Dragonnel

5e
3e

5th Edition Statistics^[1]

Size

Large

Type

Dragon

Alignment

Typically neutral

Challenge rating

2

3rd Edition Statistics^[2]

Size

Large

Type

Dragon

Alignment

Always neutral

Challenge rating

4

General Information^[2]^[1]

Movement

Flying

Vision

Darkvision, low-light vision, blindsight

Intelligence

Semi-

Language(s)

Draconic

Favored climate

Temperate

Favored terrain

Hills

Appearance^[2]

Average height

5 ft (1.5 m) at the shoulder

Average length

10 ft (3 m)

Average wingspan

30 ft (9.1 m)

Dragonnels were a species of lesser dragon that were sometimes trained as mounts.^[2]

Description[]

Dragonnels were graceful, long-legged creatures some 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall at the shoulder and 10 feet (3 meters) long from nose to tail. They had scales that ranged in color from red-brown to bright gold, and a 30‑foot (9.1‑meter) wingspan.^[2]

Behavior[]

Dragonnels were relatively simple-minded as far as dragons went, but they were loyal by nature.^[2] They were willful and playful creatures by nature, although in wild ones this meant they had a tendency to toy with their prey before killing it. In captivity, they were sometimes observed to be almost over-protective of their riders.^[1]

Abilities[]

Like other dragonkind, dragonnels possessed both darkvision and low-light vision, as well as a keen sense of smell. Additionally, they could not be paralyzed or put to sleep by magic. Their sole magical ability was that, once per day, they could unleash a magic-imbued roar that could unnerve any enemies within 30 feet (9.1 meters) of them.^[2]

Dragonnels were strong fliers, easily capable of carrying up to 400 pounds (180,000 grams) while flying. On the ground, they could carry as much as 800 pounds (360,000 grams), or even 1,200 pounds (540,000 grams) with great effort.^[2] Dragonnels were variously said to be able to understand Draconic and/or Common, but they themselves could not speak.^[1]

Combat[]

Dragonnels both wild and captive were naturally inclined to use flyby tactics.^[1] They would start off in a fight by using their roar, before fearlessly ripping and tearing with both claws and teeth.^[2]

Ecology[]

Dragonnel 5e — *A dragonnel with a rider.*

In the wild, dragonnels lived in temperate hill regions, lairing in hidden caves. Up to four different family groups might live in a given area, sharing hunting territory and protection duties amongst the adults. Dragonnels were mature adults at only 3 years of age.^[2]

However, dragonnels were highly valuable as mounts; dragonnel eggs went for 5,000 gp on an open market, and young dragonnels were for 7,500 gp. Training even a friendly dragonnel was difficult, and fighting while riding one required a skilled rider.^[2] Dragonnels could be motivated by both food and entertainment, and captive-hatched dragonnels were observed to be both loyal and protective of their riders. However, wild-born dragonnels were significantly harder to train, and were recorded to feign compliance only long enough to throw would-be riders from great heights.^[1]

Rarely, paladins were known to call a dragonnel as their mount instead of a horse.^[2]