Linnorm

Linnorm
(Creature)
Uncommon CE Gargantuan Dragon Level Varies Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of linnorms Source: Bestiary, pg(s). 224–227 Type Dragon CR Varies Environment Varies Alignment LG NG CG LN N CN LE NE CE Images of linnorms Source: Bestiary 3, pg(s). 181

Linnorms are a family of gigantic, wingless dragons with long serpentine bodies, and who live in the far northern reaches of Avistan. Despite their lack of wings, linnorms are capable of magical fight. They were the original draconic race on Golarion, having existed here for eons before the arrival of the "true dragons" millennia ago.

Like true dragons, linnorms possess a terrible breath weapon. Unlike their cousins, however, they are not innate spellcasters. Instead, they have a strange connection to the First World of the fey, and are able to pass between our world and theirs and lay dying curses on those who slay them. Linnorms that still reside in the First World claim that they are the ancestors of all modern dragons. Many consider the Eldest Ragadahn as the father of the first linnorms, a title also claimed by Fafnheir.

Species of linnorm

A linnorm attacks a ship.

A number of species of linnorm are known to exist:

• Cairn linnorm
• Crag linnorm
• Fjord linnorm
• Gare linnorm
• Ice linnorm
• Taiga linnorm
• Tarn linnorm
• Tor linnorm

Other species, such as the water, snow, slate, and mire are rumored, but it is not known whether these denote distinct species, or are simply different names for some of those mentioned above.

Abilities

A linnorm asleep on its hoard.

Different types of linnorm have a number of abilities in common:

• Every linnorm type has a particular death curse that affects any creature that slays a linnorm.
• They have a boon equivalent to a constant freedom of movement spell.
• They cannot be physically constrained.
• They are unaffected by mind-affecting magic.
• They are immune to curses.
• They see through illusions and magical disguises as though a true seeing spell constantly affects them.
• They can resist most other spells.
• They resist damage from weapons and are able to regenerate any damage they do suffer.
• They have venomous bites and breath weapons.

In keeping with their fey connection, cold iron weapons are also anathematic to them, and they are unable to regenerate wounds caused by such weapons.

On Golarion

Linnorms are greatly feared and respected by the populace of the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. Like that nation's name suggests, a potential ruler must carry a linnorm's head through the city gate in order to secure a mandate to rule. Within that same nation resides Fafnheir, the self-styled "Father of all Linnorms". In distant Vudra, many linnorms are found in the Pardaparbat Mountains near the valley of Viritash's Tail. Here, they fight with each other and other corrupted dragons for control of a powerful, unholy artifact of the Vudran dragon god Viritash.

References

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