The Pokemon franchise is designed around single-player experiences and PVP multiplayer battles. It’s not built for the group party dynamics of a game like Dungeons & Dragons, but the monsters from Pokemon can still be used as enemies for parties to face. To this end, we have statted out the Dratini line for use in D&D adventures.
Game Freak initially only had 151 slots for Pokemon in Red & Blue. The developers made some Pokemon types rarer than others. This is why there were only three Ghost-type Pokemon in Gen 1 (the Gastly line) and only three Dragon-type Pokemon. The three dragons were Dratini, Dragonair, and Dragonite. The Dratini line was a nightmare to catch in Gen 1, as they could only be acquired in the Safari Zone with a Super Rod, or by spending coins in the Game Corner. This didn’t stop fans from wanting them, partly because of the episode of the anime that featured the giant Dragonite, and partly due to Lance’s team of killer dragons at the end of the game. The fact that Dragon-type were only weak to Ice-type and other Dragon-type moves also made them a great choice, as it was rare for their weaknesses to be exploited. The Dratini line has gained almost no support since Gen 1, but they are still incredibly popular with the fans.
Related: How To Turn The Gastly Line From Pokemon Into D&D Monsters
Dratini’s Stats
The majority of the true dragons reside on land and in the skies. There are some creatures that reside underwater in their formative years, before finally developing wings. Dratini are a species of small, serpentine dragons that live in bodies of water. Despite their small size, these creatures can pack an incredible punch. They can fire bolts of thunder from their body, which can paralyze enemies in their tracks, allowing the Dratini a chance to flee. Their most potent ability is a cyclone of radiant energy that the Dratini can fire from its mouth, which can evaporate a fiend or undead that is foolish enough to approach it.
Dratini are the spawn of dragons with a connection to the upper planes. Their aquatic nature allows them to remain safe from prying eyes, as few people search for dragons underwater. These creatures can quickly shed their skin when injured, allowing them to escape from permanent injuries.
Dragonair’s Stats
A Dratini will eventually sprout wings on its head, giving it the magical ability to fly. It transforms into a creature known as a Dragonair, which will go out into the world and observe the other races from the safety of the skies. These creatures have gained a near-mythical status for protecting travelers from harm and for saving villages that are about to be overrun. Dragonair gains greater control over its ability to conjure radiant energy, and it will use its powers to destroy any evildoers it finds. This isn’t to say that all Dragonair are champions of good, as some can quickly grow judgemental of the actions of the demihuman races. It’s not unheard of for Dragonair to become weary of non-dragons, and go on a journey to the upper planes.
Dragonite’s Stats
Once a Dragonair has committed enough deeds to gain the attention of Bahamut, it is changed into a form more befitting a true dragon. The Dragonite is born anew, leaving its blue body behind, by ripping itself out of its old skin. It gains a bipedal form, a set of wings, and develops a powerful set of scales that are as thick as armor. Whatever emotions (good or ill) that were experienced during its Dragonair form are amplified many times when it becomes a Dragonite, but they most commonly come to the fore during battle.
Dragonite have a reputation for being friendly under most circumstances until it’s called to battle. This new creature gains powers that are directly tied to its powerful rage. Dragonite can become the living embodiment of justice or a harbinger of doom. Its control over radiant energy is such that it can fire beams of unfathomable power. The only downside to these abilities is that they can leave the Dragonite temporarily weakened, giving its foes a chance to slay it, or at least run away. It’s said that there are incredibly powerful mortals who can bind Dragonite to their will, but anyone unfortunate enough to see one of these creatures during a rampage will dismiss the notion outright.
Next: How To Turn Tangela From Pokemon Into A D&D Monster
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Scott has been writing for The Gamer since it launched in 2017 and also regularly contributes to Screen Rant. He has previously written gaming articles for websites like Cracked, Dorkly, Topless Robot, and TopTenz. He has been gaming since the days of the ZX Spectrum, when it used to take 40 minutes to load a game from a tape cassette player to a black and white TV set.
Scott thinks Chrono Trigger is the best video game of all time, followed closely by Final Fantasy Tactics and Baldur’s Gate 2. He pretends that sorcerer is his favorite Dungeons & Dragons class in public but he secretly loves bards.
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