Dragon Steeds, a stupid idea?

[Benoist]

Yes. See also the article about Princess and Dragon on wikipedia.

Now, there is a very powerful imagery behind this. The way the knight defeats his passions, the urges within his own soul, and reaches for the treasure, the gold, the princess. What is valuable within your soul, what makes you who you are, the very essence of your being.

There is also a reflection of the environment going on, the savagery of the Wild, how Reason takes over the Untamed, and beyond, how Man takes over the Wild World, which itself is part of a wider Christian narrative at odds with the imagery dragons invoke in Oriental myths.

Now, think about the Dragon living in the Dungeon, the Underworld, down below, beneath the surface world...

[ThirstyStirge]

I would not forbid it IMC, however, I would mandate that it would be exceedingly perilous to be in the company of one or more dragons, especially if they have not be raised from birth in the company of Men. A Tamed Dragon is one of the many concepts, which, if dealt with in a restrained manner, are gripping, but in excess, a tiresome and now all too prevalent idea.

BTW, didn't Eragon feature dragon steeds too?

I tried to get into the Pern books 30 some years ago, but couldn't stomach the author's style.

Regarding subdual, it depends on how one views a dragon: a) a large animal with intelligence no greater than that of a horse and can be brought into domestication, or b) a very intelligent and oftimes sadistic creature who regards the smaller, shorter-lived beings as nothing more than tasty snacks. I feel that any campaign can feature both kinds.

[Chainsaw]

A human piloting a dragon? I don't know, probably too high fantasy for me. A small humanoid alien piloting an android? That's fine, actually.

Seriously, I think dragon steeds could work, but it's just not my thing, so I'd probably end up running it poorly.

[Falconer]

Another example is Tolkien’s Farmer Giles of Ham. A great, D&D-ish short novel that doesn’t get talked about much!

[ScottyG]

Dragon steeds were a staple of the early game. It's been pointed out already, but the dragon entries kind of make that obvious. Robilar actually had three green dragons, and has a cameo riding one in the Gord stories. Mordenkainen had two reds, Gorki and Porki. Tenser had two reds also, but got rid of them when he turned good. None of my players have done it, but I would probably like the opportunity. I don't know if I can see good characters keeping subdued dragons around though, and most of my campaigns lean towards good-aligned PCs. I've thought about using some of the old dungeon shtick, rescue the imprisoned dragon and he agrees to serve for a year, or something like that, but I haven't done it yet.

[ThirstyStirge]

Another example is Tolkien’s Farmer Giles of Ham. A great, D&D-ish short novel that doesn’t get talked about much!

I had a charming little book where that was together with The Smith of Wooton Major (I hope I remembered the title correctly--it's been 30 some years now).
Wasn't that story all about a long drawn-out pun for the river Thames?

[Falconer]

Well, that is the big punch line, but the whole thing is full of puns and jabs. But it also has a dragon, a giant, a magic sword, and a blunderbuss!

[Aplus]

The recent PDF-only Dungeon Magazine has an adventure in which all the PCs can get permanent dragon mounts (I think they're called War Drakes).

"An adventure for five level 3 PCs"

That puts dragons pretty much on par with horses, since it's difficult to afford a horse much before level 3.

[poolboydeluxe]

The recent PDF-only Dungeon Magazine has an adventure in which all the PCs can get permanent dragon mounts (I think they're called War Drakes).

"An adventure for five level 3 PCs"

That puts dragons pretty much on par with horses, since it's difficult to afford a horse much before level 3.

Drakes in 4e are a pretty far cry from Dragons. They're a lot closer to the Cold Ones of Warhammer Fantasy than Smaug.

[ThirstyStirge]

The recent PDF-only Dungeon Magazine has an adventure in which all the PCs can get permanent dragon mounts (I think they're called War Drakes).

"An adventure for five level 3 PCs"

That puts dragons pretty much on par with horses, since it's difficult to afford a horse much before level 3.

PCs get dragon-pets at 3rd level?! Sounds like some serious power-gaming. Welcome to modern RPG! When the signature Big Bad Beastie is so attainable and so easily cowed, what has become of the game? I just cannot see such a powerful, long-lived (and dare I propose, majestic) creature submitting to the spur and reins.

[blackprinceofmuncie]

Guys, let's not derail Axe's thread with comments about games that are off topic for KnK. Thanks.

[rossik]

High level dragon riding characters are pretty cool, or pretty much any other sort of magical flying beastie, but they can easily get overused and silly, as they did with Dragonlance and its "flights" of dragons functioning bombers and fighters without the limitations...

have to agree with you.
but also, i think its a "Dragonlance thing" in D&D world. i mean, the "'cavalier + dragon" relation (most are based on respect, but some in fear - of the Queen of Dragons)