Chimera

A chimera is a large magical beast that appears to be an amalgam of several different creatures, namely a dragon, a goat, and a lion. Although typically unintelligent, chimeras are self-aware creatures, with a limited capacity for language, often Draconic.

Physical characteristics
A chimera has the hindquarters of a goat, the forequarters of a lion, and a set of dragon wings. Additionally, a chimera has three heads, that of a horned goat, a lioness, and a dragon. The goat head is often white or black in color, though in both cases it is marked by red eyes while the lion head exhibits green.

Abilities
All chimeras have access to an array of various abilities. Each of the heads is capable of a unique attack, but the most dangerous by far is the dragon breath of the chimera’s draconic head. The exact attack varies from one individual to another, as in dragons, with the type varying based on color. For instance, a chimera with a white dragon head would cast a breath of cold air, while one with a red head would bellow forth scorching flames.

Culture
Mating usually occurs annually in late spring, with the females being extremely reluctant to perform the act, and even attempting to hide. They typically struggle against the more powerful males, breathing fire from the dragon head. The pregnancy will last around a year, with the average birth consisting of six offspring, which she will abandon after only a few days. The excess milk produced by the female chimera after abandoning its offspring will be released while she sleeps. It is a thick, black liquid, which acts as an intoxicant for orcs and can be highly prized.

Psychology
Chimeras' dragon-like nature often leads them to attack intelligent beings for their treasure and to live solitary existences in caves, though some take after the lion and live in prides.

A chimera does not usually perceive humans as a threat, but will normally attack the easiest source of food, and will leave humans alone if an easier source is available. They will not hesitate to withdraw from combat if they become injured, and will not seek vengeance later. A chimera prefers to attack by swooping from the sky, attacking with its claws and its jaws, but they will also charge along the ground, leading with their lion head. Once entered into combat, they will use their dragon head to defend against attackers while their lion head will attempt to grasp its victim’s neck in their jaws and snap it. It is not wholly uncommon for the goat head to sleep throughout the entire battle.

Species
Other than variants based around which type of dragon a chimera imitates, there are other species of chimera to consider.


 * Gorgimera
 * The gorgimera is a variant of the chimera, with the hindquarters and third head, of a gorgon instead of a goat. A gorgimera’s gorgon head likewise has their respective breath weapon.


 * Cormanthor chimerae
 * The chimerae in Cormanthor are nomadic rather than territorial, and as a result, have a beneficial impact upon the ecology, choosing to prey on weakened or sick animals all over the forest.