🧙‍♀️ The Sinister Hag Dragons

Hag Dragons are grotesque marvels of dark fey magic, born from the twisted rituals of powerful hag covens. These abominations, hatched from corrupted dragon eggs, are far more perilous than any true dragon, blending draconic might with the malevolent cunning of their creators. Their existence is a blight on the world, their unnatural growth and insatiable hunger for life making them a threat to all who cross their path.

🌑 Fey-Forged Monstrosities

Crafted through a profane ritual, Hag Dragons emerge from dragon eggs of any lineage—chromatic, metallic, or otherwise—transformed into something wholly unnatural. The wyrmling that hatches bears only faint echoes of its original draconic heritage, such as a shimmer of metallic scales or a hint of chromatic hue, but these are mere vestiges overshadowed by its warped form. Their bodies are a grotesque fusion of draconic and fey traits: jagged horns twist like gnarled branches, eyes glow with an eerie, hag-like malice, and their scales pulse with an unnatural sheen. Their breath, a miasma of aging magic, withers flesh and saps vitality, marking them as creatures of decay and dread.

⏳ Timeless Predators

Hag Dragons defy the natural order of time, their bodies untouched by the passage of years. Without intervention, they would remain wyrmlings indefinitely, but their uncanny magic allows them to grow through a horrific process: draining the life essence of other creatures. Their breath weapon accelerates aging in its victims, reducing vibrant beings to frail husks while fueling the dragon’s rapid maturation. This stolen vitality propels Hag Dragons through growth stages at an alarming rate, each year absorbed amplifying their power exponentially. Unlike true dragons, whose strength grows over centuries, a Hag Dragon can become a devastating force in mere months, making them unpredictable and catastrophic threats.

Hags often exploit this trait, keeping Hag Dragons young and pliable to serve as enforcers or guardians. Yet, this control is tenuous—mistreated Hag Dragons, upon reaching sufficient power, turn on their creators with savage retribution, their draconic pride and fey cunning making them fiercely independent. A Hag Dragon that breaks free is a force of unrestrained destruction, its wrath as merciless as the hags who birthed it.

🕸️ Coven-Bound Terrors

Though rare, the notion of Hag Dragons forming covens strikes terror into the hearts of even the bravest. Like their hag progenitors, Hag Dragons could theoretically unite to weave rituals of unimaginable power, their combined magic capable of shattering kingdoms or reshaping reality itself. Such a coven would be a apocalyptic force, blending draconic might with fey sorcery to cast spells that rend the earth, summon unending blights, or twist the minds of entire populations. The mere possibility of such a gathering drives sages to warn of vigilance, for a Hag Dragon coven could herald an age of darkness if left unchecked. Fortunately, their individualistic natures make such alliances unlikely—unless a shared goal or charismatic leader unites them.

🧪 Unnatural Ambitions

Hag Dragons inherit the cunning and ambition of hags, but their draconic blood infuses them with a hunger for dominance that surpasses their creators. They are not content to lurk in swamps or ruins; many seek to carve out territories, amass hoards, or manipulate mortal societies from the shadows. Their shapeshifting, a gift of their fey heritage, allows them to infiltrate courts or villages as beguiling humanoids or monstrous beasts, sowing discord or gathering secrets to further their schemes. Unlike true dragons, whose greed focuses on wealth, Hag Dragons crave power over life itself, hoarding stolen years and bending others to their will through fear or enchantment.

🏰 Lairs of Decay

Hag Dragons claim lairs that reflect their dual nature—haunted groves, cursed marshes, or ancient ruins where fey and draconic magic intertwine. These sanctuaries are shrouded in an aura of decay, where plants wither, waters stagnate, and the air hums with eerie whispers. Their lairs are labyrinthine, guarded by traps that age intruders or illusions that twist perception, ensuring only the cunning or desperate reach the dragon’s inner sanctum. Treasures within are eclectic, blending hag-like fetishes—bones, cursed trinkets, and grimoires—with draconic wealth like gems and artifacts, all steeped in the stench of rot and time.

🌌 Harbingers of Doom

In a campaign, Hag Dragons are unparalleled antagonists, their unnatural origins and rapid growth making them dynamic and terrifying foes. They challenge adventurers not just with physical might but with moral and strategic dilemmas—how does one combat a creature that grows stronger with every life it steals? Encounters may involve thwarting a hag coven’s ritual, freeing a young Hag Dragon from its creators, or facing a fully matured monstrosity bent on reshaping the world. Their lairs are stages for desperate battles, where time itself becomes a weapon. To confront a Hag Dragon is to face a creature born of betrayal and ambition, a living curse whose very existence defies the natural order.

Covens

A coven of Hag Dragons consists of three Hag Dragons in cooperation. When all members of the coven are within 60 feet of one another, they can cast the following spells by sharing Mana.

1. 1st level
2. Fog Cloud
3. Hideous Laughter
4. 2nd level
5. Darkness Sphere
6. Locate Object
7. 3rd level
8. Animate Dead, Minor
9. Counterspell
10. 4th level
11. Summon Arcane Eye
12. Puzzling Confusion
13. Charm Monster
14. 5th level
15. Animate Objects,
16. Cone of Cold
17. Illusory Twinning
18. 6th level
19. Eyebite
20. Move Earth
21. 7th level
22. Finger of Death
23. Forcecage
24. 8th level
25. Control Weather
26. Horrid Withering
27. 9th level
28. Imprisonment
29. Mass Polymorph
30. Time Stop,
31. True Polymorph
32. Wish Fulfillment

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.