Customer Reviews

Draconomicon: Metallic Dragons: A 4th Edition D&D Supplement

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Even more than Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons, I was looking forward to Metallic Dragons. For the first time in D&D, the metallic family of dragons are actually viable encounters, rather than super-powerful good guys that the typical adventuring party would rarely find themselves in conflict with. Included are breakdowns of draconic behavior, how they compare with chromatic behavior (useful considering the vast majority of DMs will be more familiar with running chromatic dragons), and how dragons in general relate to humaniods. The book then further divides itself divides itself into how specific varieties of metallic dragons behave. Also included are prefab encounters for parties of every level, with maps and stat blocks. The format of the book is basically the same as Chromatic Dragons was. The only real problem I have with this book is that it occasionally references the first Draconomicon in the series.

All in all, I found this book to be an excellent resource for running a species of monster that can easily step away from being a normal tactical encounter, and is every bit as likely to a manipulator or power behind the throne. It's also just plain fun to read.

This book's star rating has been dragged down by a ridiculous ax-grinding one-star review, so this prompted me to even things out a bit.

This a very nice book, which expands on the fluff for the Metallic Dragons in MM2, and adds exotic new species, such as steel, bronze, mithral, orium, cobalt, mercury, and cobalt dragons. It has entries for the Draconian species from Dragonlance, descriptions and stats for famous NPC dragons such as Silvara and Jalanvaloss, as well as stats and fluff for Bahamut himself.

In summary, if you prefer a fantasy world where morality is a bit deeper and more complex than just looking at the shininess of a creatures scales, [...]then I highly recommend this book.

As is mentioned on a Earlier review, This book is a BLATANT RETCON of the metallic dragons of all 3 prior editions.

Likely yes, this is intended to make them "viable encounters" or to "allow a DM to do more with them" or "To avoid accusations of racisms" etc. etc etc.


Im afraid that a part of D&D at least to me IS that Metallic dragons are good, chromatic evil with only FREAK and TRAGIC Exceptions, of the occasional rare blue dragon who decides honor means more to him then gold, or the tarnished gold dragon...

Be that as it may... this book contains yet more blatant and inexcusable retcons.