Dragonhide armor – the mere mention conjures images of invincible warriors clad in shimmering scales, impervious to the elements and the wrath of lesser foes. But what exactly goes into transforming a ferocious beast into a wearable suit of protection? Let’s delve into the perilous and painstaking process of crafting this coveted gear, taking a closer look at how the dragon’s chromatic lineage imbues the armor with unique properties.
Step 1: The Hunt
The journey begins, as most epic tales do, with a formidable foe. Slaying a dragon is no easy feat, requiring a band of skilled adventurers with exceptional courage and tactical prowess. Their victory comes at a heavy price – facing the dragon’s fiery breath, razor-sharp claws, and immense physical power. Only the most seasoned warriors emerge from such an encounter with the prize – a massive hide, shimmering with the dragon’s elemental essence.
Step 2: The Price of Power
The raw hide, though potent, is far from ready for battle. It holds within it the lingering essence of the dragon’s power, often imbued with potent elements like fire, acid, or lightning. Skilled tanners, clad in protective gear and wielding specialized tools, embark on a delicate process of curing the hide. This involves neutralizing the elemental energies and toughening the scales without damaging their natural resilience. This stage is fraught with danger, as mishandling the hide can unleash a surge of elemental energy or leave the scales brittle and useless.
Step 3: Shaping the Scales
Once cured, the hide enters the domain of the master crafter. Using a blend of traditional leatherworking techniques and an understanding of draconic anatomy, the crafter painstakingly cuts and shapes the scales. This requires immense skill and precision, as even minor imperfections can compromise the armor’s integrity.
Step 4: The Art of the Forge
Depending on the desired level of protection and flexibility, the crafter might incorporate a base layer of leather or metal into the armor. This base provides structure and support for the scales, allowing for a more comfortable and functional suit. The hide is then meticulously attached to the base layer, using a combination of specialized rivets and potentially magical adhesives.
Step 5: The Enchanter’s Touch
For the truly discerning warrior, the final step involves a visit to a skilled enchanter. Through intricate rituals and the use of rare magical components, the enchanter can further enhance the armor’s properties. This could involve amplifying the dragon’s elemental resistance, granting the wearer a sliver of the dragon’s might, or even adding unique stealth or agility bonuses.
Special Properties by Type of Dragon
The true wonder of dragonhide armor lies not just in its resilience, but also in the unique properties bestowed upon it by the slain dragon’s chromatic lineage:
- Black: These dragons unleash a caustic acid spray. Armor crafted from their hides grants resistance to acid damage, a boon against venomous creatures and alchemical attacks.
- Red: The fiery breath of red dragons is legendary. Armor forged from their scales grants resistance to fire damage, allowing the wearer to stand amidst infernos with relative ease.
- Blue: Blue dragons, also known as storm dragons, crackle with electrical energy. Armor crafted from their hides grants resistance to lightning damage, protecting the wearer from the fury of the storm.
- White: These dragons command the power of ice and cold. Armor made from their hides grants resistance to cold damage, allowing the wearer to venture into the harshest frozen wastelands.
- Green: Green dragons exhale a noxious cloud of chlorine gas. Armor crafted from their hides grants resistance to poison damage, a boon against venomous creatures and assassins.
Reminder! The resistant mechanic is that a character takes half damage when attacked by that type of damage specifically.
A Labor of Love (and Maybe a Little Fear)
The creation of dragonhide armor is a testament to human ingenuity and daring. It’s a process fraught with danger, demanding exceptional skill and unwavering courage at every stage. The finished product, however, is a marvel of craftsmanship, a suit of armor that not only offers unparalleled protection but also serves as a potent symbol of the wearer’s prowess and connection to the power of dragons themselves.
Dragon Hide Stats
Dragon Hide Armor
AC: +6
Weight: 15 lbs
Special Properties: by type (see above)
Estimated Cost (Buying): 120,000 gp
Dragon Hide Armor: Cost Analysis
Buying:
Due to its rarity and the dangerous crafting process, Black Dragon Hide Armor would be an incredibly expensive purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the potential cost:
- Base Cost: A +5 suit of leather armor, which serves as the base for the Black Dragon Hide Armor, would cost around 45,000 gp (5,000 gp per +1 bonus). This is the starting point for the overall price.
- Material Cost: Black dragon hide itself is a valuable material, likely fetching a high price per square foot due to its limited availability and potential for crafting other valuable items. A full suit of armor would require a significant amount of hide, driving the cost up considerably. We can estimate the material cost to be around 25,000 gp.
- Crafting Cost: The complex and dangerous process of curing and working with black dragon hide, combined with the intricate enchantments involved, would command a hefty fee from a skilled dragonhide armorer. This could easily be another 50,000 gp or more depending on the armorer’s reputation and location.
Total Estimated Cost (Buying): 120,000 gp (45,000 gp base + 25,000 gp material + 50,000 gp crafting)
This price could vary depending on the campaign setting and the availability of black dragon hide. In some worlds, it might be a priceless artifact, not available for purchase at any cost.
Creating Black Dragon Hide Armor would be a challenging and time-consuming process. Here’s what it might entail:
- Materials:
- High-quality leather armor (as a base)
- A significant amount of black dragon hide (obtained through hunting or purchase)
- Rare and expensive magical components for the enchantments
- Skills:
- Masterful leatherworking skills
- Advanced knowledge of dragon physiology and acid neutralization techniques
- Enchanting skills
Time: The entire process, from acquiring the materials to crafting and enchanting the armor, could take months or even years.
Cost: The cost would be significantly lower than buying a finished product, but the time and effort involved are considerable. Here’s a breakdown:
- Materials: The cost of high-quality leather armor and the rare magical components could be around 20,000 gp.
- Skilled Labor: A master dragonhide armorer might charge a fee for their time and expertise, perhaps 10,000 gp.
Total Estimated Cost (Creating): 30,000 gp (20,000 gp materials + 10,000 gp labor)
