The Greatness of Garnets
Everything you ever wanted to know about garnet dragons
Hello my friend!
Continuing our series on the magnificent dragons that inhabit my worlds, today we delve into the fearsome and majestic Garnet Dragon. As the most dominant of the Stone Dragons, these creatures have fascinated and terrified humans since the dawn of our existence, their ruby-hued scales and domineering presence casting long shadows across our collective mythology.
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As a quick reminder for newcomers (and those who might have missed the first installment on Azurite dragons, which you can read HERE), I categorize dragons into four distinct groups:
Metallic dragons: Silver, Gold, Bronze, Brass, Steel, Copper, Iron, Pyrite, and Platinum (though these are in some respects a category all their own).
These breeds are typically more benevolent and peaceful, as dragons go.
Stone dragons: Garnet, Azurite, Agate, Malachite, Celestine, Hematite, Cobalt, Granite, and Charoite.
These dragons tend to be more self-serving and aggressive than other dragons. They are also more prone to madness than other breeds.
Gem dragons: Amethyst, Topaz, Emerald, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, and Alexandrite.
These are those who typically fall between the two extremes of Metal and Stone. They tend to be more controlled, logical, and thoughtful than other dragons. As such, they have a tendency to end up in positions of arbitration or judgement and in conflicts tend to side with whomever will end up causing the least harm to the least number of souls.
Unclassifiable: (those who do not fall within any class of species) These include such oddball breeds as the Shadow dragon, Sand wyrm, Sea dragon, Dragon Turtle, Bark dragon, Fire wyrm, Ice wyrm, Rock wyrm, and Spirit dragon.
As one might expect, there is no analog tying these breeds together except their inability to be classified. There are no commonalities of organization, physiology, or attitudes that link them.
Naturally, anyone with a D&D background will see there is an obvious correlation to how I organize my dragon breeds. And you aren’t wrong! Now, I don’t see them as quite so harmonious or homogeneous as they are presented in that particular game. And obviously I have more different types than any D&D material I’ve ever read. But, of course, considering how young I was when I first discovered D&D, many of the elements I was exposed to then (AD&D 2nd Edition, if you’re curious) have gone on to inform a significant part of my fantasy world view.
Now, without further delay, let's venture into the scorching domain of the Garnet Dragon, arguably the most feared (if not respected) of all dragonkind.
GARNET DRAGONS
Dragons with scales of deep crimson have dominated human mythology across nearly every culture. From the fire-breathing terrors of European folklore to the divine yet capricious lung dragons of Chinese mythology, these creatures have represented both supreme power and untamable destructive force.
While my Garnet dragons share many traits with the classic red dragons of Dungeons & Dragons lore, they possess their own unique characteristics and social structures that set them apart. Where the red dragons of the Forgotten Realms might be characterized as purely avaricious and cruel, my Garnet dragons embody a more complex brand of dominion. One built upon philosophical principles of natural hierarchy that they believe to be the proper order of all things.
Any reader of Dragonlance will certainly recognize, echoes of a number of these proud, imperious creatures presented by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have made it into my work. Yet unlike those of the Dragonlance Saga, my Garnet dragons answer to no deity but themselves. For while many (if not most) have a certain reverence for their dark goddess, The Lady of Chaos, Tiamat, they believe themselves to be the rightful inheritors of their goddess's legacy and as such, destined to rule.
Unlike the dragons depicted in the Inheritance Cycle, where the bond between dragon and rider creates a tempered, more cooperative personality, Garnet dragons reject any notion of equal partnership with "lesser" beings. Additionally, like most, Garnets cannot be reduced to mere biological specimens. Their fierce intelligence and arcane nature place them firmly beyond the grasp of human comprehension.
But enough comparisons. Let's explore these magnificent creatures in their own right.
Habitat
Garnet dragons are creatures of heat and flame, drawn inexorably to the most scorching environments our world has to offer. Volcanic regions hold particular appeal, with many elder Garnets establishing their domains within the caldera of dormant volcanoes or carving elaborate lairs into the obsidian walls of volcanic tubes. The constant heat radiating from magma chambers provides the perfect ambient temperature for their comfort, and the natural defenses offered by such inhospitable terrain discourage all but the most determined (or foolish) would-be dragon slayers.
Even Garnets who don't claim volcanic territories will invariably seek hot, arid environments. Desert plateaus, scorching badlands, and sun-baked mountain ranges are all common dwelling places. Unlike their Azurite cousins who can thrive in either extreme heat or cold, Garnets find cold environments physically uncomfortable and socially demeaning. In their hierarchy, only the weakest or most desperate would willingly endure such conditions.
Which puts the great garnet from my books, Graayyyavalllia in a bit of an awkward position. Although her chosen lair during the Long Sleep does, in fact, include a flowing tube of magma to keep its environs nice and toasty, it has the downside of being deep beneath the waves of the ocean a ways south of the southern tip of Britain (Or Prydain, as it was known before the Long Sleep). Of course, later in the series she finds herself in a much more inhospitable location, but by this time she is quite beyond worrying about what other garnet dragons may think of her (detailed in the events of Power of the Overlords)
The lairs of Garnet dragons are masterpieces of draconic architecture. Unlike many other dragon breeds who might be content with natural caverns, Garnets tend to meticulously reshape their environments to reflect their grandeur. Wide, imposing entranceways lead to vaulted chambers where the ambient temperature steadily rises as one ventures deeper. Tunnels are deliberately designed to amplify the dragon's roar, creating disorienting echoes that confuse and terrify intruders.
Most distinctive, however, are the "hearth chambers" that many elder Garnets maintain. These are vast central halls where arcane flames burn eternally, kept ablaze through ancient draconic enchantments. Here, the dragons bask in temperatures that would instantly incinerate human flesh, their scales absorbing and reflecting the fiery light in mesmerizing patterns of deep crimson and burnished copper.
Travelers in Garnet territory learn quickly to watch for the telltale signs: blackened rock formations, inexplicable heat mirages even in cooler seasons, and most tellingly, the absence of birds in the sky. For where a Garnet claims dominion, lesser creatures wisely give wide berth.
Size
Garnet dragons are among the largest of dragonkind, their physical dominance matching their territorial ambitions. At hatching, a Garnet wyrmling already measures an impressive 5-8 feet in length (not including their tail, which adds another 3-5 feet), making them significantly larger than most newly-hatched dragons of other breeds.
Growth occurs rapidly during the first century, with young adults typically reaching 45-60 feet in body length, with tails adding another 30-40 feet. This rapid development plateaus somewhat after the two-hundred years, but like all dragons, they never actually stop growing.
Garnets considered ancient, those approaching a millennium or more in age, have been reported to reach massive lengths of over 200 feet in body length. While The oldest known Garnets, which in the post-Sleep era can be 4-5 millennia or more, are truly colossal beasts. The largest garnet dragon on record was the gransdire of Graayyyavalllia, a wyrm called Vaashhtyyalliaaaun, who, at the time of the start of the Great Dragon War measured an astounding 894 feet, plus an additional 631 feet of tail.
This impressive growth that continues throughout their lives contributes significantly to the Garnet social hierarchy, as size is equated directly with power and authority. Unlike some dragon breeds that might value cunning or arcane prowess over physical might, Garnets embrace a straightforward philosophy: larger means stronger, and stronger means more worthy of leadership.
However, this was much tempered in the two millennia of the Council Age before the Long Sleep, when they had to accept Council Rulings on many matters. However, in the post-Great Dragon War era, they have largely gone back to their natural inclinations.
Garnet dragon eggs are massive, standing between 4-6 feet tall, with a distinctive deep crimson coloration that darkens toward the base. The surface texture resembles polished stone, with subtle faceting patterns reminiscent of the garnet stone for which they're named. Unlike the eggs of some other dragon species, Garnet eggs radiate noticeable heat, and handlers (in the rare cases where eggs are obtained by non-dragons) must take exceptional precautions to avoid severe burns.
As the clutch nears hatching, the eggs develop a luminous quality, with a dull red glow pulsing from within that grows steadily more intense until the moment of emergence. Folklore speaks of Garnet eggs that burned so brightly before hatching that they turned night to day for miles around, a herald announcing the arrival of an exceptionally powerful wyrm.
Reproduction
The mating rituals of Garnet dragons are spectacular and perilous affairs, often leaving permanent marks upon the landscape. Unlike the lifelong bonds formed by Azurites, Garnets rarely maintain permanent mating relationships, instead engaging in fierce competitions to determine worthy pairings.
These mating flights begin with elaborate aerial displays, as prospective partners test each other's strength and agility through a series of increasingly complex maneuvers. What begins as a dance eventually escalates into mock combat, with potential mates breathing controlled gouts of flame at one another and engaging in brief but intense physical clashes.
This violent courtship serves multiple purposes: it demonstrates fitness, establishes dominance hierarchies between the pair, and prepares the female's body for reproduction by raising her internal temperature to the extraordinary levels necessary for egg formation.
Once mating occurs, the female's internal biology shifts dramatically to accommodate the developing eggs. The gestation period for Garnet dragons runs between 26-30 months, significantly longer than most other dragon breeds. During this time, the female's flame grows hotter and more unstable, and her temperament becomes markedly more aggressive, even by Garnet standards.
Unlike the cooperative family units of Azurites, Garnet females typically drive away the males after conception, defending her territory fiercely from all intruders. The females construct elaborate nesting chambers deep within their lairs, often surrounding the clutch with pools of lava or arcane fire to maintain the extreme temperatures required for proper development.
After laying a clutch of 2-6 eggs, the incubation period lasts an additional 10-16 months, during which time the female rarely leaves her eggs unattended. Should she need to hunt or defend her territory, she will often create elaborate illusions or summon elemental guardians to protect her clutch.
The moment of hatching is particularly dangerous for anyone other than the mother, as many newly-emerged Garnet wyrmlings are capable of breathing fire from the instant they crack their shells, and those who can do so instinctively when sensing unfamiliar presences. Those who cannot are known to lash out with their razor-sharp teeth and whiplike tails.
Organization
The social structures of Garnet dragons reflect their fundamental philosophy: power governs all. Their societies operate on strict hierarchies determined primarily by age, size, and demonstrated arcane and martial prowess.
At the pinnacle of Garnet society stand the Ancients, wyrms who have survived at least a millennium of challenges and proven their supremacy through combat and conquest. An Ancient typically claims dominion over vast territories, demanding tribute and allegiance from lesser Garnets (and any other sentient creatures) who dwell within their domain.
Beneath these supreme rulers exist various ranks, often denoted by specific titles that differ between regions but follow similar patterns: Wardens, who enforce the Ancient’s will; Sentinels, who patrol territorial boundaries; Emissaries, who interact with other dragon breeds or (rarely) with non-draconic civilizations.
Unlike many dragon breeds who prefer solitude, Garnets often establish complicated dynastic relationships, with multiple generations acknowledging the authority of a single dominant elder. These arrangements are not based on affection but on pragmatic recognition of power realities, younger dragons gain protection and learning opportunities in exchange for service and tribute to their superiors.
Most distinctive about Garnet society is their formalized Challenge system. Any dragon may challenge a superior for their position, provided they follow strictly defined protocols. These duels are not necessarily to the death (though they often end that way), but rather continue until one combatant submits or is rendered incapable of continuing.
The Garnet Challenge has given rise to elaborate ceremonial behaviors surrounding dominance disputes. Challengers must announce their intentions through specific roars and flame displays, give their opponent time to prepare, and honor the victor regardless of outcome. These rituals separate "civilized" combat from mere savage aggression, and dragons who circumvent these protocols are considered dishonorable and may face collective punishment from the broader Garnet society.
This focus on formalized power structures stands in stark contrast to the more communal Azurites or the solitary habits of many other breeds. It enabled Garnets to coordinate large-scale actions when necessary, making them particularly dangerous opponents in the Dragon Wars of old, and allowed them to maintain control over vast territories even as human civilizations expanded.
Physiology
Garnet dragons epitomize the classical image of the fire-breathing dragon. Their scales begin life as a bright, almost translucent red that deepens and darkens with age, eventually achieving the rich, multifaceted crimson of the stone for which they're named.
Speaking of which, I was recently called out on a detail about Garnet Dragons and I have to admit to owing this individual thanks. While it’s an apparent contradiction that I was aware of, it hadn’t occurred to talk about it publicly. So here we are.
And the apparent contradiction is this: Garnet is frequently considered a gemstone, rather that just a type of mineral rock. Which is true. The truth, much as it is with many types of gemstone, however, is significantly more complicated than that. You see, there are numerous types of garnet. More than 20, in fact, and among them there is a wide array of different compositions that form them. And among those different types, some are considered gemstones but others are not.
To dig into this a little bit, my understanding is that it comes largely down to composition. Garnets that are Pure Almondine (those without any Pyrope present) are rarely considered gemstones, and these are the basis for my garnet dragons. Here is what this type of garnet typically looks like:
Now, back to the dragons.
In the oldest specimens, the scales along their spine and crown may develop black edges, creating the impression of constant smoldering.
Their physical form typically reflects their aggressive nature: heavily muscled, with powerful jaws bristling with serrated teeth capable of shearing through stone and metal alike. Their heads typically feature between four and six horns that sweep backward in elaborate curves, growing more ornate and branched with age. Males generally develop more extensive horn structures than females, though females often possess more pronounced spinal ridges.
The wings of a Garnet dragon are proportionally larger than those of many other breeds, allowing for impressive aerial maneuverability despite their substantial bulk. The wing membranes contain an intricate network of heat-resistant blood vessels that also serve to radiate excess body heat during flight. When backlit by sunlight, these membranes create a spectacular stained-glass effect of deep ruby hues.
Their tails typically end in distinctive arrowhead or spade-shaped fins edged with bony protrusions, wielded with devastating effect in combat. Unlike some breeds that might use their tails primarily for balance, Garnets have developed extraordinary muscular control over these appendages, wielding them as precision weapons.
Most fearsome of all is their elemental breath. Like other stone dragons, the Garnet has only a single Golar. But the Golar organ of a Garnet dragon produces the hottest fire of any dragon breed. From an ancient specimen, it is capable of melting stone and reducing steel to liquid in seconds. This fire manifests as a concentrated jet that can extend over a hundred feet from the largest specimens. The flames themselves vary in color from bright orange-yellow in younger dragons to an intense white-hot blaze in elders that leaves a distinctive crimson afterglow in its wake.
One of the most remarkable properties of Garnet dragons lies in their bodily fluids. Their tears, hot to the touch even hours after shedding, contain trace elements of their fiery nature. These tears maintain a muted crimson hue, somewhat paler than their scales, and are prized by alchemists for their heat-retention properties.
Their blood, however, is far more dangerous. A vibrant, almost luminous scarlet liquid that burns with unnatural intensity. The blood of elder Garnets possesses the astounding ability to set water itself ablaze, creating untamable fires that can spread across lake and river surfaces. This phenomenon has given rise to numerous legends of "burning lakes" in regions where great Garnet battles occurred in ages past.
This extraordinary physiology comes with certain vulnerabilities. Garnet dragons must periodically "bank their internal fires" through periods of deep rest in extremely hot environments, lest their tremendous energy expenditure exhaust them. They also display marked discomfort in cold environments, becoming sluggish and irritable when temperatures drop below what humans would consider comfortably warm.
Personality
If there exists a single defining trait among Garnet dragons, it is their unyielding belief in their inherent right to rule. This conviction runs deeper than mere arrogance, it constitutes the foundational philosophy through which they interpret all existence. From the moment they emerge from their shells, Garnets understand the world as a hierarchy in which the strong rightfully command the weak, and they see themselves as the pinnacle of strength.
This worldview manifests in a distinctive blend of traits that sets them apart from other dragon breeds. Their legendary pride is not merely vanity but a deeply held conviction in their own excellence. To a Garnet, acknowledging another's superiority isn't merely unpleasant, it violates their fundamental understanding of reality. Regardless of how often they are forced to do it.
Their aggression, likewise, stems not from mindless savagery but from a calculated approach to establishing and maintaining dominance. Young Garnets quickly learn that displays of power, whether through physical might or arcane prowess, are the currency by which status is earned. This creates a society that values bold action and decisive victories over subtlety or compromise.
Perhaps most dangerous is their patience. Unlike the chaotic impulsiveness sometimes seen in other Stone Dragons, Garnets can maintain centuries-long vendettas, carefully plotting retribution for perceived slights. Their memories are exceptionally acute when it comes to insults or challenges, and many a kingdom has burned generations after its ruler offended a Garnet wyrmling, not realizing the doom they had set in motion.
Garnets form few attachments, viewing most relationships through the lens of utility and power dynamics. They can, however, develop complex emotional connections to those who earn their respect, typically through demonstrations of exceptional courage or power. These rare relationships never manifest as equality, but rather as a form of elevated servitude in which the lesser party receives unprecedented consideration from their draconic superior.
Their intellectual pursuits tend toward subjects that enhance their authority: arcane knowledge that amplifies their already formidable magical abilities, historical studies that provide strategic insights, even artistic endeavors that celebrate conquest and dominance. Many elder Garnets maintain extensive libraries filled with rare manuscripts, often "collected" from civilizations they've subjugated.
However, the human assumption of the epitomous “Dragon Hoard” is a myth that was created to help themselves sleep at night. The thought that they could “buy off” a dragon who had set its sights on their destruction just a comforting fiction creating by those who believed their wealth made them better than others in their communities.
Most remarkable is the Garnet approach to territory. Unlike other dragons who might claim a mountain or valley, mature Garnets conceptualize their domains in political rather than merely geographical terms. They establish elaborate systems of tribute, designate vassals (draconic or otherwise), and create hierarchical governance structures that can span entire regions. In essence, they don't merely lair in territories—they rule kingdoms.
Although, again, this tendency was largely tempered in the Council era, when the Platinum’s tended to be the final voice in rules that affected the whole of draconic society.
Their combination of aggression, strategic patience, and administrative aptitude has historically made Garnet dragons the most successful conquerors among dragonkind. It has also made them the primary antagonists in countless heroic legends, for where Garnets establish dominion, freedom inevitably perishes in flame.
Combat
The battlefield approach of a Garnet dragon epitomizes their philosophy: overwhelming force applied with tactical precision. Unlike some dragon breeds that might rely on stealth or deception, Garnets typically announce their presence with spectacular displays of power; skyward jets of flame, earth-shaking roars, and dramatic aerial maneuvers designed to demonstrate their superiority before combat even begins.
This is not mere theatricality, but calculated psychological warfare. A Garnet understands that battles can be won before the first blow is struck if opponents can be sufficiently intimidated. Against lesser foes, this display alone is often enough to secure surrender or retreat.
When actual combat commences, Garnets demonstrate surprising discipline for creatures of such destructive potential. Young dragons might unleash their fiery breath indiscriminately, but mature specimens deploy this ultimate weapon with strategic consideration, using it to create impassable barriers, target clustered opponents, or destroy key structures.
Their physical attacks follow similarly calculated patterns. The initial assault typically comes from above, with powerful diving attacks that make full use of their considerable weight. Their preferred target is not the most vulnerable opponent, but the apparent leader or strongest warrior, for in felling the mightiest foe first, they assert their dominance over the remainder.
The tail of a Garnet serves as both bludgeon and blade, sweeping through ranks of smaller opponents or delivering precision strikes against larger targets. Their front claws, while devastating in close combat, are employed somewhat less frequently, as Garnets prefer to maintain distance that allows them to pivot quickly between multiple threats.
Most fearsome is their mastery of combining physical attacks with arcane abilities. A common tactic involves using telekinetic force to hurl opponents into the air, then intercepting them with jaws or claws before they can recover. Another favorite strategy employs illusions to project multiple attacking dragons, forcing enemies to divide their attention while the true assault comes from an unexpected direction.
Against fellow dragons or particularly formidable opponents, Garnets fight with methodical brutality, targeting wings or legs to reduce mobility before moving in for killing blows. They rarely retreat from battle, viewing withdrawal as a fundamental admission of inferiority that violates their core identity. This does not, however, prevent tactical repositioning or strategic pauses to assess changing battle conditions.
Perhaps most terrifying to those who face them is the Garnet tendency to prolong combat against worthy adversaries. While they dispatch common soldiers efficiently, they often extend confrontations with champions or rival dragons, testing themselves against these exceptional opponents and savoring the full experience of domination when victory finally comes.
This combination of psychological warfare, tactical sophistication, and raw destructive power makes Garnets the most feared battlefield opponents among dragonkind, a reputation they cultivate with meticulous care.
Creation Story
While all Stone Dragons share a (mostly) common creation myth, Garnets interpret this narrative in a distinctive way that places them at the center of draconic destiny.
In the beginning, the Earth was void. Ryujin, Tiamat, and the Astral Dragon came together to forge a world where only nothingness had been. At this time, Ryujin and Tiamat were lovers. After the world had been made and was populated with the base animals and vegetation, the trio came together to forge their greatest creation: beings forged in their own image.
With help from the other two, Tiamat sculpted nine dragons out of the base stones of the world; Garnet, Azurite, Agate, Malachite, Celestine, Hematite, Cobalt, Granite, and Charoite. She infused them with her own chaotic and powerful essence and immediately they sprang to life, eager to serve their mistress, the Lady of Chaos.
Ryujin and the Astral Dragon quickly became jealous and set about, in secret, to construct dragons of their own to rival Tiamat's, but they were pale imitations. None were equal to even the weakest of the Lady's children. But even so, the comparisons began and conflict soon followed.
Thus began the rift between the lovers that grew to a chasm and then an uncrossable divide. Following that separation began the skirmish battles between the dragons of Stone, Metal, and Gem.
Where Garnet draconic tradition diverges from the common myth is in their account of what followed. According to Garnet lore, when Tiamat created the nine Stone Dragons, she crafted the Garnet first and invested in them the greatest measure of her power and authority. They were designated as the rightful rulers of all dragonkind, charged with maintaining order through strength.
Garnet oral histories tell that during the ancient conflicts with the first Dragon Slayers, it was primarily Garnet leadership that organized draconic resistance and secured their eventual victory. The treaties with humankind were, in their telling, dictated by Garnet Ancients who showed mercy to the defeated humans rather than eradicating them entirely.
Most controversial among their beliefs is the claim that Tiamat's final instruction before departing the mortal realm was that Garnets should eventually bring all other dragon breeds under their dominion, creating a unified draconic empire with Garnets at its apex. This mandate, they believe, justifies their historical attempts to establish hegemony over other dragon breeds.
These claims are, unsurprisingly, disputed by other dragons. Azurites, Charoites, and others point out that the creation myth explicitly states that Tiamat created all nine Stone Dragon breeds simultaneously, with no indication of primacy. Metallic and Gem dragons generally dismiss the entire narrative as self-serving propaganda.
Nevertheless, this creation story forms the theological foundation for Garnet society, providing divine justification for their conquests and hierarchical worldview. Young Garnets are taught these stories from the moment they hatch, instilling in them an unshakable belief in their destined role as rulers of all they survey.
In recent millennia, some elder Garnets have developed more nuanced interpretations of these myths, suggesting that Tiamat's mandate was not for conquest but for leadership through example. That Garnets were meant to elevate all dragonkind through their strength rather than subjugate them. This reformist theology remains a minority view, however, typically embraced only by those unusual Garnets who seek cooperative relationships with other breeds.
And now it's over to you, my friends. What are your thoughts on my conception of Garnet dragons? Do you see parallels with other fictional dragons you've encountered? Are there aspects of their society or physiology you find particularly intriguing? Let me know in a comment.
And as always, if you know anyone who would enjoy my content, feel free to refer them to my publication (and start working your way to a free premium subscription)!
Until next month, when we'll explore the enigmatic Shadow Dragons, may your skies remain clear of wings and your treasures safe from grasping claws!