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Sages have long hypothesized a link between the magic of dragons and the development of spellcasting. They point to the obvious ease with which dragons learn even the most obscure magic, and the close link between draconic blood and sorcerous ability. The dragons, for their part, remain notoriously cryptic and tight-lipped with the shorter-lived races. Why spoil a perfectly good legend about your own magical powers?
Some have found it strange, however, that the supposed creators of arcane magic, the first teachers of mystical lore, are only initiates at its use. Only the most powerful metallic dragons, the golds and silvers, can, in thousands of years of life, approach the spells some humanoids learn in less than a century. Compared to the power of the dragons' fangs, claws, and terrible breath weapons, draconic magic seems like little more than dabbling.
The truth of the matter reinforces a lessen adventurers have learned and relearned countless times through the ages: do niot underestimate dragons. Ever.
The bulk of dragon-kind follows a physical route to power; their minds are quick and their spells mighty, but nowhere as potent as their natural attacks and deadly breath. A few breeds, however, emphasize the power of the mind instead. These Arcane Dragons humble even an elven sorcerer as easily as a red or bronze dragon might bring down a human knight. Cloaked in ever greater mystery than the other dragon breeds, arcane dragons are rarely seen, but their influence on the world is great.
Combat
Arcane dragons prefer magical combat to physical; as their minds are strong, but their bodies comparitively weak. Even the youngest approach genius intelligence, so they make good use of their strengths (spells and manoeuverability) and never fail to take advantage of the surrounding terrain in combat. Most arcane dragons prefer to weaken their foes with numerous spells and their breath weapon to even the field before engaging in any sort of melee combat.
Arcane dragons possess all the standard dragon traits plus three special qualities: Alternate Form (Su), Graceful Flight (Ex), and Physical Frailty (Ex).
Based on the entry in the Dragon Magazine #343 May 2006.