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Vermilion dragons look like a cross between a red and a ruby dragon. They were created by magic users many years ago to destroy their opponents, but the dragons grew wreay of working for humans, and destroyed their masters.  Their scales gleam with an inner fire, though the chest and underbelly are a paler, rosy pink, Their horns, claws and teeth all have a reddish tinge to them, and their eyes are usually a dull copper color.

Vermilion dragons speak the red dragon tongue, the ruby dragon tongue, and any language spoken by intelligent beings who live in their immediate vicinity. 15% are able to communicate with any intelligent creatures.  This chance rises by 5% for each age category of the dragon.  Vermilion dragons have all the advantages and peculiarities and use the same charts noted under "Dragons, General" and "Red Dragon" in the Monstrous Manual.

Combat:
In addition to the combat skills listed for red dragons, vermilion dragons also can destroy magical items at will, 2 times per day, then using the power from said item(s) to: a) breath a ldl0 magical blast, and the target must save vs. poison to save being K.O.'d or b) heal itself for ldl0 points.

Vermilion dragons have another breath weapon as well, doing the same amount of damage as a red dragon of the same age category.  Vermilion dragons are able to detect magic when within l00' of it three times per week rather than detecting gems.

Habitat/Society:
A side affect of their change makes vermilion dragons even greedier and power-hungry dm they were as red dragons, and they usually live extended life spans.

The main penalty seems to be their tendency to sleep for longer periods of time between awakenings and to sleep more deeply.

Vermilion Dragons like to rule lesser beings and use them as pawns to wage war against neighboring beings.  They delight in acquiring shape-changing magic’s and using them to explore other territories, stealing magic and assassinating those who annoy them. Many keep hundreds of slaves to see to their comfort and to work mines or perform other menial labors to enrich the dragon. They prefer isolated lairs, which they keep secret in order to protect themselves while sleeping.

When vermilion dragons are found together, they are a mated pair or a couple with hatchlings.  When defending their lairs, vermilion dragons' morale becomes Fearless (20) and they gain a +2 to their initiative scores due to their fierce jealousy and greediness.

Ecology:
As they are so rare, parts from a vermilion dragon such as claws, teeth, horns and scales bring high prices when sold.

Contributed by (anonymous)
(9-1-99)