Dragon Variant: Royal Frilled Dragon

[High Command]

I should note that I fully expect people to hate this next one. It dips a little much into MM territory. But I left some things off, and made sure it's bonus power is at least iconic to the creature itself. It's supposed to shadowmeld at will.

Royal Frilled Dragon
The Royal Frilled Dragon is among the most feared and powerful of all dragons, blessed with Master level psychic powers even at the Hatchling stage. Its coloration varies widely, from light blue or green to golden orange and red. Around the head/neck of the dragon and along the sides of the body and limbs are frills that can be extended when the dragon is angry or wishes to intimidate someone. The frills are generally royal blue, violet or purple in color, hence the name "Royal" Frilled Dragon. Its claws are also impressively large and hooked, able to slash and gut even other dragons with ease. They enjoy the company of humans and humanoids and commonly walk among them in human guise through metamorphosis, manipulating them with their psychic powers. To facilitate such behavior, the Frilled Dragon is able to maintain its metamorphosis for twice as long as most other dragons, even at the Hatchling stage. They also are known for their prolific study and use of the mystical arts.
Initial Abilities

• Poison Breath: The Royal Frilled Dragon can breathe out a purpic mist that lingers and causes paralysis in all who breathe it in. The dragon breathes in a cone. All those who inhale the purple mist (Vigor roll at -2), are affected. If the victim fails the roll, he’s Incapacitated. On the target's following turns, the paralyzed victim makes a Vigor (at -2) roll to revive. With a raise, the victim revives and may act normally. With a success, the target revives but is Shaken and at half Pace until un-Shaken.
  SPC Cost

  Paralysis Power (3 PP) that is Strong (1 PP)
• Arcane Background (Psionics): As a Master Psionic, a Royal Frilled Dragon Hatchling begins with three powers (from the Mind Melter list; one of which must be invisibility) and 20 ISP. It also has a beginning Psionic skill of d8, and the Major Psionic and Master Psionic Edges, as well as the New Power Edge. The invisibility (and true invisibility) power must use Shadow and Darkness trappings.
  SPC Cost

  One skill point (1) and 3 edges (6) = 7 PP; replaces the basic arcane background provided by the dragon, and partially replaces Impervious to fire and the fire breath weapon
• Innate Scholarly Understanding of Magic: Due to psychically implanted knowledge from their mother, Royal Frills start with greater knowledge of the arcane than most. They start with Knowledge (Arcane) and one language of choice, both at d8. Further, they also gain the Scholar edge.
  SPC Cost

  Scholar Edge (2) and 2 super skills at d8 (6) = 8 PP; partially replaces impervious to fire

Abilities available upon advancement

• Expanded Awareness: As an advance, a Royal Frilled Dragon can learn how to use detect arcana at will, as a free action. This is a psionic ability and uses the dragon's psychic skill.

[High Command]

Any other thoughts aside from Rob's approval?

[Ndreare]

I thought it looked good overall.
Did not have any valuable feedback.

But lets all be honest. My approval really matters. <shrugs with false humility>

[High Command]

I guess folks have such a poor view of Mind Melter, the idea of a dragon starting off with psionic Mega Powers (same as a MARS character can) doesn't seem that bad.

[Pender Lumkiss]

I would probably just vote against it.

[High Command]

I would probably just vote against it.

The look on my face, that is surprise. It really is.

Ok, so after your knee jerk reaction, how about some ACTUAL feedback.

[Pender Lumkiss]

You know what you are right. When it comes down to it I don't have the knowledge or the will to read to see if the royal frill dragons would get what you gave them. But for sure I can comment on the mechanics you are applying.

A typical cone attack power gives a agility roll to get out of the way. For paraysis savage worlds has rules for that in the hazards section in the poison area. No need to reinvent the wheel.

The psionics language needs to be tightened up. Use something like the simvans use. If you are having to state they know true invisibility it is not clear that invisibility is one of the psionic powers known. Natural Psionics: RF dragon start with the Arcane Background (Psionics) Edge. Invisibility must be one of their first chosen powers. They also receive the new power edge, as well as both the major and master psionic edges.

Innate knowledge is a bit wordy. I had to read it three times to get it all. Can we simfly it to the linguist edge and the scholar edge with two knowledges at a d8 one of which must be knowledge arcana.