Appearance:
Dragon Wyrmlings are the youngest and smallest form of dragons, usually no larger than a large dog. Their scales, though still developing, show the distinct color of their type—brilliant blue, fiery red, shimmering gold, or another hue. Their eyes are large and curious, filled with the promise of their future power.

Behavior:
Wyrmlings are highly inquisitive and often display a mixture of playful curiosity and fierce territoriality. They are still learning about their abilities and the world around them, making them unpredictable. Despite their small size, they can be aggressive if they feel threatened or if their territory is encroached upon.

Abilities:
Even at this young age, Dragon Wyrmlings possess a breath weapon unique to their species, whether it be fire, ice, lightning, or poison. They are also capable of flight, though their wings are not yet strong enough for long distances. Their claws and teeth are sharp, and their scales provide decent protection.

Habitat:
Wyrmlings are usually found in the same environments as their adult counterparts—caves, forests, mountains, or underwater lairs. They often remain close to their hatching sites, which are typically well-hidden and guarded by one or both parents.

Development:
As they grow, Dragon Wyrmlings rapidly learn and adapt, both physically and mentally. They undergo several stages of molting, where their scales harden and their powers strengthen. This period is crucial for their survival, as they are most vulnerable during these transitions.

Role in the World:
Dragon Wyrmlings can serve as early adversaries or allies to adventurers. Their lairs often contain minor treasures and clues to greater draconic secrets. Interactions with wyrmlings can foreshadow encounters with more formidable dragons, providing rich storytelling opportunities.

The most powerful and majestic of the metallic dragons, gold dragons are dedicated foes of evil.

A gold dragon has a sagacious face anointed with flexible spines that resemble whiskers. Its horns sweep back from its nose and brow, echoing twin frills that adorn its long neck. A gold dragon's sail-like wings start at its shoulders and trace down to the tip of its tail, letting it fly with a distinctive rippling motion as if swimming through the air. A gold dragon wyrmling has scales of dark yellow with metallic flecks. Those flecks grow larger as the dragon matures. As a gold dragon ages, its pupils fade until its eyes resemble pools of molten gold.

Devourer of Wealth.
Gold dragons can eat just about anything, but their preferred diet consists of pearls and gems. Thankfully, a gold dragon doesn't need to gorge itself on such wealth to feel satisfied. Gifts of treasure that it can consume are well received by a gold dragon, as long as they aren't bribes.

Reserved Shapeshifters.
Gold dragons are respected by the other metallic dragons for their wisdom and fairness, but they are the most aloof and grim of the good-aligned dragons. They value their privacy to the extent that they rarely fraternize with other dragons except their own mates and offspring.

Older gold dragons can assume animal and humanoid forms. Rarely does a gold dragon in disguise reveal its true form. In the guise of a peddler, it might regularly visit a town to catch up on local gossip, patronize honest businesses, and lend a helping hand in unseen ways. In the guise of an animal, the dragon might befriend a lost child, a wandering minstrel, or an innkeeper, serving as a companion for days or weeks on end.

Master Hoarders.
A gold dragon keeps its hoard in a well-guarded vault deep within its lair. Magical wards placed on the vault make it all but impossible to remove any treasures without the dragon knowing about it.

A Gold Dragon's Lair.
Gold dragons make their homes in out-of-the-way places, where they can do as they please without arousing suspicion or fear. Most dwell near idyllic lakes and rivers, mist-shrouded islands, cave complexes hidden behind sparkling waterfalls, or ancient ruins.

Metallic dragons are a remarkable and noble breed of true dragons. Their behavior and motivations set them apart from their chromatic dragon counterparts.

The Guardians of Goodness:
Metallic dragons are a beacon of virtue and benevolence in the draconic world. They view themselves as protectors of the balance, recognizing the importance of a harmonious coexistence between various races. They understand that each being has its place in the world, and they strive to ensure this harmony persists.

Noble Curiosity:
While metallic dragons share their chromatic kin's fascination with treasure, their motives are rooted in preserving history and safeguarding the world from dangerous artifacts. Each metallic dragon's hoard is a carefully curated collection of relics, historical artifacts, and magical items. They view these treasures as a means to pass down their own memories and experiences to future generations, thus enriching the world's collective knowledge. This unique approach makes them valuable repositories of wisdom.

Protectors of the Greater Good:
While metallic dragons are not inherently greedy, they are not always inclined to part with their cherished possessions. They may only relinquish items from their hoard if convinced that it serves a greater purpose or is essential to the well-being of the world. Convincing a metallic dragon to part with an item can be a complex task, and adventurers must find a way to align their cause with the dragon's sense of duty and preservation.

Solitary Shapeshifters:
One of the most intriguing aspects of metallic dragons is their ability to assume the forms of humanoids and beasts. This magical transformation allows them to immerse themselves in different cultures, making them well-versed in the ways of the world. Some metallic dragons embrace this opportunity, wandering among humanoid cities in disguise. These dragons take pleasure in experiencing local cultures, cuisine, and customs, and they often observe how smaller races live.

Custodians of Ancient Memories:
Metallic dragons possess incredibly long memories, and their opinions of humanoids are shaped by past interactions. They can recognize bloodlines by smell, enabling them to trace lineage and detect any connection to past encounters. This can lead to fascinating dynamics, as a metallic dragon may harbor goodwill towards descendants of individuals who once aided them, or conversely, they might hold grudges against those whose ancestors wronged them.

In your campaign, encounters with metallic dragons can be opportunities for moral dilemmas, quests for knowledge, or challenges of diplomacy. Whether your players seek to gain the favor of these guardians of goodness or unravel the secrets of their treasure hoards, the presence of metallic dragons promises a deep and enriching experience in the world you've created.