Magical dragon

Magical dragons—also known as traditional dragons for their connections to magical traditions, and previously known as true dragons¹—are members of a broad classification of the most powerful dragons, including arcane, divine, occult, and primal dragons.² Some scholars have also associated at least one of these terms with imperial and outer dragons.³

They all share certain traits:

a steady growth in power and intelligence over time³⁴
innate magic³⁴
apex physical strength and agility³
efficient physiology³
a predilection toward hoarding wealth⁴

Magical dragons typically have four legs, two wings, and a tail.³

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

↑ Paizo referred to magical dragons (traditional dragons) as true dragons prior to the publication of Monster Core.
↑ Logan Bonner, et al. “Dragon” in Monster Core, 108–109. Paizo Inc., 2024
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 ^3.5 Mike McArtor. “Dragons of Golarion” in Fortress of the Stone Giants, 66. Paizo Inc., 2007
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 Logan Bonner, et al. “Dragon” in Monster Core, 108. Paizo Inc., 2024

[1] Paizo referred to magical dragons (traditional dragons) as true dragons prior to the publication of Monster Core.

[monster-core-108-109-2] Logan Bonner, et al. “Dragon” in Monster Core, 108–109. Paizo Inc., 2024

[fortress-of-the-stone-giants-66-3] 3.0 ^3.1 ^3.2 ^3.3 ^3.4 ^3.5 Mike McArtor. “Dragons of Golarion” in Fortress of the Stone Giants, 66. Paizo Inc., 2007

[monster-core-108-4] 4.0 ^4.1 ^4.2 Logan Bonner, et al. “Dragon” in Monster Core, 108. Paizo Inc., 2024

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LG	NG	CG
LN	N	CN
LE	NE	CE