can severely burn organics, some Metallic and Crystal dragons, and the Fluid dragons, even the Noble Metallics and Fluids. Though this burns them, their tail is somewhat unique in that, when it it too badly damaged from contact with their enemy, it will fall off. When this happens Bariums have been known to tear off pieces to use as projectiles, which they are quite accurate with. The tail will regrow in 4-5 months if the dragon is well fed. They are also recognizable by their striking green flame breath.

Being one of the few Alkaline dragons with a well-developed intelligence, it recognizes these talents and will sell its strength for wealth as well as oil to protect it from the environment. The Alkalis also have a talent in that when consumed for alloying, they cleanse rust from the dragon which opens a source of trade but also makes them hunted. Amongst mortals their scales are useful for fireworks, glass making, and as a bleaching agent.

Lanthanum 57

Lanthanum dragons, despite their soft scales and lack of a breath weapon, are nonetheless highly valued by others for their services.

Silver white and bearing large wings, the appearance of Lanthanum dragons is standard for a dragon, except for their eyes which are unusually large and appear to be spectacle lenses, translucent and completely lacking features such as whites, irises, or pupils.

Lanthanum dragons have among the best vision of all dragons, capable of distinguishing an individual's facial features from miles away. When added to their ability to fly and produce incredibly bright light, they are in frequent demand as sentries and scouts. Their scales are also highly valued as focuses for vision-related spells such as scrying, as well as ingredients for telescope and spectacle lenses.

As a result of their superb vision and relative lack of combat abilities, they will generally avoid any confrontation, and will flee from hostile beings from miles away. In addition, most of them have learned how to lipread, and due to their superb vision, are very capable of telling whether or not approaching beings are hostile. Nevertheless, they are capable of producing light bright enough to cause permanent blindness, and are still formidable opponents to most non-dragons.

Cerium 58

While many dragons are known for having some ability with either fire, electricity, or magnetism, Cerium dragons are notable for having skill with all three.

Cerium dragons are silvery dragons, with unusual variegated scales that are much darker on the dips while being highly reflective on the ridges. Their teeth are much darker and harder than the rest of their bodies, and produce sparks when they strike together; angry or nervous Ceriums will create showers of sparks from their grinding teeth.

Cerium dragons are notably much more prone to boredom than most other dragons, varying professions and other pursuits every few years. Older Ceriums are famous for their highly diverse (if unfocused) skillsets, often drifting far from traditional draconic pursuits, and are frequently found at noble tables as advisers and consultants.

Though Cerium dragons lack a breath weapon and possess soft scales, their proficiency with electricity, fire and magnetism gives them a dangerous variety of attacks. Striking a Cerium dragon's skin creates gouts of flame, which complicates any direct melee.

Praseodymium 59

Praseodymium dragons are, like many of the more dense varieties of dragons, rather less common, though some naturalists have reported that they are no less numerous than Tin dragons. Extremely reclusive, their rarity is compounded by inaccessibility, so they are slightly mythical to the average person.

They possess a powerful magnetic ability and an aura that causes accelerated tarnishing in certain varieties of dragons, especially the Alkali and Alkaline subspecies which can be fatal with any but the briefest exposure, so few Metallics are willing to get near though the Noble Metallics and Crystallines show a marked resistance.

An ancient tale from a Diamond dragon tells that once they were far more accessible, but when some of them traveled to the deserts where the Alkali dragons live, their auras, which until then were little more than a nuisance, caused a great massacre. Ever since then they avoid contact with most Metallics, though they are occasionally seen in the company of other Rare Earth dragons.

With powdery green scales and yellow eyes, their appearance is distinct among dragons, though they can be confused with an old Copper in poor light.

Despite the danger of their aura, some Magnesium dragons have been known to seek them out in order to consume their scales, as alloying with them greatly increases their resistance to water, as well as providing unparalleled resistance to heat and pressure.

Anyone who manages to trade with a Praseodymium will find that they are masters at glass crafting, much like Uranium dragons, though the glass they make is a gentle peridot rather than the vivid green of pure Uranium glass. There are rumors of a Praseodymium and Neodymium in the Boulder Mountains that work together to produce blue or rose glass that is valued by glass alchemists for eye protection. They say that this glass prevents the gradual dimming of vision that happens from staring into the intense fire that glass makers use to work.

Neodymium 60

Neodymium dragons have a striking coloration, possessing powder-blue scales and reddish purple eyes. Like the Silver dragons, Neodymium dragons reign supreme over a specific ability: the force of magnetism.

While Neodymium dragons are fragile, with soft flammable flesh and flaky scales highly vulnerable to corrosion, they compensate by being masters of offense. They possess a powerful breath weapon in the form of a near-invisible beam of heat (leading to some misidentifications as radiants), but their more powerful ability is magnetism. A war Neodymium can crush iron plate with a thought, create rains of shrapnel that can cripple entire battalions of soldiers from a distance, and tear apart a fully grown Iron dragon with magnetic force alone. Neodymium dragons are widely feared among the metalics, though for their part Neodymium dragons aren't particularly temperamental and will rarely attack unprovoked.

Due to their soft scales, Neodymium dragons have an unusually large percentage of Runic dragons, who often specialize in magnetic spells that augment their natural abilities. They've been known to enter agreements with mortal rune wizards, trading some of their shed scales in exchange for rune reapplication on their new scales.

Alloying by consuming pieces of both Boron and Iron dragons enhance their magnetic abilities and durability.

Promethium 61

Few people have claimed to see a Promethium dragon or their signs, and are often dismissed by Dragon experts. Promethium dragons are likewise unknown among most other dragons, but legends among the Neodymium and Samarium tell of this breed.

According to the stories, Promethium dragons are the offspring of stolen Uranium dragon's eggs, incubated by humans foolishly seeking to harness the raw power of a Uranium dragon for their own ends. A Promethium dragon will allegedly hatch in these artificial conditions.

Whatever their true origins, known Promethium dragons are a small nonaggressive breed with silvery scales. They have a weak electric breath attack and have a weakened version of the Radiant dragon's energy traits; similar Radiant symptoms occur with frequent or prolonged exposure to Promethiums.

They are known for their paintings, using vivid and glowing pigments created from their scales.

Samarium 62

Samarium dragons are cousins to Neodymium Dragons, though at first glance this connection is hard to see. Samarium dragons lack the pure silver of their close kin and instead have grey-yellow scales that are far more resistant to heat then their cousins' and are able to take the breath attack of other types of Metallic dragons with ease. Perhaps even more noticeable is that Samarium dragons are notably smaller then Neodymium, only barely larger than Cobalt dragons in fact. Another major difference is that Samarium dragons are a lot more common than their kin and can form fairly large breeding populations.

When a Samarium and Cobalt dragon interbreed, however, it is easy to see how they are related to the Neodymium. These hybrids have the second-most powerful magnetic attacks among dragons, second only to the Neodymiums themselves.

Samariums have clever minds and nimble talons so they often serve as doctors to dragons and the mortal races alike. They are particularly adept at fighting the invisible power of the Radiant dragons, and although their cures often have their own consequences, they are better then a slow death.

Europium 63

Europium dragons are quite reclusive, living in deserts and other dry places, content to master the craft of glassworking and have little to do with the outside world beyond showing off their latest piece.

Stout and businesslike, they remind many people of dwarves that happened to be dragon-shaped. Their scales are a dark silver with white tarnish powder which they take great pains to collect for use in their glass making. Europium scales glow with their own light, and when properly engraved with runes continue to do so after being shed, making them valuable heatless light sources for miners and alchemists that specialize in studying volatile substances. The glow is known to be able to detect poisons in food, drink or body, and a few Europium dragons have been known to offer their services as food-testers in exchange for glassmaking materials that they would normally have trouble acquiring.

The mechanism by which this detection works is poorly understood, and some believe that ingesting the tarnish powder of a Europium dragon will lead to good health as well as resistance to poison. These beliefs are entirely unconfirmed, and those eccentrics that take this idea to excess sometimes wind up dying of what appears to be a strange disease. It is unknown if this is caused by the ingestion of the tarnish or if it is just a coincidental infection among the upper class.

Europium glass can be any color and is invariably exquisite, they do not favor any particular color or style, each individual preferring to develop their own. The defining characteristic of Europium glass is that it glows with its own light, usually red or blue, but green and yellows aren't unheard of. None know how, though many have tried to imitate the rune that is carved on every Europium piece, but copying it does nothing regardless of how precisely one etches the rune.

A small piece of Europium glass is worth enough to feed a family for a month, and the larger pieces are sold to the kings of wealthy countries for exorbitant sums.

Europium dragons are a protected species in many areas. They are poor fighters with a small but very hot flame that they use for their craft and scales that are only slightly harder than a Copper's.

Gadolinium 64

While many of the Rare Earth dragons have magnetic abilities, Gadolinium dragons are the only ones who are so drastically affected by being exposed to magnetism.

Gadolinium dragons are notable for lacking a membrane between the bones of their vestigial wings, with the bones capable of moving independently and tipped in needles that inject venom. This venom only affects Radiant dragons and mortal races, but is exceedingly effective on both. For Radiant dragons, it temporarily suppresses their ability to generate Radiant energy. For the mortal races, it causes rapid development of scar tissue throughout the body, causing chronic pain, and death in more severe cases as organs are rendered inoperable by excessive scar tissue.

Unlike many related Rare Earth Dragons, Gadolinium dragons do not tarnish in dry air, although they are still susceptible to tarnish in humid conditions. Material from Gadolinium dragons are better at protection from the effects of Radiant dragons than even Boron, but Gadolinium dragons are significantly more dangerous and harder to kill, and the improvement is not sufficient to be considered worth the danger.

While Gadolinium dragons possess magnetic skills of average strength, they have one unusual quality relating to magnetism. When Gadolinium dragons are exposed to a magnetic field, they increase in temperature, with the increase scaling with the power of the magnetic field they are introduced to. Because of this, Gadolinium dragons have been known to turn their magnetic abilities on themselves to superheat their bodies for added damage. Furthermore, once no longer exposed to the magnetic field, they cool down by the same amount they were heated. Since they usually lose heat in the meantime, this means they become colder than when they started.

Gadolinium dragons are unusually social towards other species of dragons and prefer to ally with dragons with magnetic abilities. They are especially dangerous when allied with Neodymium dragons, who can superheat them to tremendous degrees.

Terbium 65

Terbium dragons, though very rare and of a similar silvery color as many other Metallics, are immediately recognizable even by those not particularly talented at distinguishing the draconic races because of a unique physical characteristic: all Terbium dragons are two-headed. Terbium dragons have a bulky body, and are only capable of limited flight despite their large and powerful wings because of how heavy they are. The pair of necks that emerge from the shoulders of a Terbium dragon's torso are long but also muscular; the flexible necks grant both heads a wide range of movement.

The strong, muscular build of a Terbium dragon, coupled with their relatively hard scales and low electrical and thermal conductivity means that Terbium dragons are tough. Coupled with their above-average defensive strength, Terbium dragons also boast a good offense. A Terbium's tail is covered in sharp, serrated ridges along the top and sides, and their heavy weight and strong muscles mean that being struck by the tail-swing of a Terbium is akin to having a boulder covered in knives thrown at you. Of course, you can't neglect the twin breath weapon of the two-headed dragon either. Rather than a flame or gas like most dragons, the breath weapon of a Terbium dragon takes the form of a beam, similar to those of Francium or Radium dragons, though green in color and (thankfully) less powerful. However, while a Terbium dragon's breath weapon is not as strong as that of other, more energetic Radiant dragons, it should not be forgotten that the target of a Terbium dragon's ire is rarely receiving just one breath weapon attack. For the poor soul that must contend with an angry pair of Terbiums, the best course of action, aside from fleeing, is the use of corrosive acids or powerful magic which Terbium dragons have no particular resistance against.

Fortunately, Terbiums are not exceptionally violent dragons. Though hardly pacifists, Terbium dragons are quite social and usually prefer civil interaction over violent fighting. Delex-An and Melse-An, the so-called "Bloody Twins" currently employed by the cities of the Jungle Thorn Alliance for their war efforts, are notable exceptions that are viewed with some amount of disdain by the few other known Terbium dragons. Some scholars speculate that Terbium dragons are social with other dragons and even mortal races because each one is two distinct individuals, supposing that living so closely with their twin forces Terbium dragons to learn to get along with others. Whether or not this is really the case is hard to say because Terbium dragons are hard to find and there has never been a "lone" Terbium dragon to compare against.

Though the two heads of a Terbium dragon each represent a different mind with different interests and beliefs, most Terbiums regard their twin with great fondness. Of course, Terbium dragons that cannot learn to get along with their "better half" (as many Terbiums refer to their twin) would presumably live a short life, so perhaps the trait is more a product of nurture rather than nature. Regardless, the fact of the matter is that all known Terbium dragons consider their twin as their closest friend rather than as a sibling. A strange peculiarity worth noting is that one of the few social creatures a pair of Terbium twins has trouble getting along with is another Terbium dragon. Though the draconian twins may surround themselves with the company of others, the only time two (or rather, four) Terbium dragons will come together is for the rare event of mating, which according to Terbium dragons is a very cut-and-dry process.

Dysprosium 66

Dysprosium dragons are among the most desired as both mates and prey by other Metallic dragons such as Vanadium. This is because Dysprosium dragons have a unique ability and hardness that they can either pass along to all their offspring or can be temporary alloyed by consume their bodies.

Dysprosium dragons are fairly average sized with somewhat soft silvery scales that nevertheless are almost impossible for even Radiant dragons to melt, much less Metallic ones. Dysprosium are thickly built with a larger-than-average chest and are are a fair bit broader then other dragons in general, with a longer neck and snout. They also have a unique pair of spines that grow along their snout that many dragon experts believe act as a set of "sights" to help them aim their incredible talent. Dysprosium eyes also have the ability to literally glow with intense light in the dark and an easy way to tell if a Dysprosium is in the area is to look for a pair of sweeping light beams at night as it attempts to startle and freeze deer to prey upon.

Other dragons have the ability to reflect the sun's light, Dysprosium however can actually create and discharge great gouts of light as other dragons can do with a regular breath attack. The Dysprosium has to wait a few minutes to ready their attack as the muscles in their thick chest contract and release rapidly to generate the energy, while also producing flashes of red light that gleam from between the cracks on their belly scales. Once ready, the Dysprosium will, often with a roar, release a powerful beam of light. The beam is a quick flash or "pulse" of energy that lasts for a fraction of a second and on impact heats the target area so rapidly that it creates an explosions of heat and molten globules of what was hit.

Dysprosium pass their unique beam attack to offspring of select Metallic dragons such as Vanadium. When interbreeding with dragons that cannot inherit the beam, often the offspring receive other useful traits; the Neodymium dragons, for example, find their children gain increased ability to resist other dragons with magnetic skills, and many other dragons find their hybrid offspring get tougher bodies and stronger muscles.

For these reasons Dysprosium are also preyed upon by many other dragons who seek to alloy themselves with the Dysprosium's body. Dysprosiums often live near settlements for protection, trading their shed scales--which can be enchanted to produce light similar to, but weaker than, their eye beams--for advance warning if a metallic approaches so they have a chance to charge their beam in case the invader wishes to fight rather than mate.

Holmium 67

Holmium dragons are somewhat small dragons, standing only ten feet at the shoulder on average. Long and lithe, they are one of the few completely wingless dragons. Silvery in color with a yellow tarnish, this dragon looks slightly like a wingless Silver, though their scales are much longer, almost needle-like, giving the dragon a rugged outline.

Holmiums are one of the few Metallics that willingly travel the tundras. Due to some quirk of their physiology, when they are chilled they exhibit the ability to manipulate magnetic fields. This ability has proven indispensable, so much so that they are rarely found anywhere there isn't snow for at least part of the year.

During winter, Holmiums are the ultimate manipulator of magnetic phenomena. So strong are their abilities that they do not have wings because they do not need them, instead harnessing the magnetic field of the very earth to lift themselves. They can also eliminate their magnetic field entirely, as so not to become the center of a maelstrom of every metallic item in the area, as well as activating it in a specific direction. Areas with several Holmiums often have agreements that they will not use their abilities within a certain distance of any village or city to prevent every iron tool from becoming a deadly projectile.

Though their scales are soft, their abilities more than make up for it; as long as they are surrounded by cold they have nothing to fear from any dragon or mortal, save a few of the Radiants.

Fortunately for both dragons and mortals, Holmiums are slow to anger and quite willing to work with others, frequently assisting mortal wizards and alchemists if they ask politely.

Holmium tarnish powder is frequently sought after as a curiosity by alchemists, wizards and those nobility who take an interest in the unusual. The powder under daylight is yellow, but when placed under special clear glass, becomes pink, orange or red, depending on the glass.

Erbium 68

Erbium dragons, easily recognizable by their lithe bodies and rosy pink color, somehow manage to be reclusive and social at the same time. They are relatively rare by draconic standards and prefer to live away from others, speaking both of dragons and non-dragons alike. They do not care for the political or economic workings of society at large, and most Erbiums whose locations are known patiently turn down offer after offer to come to the settlements of the humanoid races.

Yet, despite this, these same Erbium dragons entertain frequent visitors. They enjoy casual conversation with the strangers that come seeking them out much more than offers of business or trade. The reason that people seek them out, whether for wisdom or to request them to come to their cities, is because they have a well-established reputation as love gurus. The advice of an erbium dragon on romantic matters is eloquent expressed and reliably accurate, and couples who have the blessing of an Erbium dragon are known to have a long and happy relationship. Even other dragons yield to the expertise of Erbiums in this field,

Erbiums, for their part, enjoy this role and love to see happy endings for true lovers. Their advice is freely given to those that come to them, but as much as any city would be happy to have an Erbium patron within its borders, such arrangements are rare to come and never last long. Erbiums that mingle with the humanoid races find too many instances of shallow love and false romances, whose failures are immediately apparent under their eyes. For this reason, only the rare Erbium youngling will come to densely populated areas, usually driven by a motivation to try to educate the local populace on the meaning of true love. Finding themselves overwhelmed, these younglings soon retreat back to their comfortable solitude.

In terms of their physical capabilities, Erbium dragons have several defenses, though few ways to attack, which suits them perfectly fine since they are dedicated pacifists. Their scales are reasonably strong but shatter when hit with enough force, often flinging pieces back at the attacker. In addition, there are specialized scales on their sides and back that stand up sharply when they curl up, which is their usual response to a physical attack. They will retaliate if they must, but will always aim to incapacitate, sometimes tackling and sitting on their adversary as a last resort.

(envisioning scales similar to the Armadillo Girdled Lizard)

Thulium 69

Thulium dragons are a silver-gray color, and possess some of the softest scales known to dragonkind. This means, despite their considerable size, they go out of their way to avoid direct confrontations with other dragons. They often form pairings with other dragons for protection, meaning that purebred Thulium dragons are quite rare in nature. This is compounded by the initial rareness of the species. Thulium dragons possess a moderately powerful flame breath weapon. Certain Thulium crossbreeds possess a low-level radiant aura and breath weapon.

Ytterbium 70

Ytterbium dragons, which look nothing like Yttrium dragons despite the similarity in spelling, are a bright silver similar to freshly polished Silver scale, with a white tarnish powder which they take great pains to remove. A Ytterbium dragon with any white on its scales is greatly weakened, perhaps even one of the Inflicted. Ytterbiums are one of the few dragons that become less dangerous when Inflicted, since they are unable to use their scale powder.

Ytterbium dragons are a rather testy species, preferring their own company to anything else, though they will tolerate other races for a short time. If you find yourself in the company of a Ytterbium, it is best to keep your mouth shut and your head down. That being said, if their attention can be avoided they make decent guardians. Some noblemen have even enlisted the services of a Ytterbium in exchange for a place to stay. They will guard seldom-visited vaults or manors as long as they are not bothered by other races too often.

Ytterbiums have a vivid green flame that comes close to a Magnesium's in intensity. In fact, some say that though it is not as bright, it is even hotter. It is not their flame that their opponent should fear, however. The body of a Ytterbium is covered in scales that are perhaps unique among dragonkind. Each scale is sharply curved, giving them the appearance of hematite. Under these scales is a powder that causes intense stinging upon contact with the skin or eyes. The scales can also be flared in a desperate measure, releasing all the powder at once, after which the dragon will ignite it with their flame. Few beings can survive this, as the air instantly becomes hot enough to melt glass. Some Ytterbiums have been known to selectively flare the scales above their mouth, giving their breath additional intensity for short periods.

If using electrical runes against one, it should be done early. The more strain they are under, the higher their resistance to electricity becomes. One that is nearly exhausted has been known to shrug off even a Silver's breath. In fact, if they know they will face a dragon with electric breath, a Ytterbium will sometimes pick a fight with a dragon they know they can beat, then deliberately fight poorly in order to gain this resistance.

For unknown reasons, Cesium dragons value Ytterbium scales for crafting sundials above all other materials and will do anything to get one.

Hafnium 72

The existence of Hafnium dragons is a hotly debated topic among dracologists. Some argue that they are simply Zirconium dragons, though scale samples show that the density is nearly twice as great for Hafniums. However, given the similarities in appearance and ability to Zirconium dragons, the mutations present in some species such as Phosphorus dragons and the Uranium-Francium relationship, there are many who deny their existence.

However, there are several pieces of evidence that support the existence of Hafnium dragons. First, Zirconium dragons always exhibit a white tarnish, while only the "hyper-dense Zirconium" dragons occasionally have an opalescent brown layer. Second, Niobium dragons are known to seek out and consume the scales of suspected Hafnium dragons, afterwards showing an increase in durability and heat resistance, but they show no preference for Zirconium scales, nor do they exhibit the same improvements upon consuming them. Third, Zirconium dragons tarnish at a slightly, but definitely, faster rate than Hafnium dragons. And lastly, experiments with Radiants show that, unlike Zirconium, Hafnium scales are able to absorb the lethal energy, unlike Zirconium scales, though the degree of diffusion is inferior to Boron and the material is far heavier, making it impractical for personal equipment.

See also Zirconium

Tantalum 73

Tantalum dragons are uncommon, related closely to Osmium dragons and sharing many of their high density, high strength, high thermal tolerance natures. They have a beautiful blue-gray sheen, allowing them to be distinguished from their fellows, and they take great pride in their appearance.

Their scales are unusual among the Metallic dragons, broad at the base and sharply tapering to an extremely long, slender point, with some scales being as long as two or three feet. If you can break the scale spike off, they make excellent swords and spear tips, and are highly sought after worldwide. Shed scales are greedily harvested.

They have a strange fascination with Platinum dragons, and seem to be somewhat in awe of them. Humans have tried to unravel this riddle for generations, but the Tantalums keep their secrets well.

Tantalums get along well with mortal races, and in collaboration with a prestigious college of wizardry, their scale spikes have even been used to replace shattered bones. Many medical facilities bear the emblem of a Tantalum dragon.

Tungsten 74

Tungsten dragons (also known as Wolfram dragons in many tongues) are a species well known in the volcanic regions of the world. Their scales are a deep, lustrous gray, at times confused with slightly tarnished Silvers. They have razor-thin filaments that grow through a narrow channel within their scales, giving the dragon a slightly furred appearance from a distance. Their wings, unable to support their sheer weight, have atrophied into small flaps that assist with coordination and balance.

The Tungsten dragons have exceptionally tough scales and are one of the heaviest draconic species, but they are are most known for their astounding heat resistance. Tungsten dragons shrug off the hottest breath weapons with little difficulty and will regularly "bathe" in lava; a threatened Tungsten dragon will retreat into lava or flame if able, reemerging with an incandescent body that radiates lethal heat. Though they lack a breath weapon, they have a series of large facial spines that can be fired at surprising speeds, enough to pierce straight through mundane plate.

Fortunately for their neighbors, the Tungsten dragons are a calm and tolerant species (though they have a reputation for fearsome brutality against those that seek them harm). Tungstens frequently interbreed with other draconic species, with their volcanoes populated with non-Tungsten mates and hybrid offspring. Carbon-Tungsten offspring are a common and fearsome hybrid, possessing the hardiness of older Carbon dragons with the weight and extreme heat resistance of the Tungstens.

Rhenium 75

Rhenium dragons, despite being one of the the heaviest dragons, are nevertheless among the best fliers.

One of the rarest dragons, and the last non-Radiant to be formally documented, Rhenium dragons nevertheless attracted a great deal of study. Appearing similar to hornless Mercury dragons, Rhenium dragons have two rounded cylinders on their back, attached to relatively small wings.

While they are the third most resistant to heat, their defining characteristic is their incredible flight abilities. The cylinders on their back are capable of creating tremendous blasts of air, sufficient to propel them at incredibly high speeds, with their wings acting as rudders rather than propulsion. Their breath weapon is a similar blast of air, and can rip an armored human to shreds at short distances.

When confronted, Rhenium dragons will generally take off away from their opponent. This is not them retreating, however, instead they are taking off to set up a proper attack. Due to being one of the hardest dragons, they are fully capable of using their immense speed to plow into their targets, and prefer this avenue of attack to other option.

Offspring with Nickel dragons show super-alloy properties, most especially a resistance to deformation of their bodies from heat or impact. They also exhibit much improved endurance, capable of exertion for exceptionally long periods of time without physical strain.

Osmium 76

Osmium Dragon

Osmium dragons are the heaviest of the naturally occurring dragons (that is, those that are not the result of powerful atomic magic). They are also the rarest sort of dragon that is not universally radioactive.

Their shiny, bluish white or gray scales are extremely hard, but can be rather brittle. Their touch is highly poisonous to most creatures and their meat even moreso. Even more than their cousins, platinum and iridium dragons, osmium dragons are curiously prone to writing. They seem driven to collect and record information, though the specific interests of individual osmium dragons vary widely.

They are very resistant to heat, even by the standards of dragons.

Iridium 77

Iridium dragons are a very rare and poorly understood species. Evidence suggests that they may be among the oldest Metallic species, originating far from their current habitats or even (as some speculate) this world. Some great catastrophe decimated the Iridium population in ages past, the stones recording a thin layer of Iridium scales powdered and scattered across the world. Whatever this catastrophe was — whether it was genocide, divine retribution or a freak natural disaster — the species has yet to recover from this near total devastation.

The Iridium dragons persist in small isolated enclaves, widely shunned by other Metallic species. Their scales shine with a dull metallic hue, and their weight leaves deep impressions in the ground as they walk. They do not fly, but with their tremendous strength and density can tunnel through rock like a man swimming through water. Volcanoes are often their homes, though the Tungsten dragons' usual tolerance does not extend to them and are a source of frequent conflict. The Iridium dragons are remarkably resilient, being nearly immune to corrosion and able to withstand huge heat and impact.

Certain fragmentary writings suggest that a large portion of this near-extinct race did not in fact die out, but may have instead taken refuge at unfathomable depths beneath the surface of the land. The writings are unclear as to why so many Iridiums undertook this self-imposed exile, but they hint that they were not the only dragon race to retreat so far below the surface, and that they may simply be awaiting more "favorable" conditions on the surface. The author's sanity is somewhat dubious, however, and the few Iridium dragons questioned on this matter claim ignorance.

It is widely whispered in draconic circles that Iridiums are embarking on grand projects, far in the wilderness or deep underground where none can see, trying to return to their old world or finish their "previous work". Whatever the truth of the matter, the rumors of grand Iridium conspiracies have inspired no small amount of paranoia amongst the draconic races.

Platinum 78

Platinum dragons, also known as the Noble Metallics, are an extremely rare species of shimmering white dragons that are practically impervious to all forms of corrosion, even more so than Gold dragons. They are one of the few Metallics that are entirely immune to the Mercury dragon's poison flesh.

They are too dense to fly or swim, though they have been known to wade into lakes that are shallow enough for them to keep their head above the water. Their wings have developed into repeating hexagonal plates that are widely considered attractive amongst the draconic races (most of all themselves). Despite having a weaker electric breath than Gold or Silver dragons, they are entirely capable of defending themselves with their size, strength, and durability.

Their scales are among the greatest alchemical catalysts, required for most masterwork potions and many dwarven mass industrial processes. Many alchemists believe their scales hold the secret to a Philosopher's Stone or immortality (much to the chagrin of Gold dragons). The huge demand for their scales give the platinum dragons a substantial income and no small amount of pride.

The "Noble Metallics" have something of a narcissistic streak. Their individuals are ruthlessly ambitious, always seeking to increase their status or wealth, and are frequently unconcerned with the consequences of their actions. They tend to flaunt their accumulated power in public and ostentatious ways; one Platinum dragon made a great show of hiring "lowly" metallics such as Coppers and Nickels at staggering expenses in superfluous bodyguard positions, showing off her wealth and her superiority over other dragons. The Platinum dragons' degree of self-importance puts the Gold dragons' to shame, and indeed the two prideful species have loathed each other for recorded history.

Platinum alloyed breeds are rare due to their prideful and "noble" nature, but Cobalt-Platinum hybrids are known to exist. Although smaller than its Platinum parent, they have a stronger electric breath and exceptionally powerful magnetic control, and are often seen with a "crown" of rare metal fragments floating above their head.

Gold 79

Gold Dragons are noble creatures indeed, their fiery gleam recorded in countless stories across time. Heavy, solid beasts, they can fly though rather poorly, and prefer to spend their time on the ground when possible.

They're great swimmers, and no matter how long they spend in the water, their scales never tarnish in the slightest, as do some other Metallics.

The males, upon reaching maturity, seek a place to install a "beacon" made by carefully laying their shed scales over a surface exposed to the sun. This beacon serves to attract females and prove the value of the male as a mate. A large, shiny beacon is proof of the health and strength of the one who made it and defended it--or the one who took it. Golds like all shiny things and particularly appreciate the work of mortals. More than one skilled goldsmith got rich by embellishing a Gold's lair.

Though valuable and hunted, unlike the Borons, a Gold is perfectly capable of smashing human-sized enemies asunder, though they come off decidedly the weaker in clashes with Iron, Tungsten, Titanium, and other such draconics, as their scales bend under the pressure those dragons can produce. The true strength of the Gold is its ability to produce and channel enormous blasts of electrical energy, enough to sear flesh from bone and turn bone to charcoal, though they still cannot match their Silver cousins' utterly titanic electrical capacity.

The Golds fear Mercury dragons above all else, whose cloying touch will slough their flesh off their bones like so much pudding.

When crossbred with Silver or Copper dragons, the half-breeds are not much stronger than either parent, and sometimes weaker, but they attain an incredible array of subtle variations in hue, with rose, whitish, greenish-yellow and reddish hues all observed. These dragons are commonly considered among the most beautiful of all Metallic dragonkind, across the various species, and often become something rather like cultural idols.

Mercury 80

Mercury Dragon

Mercury dragons are deadly creatures indeed, for they have no scales, and move almost as fluidly as creatures of flesh and blood. Heavy and dense, their swinging arms, legs, and tail can do immense damage, and they are expert contortionists, capable of slipping through cracks no larger than a dog or a small child, despite being more than 30 feet from head to tail on average, and standing ten feet high at the shoulder when fully grown.

When threatened, they sweat profusely, exuding rivulets of thick, silvery metal. This substance is highly toxic, and kills almost on contact as it slides into the skin. They can also spit globs of metal more than 50 feet with great accuracy, shooting it from a wide tongue curled into a kind of straw.

Mercury dragons do not fly, but instead prefer to inhabit pools of water. Lakes inhabited by Mercury dragons for a long time fill up with their secretions, becoming lakes of flowing silver. in their element, the dragons are invisible, and many an adventurer has been fooled into thinking they've found a silver treasure, only to be pulled in by an outstretched claw.

Mercury dragons are extremely dangerous to many other Metallics, corroding them and dissolving their flesh on contact. Other Metallics become brittle at a Mercury's touch, crumbling to dust in moments. As such, Mercury dragons are considered apex predators among Metallic dragonkind, and most will keep a wide distance away from them. Fire will defeat a Mercury dragon though, melting them away extremely rapidly, and the breath of a Sulfur dragon can also harm them, with time.

It is fortunate that the species is rare, otherwise they might represent a real threat to all Metallics, and the mortal realms as well.

Thallium 81

Thallium dragons are rare and dangerous beasts, heavy and powerful, with unusually well-developed wings for one of the larger Metallics. Reasons for why this species retained much of its power to fly, when most of the heavier Metallics abandoned flight, remain unclear.

Their flame is very distinctive, blazing a brilliant, almost unnaturally green flame. Beyond its natural danger from heat, the flame carries with it vaporized particles of the Thallium's inner nature, which are extremely toxic and leave a deadly residue behind.

It is wise for a kingdom to appease a Thallium dragon, for their wrath can have repercussions for generations. A pleased Thallium dragon will share its scales, which when ground up and applied carefully protect against rats and insects, sparing communities from disease and starvation.

In this way, some primitive tribes revere Thalliums as harsh yet benevolent agricultural spirits, and many homes have small statues of Thallium dragons, which they believe will ward off harmful spirits just as they ward off vermin. The Thalliums themselves care little for the opinions of mortals, but they never refuse an offering of food, and consider themselves honor bound to reciprocate the favor.

Lead 82

Lead Dragon

Lead dragons are enormous placid creatures, one of the very bulkiest of the Metallic dragons and by far the heaviest. Though other species can be denser, none can match the Leads for sheer mass.

For all their size and power, they are fairly disinterested in the mortal world around them, preferring to wander the world in small groups. They make a surprising number of friendships with other Metallic dragons, and are commonly seen interacting with Arsenic and Phosphorous dragons.

Leads fight mostly by crushing and bludgeoning, but are rather vulnerable to being stabbed by tougher metals. They can exude a poisonous feeblemind aura, and can exhale blasts of deadly powder that can kill with skin contact.

Their role in the ecosystem seems to be to prey on the Radiant species of Metallic dragonkind, their radiant energy sloughing off Lead dragons like water. They can be seen feasting on older Uranium, Thorium, Neptunium and Plutonium dragons with relish; the end of a mighty Uranium dragon is very often consumption by a Lead. Mortal kingdoms threatened by Radiants will often court Lead dragons for assistance, but they are notoriously hard to persuade and dangerous in their own indirect right.

Bismuth 83

Bismuth Dragon

Bismuth dragons are a strange breed indeed. In their early life, they are dull metallic gray, looking little different from most other Metallic dragons.

As they mature, though, a strange and wondrous change occurs in their scales. Both genders develop large growths all over their upper bodies, with the male's being much larger. These extended scales are jagged and rough, with no two looking alike, and no two dragons having the same growth patterns. Similarities exist between families, but for this species, their scales are their fingerprints, and they take inordinate pride in them.

Growing to about the size of a man's head, the scales have all the colors of the rainbow, and reflect brilliantly in the sun. Mating displays are wondrous to behold, a riot of color and flashing lights. Though intended for their mates, the Bismuths are unapologetic attention-whores, and love it when tourists come to observe their shimmering rituals.

When ground up, shed scales can be used in makeup and pigments, creating a beautiful pearlescent color, and it is highly in demand around the world.

They are also much less toxic than most of the heavier Metallic dragons and far safer to interact with which encourages the tourism trade.

Polonium 84

The nickname for the Polonium dragon is "the walking wasteland" and it fits them admirably. Like many of the heavier Metallic dragons, Poloniums have a field of invisible heat but theirs burns so hot that no Polonium can form a den that doesn't become a smoking crater after only a short rest.

But this is not the cause of their nickname. There is some quality about Poloniums, some sickness in their blood which seems to leech out and affect all things around them. Plants wither and rot, animals are still-born or horribly deformed and humans go mad and die in agony when they come in contact with a Polonium or lands they have stayed in for longer than a week.

By necessity they follow a nomadic lifestyle, something that becomes more difficult the older they get since their powerful wings find it harder and harder to lift their increasingly dense body.

Polonium dragons exhibit a great variety within their species. Some remain excellent flyers throughout their lives, some prove so toxic that even a day's rest ruins their environment. Some are softer then others, some harder. Some burn with an intense azure light which obscures the yellow-black serrations of their hides while others only release a deceptively soft blue glow.

They have no breath weapon; it isn't needed. The fire that constantly licks across their body burns so hot that only the toughest of magics, armor and dragons can resist it for long. However, the greatest weapon in their arsenal is their touch. Some kind of toxin exists on their teeth and claws that takes effect the moment an organism's skin is pierced; there has been no record of any creature surviving the drawn out, torturous events that follow.

For these reasons, killing a Polonium dragon is an act that would catapult one into the realms of the richest and most renowned of heroes. The materials from their bodies are prized for being able to withstand the hottest furnace and will even remain unscathed by a Silver's strongest lighting. (Much to the chagrin of Silvers, Golds and other dragons that rely on electricity for their breath weapons.)

The constant, instinctive need to travel and feed to keep their bodies fueled means these 40-foot monsters have little time for cerebral matters. This, plus the inability of Polonium dragons to interact with most other creatures, results in them being almost as dumb as common lizards due to their constant isolation.

It is only with other Polonium dragons or Fluorine dragons that they get a chance to interact with intelligent beings. These encounters are often cataclysmic, intense and brief as most environments aren't able to withstand the presence of one incredibly destructive dragon charging through it, never mind two. It is fortunate for the Polonium dragons that they are long-lived and are unlikely to become extinct, despite their rare interactions and even rarer offspring.

Their courtships have never been observed, with only multiple craters containing sputtering blue fire hinting at what occurred.

(Artwise, should be quite squat and large. http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060424113817/lotr/images/9/95/GLAURUNG.jpg like this, crossed with a gilla monster's body shape)

Astatine 85

Just as Uranium and Plutonium dragons birth Francium dragons once in a great while, so too do Neptuniums give rise to the rare and mysterious Astatines.

Astatines seem to contain intense bottled energy, and live only slightly longer than Franciums. Unlike the extroverted, angry, and aggressive Franciums, the dark black Astatines are very morose creatures, consumed with their impending mortality. They eat almost nothing, and seem to shun other creatures almost obsessively. When they can be roused to action they are ferocious fighters with little lasting stamina. Generally this occurs only when their Neptunium parents call them to war against other Metallics, as Astatines have no natural predators. Only the occasional hungry Lead makes an attempt, and there have been no recorded instances of a successful hunt.

At some point during the brief lifespan of an Astatine dragon (rarely more than a year past its birth) it undergoes a cataclysmic event. For reasons unknown, theorized to relate to some internal chemical change, the dragon rapidly begins to glow. Within seconds it has transitioned from a deep black to a intense, painful white. Nothing is known about the transition after this point: the only known survivor quickly hid more than three hundred yards away, only to return moments later to a blasted, glassy crater wavering with impossible heat. No trace of the creature could be found; it is thought to have flown away or transitioned to another dimension entirely.

The Astatines can breathe a dark, black-purple gas, which ignites the air around it with a heat so intense it melts some metals merely by exposure to the resulting light. It is also highly corrosive, but few substances suffer the heat long enough to dissolve.

Radon 86

Radon dragons are the only variety of Fluid that is regularly found outside of the Arctic. The smallest of the dragons, only the size of a large cat at most, they make their homes in granite bedrock. Being the only Radiant Fluid dragon, little is known about their habits, and further study is complicated by the fact that they are highly territorial and do not let anyone near their homes, though some nests have been abandoned for reasons unknown and are hotbeds of exploration and study by those wizards seeking to understand these enigmatic creatures.

Shorter than a man's knee, they are reddish, wingless creatures with heavy front legs and claws able to dig through most kinds of rock. They do not have scales, but their hide is thick enough to stop anything less than a crossbow and their blood is composed of the gas that they constantly exhale. They breathe a yellow-green flame which is toxic in enclosed spaces.

Dwarven legend states that it is these creatures that drove them to the sea. When one of the larger dwarven cities accidentally disturbed a nest of the creatures, the Radons swarmed into their tunnels and into their halls through the connecting tunnels, poisoning the air with their breath and blood. From time to time another settlement will have a Radon outbreak, but they learned well; any community that is connected to another will have thick doors at each end of the underground road, though the majority of dwarven cities are connected by normal roads rather than underground tunnels.

They are suspected to be intelligent, but no one has managed to talk to one, though some dracologists have reported that they scrape their claws against the stone as a warning to go away.

There are occasional reports of a Uranium, Thorium or Radium dragon laying a Radon egg, and some suspect that this the origin of the creatures.

Francium 87

Francium Dragon

Francium dragons are a tragic case of genetic instability. Once in a great while, Uranium and Thorium dragon mothers lay a silvery egg possessed of incredible heat, enough to melt the other eggs in the clutch and sometimes, even injure the mother itself. The female dragon cools the egg inside the body, but the birthing process often causes fatalities.

These eggs are sequestered well away from the rest of the family, for their tremendous heat precludes the need for incubation, and they hatch phenomenally quickly, within a matter of days, compared to the usual months.

The young dragon emerges, and within hours is walking, talking, flying, and growing. By the young dragon's fifth day of life, it is fully mature, a silvery creature blazing with Radiant, flameless heat. For the safety of its family, Francium dragons are immediately exiled upon reaching maturity, with no small degree of sorrow.

Their emotional and mental stability is questionable at the best of times, and Francium dragons keenly feel their own mortality ticking forward minute by minute. Oftentimes, they lash out at anything and everything near them, enraged at their minute lifespan.

Even the most heat-resistant dragons, Osmiums and Tungstens, fear the Francium dragon, whose sustained torrent of energy will eventually penetrate their carapace.

Whatever the chaos their lives may cause, a Francium's rampage is cut short quickly, limiting the damage to a local scale. Whereas their mothers may live for tens of thousands of years, these mutant children burn away within a single year at most.

A rare handful do manage to achieve some measure of stability, and have produced musical art, for no other form of art could survive their heat, of great beauty and poignancy.

Only two known instances of Francium dragons meeting in the wild have ever been recorded, and no details of the incidents have survived. The breed's reproductive potential is unknown.

Radium 88

Radium Dragon

Radium dragons, though closely related to Francium dragons, are their most hated enemies. Nothing makes a Francium more jealous than a dragon almost as energetic as they, but who will live a thousand years instead a thousand days.

Radiums are aptly named, and were the first dragon identified to have the Radiant energy that many breeds are known for. They harness this power in beams of blue light, burning and killing their foes. They emit this light at all times, but it becomes especially intense as they prepare to unleash their breath.

Radiums are predators born, living alone or in mated pairs and roaming the world with tremendous speed. They fly well, they fight well, and they leave nothing where they pass, one of the most aggressive Metallics in existence. The Radiums have one great weakness though, their bodies cannot tolerate water, which burns, and even detonates on contact with them. For this reason, their range is limited to desolate, dessicated areas, and they cannot do much more than short raids into moister climates.

Nomads cling to oases for this reason just as much as to use water for themselves, for a Radium dragon could be upon them at any moment.

When wounded, Radium scales exhibit a blindingly pure silver luster, but it rapidly becomes black and tarnished like the rest of their bodies. Some desert faiths preach that this as proof that the Radiums burn with the fires of hell, and their hells are filled with invisible death, not the fire and smoke of other religions.

The way their bright scales violently blacken in air is considered an apt metaphor for all aspects of their lives by many who study them.

Some Radium dragons are compulsive 'justice' seekers, inflicting retribution across the land in oft questionably violent manner. Striking a Radium Dragon exposes its true colors momentarily, albeit through a burst of lung-scorching radioactive dust.

These dragons consider their blue glow a sign of a holy mandate and are quite social in the company of like-minded zealots. Makeshift 'knightly orders' of several mating pairs can devastate entire kingdoms with holy righteous fury, but may also break with sudden enraged violence, should individual views of a situation suddenly collide.

Thorium 90

Thorium dragons are massive, heavy creatures, with the dull silvery appearance common to most members of the Metallic dragon subspecies.

As with many of the heavier varieties, they are surrounded by an invisible, heatless force, capable of poisoning and killing those mortals who dare to come too close.

With such protection, almost all the Radiant Metallics are peaceful creatures, having never had a need to defend themselves, owing to their size and energy. The Thoriums are particularly congenial and friendly, though still no less deadly.

Their breath is a strange, invisible gas, which carries the heatless death property of their bodies. It is much heavier than air, and though its range is limited, it pools, eddies, and is extremely hard to remove. Historical records indicate that a wealthy Drow noble made the terrible mistake of capturing a young Thorium dragon for his coliseum, and when the furious parents showed up to rescue their child, within a hour the underground cavern was devoid of life.

Even now, the city remains, filled with invisible death and lacking breathable air, a perfectly preserved monument to the folly of chaining forces beyond one's control.

Uranium 92

Uranium and Plutonium dragons are very closely related subspecies, sharing a common genetic pool and often crossbreeding. They are profligate artists, crafting beautiful red, green, and yellow glass sculptures by mixing glass with their ground up scales. Colorful ceramics are also extremely popular.

The two species can live almost anywhere, heated by an internal warmth that never ends. Red dragons can breathe hotter fire, but a Uranium dragon's heat is something altogether different. The two species are too heavy to fly, their wings having become vestigial cooling devices.

Though normally peaceful, Uraniums and Plutoniums can harness their internal fire in a very different way than most of the other Radiant Metallics. When angered, they can release a blast of heat and light of truly immense proportions, enough to shatter a city's walls or incinerate an army, and they can sustain this force for hours if need be.

Most civilized nations treat them with some wariness, and in general, the Uranium and Plutonium species keep to themselves. Some few youngsters have been tempted by the promise of wealth and power though, and serve as unstoppable engines of war with which to conquer neighboring countries. It is unclear what this imbalance of power may lead to, but kings and emperors are emptying their treasuries to secure these dragons' services.

What being used as siege engines may do to the dragons' mental state in the long term is an open question.

Neptunium 93

Neptunium dragons have little love for their close cousins, the Uranium and Plutonium dragons. Descended from common ancestors with the Uraniums, they rebelled against them and separated millennia ago, and the two species carry a grudge against one another to this day.

Neptuniums are the eldest of the Uranium children, estranged from the family, and they hate Plutoniums, the younger siblings, who are beloved by their parents.

As a result of this ancient feud, the three species react violently when near each other, and their duels have forged legends in many mortal races mythologies.

Most of the time Neptuniums keep to themselves, forced to the farther fringes of Metallic territory because the combined strength of the Uraniums and Plutoniums keeps them contained.

Neptuniums are one of the few Radiant dragons that enjoys interacting with humankind, and was responsible for the depletion of the Boron species, killing them and presenting them to warlike human, orcish, and elven kings so that the Neptuniums could lead their armies without killing their allies. In this way, modern Neptuniums are seeking to rally the younger races to their aid, and finally redress their ancient grudges.

What the other Metallics may do, particularity the Lead dragons, is an issue of hot debate among the younger races.

Plutonium 94

See Uranium

Curium 96

One of the few Metallic dragons which will venture into the colder regions of the world, Curium dragons are strange, reclusive beasts. They are rarely seen, either by design or by simple rarity, and very little is known about them.

What little has been recorded mostly describes the pale purple aura surrounding their bodies, and the intense heat that staves off even the harshest winter storms. They move unopposed wherever they go, and when they attack, survivors are few and far between.

Some theorize that when the aurorae wax strong, the Curium dragons appear, but no definite correlation has been observed. Those that seek these dragons usually see nothing, or never return.

References for stats

Hardness: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardnesses_of_the_elements_%28data_page%29

Melting point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_elements_by_melting_point

electric resistivity: http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/periodic/electrical.html

Just about everything: http://periodictable.com/index.html

Periodic Table of Dragons articles
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