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.

Appearance
Young dragons, still in their adolescence, possess sleek, yet powerful bodies. Their scales shimmer with a vivid luster, often more vibrant than their adult counterparts. Their wings, while not fully developed, already exhibit impressive wingspans and are edged with sharp, serrated tips.

Abilities
Despite their youth, young dragons are formidable opponents. They can breathe elements—fire, ice, lightning, or acid—though their breath weapon is less potent than that of an elder dragon. They possess heightened senses, enabling them to detect movement and scent from great distances.

Behavior
Young dragons are curious and adventurous, often leaving their nests to explore the world. They are fiercely territorial, guarding their lairs with cunning traps and fierce determination. Their temperaments vary widely, from playful and mischievous to aggressive and solitary.

Habitat
These dragons can be found in a variety of environments, each adapting to their elemental affinity. Fire dragons inhabit volcanic regions, ice dragons dwell in arctic landscapes, lightning dragons are often seen in stormy mountains, and acid dragons prefer swamps or dense forests.

Lore
Young dragons are often the subject of legends, seen as both harbingers of doom and symbols of power. Their presence is said to bring both peril and opportunity, attracting adventurers seeking glory or powerful allies.

Role in Adventures
Encountering a young dragon can be a pivotal moment for adventurers. These creatures can serve as formidable foes, valuable allies, or intriguing quests as players navigate the complex relationships and challenges posed by these majestic beings.