Red Dragon and Black Dragon: Difference between revisions

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(→‎Tactics: ambiguous - both shooters are cool, Harpy Hags strike among very first ones and don't need to wait, and even Scorpicores may be a good support (they're as weaker than DKs, as Black Dragons are stronger than Ghost Dragons, so no bad imbalance))
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  | U_cost    = 4000
  | U_cost    = 4000
  | U_ResCost = 2
  | U_ResCost = 2
  | U_special = • [[Dragon]]<br>• [[Breath attack]]<br>• [[Spell immunity|Immune]] to all spells<br>• [[Hate]]s [[Giant and titan|Titans]]
  | U_special = • [[Dragon]]<br>• [[Breath attack]]<br>• '''[[Spell immunity|Immune]] to all spells'''<br>• '''[[Hate]]s [[Giant and titan|Titans]]'''
  | No_shots  =  
  | No_shots  =  
  | No_ushots =  
  | No_ushots =  
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{{Cram|Dragon Cave|Red Dragon|Black Dragon|no_dwelling=}}
{{Cram|Dragon Cave|Red Dragon|Black Dragon|no_dwelling=}}
'''Red Dragons and Black Dragons''' are level 7 creatures of [[Dungeon]], and are recruited from the [[Dragon Cave]].
'''Red Dragons and Black Dragons''' are the level 7 creatures of [[Dungeon]]. They are recruited from the [[Dragon Cave]].


''"Red and black dragons with their great mobility, flying ability, and powerful [[breath attack|breath weapons]] are among the most effective units in the game. Red dragons are [[Spell immunity|immune to spells]] below level four. Black dragons are twice as durable, do [[Hate|150% damage]] to... [[Giant and titan|titans]], and are immune to all spells."{{-}}<sup>[[Restoration of Erathia Manual Page 91|RoE manual]]''</sup>
''"Red and black dragons with their great mobility, flying ability, and powerful [[breath attack|breath weapons]] are among the most effective units in the game. Red dragons are [[Spell immunity|immune to spells]] below level four. Black dragons are twice as durable, do [[Hate|150% damage]] to... [[Giant and titan|titans]], and are immune to all spells."{{-}}<sup>[[Restoration of Erathia Manual Page 91|RoE manual]]''</sup>


== Special Abilities ==
== Special Abilities ==
===Magic Immunity===
This spell immunity is a double-edged sword, though, as it makes both Red and Black Dragons immune to most beneficial spells, and [[Resurrection]] has no effect on Black Dragons. Placing Red or Black Dragons (as well as any other living Dragons) in the [[Skeleton Transformer]] will give you [[Bone Dragon]]s instead of regular [[Skeleton]]s.


=====Magic Immunity=====
Both dragons are affected by {{Sn|Dispel}} and {{Sn|Fire Shield}}.
This spell immunity is a double-edged sword, though, as it makes both Red and Black dragons immune to most beneficial spells, including [[Resurrection]]. Placing Red or Black Dragons (as well as any living Dragons) in the [[Skeleton Transformer]] will give you [[Bone Dragon]]s instead of regular [[Skeleton]]s.


Both dragons are affected by [[Dispel]].
===Hating Titans===
Though it is stated in the manual, Black Dragons do not hate [[Giant]]s. Red Dragons don't hate anyone.


=====Hates Titans=====
== Heroes with a specialty ==
Though it is stated in the manual, Black Dragons do not hate [[Giant]]s.
*{{H|Mutare|Overlord}} {{withmaped}} and
*{{H|Mutare Drake|Overlord}} {{withmaped}} have dragons as a [[Specialty#Creature_specialties|specialty]]. All dragons receive +5 Attack and +5 Defense.


== Tactics and info ==
== Appearance ==
{{Fanopinion}}
A Red Dragon and a Black Dragon appear at the beginning of the [[Blood of the Dragon Father]] scenario from the [[Dragon's Blood]] campaign in {{ab}}.
=== Toughness ===
{{video|AB CD-Heroes3-DATA-Heroes3 vid-H3ABdb3-smk-H3ABdb3|550px}}
With the health value of 300, Black Dragon is one of the toughest creatures in the game. In the original {{roe}}, it was the toughest of the [[dragon]]s and its health was only matched by [[Titan]]s' and [[Ancient Behemoth]]s' (and by Haspid's in {{hota}}). It also has more defense than either of those creatures, but not necessarily by much. {{ab}} expansion introduced four new dragons, [[Faerie Dragon]], [[Rust Dragon]]s, [[Crystal Dragon]]s and [[Azure Dragon]]s, which all are neutral creatures and have more health than Black Dragons.


=== Offense ===
{{user commentary|
While not having the highest damage of a level 7 creature, they still have it higher than most of them, accompanied by the [[Breath attack]] ability, which lets them strike two units at once. They also have a respectable attack value, but lower than the [[Gold Dragon]]'s by 2. Black Dragons also deal 150% damage against [[Giant and Titan|Giants and Titans]].
Alongside the Titan, the Black Dragon has cemented its place as an emblematic figure in the Heroes series, making its first appearance in Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars.
----
In a head-to-head combat with no stats bonuses, a Black Dragon marginally overcomes a single Titan. However, a mere difference of 1 point more in attack or defense for the Titan would tip the balance in their favor.


=== Efficiency and cost ===
=== Tactics ===
To build the base dwelling of this creature, all other base creature dwellings are needed together with the Mage Guild level 2. However, unlike their nemesis, the [[Giant and Titan|Giants and Titans]], the dragon's base dwelling requires much more valuable resources, which usually results in getting Red Dragons later than someone would get Giants, and also having less of them to upgrade in the upcoming weeks.
'''Beware of breath attack which may kill your own troops as well.'''
 
Black Dragons, due to their spell immunity, are ideal for a tactic commonly known as Dragogeddon. In this strategy, a hero with preferably high power skill and the Armageddon spell launches an attack with an army solely comprised of creatures either immune or highly resistant to the Armageddon spell. This tactic can be employed in a "hit-and-run" strategy, to bypass wandering creatures, or even to defeat enemy heroes. In the {{roe}} series, Black Dragons were the prime choice for Dragogeddon. ''' Remember that Red Dragons aren't suitable for Dragogeddon as they are only immune to level 1-3 spells!'''
 
The advantage of deploying Black Dragons in this tactic is their swift initiative or speed. Only Phoenixes and Gold Dragons are faster creatures immune to Armageddon. High initiative allows the hero to act first in combat, potentially securing victory before the enemy can flee, surrender, or retaliate.


For their relatively low price compared to other units, the Red and Black Dragons fare well. You might run out of sulfur {{s}} sometimes, though.
Black Dragons are excellent fighters, capable of reaching enemy shooters in the first turn. However, they may not endure long against an army of similar strength due to their inability to be resurrected normally, necessitating support from other friendly troops.


=== Tactics ===
Red Dragons, though not as formidable as the Black Dragons and vulnerable to powerful spells like Armageddon, Implosion, Chain Lightning, Meteor Shower, and Berserk, can still be exceedingly potent. Led by Alamar or Jeddite, they can be easily resurrected: with 180 HP, Red Dragons are almost twice as easy to resurrect as Titans, and with sufficient mana, they are virtually indestructible. Furthermore, they inflict nearly as much damage as Black Dragons and can benefit from spells like Counterstrike, Fire Shield, Prayer, and Clone, allowing them to deal potentially more damage than Black Dragons, while still maintaining immunity to Blind/Slow spells and the option to resurrect them. They are also 40% cheaper than Black Dragons and are typically available as early as the second week of the game.
Because of the Black Dragons' spell immunity, they are suitable to be used in tactics often called [[dragogeddon]]. In dragogeddon, a hero with preferably high [[power skill]] and [[Armageddon]] spell attacks with an army only consisting of creatures immune or very resilient to the Armageddon spell. The tactics may be used in "hit-and-run" tactic, to advance through wandering creatures or even to slay enemy heroes. In {{roe}} series, Black Dragons were the best creature to use in dragogeddon. '''Note that Red Dragons are useless for Dragogeddon, since they are immune only to 1-3 level spells!'''


The benefit of using Black Dragons in this tactics is their high initiative, in other words, their speed. Only [[Phoenix]]es and [[Gold Dragon]]s are faster creatures that are immune to Armageddon. High initiative enables hero to act first in the combat, and this way possibly win the battle before enemy gets a chance to flee, surrender or otherwise cause resistance.
In light of the above, if you lack the Armageddon spell, it might be prudent to keep the Red Dragons unupgraded deliberately to minimize losses and save them for later in the game. Even at the end stage of the game, one might prefer to maintain most dragons as "Red," only upgrading a portion of them to ensure speed in the first turn.


Even so, the Black Dragons is technically an excellent fighter, being able to reach the enemy shooters the first turn, but they won't last too much against an army with similar strength, since they can't be normally resurrected, so they have to be well backed up by other friendly troops.
The primary strategy against Red and Black Dragons is to launch a full-scale assault and overpower them, primarily using magic to eliminate other troops. Be cautious with your troop placement to prevent them from striking two of your units simultaneously, and try to coerce them into attacking their own units (e.g., by provoking them with a small and weak stack, leading to a retaliation and significant damage to allies).


The main tactic against Red and Black Dragons is to simply attack them with almost all you've got and overwhelm them, murdering other troops mostly by magic. Be careful with your troop placement, as to not let them strike two of your troops at the same time.
=== Defense===
With an impressive health value of 300, the Black Dragon stands as one of the most resilient creatures in the game. In the original {{roe}}, it was the hardiest among the dragons, with its health equal to the Titans' and Ancient Behemoths' (and Haspids' in {{hota}}). It also boasts a higher defense than both these creatures, albeit not by a significant margin. The {{ab}} expansion introduced four new dragon types, Faerie Dragon, Rust Dragons, Crystal Dragons, and Azure Dragons, all neutral creatures with greater health than the Black Dragons.


=== Skill bonuses ===
=== Offense===
While not getting such an immense bonus from skills, like creatures as [[Titans]] do, there are still some good skills to take in consideration. [[Armorer]] is a very good to choice to keep the dragons' numbers up, while [[Tactics]] allows more friendly troops to assist the dragons easily, which can be a big advantage for a [[Dungeon]] army to deliver a first, strong strike. [[Offense]] is, as usual, a nice skill to have, especially with the dragons' [[Breath attack]] and the [[Minotaur and Minotaur King]]'s large damage range.
Although Black Dragons don't possess the highest damage for a level 7 creature, they still outperform most in this regard, coupled with the Breath Attack ability, allowing them to strike two units simultaneously. They command a decent attack value, but it falls short of the Gold Dragon's by 2. Black Dragons inflict 150% damage against Titans. This multiplier applies even when Black Dragons attack a different stack with Titans positioned behind; however, caution is necessary if both Titans and Black Dragons are on your side, as friendly Titans will still suffer 150% damage if attacked by Black Dragons.


=== Semantics ===  
=== Cost and Efficiency ===
Together with the [[Titan]], the Black Dragon has become a symbol of the Heroes series since it first appeared in Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars.
To establish this creature's base dwelling, all other base creature dwellings along with Mage Guild level 2 are required. Unlike their rivals, the Giants and Titans, the dragon's base dwelling necessitates more valuable resources, typically leading to acquiring Red Dragons later than Giants and also having fewer of them to upgrade in subsequent weeks.


==Trivia==
Maintain a steady supply of sulfur {{s}}. Utilizing a Resource Silo can be beneficial.
In one-on-one combat with no stats bonus, a Black Dragon barely defeats a single Titan. However, a difference of 1 more attack or defense for the Titan makes them win instead.


Comparing the Black Dragons in the in-game cutscenes, fans estimate they are ~24 metres tall.
=== Skill Bonuses ===
While they do not receive the immense bonuses from skills like the Titans do, there are still beneficial skills to consider. The Armorer skill is a useful choice to sustain the dragons' numbers, while Tactics enables more friendly troops to aid the dragons easily - a significant advantage for a Dungeon army launching an initial powerful strike. As expected, the Offense skill is a great addition, particularly in tandem with the dragons' Breath attack.
}}{{end of user commentary}}


{{creature 'see also'}}
{{creature 'see also'|up=*[[Dragon]]}}
* [[Comparison of Level 7 Creatures]]


[[Category: Creatures]]
[[Category: Creatures]]

Latest revision as of 04:35, 23 March 2024

Dungeon creatures
Level 1
Troglodyte Troglodyte
Infernal Troglodyte Infernal Troglodyte
Level 2
Harpy Harpy
Harpy Hag Harpy Hag
Level 3
Beholder Beholder
Evil Eye Evil Eye
Level 4
Medusa Medusa
Medusa Queen Medusa Queen
Level 5
Minotaur Minotaur
Minotaur King Minotaur King
Level 6
Manticore Manticore
Scorpicore Scorpicore
Level 7
Red Dragon Red Dragon
Black Dragon Black Dragon
Towns
Castle Stronghold Inferno
Rampart Fortress Necropolis
Tower Conflux Dungeon
Factory Cove
Neutral
Statistics
Red Dragon
 Cost per troop 

2500

1
Attack 19
Defense 19
Damage 40–50
Health 180
Speed 11
Movement Flying
Size 2
Growth 1
AI Value 4702
 Special abilities:
Dragon
Breath attack
Immune to spells level 1–3
Black Dragon
 Cost per troop 

4000

2
Attack 25
Defense 25
Damage 40–50
Health 300
Speed 15
Movement Flying
Size 2
Growth 1
AI Value 8721
 Special abilities:
Dragon
Breath attack
Immune to all spells
Hates Titans
Dragon Cave  

Red Dragons and Black Dragons are the level 7 creatures of Dungeon. They are recruited from the Dragon Cave.

"Red and black dragons with their great mobility, flying ability, and powerful breath weapons are among the most effective units in the game. Red dragons are immune to spells below level four. Black dragons are twice as durable, do 150% damage to... titans, and are immune to all spells." RoE manual

Special Abilities[edit]

Magic Immunity[edit]

This spell immunity is a double-edged sword, though, as it makes both Red and Black Dragons immune to most beneficial spells, and Resurrection has no effect on Black Dragons. Placing Red or Black Dragons (as well as any other living Dragons) in the Skeleton Transformer will give you Bone Dragons instead of regular Skeletons.

Both dragons are affected by  Dispel and  Fire Shield.

Hating Titans[edit]

Though it is stated in the manual, Black Dragons do not hate Giants. Red Dragons don't hate anyone.

Heroes with a specialty[edit]

Appearance[edit]

A Red Dragon and a Black Dragon appear at the beginning of the Blood of the Dragon Father scenario from the Dragon's Blood campaign in Armageddon's Blade.

User commentary

[Show user commentary]
[Hide user commentary]
Some may find the information in this section subjective or irrelevant.

Alongside the Titan, the Black Dragon has cemented its place as an emblematic figure in the Heroes series, making its first appearance in Heroes of Might and Magic II: The Succession Wars.


In a head-to-head combat with no stats bonuses, a Black Dragon marginally overcomes a single Titan. However, a mere difference of 1 point more in attack or defense for the Titan would tip the balance in their favor.

Tactics

Beware of breath attack which may kill your own troops as well.

Black Dragons, due to their spell immunity, are ideal for a tactic commonly known as Dragogeddon. In this strategy, a hero with preferably high power skill and the Armageddon spell launches an attack with an army solely comprised of creatures either immune or highly resistant to the Armageddon spell. This tactic can be employed in a "hit-and-run" strategy, to bypass wandering creatures, or even to defeat enemy heroes. In the Restoration of Erathia series, Black Dragons were the prime choice for Dragogeddon. Remember that Red Dragons aren't suitable for Dragogeddon as they are only immune to level 1-3 spells!

The advantage of deploying Black Dragons in this tactic is their swift initiative or speed. Only Phoenixes and Gold Dragons are faster creatures immune to Armageddon. High initiative allows the hero to act first in combat, potentially securing victory before the enemy can flee, surrender, or retaliate.

Black Dragons are excellent fighters, capable of reaching enemy shooters in the first turn. However, they may not endure long against an army of similar strength due to their inability to be resurrected normally, necessitating support from other friendly troops.

Red Dragons, though not as formidable as the Black Dragons and vulnerable to powerful spells like Armageddon, Implosion, Chain Lightning, Meteor Shower, and Berserk, can still be exceedingly potent. Led by Alamar or Jeddite, they can be easily resurrected: with 180 HP, Red Dragons are almost twice as easy to resurrect as Titans, and with sufficient mana, they are virtually indestructible. Furthermore, they inflict nearly as much damage as Black Dragons and can benefit from spells like Counterstrike, Fire Shield, Prayer, and Clone, allowing them to deal potentially more damage than Black Dragons, while still maintaining immunity to Blind/Slow spells and the option to resurrect them. They are also 40% cheaper than Black Dragons and are typically available as early as the second week of the game.

In light of the above, if you lack the Armageddon spell, it might be prudent to keep the Red Dragons unupgraded deliberately to minimize losses and save them for later in the game. Even at the end stage of the game, one might prefer to maintain most dragons as "Red," only upgrading a portion of them to ensure speed in the first turn.

The primary strategy against Red and Black Dragons is to launch a full-scale assault and overpower them, primarily using magic to eliminate other troops. Be cautious with your troop placement to prevent them from striking two of your units simultaneously, and try to coerce them into attacking their own units (e.g., by provoking them with a small and weak stack, leading to a retaliation and significant damage to allies).

Defense

With an impressive health value of 300, the Black Dragon stands as one of the most resilient creatures in the game. In the original Restoration of Erathia, it was the hardiest among the dragons, with its health equal to the Titans' and Ancient Behemoths' (and Haspids' in Horn of the Abyss). It also boasts a higher defense than both these creatures, albeit not by a significant margin. The Armageddon's Blade expansion introduced four new dragon types, Faerie Dragon, Rust Dragons, Crystal Dragons, and Azure Dragons, all neutral creatures with greater health than the Black Dragons.

Offense

Although Black Dragons don't possess the highest damage for a level 7 creature, they still outperform most in this regard, coupled with the Breath Attack ability, allowing them to strike two units simultaneously. They command a decent attack value, but it falls short of the Gold Dragon's by 2. Black Dragons inflict 150% damage against Titans. This multiplier applies even when Black Dragons attack a different stack with Titans positioned behind; however, caution is necessary if both Titans and Black Dragons are on your side, as friendly Titans will still suffer 150% damage if attacked by Black Dragons.

Cost and Efficiency

To establish this creature's base dwelling, all other base creature dwellings along with Mage Guild level 2 are required. Unlike their rivals, the Giants and Titans, the dragon's base dwelling necessitates more valuable resources, typically leading to acquiring Red Dragons later than Giants and also having fewer of them to upgrade in subsequent weeks.

Maintain a steady supply of sulfur Sulfur. Utilizing a Resource Silo can be beneficial.

Skill Bonuses

While they do not receive the immense bonuses from skills like the Titans do, there are still beneficial skills to consider. The Armorer skill is a useful choice to sustain the dragons' numbers, while Tactics enables more friendly troops to aid the dragons easily - a significant advantage for a Dungeon army launching an initial powerful strike. As expected, the Offense skill is a great addition, particularly in tandem with the dragons' Breath attack.


See also: