Heck, the game has canon examples of fiends who are good-aligned, and they're literally made of evil.
Who dat?
But to the actual topic, Fizban's definitely allows a broader range of alignments among color/metals/gemstone dragons (like, there are tables), which goes against the notion of dragons in 5e being "essentially" or "elementally" aligned. Though dragons being essentially of one alignment or the other goes back to the earliest grouping of dragons into a chromatic/metallic sort. It's a world building concern, not a right or wrong portrayal thing.
In my game, metallic dragon's think they're the good guys, but some are wondering how they're faction chose to represent or manifest itself as reflective of precious metals associated with wealth and luxury ... wait, I went deeper into this already in this thread two months ago. Just scroll up.
There's a CG bearded devil in BG:DiA, and a good pit fiend in EGtW.
Heck, the game has canon examples of fiends who are good-aligned, and they're literally made of evil.
Who dat?
But to the actual topic, Fizban's definitely allows a broader range of alignments among color/metals/gemstone dragons (like, there are tables), which goes against the notion of dragons in 5e being "essentially" or "elementally" aligned. Though dragons being essentially of one alignment or the other goes back to the earliest grouping of dragons into a chromatic/metallic sort. It's a world building concern, not a right or wrong portrayal thing.
In my game, metallic dragon's think they're the good guys, but some are wondering how they're faction chose to represent or manifest itself as reflective of precious metals associated with wealth and luxury ... wait, I went deeper into this already in this thread two months ago. Just scroll up.
I think that dragons have the freedom to choose their own alignment, just like any other sentient being (including fiends and celestials). It might be rare, but it definitely happens (and as of M3 and the abolition of species alignments I’m not sure how rare it is).
At the start of the monster manual, it specifically says that alignment entries, except when noted otherwise like with most fiends and undead, are only suggestions related to the creature's tendencies or culture. In this case, it is absolutely possible for a dragon to change alignment because of the environment it is exposed to. You could have an evil bronze dragon who hatched into slavery under a kraken and became as thoroughly evil as its destructive keeper, or a red dragon that became aware of its wrongdoings and sought divine guidance for redemption. Occasionally breaking the bounds of alignment is a fun and flavorful way to create surprising NPCs, and you shouldn't hold back.
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Panda-wat (I hate my username) is somehow convinced that he is objectively right about everything D&D related even though he obviously is not. Considering that, he'd probably make a great D&D youtuber.
"If I die, I can live with that." ~Luke Hart, the DM lair
At the start of the monster manual, it specifically says that alignment entries, except when noted otherwise like with most fiends and undead, are only suggestions related to the creature's tendencies or culture. In this case, it is absolutely possible for a dragon to change alignment because of the environment it is exposed to. You could have an evil bronze dragon who hatched into slavery under a kraken and became as thoroughly evil as its destructive keeper, or a red dragon that became aware of its wrongdoings and sought divine guidance for redemption. Occasionally breaking the bounds of alignment is a fun and flavorful way to create surprising NPCs, and you shouldn't hold back.
I agree with this, especially since MMM seems to reemphasize it.
Actual color doesn’t really have anything to do with it (imo)…it’s the genetics that go along with it. You can have an albino gold dragon that is very much ‘gold’….but with white scales. Jhannexydofalamarne os an example of an albino (it’s a red dragon with white scales).
but that aside and more importantly sure they can change their alignment…any intelligent creature can given the right circumstances. Even beyond dragons devils can become good -which is a HUGELY more significant shift than a dragon changing its alignment. Imo
There's a CG bearded devil in BG:DiA, and a good pit fiend in EGtW.
I have a weird sense of humor.
I also make maps.(That's a link)
I think that dragons have the freedom to choose their own alignment, just like any other sentient being (including fiends and celestials). It might be rare, but it definitely happens (and as of M3 and the abolition of species alignments I’m not sure how rare it is).
If the DM says they can, then they can.
However, I would think this would be an astounding alteration of the status quo ("Reality") of the omniverse.
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
The short answer is: yes.
At the start of the monster manual, it specifically says that alignment entries, except when noted otherwise like with most fiends and undead, are only suggestions related to the creature's tendencies or culture. In this case, it is absolutely possible for a dragon to change alignment because of the environment it is exposed to. You could have an evil bronze dragon who hatched into slavery under a kraken and became as thoroughly evil as its destructive keeper, or a red dragon that became aware of its wrongdoings and sought divine guidance for redemption. Occasionally breaking the bounds of alignment is a fun and flavorful way to create surprising NPCs, and you shouldn't hold back.
Panda-wat (I hate my username) is somehow convinced that he is objectively right about everything D&D related even though he obviously is not. Considering that, he'd probably make a great D&D youtuber.
"If I die, I can live with that." ~Luke Hart, the DM lair
I agree with this, especially since MMM seems to reemphasize it.
Actual color doesn’t really have anything to do with it (imo)…it’s the genetics that go along with it. You can have an albino gold dragon that is very much ‘gold’….but with white scales. Jhannexydofalamarne os an example of an albino (it’s a red dragon with white scales).
but that aside and more importantly sure they can change their alignment…any intelligent creature can given the right circumstances. Even beyond dragons devils can become good -which is a HUGELY more significant shift than a dragon changing its alignment. Imo
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
Deck of Decks