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Pseudodragon

Pseudodragon
  • Size: Tiny
  • Type: Dragon
  • Alignment: Neutral Good
  • AC: 13
  • Initiative: +2 (12)
  • HP: 7 (2d4+2)
  • Speed: 20 ft, Fly 60 ft. (hover)
ATTRVALMODSAVE
STR6-2-2
DEX15+2+2
CON13+1+1
INT10+0+0
WIS12+1+1
CHA10+0+0
  • Skills: Perception +3, Stealth +4
  • Senses: Blindsight 10 ft., Darkvision 60 ft.; Passive Perception 13
  • Languages: Draconic; telepathy 60 ft. (psychic link only)
  • CR: 1/4 (XP 50; PB +2)

Traits​

Magic Resistance. The pseudodragon has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Psychic Link. The pseudodragon can form a psychic link with one willing Humanoid who is touching it. While the psychic link is active, the pseudodragon can communicate telepathically with that Humanoid if both are on the same plane of existence. The Humanoid can terminate the psychic link at any time (no action required), and the pseudodragon can't form a psychic link with a different Humanoid until the current psychic link ends.

Shared Alertness. The pseudodragon shares its supernatural alertness with its psychic link partner. While the psychic link is active, the pseudodragon and its partner are both immune to the Surprised condition.

Actions​

Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) Piercing damage.

Sting. Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) Piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) Poison damage. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 11. Failure: The target has the Poisoned condition for 1 hour. If the save fails by 5 or more, the target also has the Unconscious condition while Poisoned. The Unconscious condition ends if the target takes damage or if another creature takes an action to shake the target awake.

Lore & Background​

Pseudodragons are tiny, intelligent draconic creatures that serve as familiars, companions, and messengers for spellcasters and other magical beings. Despite their small size, these creatures possess many of the noble qualities associated with true dragons, including intelligence, magical abilities, and a strong sense of loyalty to those they choose to serve. Pseudodragons are naturally good-aligned and will only bond with individuals they perceive as virtuous.

These creatures are native to areas of high magical concentration and are often found near wizard towers, druid groves, or other locations where magic is commonly practiced. Pseudodragons communicate telepathically with their bonded companions and can live for several centuries.

Combat Tactics​

Pseudodragons avoid direct combat when possible, using their small size and flight to stay out of reach of enemies. When forced to fight, they use their sting attack to poison opponents and rely on their magic resistance to protect them from hostile spells.

Encounter Ideas​

Familiar Quest: A pseudodragon seeks a worthy master after its previous companion died. Magical Messenger: A pseudodragon delivers an important message from a distant spellcaster. Protective Guardian: A pseudodragon guards a magical location or item in its master's absence. Lost Companion: Heroes must help reunite a pseudodragon with its separated bonded partner.

Environmental Effects​

Pseudodragon presence indicates areas of strong magical energy. Their territories often feature unusual magical phenomena, and they may serve as early warning systems for magical threats.

Treasure​

Pseudodragons don't collect treasure in the traditional sense, but they may have small magical trinkets, spell components, or items given to them by their masters that they treasure greatly.

Plot Hooks​

The Orphaned Familiar: A pseudodragon's master has disappeared, and it seeks help finding them. Magical Bond: A pseudodragon forms an unexpected bond with one of the heroes. Ancient Wisdom: An elderly pseudodragon possesses knowledge crucial to solving a mystery. Draconic Heritage: A pseudodragon leads heroes to discover something about true dragons.

Lore & Background​

Pseudodragons are diminutive draconic creatures no larger than house cats, possessing the intelligence and cunning of their larger cousins in a more approachable form. These playful yet proud beings serve as familiars to spellcasters who prove worthy of their loyalty, forming telepathic bonds that can last for decades. Unlike true dragons, pseudodragons are naturally good-hearted and delight in helping others, though they retain enough draconic pride to demand respect.

These magical creatures nest in quiet forests, abandoned ruins, or magical locations where they can observe the world without interference. Their keen intelligence makes them excellent judges of character, and they often test potential companions through elaborate games or challenges before agreeing to form a familiar bond.

Combat Tactics​

Pseudodragons rely on stealth, flight, and their poisonous sting rather than direct confrontation. In combat, they use their invisibility to scout ahead and relay information telepathically to allies. They prefer hit-and-run tactics, darting in to deliver a sting attack before retreating to safety using their superior mobility.

When serving as familiars, pseudodragons coordinate closely with their masters, using their keen senses to watch for threats and their telepathic link to provide tactical information. They excel at reconnaissance missions and can serve as excellent lookouts due to their ability to see in darkness and detect threats from a distance.

Encounter Ideas​

1. The Lonely Familiar A pseudodragon whose wizard master recently died seeks a new companion among the party. It tests potential partners through a series of puzzles and moral challenges, evaluating their worthiness while grieving for its lost friend and struggling with isolation.

2. The Magical Messenger A pseudodragon arrives bearing an urgent message from a distant mage, but it refuses to deliver the information until the party proves they can be trusted with sensitive magical knowledge. The creature's master may be in grave danger, making time critical.

3. Nest of Secrets The party discovers a pseudodragon family nesting in ancient ruins where they guard a magical artifact. The creatures are willing to negotiate but will defend their treasure fiercely if threatened, using their knowledge of the ruins' traps and hazards.

4. The Invisible Spy A pseudodragon has been invisibly observing the party's activities, gathering information for its master. When finally revealed, it must decide whether to flee with its intelligence or attempt to negotiate based on what it has learned about the characters.

Environmental Effects​

  • Magical Resonance: Areas where pseudodragons nest often have enhanced magical properties, making spellcasting slightly more effective
  • Protective Wards: Pseudodragons instinctively avoid areas of strong negative energy or evil magic, serving as early warning systems
  • Heightened Awareness: The presence of a pseudodragon enhances the party's ability to detect hidden creatures and magical auras
  • Telepathic Network: Multiple pseudodragons can share information across distances, creating an informal intelligence network

Treasure​

  • Tiny Hoard (50-150 gp): Small collection of shiny coins and gems hoarded by draconic instinct
  • Magical Components (25-75 gp): Rare herbs and materials gathered during flights over magical locations
  • Pseudodragon Scale (100 gp): Single perfect scale that can be used in protection enchantments
  • Message Scroll (varies): Important correspondence carried on behalf of spellcaster masters
  • Familiar Bond Token (200 gp): Magical charm that aids in forming familiar relationships

Plot Hooks​

1. The Dragon's Test A powerful wizard's pseudodragon familiar challenges the party to prove their worth before its master will provide crucial assistance. The tests reveal not just competence but character, and failure could mean losing access to vital magical knowledge.

2. Missing Magic Multiple pseudodragons in a region have disappeared, along with their spellcaster companions. Investigation reveals a creature or organization specifically targeting these magical partnerships, threatening the local magical community's communication network.

3. The Inheritance A deceased mage's will leaves their tower and possessions to whoever can gain the approval of their pseudodragon familiar. The creature has specific criteria for a worthy inheritor and puts potential claimants through elaborate tests of magical knowledge and moral character.

4. Draconic Diplomacy A pseudodragon serves as an intermediary between the party and a larger, more dangerous dragon. Its role as translator and cultural guide proves crucial in negotiations, but its own loyalties and motivations may complicate the diplomatic process.