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Dragon Slayer

Dragon Slayer
  • Category: Weapon (Any Simple or Martial)
  • Rarity: Rare

You gain a +1 bonus to attack rolls and damage rolls made with this magic weapon.

The weapon deals an extra 3d6 damage of the weapon's type if the target is a Dragon.

Tactical Applications​

Combat Strategy: Specialized weapon designed specifically for hunting dragons. The massive 3d6 extra damage makes this devastating against draconic threats but merely a +1 weapon against other enemies.

Class Synergies:

  • Fighters: Multiple attacks per turn multiply the extra dragon damage effectively
  • Rangers: Dragon as favored enemy stacks with weapon's anti-dragon focus
  • Paladins: Divine smite combines with dragon damage for devastating bursts
  • Barbarians: Rage damage bonus applies to both regular and extra dragon damage

Build Considerations: Most valuable in dragon-heavy campaigns. Consider backup weapons for non-dragon encounters where this functions as a basic +1 weapon.

Acquisition Methods​

Crafting Requirements: Requires dragonbane materials, blessed steel, and draconic binding rituals. Typically costs 8,000-15,000 gp plus dragon essence or scales.

Common Sources:

  • Dragon hunting guilds and specialized weaponsmiths
  • Inheritance from legendary dragon slayers
  • Rewards from grateful communities saved from dragon attacks
  • Ancient armories in dragonbane strongholds
  • Temples dedicated to dragon-slaying deities

Alternative Acquisition: Sometimes found embedded in dragon bones, carried by failed dragon hunters, or blessed by metallic dragons to aid mortals.

Value & Trade​

Estimated Value: 8,000-20,000 gp, with prices fluctuating based on local dragon activity and regional dragon threats.

Trade Considerations: High demand in regions with active dragon problems. Value plummets in areas without draconic threats.

Character Integration​

Roleplay Elements: Marks the character as a dragon hunter or someone preparing for draconic threats. May affect relationships with dragon-blooded races.

Character Concepts:

  • Professional dragon hunter carrying the tools of their trade
  • Survivor of dragon attack seeking vengeance against dragonkind
  • Protector of settlements frequently threatened by dragons
  • Scholar who studies dragons and carries protection against them

Adventure Hooks​

The Dragon Stalker: A notorious dragon begins hunting the wielder, recognizing the weapon as a threat to its kind.

False Dragon: The weapon reacts to dragonborn, kobolds, or other draconic creatures, creating social complications and mistaken identity issues.

The Last Hunt: An ancient dragon hunter passes their weapon to the party with their final quest - slay the dragon that killed their companions.

Weapon's Legacy: The blade carries the memories or spirits of dragons it has slain, providing knowledge but also attracting supernatural attention.

Variants & Customization​

Ancient Dragon Slayer (Very Rare): Enhanced version dealing 4d6 extra damage and providing advantage on saves against dragon breath weapons.

Chromatic Bane (Legendary): Specifically effective against one dragon color, dealing 5d6 extra damage and providing resistance to that dragon's damage type.

Wyrmbane Arsenal (Rare): Set of multiple dragon slayer weapons (sword, bow, spear) allowing versatility in dragon combat.

Specialized Variants:

  • Dragonborn Slayer: Disturbingly effective against draconic humanoids as well as true dragons
  • Wyrmling's End: Lighter weapon designed for hunting younger dragons
  • Ancient's Doom: Massive two-handed weapon specifically for elder dragons

Lore & History​

Origins: First forged by desperate smiths in ages when dragons ruled the world, these weapons represent mortal defiance against draconic supremacy.

Historical Significance: Every legendary dragon slaying in history involved weapons like these, from ancient heroes to modern adventurers.

Cultural Impact: Symbols of hope in dragon-threatened regions and fear among draconic communities. Some consider them necessary tools, others see them as instruments of genocide.

Magical Craft: The anti-dragon enchantment requires deep understanding of draconic essence and vulnerabilities, often learned through tragic experience.

Balancing Notes​

Introduction Timing: Appropriate for levels 5-10, when characters might first encounter adult dragons and need specialized equipment.

Campaign Impact: Can dramatically alter dragon encounters, making them more manageable but potentially reducing their threat level.

Niche Effectiveness: The weapon's power is situational - devastating against dragons but ordinary against other threats.

Encounter Design​

Recommended Challenges:

  • Dragon encounters where the weapon's power proves crucial
  • Social situations where carrying an obvious dragon slayer creates tension
  • Encounters with dragon cultists or allies who view the weapon as blasphemous
  • Situations where the weapon's reputation precedes the character

Tactical Adjustments: Dragons may specifically target the weapon's wielder, recognizing the threat they represent.

Dragon Hunting Equipment: Dragon Scale Mail, Dragon Orb, and other draconic artifacts that create a thematic dragon hunter's kit.

Specialized Weapons:

  • Giant Slayer (similar concept for different creature type)
  • Flame Tongue (complements anti-dragon theme)
  • Oathbow (alternative ranged dragon hunting option)

Complementary Equipment: Items that enhance dragon hunting or provide protection against draconic abilities.

Roleplay Opportunities​

Dragon Politics: Carrying the weapon affects interactions with all dragon-related creatures and NPCs.

Hunter's Burden: The character grapples with the moral implications of carrying a weapon designed to kill an entire species.

Legacy Pressure: The weapon may come with expectations or obligations to continue the dragon hunting tradition.

Cultural Tensions: Different societies view dragon slaying differently - heroic in some cultures, murder in others.