The Rusty Armor Drake

General Information

Armor dragons are said to be the result of an enchantment becoming a wild species. These dragons are often studied by mages hoping to learn summoning magic , as they are regarded as a perfect example of a successful and possibly overly successful summon.

---

Given their sterility and certain quirks of cloak formation and behavior, rusty armor drakes are commonly believed to be either prototypes for or imperfect copies of normal armor drakes. However, if so, they are not inferior copies and, surprisingly, not overly prone to rust. A rusty armor drake's "rust" is part of the natural coloration of the scales and perfectly harmless, though it can sometimes disguise actual patches of rust. The markings are formed during the brewing process and are unique to each individual. A mage who is particularly experienced at alchemy can look at a grown rusty armor drake and draw accurate conclusions about the experience level of the mage who brewed it, as well as the quality of both the equipment and materials used.

Egg Information

This egg has a large metal piece attached to it.

---

Rusty armor drake eggs look effectively identical to normal armor drake eggs. Any mage raising both is recommended not to sell or abandon an unhatched egg if there is any chance of confusion. Rusty armor drake eggs are just as sturdy as the regular kind and require no additional special attention.

Baby Information

This hatchling seems to not be anything but a suit of armor. It is incredibly clumsy and often pieces of it fall off.

---

Rusty armor drakes hatch looking like they were left out in the rain. However, they are not particularly fragile, and can be safely housed with other baby armor drakes. Though gentle giants, they are too clumsy to safely play with hatchlings of other species, even ones with their own natural armor. However, suitably cautious arcane dragons can be used as babysitters.

Teen Information

This hatchling seems to not be anything but a suit of armor. It is incredibly clumsy and often pieces of it fall off. Its grown more and it seems to have taken a cloak into its suit. It also is less clumsy and less prone to falling apart.

---

One sign of impending adulthood in rusty armor drakes is that the characteristic rust-colored patterning begins to spread and grow in complexity. Another is the increasingly insistent hunt for a cloak. Mages who fail to provide a suitable variety may find themselves subject to sudden wardrobe modifications. While individual preferences vary, rusty armor drakes tend to prefer sturdy material in vibrant colors and striking patterns. A cloak can be formed from several distinct pieces of cloth and can even incorporate any scraps used to patch holes, giving rusty armor drakes a distinctive patchwork appearance.

Adult Information

Your hatchling has grown and it seems to be an enchanted piece of armor instead of a true dragon. Your other magical dragons are weary of this creature, especially since its origins of summoning are unknown. Any attempts to probe it for its magical focal end up in a location in no where.

---

Grown rusty armor drakes like to accessorize with a plume, ideally one that clashes with their cloak. Given the choice, they prefer an article of clothing that once belonged to their mage. Unlike their shinier kindred, rusty armor drakes are usually inconveniently loyal to the mage who raised them, charging to their defense against such dreadful foes as gusts of wind, blowing leaves, and suspicious clumps of earth. Many also become convinced that they should follow their mage everywhere, which frequently leads to them getting stuck in doorways.