Dragon Age: Dreadwolf—everything we know
(Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is coming to get the gang back together. At some point, anyways. After the ending of Dragon Age: Inquisition’s final DLC made it obvious that the story of Thedas was far from over, I’ve been waiting for the fourth game in the series to finally arrive.
BioWare spent years artfully dodging confirmation that a fourth game was in the works, but now they’ve stopped being coy and said they’re working on the next Dragon Age game. Confirmation aside, we still don’t know a lot of hard details. We do finally know its name, so we can stop calling it Dragon Age 4, but information has otherwise been coming at a yearly drip.
Reports have claimed that Dragon Age 4 has abandoned a focus on multiplayer elements and been retooled as an entirely singleplayer game, and BioWare has since described it as a «single-player focused experience». That may be a big deal, as we’ve been wondering how EA’s online service game aspirations would trickle into BioWare’s historically singleplayer series.
We’re still missing a proper look at Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s gameplay, but BioWare did reveal a more alluring teaser trailer in December 2020 than what we’d seen prior. But that’s going on two years ago now. While we patiently wait for a proper unveiling, here’s everything we know about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s story, possible release date, trailers, characters, and more.
Is there a Dragon Age: Dreadwolf release date?
We don’t have a release date for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf yet. When BioWare revealed the official title Dreadwolf, it confirmed that the game won’t launch in 2022. I don’t think anyone was expecting it to, but just in case. «While the game won’t be releasing this year, we’re growing closer to that next adventure,» BioWare said, adding that it would be talking more about Dreadwolf later in 2022.
We do know that progress is coming along steadily. In October 2022 BioWare general manager Gary McKay announced that Dreadwolf had reached its internal alpha milestone.
«We can experience the entire game, from the opening scenes of the first mission to the very end,» McKay said
Prior to that, the latest tiny crumb of a clue circling the internet was a tweet from game director Corinne Busche in August 2022 with a picture of a PS5 controller that said «Couch, coffee, controller and ready to play 🐉👵:😱🐺» Between that and the alpha milestone, progress is feeling promising for those Dragon Age fans who’ve been waiting eight years for a new game.
What trailers are there for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf?
(Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
The latest Dragon Age: Dreadwolf trailer
During The Game Awards in December 2020, BioWare showed off a teaser trailer for the next Dragon Age game. The trailer does at least seem to confirm one returning character: dwarven archer Varric Tethras, a party member in both Dragon Age 2 and Dragon Age: Inquisition.
Aside from that, the trailer also confirms that, as is Dragon Age tradition, we’ll have a new protagonist for the next game.
Oh, and it’s seriously pretty. The series seems to be getting even further away from its grimy Ferelden roots into some of the more grand and colorful magic of the world. Call me a silly superfan if you must, but even two years later this trailer gives me chills.
Image 1 of 8
Concept art of an Antivan Crow balancing on a rooftop with a sabre shared by Christian Dailey on July 2, 2021. (Image credit: BioWare)Concept art of Grey Warden in full armor shared by Christian Dailey on April 30, 2021. (Image credit: EA)Concept art of a mage in Minrathous shared by Christian Dailey on March 19, 2021. (Image credit: EA)Concept art of a magical archer shared by Christian Dailey on January 7, 2021 (Image credit: BioWare)An image from the series of short stories published on Dragon Age Day (December 4th) 2020 (Image credit: Electronic Arts)A screenshot from the 2020 Behind The Scenes video (Image credit: BioWare)A screenshot from the 2020 Behind The Scenes video (Image credit: BioWare)A screenshot from the 2020 Behind The Scenes video (Image credit: BioWare)
In 2021, many of the Dragon Age: Dreadwolf teasers we saw were concept art shared by then executive producer Christian Dailey.
You can flip through a couple of those above.
The Gamescom 2020 Opening Night Live show gave us a look at some of the early production of the next Dragon Age. The video shows off concept art, some 3D environments, a bit of voice acting production, and some gameplay prototypes. It’s a bit too early to count anything seen as true Dreadwolf gameplay, but getting a look at the process is something at least. Dragon Age might still be far out, but the trailer successfully sells the excitement of returning to BioWare’s fantasy world.
In June 2020, EA didn’t mention Dragon Age by name during EA Play but did make some allusions to it. «BioWare imagines and creates worlds where you become the hero of your own story. And we’re using this next generation of technology to make those fantasy worlds your reality,» it said, while sharing some 3D environment clips that sure look like they included red lyrium.
The first teaser for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf was during The Game Awards in 2018.
It was a very brief video with voiceover from Solas, the Dread Wolf himself, who we’re definitely assuming will be the game’s antagonist.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s setting and gameplay
Minrathous, the mage-run capital city of the Teviner Imperium. (Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
What is the setting for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf?
Tevinter—it’s official. We’d been operating on this assumption for years now, given the less-than-subtle ending of Dragon Age Inquisition’s final DLC, a 2019 report about the game’s development, and the short story collection called Tevinter Nights from 2020. BioWare finally confirmed it in their huge studio history book «Bioware: Stories and Secrets from 25 Years of Game Development».
Tevinter has yet to appear in a Dragon Age game properly, though the country run by mages is often mentioned and we’ve had several party members from up north. The glimpse of Tevinter capitol Minrathous we saw in the 2020 Game Awards teaser had an almost cyberpunk feel to it with the colorful urban nighttime and floating central segment.
It’s possible that, like Inquisition, Dreadwolf will not be set just in one country but will visit other nations as well. BioWare’s studio history book includes some of the same concept art that we’ve seen in their behind the scenes video from summer 2020. Among the small selection of artwork chosen for the page are the Necropolis in Nevarra and an Antivan Crow assassin, suggesting that we could be visiting both locations as part of the story. Oh, and the Deep Roads, too. We’re probably not escaping a Dragon Age game without a visit underground.
What will Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s gameplay be like?
(Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
It will certainly be an RPG, or so one would assume, but beyond that any real details about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf are still very hush-hush. From Kotaku’s 2019 report on the first version of the sequel, codenamed Joplin, «a large chunk of Joplin would center on heists. The developers talked about building systemic narrative mechanics, allowing the player to perform actions like persuading or extorting guards without the writers having to hand-craft every scene.
The goal was to focus as much as possible on choice and consequence, with smaller areas and fewer fetch quests than Dragon Age: Inquisition.»
Game development is a highly iterative process, especially so at BioWare, according to Kotaku’s reports on both Dragon Age and Anthem. Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has definitely changed staff and has likely changed vision as well since then. It’s still possible that BioWare is attempting to make a smaller, denser open world for Dreadwolf after player critique that Inquisition’s open world felt somewhat empty.
In a post to BioWare’s blog following the teaser trailer from December 2018, then producer Mark Darrah wrote that «we have been building a new team around a core of Dragon Age veterans, people I’ve worked with on Dragon Age, Jade Empire, and some of whom I’ve worked with since the Baldur’s Gate days.» While that may just be a way to reassure players of the quality the team that will produce for Dreadwolf, it might also mean that BioWare is looking to channel its earliest CRPG roots for its next game.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be a story about having no power
In the Gamescom trailer, lead writer Patrick Weekes described how Dreadwolf’s story will diverge from Inquisition. «For the game we’re working on now, we want to tell the story of, ‘What happens when you don’t have power?’ What happens when the people in charge aren’t willing to address the issues?» Weekes said. Now that we know the game will be set in Teviner, that’s starting to make a lot more sense.
From the sound of it, BioWare is aiming for the story and its characters to feel a little less important to the world than in Inquisition (at least at first). Dragon Age games have typically followed the rise of a seemingly inconsequential hero to a position of power, though it almost sounds as if Dreadwolf will follow a character who never breaks into Thedas’s traditional power structures.
Which characters will be in Dragon Age: Dreadwolf?
(Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
We don’t know yet which former and future Dragon Age characters will be party companions just yet.
Even those who make a return could take on non-combat roles like Dragon Age Inquisition’s advisors. Even if we don’t know who’s made the cut for the adventuring party yet, here’s who we think could show up in some way during the game.
Solas
One character we know will play a part in the events of Dreadwolf is, naturally, the Dread Wolf himself. Solas has been featured in both teaser trailers so far and his relationship to the greater struggles of Thedas means he’s not going anywhere any time soon. It seems unlikely that he’ll actually be included in your party this time though. You know, because of the Dread Wolf stuff.
Varric Tethras
Beloved party member and storyteller Varric narrated the second teaser trailer for Dreadwolf, so it seems safe to assume he’ll be making an appearance too. He was a party member in Dragon Age 2 and Inquisition. Will he be in the fray for a third time, or staying on the sidelines like Inquisition’s advisor characters?
Who else?
Dragon Age has a history of recurring characters, like Alistair who was a companion in Origins and returned for appearances in the two sequels or Leliana who shares a similar trajectory.
It’s safe to say that we’ll see some more familiar faces in Dreadwolf, but which ones?
So far BioWare has committed to hanging up its protagonists between Dragon Age games. Each adventure comes with a new hero, though the Grey Warden and Hawke do have the ability to cameo in Dragon Age: Inquisition. It’s possible we might then see an appearance of The Inquisitor in Dreadwolf, but they’ll likely not be center stage.
Flemeth, like Solas, is either elven legend or a god going by many names, who has seemed to be an underlying force in the overarching plot of the series, as has her daughter Morrigan. It seems likely that one or both will make an appearance as well.
Another old friend that may make a comeback is Fenris, the Tevinter elven warrior from Dragon Age 2. He was the star of a Dragon Age comic called Blue Wraith in 2020. It’s hard to say whether Fenris appearing in a comic is setting him up for a cameo in the next game or for retirement as a character.
Previous party members showing up in supporting Dragon Age media have gone both ways in the past.
Tevinter mage Dorian Pavus seems like another likely candidate given that he headed back to his homeland in Inquisition’s final DLC. He also made a quick appearance in the Tevinter Nights stories. Some of the concept art shown during the behind the scenes video in summer 2020 sure looked like that familiar mustached mage too.
What other information do we have on Dreadwolf?
Dreadwolf won’t be a live-service game like Anthem
In early 2018, Kotaku reported that the next Dragon Age game had been rebooted as a «live» game to better fit with EA’s push for «games as a service» that could continue to generate revenue after initial launch sales.
However, as of 2021, Dragon Age: Dreadwolf has reportedly ditched all multiplayer elements to stay a singleplayer experience. This news came shortly after BioWare announced plans to cease work on Anthem, the live-service sci-fi game that it had been attempting to overhaul after its poor reception in 2019.
We don’t know exactly what plans for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s multiplayer were before this decision, but it’s safe to say now that it definitely won’t be an online-only game like Anthem. BioWare is now calling it a «single-player focused experience».
Based on what the studio has historically done well, this seems like a good decision. Mass Effect 3 and Andromeda had a multiplayer mode that was actually pretty decent, but singleplayer stories remain the focal point for both series.
Dragon Age: Absolution is connected to Dreadwolf
We might not be getting Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in 2022, but in December Dragon Age fans did get something: Netflix’s Dragon Age: Absolution, an all-new anime series collaboration with BioWare.
«When a heist against the most powerful man in Tevinter goes south, an elven mercenary named Miriam is forced into a desperate fight for survival,» Netflix says. «Now, to save herself and her friends, Miriam will have to confront the tragic past she’s spent a lifetime trying to escape.
«
Netflix has confirmed that, like Dreadwolf, the series is set in the magocracy of Tevinter. It doesn’t tie too much into the next game, aside from some thematic crossover, at least. The series follows an «ensemble of new characters,» in an already established Dragon Age palette: mages, Qunari, templars, elves, all the hits.
The voice cast features Mass Effect voice actor Ashly Burch as well as Kimberly Brooks, Matt Mercer, Sumalee Montano, Phil LaMarr, Keston John, Josh Keaton, Zehra Fazal, and more.
Are there going to be DAD jokes?
(Image credit: Electronic Arts, BioWare)
In game? Who knows. From fans? Yeah, I’m expecting a lot of dad jokes and «daddy» jokes too. BioWare knows how you feel about Solas.
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Lauren started writing for PC Gamer as a freelancer in 2017 while chasing the Dark Souls fashion police and accepted her role as Associate Editor and Chief Minecraft Liker in 2021.
She originally started her career in game development and is still fascinated by how games tick in the modding and speedrunning scenes. She likes long books, longer RPGs, multiplayer cryptids, and can’t stop playing co-op crafting games.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf — everything we know so far
(Image credit: EA)
Dragon Age: Origins debuted in 2009, Dragon Age II debuted in 2011 and Dragon Age: Inquisition debuted in 2014. The developers are making fans wait a little longer between each successive Dragon Age game, and the upcoming Dragon Age: Dreadwolf is no exception. Eight years (and counting) after Inquisition, fans are still waiting on a lot of concrete details about the next entry in BioWare’s sprawling high fantasy saga.
However, at least the end of this torturous vacuum of fresh information has a (vague) end date. BioWare has confirmed that fans should expect to hear more details about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in 2022. Alongside this tease comes confirmation that the game will be «single-player focused» — which has certainly gone down well with fans.
We also know a few things about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, including a basic premise and suspected villain. Information beyond that, however, is largely speculative and uncertain — owing, perhaps, to a tumultuous development history. Here’s everything we know about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf so far.
Dragon Age 4 latest news (updated Dec. 5)
- We got our first glimpse of in-game footage from Dragon Age: Dreadwolf
- Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will be the game’s official title
- BioWare has provided a substantial update about Dragon Age 4’s development process on the company’s official blog.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf release date speculation
There’s no concrete information around a potential release date for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. The previous three main games haven’t followed a release cycle so this is very difficult to guess at.
BioWare has confirmed that the game will not launch in 2022.
Despite this release date blow, should hear more about the game later this year.
We’re hoping that BioWare has been beavering away on Dragon Age: Dreadwolf quietly and that we could then see the game come out at some point in 2023, but that may be wishful thinking on our part.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf trailer
At The Game Awards 2018, BioWare showed off a very short teaser trailer for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf. You can watch it here:
As you can tell, there’s not a whole lot there: Just some armor, a magical trinket and the silhouette of Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf: one of the gods in the Dragon Age pantheon. There are also two lines of dialogue from the traitorous mage, Solas: «You’ve found me at last. I suspect you have questions.»
One interesting tidbit, though: The trailer ends with a hashtag, #TheDreadWolfRises. This was a hint about the game’s eventual title.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolf story
To summarize the whole saga of Dragon Age would take more time than I have in this particular article, but here are the broad strokes. Spoilers ensue, particularly for Dragon Age: Inquisition.
In Dragon Age: Origins, you take control of an adventurer who swears his or herself to the Grey Wardens. This ancient order exists to fight against the invasive Darkspawn, and their draconic master, the Archdemon. If left unchecked, the Archdemon can summon a Blight that will wipe out all life in the high-fantasy world of Thedas. By recruiting a party, making alliances with powerful nations and performing a tremendous sacrifice, the Grey Warden defeats the Archdemon and saves the world — for now.
Dragon Age II tells a much more personal story, centered on the Hawke family in the city of Kirkwall. Taking place before, during and after the events of Origins, you play as Hawke (first name: up to you), the son or daughter of a noble household trying to make your way in the world. Dragon Age II’s story is picaresque and takes you in a variety of different directions, but the central conflict is between the Mages, who want freedom from an oppressive religious order, and the Templars, who see themselves as the last line of defense against a demonic uprising.
(Image credit: EA)
Dragon Age: Inquisition ties these two stories together, to some extent. Hoping to avoid a full-scale war between the Mages and the Templars, the most powerful people in Thedas convene a conference. But a magical explosion kills all in attendance, save for a lone survivor who sets out to investigate the matter. He or she becomes an Inquisitor, who must build up a grassroots support network all around the continent, with the ultimate goal of defeating a demon who seeks to manipulate both the Mages and the Templars for his own gain.
In Inquisition, one of your party members is Solas: an enigmatic mage who is never 100% clear on why he’s joined your quest. After you defeat the final boss, he leaves the party entirely. (There is some postgame content that you can complete with other companions.) During the Trespasser expansion — Inquisitions’ final piece of downloadable content — you finally reconvene with Solas, who reveals that he is really Fen’Harel: the Dread Wolf.
And he wants revenge on Thedas for making his race, the elves, into second-class citizens.
The Inquisitor realizes that Solas knows the party too well, and that any action against him will have to come from a brand-new group of adventurers. So, it seems safe to say that Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will involve — at least in some capacity — a new protagonist leading a (mostly) new group of heroes against the Dread Wolf.
Of course, knowing BioWare’s propensity for twists and turns, it probably won’t turn out to be quite that simple. But it’s a good place to start. We’ll share more about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf whenever BioWare elects to reveal more information.
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Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom’s Guide, overseeing the site’s coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi.
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description of the sign, compatibility, rating of persons
Dragon is the fifth sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
His years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and so on. Lucky numbers are 1, 7, 6. The shades of luck are gold and silver. High compatibility for the sign is Rooster, Rat, Monkey, and low compatibility is Bull, Dog, Goat. The representative of this sign of the Chinese horoscope is distinguished by such character traits: decisive, inspiring, generous, sensitive, ambitious, romantic, eccentric, tactless, intolerant, dreamy. nine0003
Chinese Zodiac — Dragon
People who were born in the year of the Dragon have a strong character and a broad soul. Their element is a tree, the most successful time of the year is spring, and the peak of the season is April. Astrologers refer this animal to the Yang group, it controls the time interval of 7-9 in the morning. The well-being of the Dragon is brought by yellow and black, and the plants — lotus, sage and mandrake. The best countries for living representatives of this sign of the Chinese horoscope are Nepal, Ceylon, Spain, Bolivia, Finland and Kenya.
nine0003
Despite the fact that this sign has a fixed element, it successfully combines all the earthly elements. The dragon symbolizes the lust for power, vitality and ambition.
In astrology, this sign is the personification of independence, freedom and wild imagination. The dragon does not tolerate oppression and needs living space. Often he is an incorrigible idealist who demands the same from other people. Because of this quality, he can lose loved ones and friends. From childhood, the Dragon makes excessive demands on others. A sign can experience dissatisfaction with life already at a young age. When the formation of his personality takes place, he encounters the first difficulties that will determine his future. nine0003
The rebellious nature causes the Dragon to often challenge society and build grandiose plans. He hates having his personal space invaded and can suddenly «spew flames».
People born this year are maximalists by nature. Throughout their lives, Dragons hone their skills and talents.
They don’t stop learning, but they can’t stand it when someone gives unsolicited advice.
The Dragon exudes charisma, so he easily wins over people. This sign of the Chinese horoscope always has many supporters, and others believe in its wisdom and exceptional qualities. This is a gifted, eloquent and intelligent person, born for luxury and glory. In communication, the Dragon is often straightforward and sincere, not inclined to lie and hypocrisy. In work, a representative of this sign will spare neither physical nor moral strength. He performs any tasks with the highest quality and quickly, is able to achieve great heights in business. nine0003
The advantages of the character of the Dragon
In astrology, the Dragon is considered an almost unsinkable person. He will never stop there, as he is not satisfied with a secondary role in life. The place of this sign is on the throne. Often, representatives of this symbol try to do everything to leave their own mark on history.
If success does not come to him in one area, then he will focus on another without hesitation. The Dragon always has several alternative activities, as he is used to playing it safe in case of failure. nine0003
The Dragon is an excellent organizer, strategist and tactician. He will easily turn any of his defeats into victory, and will also benefit from what is happening around him. This sign of the Chinese horoscope is not used to exchanging for trifles, because he knows his own worth. He is generous enough, as his inner hero always seeks to help the weak. In order to achieve his goal, the Dragon will use his own mind and talent, but he will never go over his head. nine0003
Dragon in the Chinese zodiac
Dragon character flaws
One of the negative qualities of the Dragon is tactlessness. Often representatives of this sign insert their comments where it is not necessary. They can make a remark even to strangers, although they themselves cannot stand criticism.
Those who are not closely familiar with the Dragon conclude that they have a shameless and rude person in front of them.
Usually he knows how to control himself, but sometimes there are outbursts of anger that are violent and completely unexpected. For the Dragon, understanding and approval of the people around is important. He needs to be the center of attention, and routine and monotony lead him to despondency. This sign can even use harsh methods to solve problems, explaining its behavior by the fact that it craves justice. nine0003
Dragon Man
A Dragon man enters marriage rather late, as he values his freedom very much. It is quite possible to build partnerships with him, but it will not work to “domesticate” a representative of this sign. Usually the Dragon leaves the parental nest early and becomes independent, not afraid to take responsibility for his own life. Despite the recommendations of his relatives, he chooses his own path. Sometimes his plans and dreams seem unrealistic to those around him, but the Dragon will definitely prove that they are wrong.
This sign of the Chinese horoscope will make every effort to make his dreams come true. nine0003
In personal relationships, the Dragon is often unstable. He is in search of the perfect second half, but he may remain a bachelor.
The Dragon Man is incredibly amorous, but often his feelings quickly cool down. In marriage, he can become an understanding husband for his wife, but is prone to betrayal.
Chinese Zodiac — Dragon
Dragon Woman
The Dragon Girl starts showing her independence to her parents early. She has self-realization and a career in the first place, so she is in no hurry to get married. The Dragon woman chooses her future profession and environment herself, since she rarely listens to other people’s advice. nine0003
When meeting her, she often takes the initiative, and the partner must share her own views and be an interesting conversationalist.
Dragon Woman wants to meet a soul mate who is stronger than her.
She needs a companion to admire and be proud of.
A representative of this sign always has many new friends of interest. In a relationship, she, like the male Dragon, is very fickle, but she approaches the choice of her husband thoroughly. The Dragon Woman will never create a family with a dubious and unreliable person. Next to her should be a talented, intelligent, ambitious, courageous and honest companion. nine0003
Stages of dragon life: vi_zet — LiveJournal
Dragon smile
( artist — Dennis McLane )
I think it will be interesting — about the stages of dragon life. Everything below is taken from Draconomicon , translated by my paws.
Newborn Dragons
( artist — David Martin )
WIRMLING (0-5 YEARS)
The Wyrmling emerges from the egg fully formed and ready for life. From the tip of the nose to the tail, it is about twice as long as the egg it hatches from (the exact size of the wyrmling depends on the type of dragon)
The newborn dragon comes out of the egg wet and twisted; after about an hour, he is ready to fly, fight and communicate.
From his parents, he inherits a considerable amount of practical knowledge, although they usually remain in the depths of memory until they are needed. Compared to older dragons, the wyrmling appears slightly clumsy, with the head and legs appearing slightly oversized, and the wings and tail proportionately smaller than in adults. If the parent is nearby when the wyrmling hatches, the young dragon has a protector and is likely to be safe for the first decades of life. Otherwise, the wyrmling will have to fight for his life. nine0073 Whether raised by another dragon or raised alone, the first thing a wyrmling learns is how to be a dragon, which means finding food, finding a lair, and becoming aware of one’s own abilities (usually in that order). A newborn wyrmling starts looking for food almost immediately; usually the first food of an orphan wyrmling is the shell of its egg. This not only gives him a considerable amount of important minerals, but also gives him an alternative before attacking his nestmates.
Wyrmlings under the care of their parents often receive treats that vary in taste. For example, copper dragons feed their offspring with giant centipedes or scorpions. In many cases, the food is alive, and the wyrmling gets its first lesson in hunting along with the first meal. nine0073 Having satisfied their hunger, the wyrmling begins to search for a lair. The dragon is looking for some kind of hidden and suitable for protection cave, corner or crevice, where you can hide, rest and start stealing treasures. Even a wyrmling under the care of a parent finds its own corner in the parent’s lair. Once a wyrmling finds a safe place and gains confidence in a food source, it sets out to hone its innate abilities — usually by testing itself in any way possible. He fights with nestmates, seeks combat with dangerous creatures, and spends long hours in thought. If there is a parent, then the wyrmling receives instruction in dragonhood and a chance to accompany the adult in business. Independent wyrmlings often look for a mentor — an older relative.
Among good dragons, such relationships are common, and often last for decades (quite a few by dragon standards). The teenager visits the adult periodically (every month, maybe a week) for information and advice. Evil dragons also mentor wyrmlings with whom they have no kinship — although they are alien to altruism, they usually understand the role of youth in the preservation of the species. nine0073 Whatever the type of dragon, such a mentor-student relationship requires the wyrmling to show high respect and reverence for the elder, and the adolescent usually brings gifts of food, information, and treasure to the teacher. If the elder ever perceives the student as a rival, then the relationship will immediately end; in the case of evil dragons, this outcome is usually fatal to the wyrmling.
VERY YOUNG (6-15 YEARS)
By the age of six, the dragon is twice its size, although the head and legs still appear to be larger than the rest of the body. He becomes stronger physically and healthier.
The increased size often forces the search for a new lair; many dragons move elsewhere at this stage anyway, especially if they don’t have the support of their parents (after a dragon has been hunting in an area for five years, outsiders may find its original lair or the area will run out of prey) . In many ways, a very young dragon remains the same as a wyrmling, though more self-assured. nine0003
Young dragon
( artist — Ron Spencer )
TEEN (16-25 years old)
By the age of sixteen, most dragons experience rapid growth, which eventually leads them to a large head and adult size the wyrmling’s paws are still preserved. The mind becomes sharper as they gain life experience and master innate abilities.
At this stage, the dragon feels the need to collect treasure and claim its territory (although it may have achieved both before). However, in some cases, the juvenile dragon still shares a lair and territory with relatives or parents.
Dragons that leave the nest at this age usually fly far from their homes in search of an opportunity to create their own home. nine0002 YOUNG (26-50) At twenty-six, the dragon is on its way to maturity. He still cannot equal adults in strength, but his body proportions already correspond to adults. Some dragons at this stage show magical power for the first time.
YOUNG (51-100 YEARS)
Having stepped over the fifth decade, the dragon becomes an adult (although its body will grow for a very long time). He’s ready to procreate, and many dragons waste no time getting started. At this stage, the dragon’s scales become armor strong enough to ward off any non-magical weapons and the fangs and claws of other dragons. The young dragon also learns the first spells and shows remarkable intelligence. nine0073 The young dragon breaks ties with relatives, mentors and parents, if he did not do so before, and settles in his own lair in his territory.
Silver dragon, wyrmling to adult size
( artist — Richard Sardina )
ADULTS (101-200 YEARS)
During the second century of life, the growth of the dragon’s body only slows down — but it only comes to bloom — it only slows down to blossom — forces.
Although the explosive growth is over, the body becomes even more powerful and healthy. The adult dragon continues to sharpen its mind and learn more spells and master new skills. nine0073 At this stage, dragons usually find a mate and share a lair with a spouse and children.
MATURE ADULT (201-400 YEARS)
When a dragon lives two centuries, its physical and mental powers continue to develop, although it usually changes little in appearance. At this stage, the dragon becomes a force to be reckoned with, and he knows it. Mature dragons display confidence that younger ones lack; they rarely take risks to test themselves (except in a fight with another dragon). Instead, they act confidently and purposefully, often setting in motion plans that take years to complete. nine0073 Due to the power, wealth, and age of a mature dragon, it rarely remains unknown to the world. His name becomes known to at least other dragons, and he is often targeted by rival kin or adventurers. One of the first things a mature dragon does is to review and reinforce the lair’s defenses.
Often he even prudently moves to a new place. The dragon never chooses a lair in a hurry, and usually includes some scheme in the plans to collect even more treasures. Bardic songs about dragons destroying kingdoms and taking their treasures are often inspired by true knowledge of the actions of mature dragons. nine0003
OLD (401-600 YEARS)
By the time most dragons reach this age, body growth has stopped, although they become even stronger, and their intelligence and magical power continue to grow over the centuries.
Usually old dragons show some outward signs of aging. The scales begin to crumble at the ends, darken and lose their luster (although some metal dragons appear polished due to this), and the irises of the eyes begin to fade, making the eyes look like smooth balls. nine0073 Most older dragons continue to hone the patient cunning developed in adulthood. They are quick to defend what they consider their own, but rarely rush to anything, preferring to carefully evaluate all possible options before acting.
VERY OLD (601-800 YEARS)
After living for six centuries, the dragon becomes even less physically vulnerable. He masters powerful spells and magical powers. This is the last stage at which dragons can conceive, and most of them try to raise at least two clutches before time runs out. nine0003
ANCIENT (801-1,000 YEARS)
At this stage, dragons are past childbearing age. Many of them make up for the loss by mentoring young dragons; so do many men. The ancient dragons have nothing to fear from much younger, immature dragons, and they can pass on great wisdom and experience to them.
Many dragons of this age can easily compete in intelligence with the best and brightest people, and they have access to vast knowledge, both practical and esoteric. nine0003
VIRM (1,001-1,200 YEARS)
Living beyond a millennium is a great thing even for a dragon, and this stage is the most important milestone in a dragon’s life. Even among rivals, wyrms command at least grudging respect.
Male dragons at this stage are approaching the end of their time when they are still capable of offspring, but their impressive status among their kin almost guarantees them companions. Younger dragonesses usually settle near the wyrm, gaining a mate, protection, and access to its knowledge for their children. nine0003
GREAT WYRM (1,201+ YEARS)
When a dragon lives for twelve centuries, its mental and physical development finally reaches its end, and it is at the peak of bodily, intellectual and magical power.
DUSK AND DEATH
Scholars are debating exactly how long a dragon can live to be a great wyrm (some say they can live forever). Unfortunately, dragons themselves don’t usually help here: they keep no birth records, and often exaggerate their age. nine0073 Half-elven scholars Guillaume and Quirion de Cheirdon have researched the ages of dragons, carefully noting when particular famous (or infamous) dragons reached wyrm age and tracking them from there.
Some scholars suspect that Guillaume and Kiryon were silver dragons in the form of half-elves, and their research is actually field notes. In any case, both scientists eventually disappeared and their fate is unknown. Perhaps they were slain by the dragon, or perhaps they are still among us in a different guise. nine0073 Guillaume and Kiryon claimed that the white dragon, the shortest-lived true dragon, could live up to 2100 years. They called the golden one the longest-lived, and determined the maximum age at 4400 years.
In addition, scientists have found that dragons can extend their lives for some time by entering a state called «twilight». This term, coined by Guillaume and Kiryon, refers to the final stages of the dragon’s life. Cessation of growth at the great wyrm stage is a sign of impending death (as is the case for many other creatures that grow throughout life). The dragon may live for centuries, but he is mortal and cannot fight death forever. «Twilight» comes when the years finally crush the dragon, causing its body to fade.
The period of «twilight» can last for years, but often the dragon dies when this condition first manifests itself. nine0003
FROM THE DUSK
Many dragons prefer to avoid the slow slide to death and leave this world with dignity. Many great wyrms simply disappear at the end of their lives. No one knows exactly where they disappear, but scientists have found at least three options: leaving, guarding and dracolizing.
Dragon Graveyard
( artist — Joel Thomas )
Departure
A dragon can simply wish its spirit to leave. At the same time, the dragon dies, and his soul is freed from the flesh; preparing to leave, the dragon usually eats all its treasures. Most also go to the dragon graveyards and die there. nine0073 Dragon graveyards are ancient places whose origins have been forgotten even by the dragons themselves. As a rule, they are accessible only to flying creatures, and are found on the tops of mountains, in valleys hidden in mountains, jungles or deserts, on islands in windless or storm-torn seas, or in the depths of the rifts of the earth.
Cemeteries are deadly. Storms of elemental force often pass through them, and in some places spontaneous tornadoes arise. Some of them can bring hostile creatures of the elements, or throw the unwary from the Material Plane to the Elemental Plane. The bodies or skeletons of dragons can unexpectedly come to life and walk around the area, attacking all the living. Ghostly dragons also live in cemeteries. nine0073 Despite all the dangers, cemeteries often attract visitors. According to legends and disputed discoveries, not all treasures consumed by the dragon disappear, and many hunters of them, displaying dragon greed, enter the cemeteries in search of prey. Others hunt the remains of dragons for spells or alchemical experiments.
Becoming a Guardian
At the end of normal life, a dragon can become a Guardian at will, literally becoming part of the landscape. After the dragon consumes its treasures, it turns into a certain place: it usually chooses between hills, mountains, lakes, swamps and groves.
