Forest dragon

Forest dragon
(Creature)
Uncommon Rare CE Dragon Plant Level 10–19 (by age category) Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of forest dragons Source: Bestiary 3, pg(s). 74–76 Type Dragon (earth) CR 6–22 (by age category) Environment Any forest (Tian Xia) Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of forest dragons Source: Bestiary 3, pg(s). 94–95

Forest dragons are a species of evil imperial dragons who inhabit the forests of the continent of Tian Xia, where they are also known as dilungs. Forest dragons shun technology and civilization, preferring the company of beasts and monsters.

Appearance

A forest dragon is a long, coiling serpentine creature with jade scales and deerlike antlers. When it moves, its scales sound like grinding stones. As forest dragons age, they take on the appearance of the forest itself, growing mossy hair and bark-like hide, with small animals and insects inhabiting their surface.

Abilities

A dilung's breath weapon is a swarm of biting insects that can poison their foes. Adult and older forest dragons are able to quickly absorb moisture from their surroundings—including from creatures—to heal, often killing surrounding plant life and lowering nearby natural water reserves. Truly ancient forest dragons can turn foes into wood with their bites. In addition to the shared ability of all imperial dragons to take the form of humanoids, forest dragons can additionally take the shape of great trees, blending in with their forest environment. All forest dragons are weak to metal and are invigorated by water, as per the draconic cycle.

Habitat and society

As their name implies, forest dragons inhabit deep woodlands. They are vicious, fickle hunters who prefer to stalk along the ground despite their ability to fly.

On Golarion

Forest dragons are common in the Forest of Spirits, where they are violently at odds with the forest's kami guardians. Legend tells that a mighty forest dragon was among the vengeful spirits who rose up against the greedy samurai Zaokoyu's empire of Zao in the distant past.

In the tengu nation of Kwanlai, a titanic dilung ruled the bamboo forest in the Vale of Green Spears and once plundered ships on the nearby Gulf of Xidao. The dragon died, but her brood still lurks in the forest.

An adult forest dragon named Toishihebi lairs in the ruins of the city of Uddo in the nation of Minkai.

Forest dragons are known progenitors of ardande geniekin, and two ardande families in Tian Xia are descended from the same forest dragon.

In astrology

The Forest Dragon is one of the twelve constellations of the Tian Xia zodiac. Individuals born under the sign of the Forest Dragon are said to be shrewd, cautious, and sensual in their better moments, but dishonest, vengeful, and remote in bad times.

External links

• Dilong (real-world mythical creature) on Wikipedia