Chapter 57: Crimson Scales (Final)
The construction of the faction subclass was completed.
[Crimson Scaled Conqueror]:
[Crimson Scaled Conquerors are a unique group of knights loyal to the master of Ember Nest—the red dragon Cassius. They patrol the vast lands of the red dragon as rangers, scouting for enemies, whether they be kingdom armies or would-be dragon slayers. When war comes, they become fearsome conquerors.
To become a Crimson Scaled Conqueror, one must possess dragon blood, signifying they are the most loyal servants of the red dragon. When they charge as a group, both flame and claw are their weapons, and no enemy wishes to face these dragon-like figures.
At the sound of a distant dragon roar, the Crimson Scaled Conquerors will ride their massive dragon-blooded mounts, descending from the sky to bring endless fire and absolute death to their enemies.]
[In addition to warrior's base abilities, [Crimson Scaled Conqueror] gains extra traits.]
[Level 3 grants the traits: [Born to Ride][Dragon Roar Charge]]
[[Born to Ride]: Your expertise as a cavalryman is evident, with a riding skill bonus of +3. You have an advantage on saving throws to avoid falling from your mount. If you do fall and land, as long as you are not incapacitated, you land on your feet.]
[[Dragon Roar Charge]: You and your mount emit a terrifying dragon roar during a charge. All enemies in your charge path must make a saving throw; on failure, they enter a state of panic. While charging, you and your mount are fearless, with increased strength and immunity to most status effects.]
[Level 7 grants the traits: [Sky Conqueror][Dragon's Minion]]
[[Sky Conqueror]: Your advanced riding skills allow you to master the skies, with an additional +3 to riding skill. You and your mount move as one, able to perform aerial maneuvers such as stops, turns, rolls, climbs, and dives.]
[[Dragon's Minion]: As the red dragon's most loyal servant, your dragon transformation advances, turning you from a dragon-blooded humanoid into a full-fledged dragon hybrid—half-dragon. You gain dragon traits, enhancing your claw and bite attacks, and can unleash fiery breath in mid-air. However, you will also take additional damage from dragon-targeted weapons.]
[Current level cap for [Crimson Scaled Conqueror]: Level 8]
[Additional traits await further construction and unlocking—]
"This power level definitely makes it one of the strongest early-game warrior subclasses."
"And with the flight capability, hmm."
"It's practically overpowered."
Cassius thought to himself.
"I'll definitely charge players a hefty price for this."
Cassius was already calculating how to profit from the future influx of players.
In the 1.0 version, where player levels were capped at 8, martial classes were still popular, and the powerful traits of the [Crimson Scaled Conqueror] would attract numerous strength-focused players.
Besides, in the eyes of certain players with unique tastes, turning half-dragon was hardly ugly—if anything, it was a mark of allure.
In his past life, after the "dragonborn" race was introduced, certain yellow-and-black websites were flooded with strange videos, showcasing the fervor and obsession of these dragon enthusiasts.
In an era without widespread flight spells or gravity magic, flying monsters were players' nightmares, as evidenced by the thousand-plus players who struggled in vain against a certain red dragon boss.
The flying mounts and aerial abilities of the [Crimson Scaled Conqueror] subclass would undoubtedly drive players into a frenzy to acquire it.
Cassius reviewed the panel for a long time.
During this time, the half-dragon man remained kneeling on the ground, awaiting orders without complaint.
Finally, after reading all the information, Cassius said:
"Stand up."
Alger slowly rose, his clothes torn completely, leaving his body covered only by scales.
Cassius observed his half-dragon, half-human form and said:
"For now, you will carry out patrol duties. Additionally, I need you to train more knights like yourself within Ember Nest. Humans, hobgoblins, lizardfolk, Tieflings—anyone you deem talented can be chosen."
"Master, it's challenging. It may take a lot of time, and the success rate will be very low."
"At Northwind Fortress, I trained for ten years. Out of the initial hundred selected, only six succeeded in the end."
"And your current followers..."
"Forgive me, but they wouldn't even pass the first selection round back then."
Alger responded honestly.
"Just do what you can. In the future, many... special individuals will join."
"They will show you what true natural talent looks like."
Cassius said with confidence.
Although Alger was unaware of the arrival of players, seeing his master's certainty, he obeyed with respect.
"Yes, Master."
Alger then mounted his dragon-blooded giant eagle, soaring into the air, heading out of the cave.
"Caw—"
The dragon-blooded giant eagle, eager to finally see sunlight after so long, let out loud eagle cries, now carrying a hint of dragon roar.
Cassius watched Alger ride the giant eagle into the distance, exhaling a sulfurous breath.
[Target is your follower [Alger]. As his master, you can discern the following information.]
[Crimson Scaled Conqueror - Alger]
Name: Alger Yeoman
Category: Medium Dragon-type Creature (Half-Dragon Human), Neutral Evil
AC: 17 (Natural Armor)
Speed: Flying 90 feet, Land 40 feet
Strength — 20
Dexterity — 16
Constitution — 18
Intelligence — 11
Wisdom — 14
Charisma — 13
Class Level: Warrior - Crimson Scaled Conqueror Level 8
Mount: Dragon-blooded Giant Eagle (Level 5)
Martial Weapons: Longsword, Shortsword, Greatsword, Longbow, Heavy Crossbow, Lance
Simple Weapons: Dagger, Shortbow, Light Crossbow
Skill Proficiencies: Riding +15, Warfare +9, Hunting +7, Athletics +6, Perception +6, Leadership +4, Survival +4, Investigation +2, Tracking +4, Stealth +4
Senses: Passive Perception 14
Languages: Common
Abilities: Dragon Roar Charge, Fire Breath, Commander's Ambush, Slash Attack, Piercing Attack, Action Surge, Second Wind
Class Features: Born to Ride, Sky Conqueror, Dragon's Minion
Feats: Alert, Cleave, Great Weapon Master, Cavalry Expert, Flight Master, Dragonhide
Combat Equipment: Silver Eagle Sword
Challenge Rating: 10 (5,900 XP)
Evaluation: Once an Eagle Guard, now the dragon's most loyal servant, reborn in flames, he walks the path of vengeance. If you provoke the red dragon, he may descend upon you on his dragon-blooded giant eagle, dealing death with sword and flame.
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