Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, the upcoming sourcebook for the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, is reinventing the Deep Dragon.
The powerful creature, also known as a Purple Dragon, will no longer resemble the sleek, serpent-like beast seen in previous versions of Dungeons & Dragons. As shared by YouTube channel Nerd Immersion, the new version sports a shorter neck that holds up a fish-like head. This new Deep Dragon also features large, pale eyes which is likely an evolutionary trait from existing within the shadows of the Underdark. Its limbs are smaller, hugging its burly body tightly. Given the claustrophobic environment it lives in, Fizban's Treasury of Dragons is clearly trying to alter its appearance to resemble a creature that rarely, possibly never, makes direct contact with sunlight.
Previous descriptions of the Deep Dragons suggest that its slender and agile shape helped it to swiftly crawl through tunnels in the Underdark. Its scales shone like an amethyst when exposed to light and appeared nearly black when seen in shadow. Nerd Immersion states that the Fizban version of the creature is described as having "grayish black salamander like skin," reinforcing its theme of living underground.
Some fans have expressed enthusiasm over the drastic redesign, saying that the bulkier, creepier look is more suitable for a creature that grew up in the spooky caverns of the Underdark. Others believe that the Deep Dragon doesn't look intimidating enough, stating that the design is closer to a drake or a giant ground-based lizard that lacks the majesty of a full-blown dragon.
The Deep Dragon isn't the only major refresh in Fizban's Treasury of Dragons. The Emerald Dragon has also undergone a change, adopting a style that's more elegant and glossy than previous incarnations. When speaking to the alteration, senior Dungeons & Dragons concept artist Shawn G. Wood said, "Some the dragon redesigns I did are probably the biggest DND changes I've done since my take on the firbolg," writes Wood. "I know not everyone will be happy where I took them, but I hope most appreciate it. This is a cool little preview."
Launching on Oct. 26, Fizban's Treasury of Dragons provides players and Dungeon Masters with all the tools they need to build campaigns around some of Dungeons & Dragons' most intimidating monsters. The sourcebook introduces new racial traits, items, magic and a unique bestiary. Long-time players can look forward to the introduction of Gem Dragons to Fifth Edition, a sub-species of Dragon that has been absent from the game since Third Edition.
Source: YouTube