"It's whispered amongst the northern tribes that somewhere in the icy peaks, there are Dragons, but not the ones of legend. These are the mutant spawn of Galrauch, the ancient Dragon who was corrupted by Tzeentch. The Chaos Dragons are thankfully rare and content to spend the eons buried in their lairs, brimming with hatred and plotting the destruction of all that lives. But when the Dark Gods call, not even these monsters can resist the urge to wage war for the Ruinous Powers. But they are fickle creatures, quick to turn on their allies should it give them the advantage."
A two-headed Chaos Dragon
A Chaos Dragon was once a member of the noble race of Dragons who was corrupted like all mortals can be by the power of Chaos, in particular the whims of Tzeentch, the Changer of Ways. A Chaos Dragon dimly resembles its uncorrupted kin. It has a massive bloated body that splits into two long trunk-like necks that end in heads of horns and fangs. One head smokes with the fires that burn in its gullet, whilst the other sends plumes of acidic gasses into the air to scorch the land.[1a]
Thick scales cover the body in places, but in others, its organs and muscles are revealed, pumping the Chaos corruption through a system of exposed veins and arteries. Its fiery heart beats within, sending showers of sparks onto the ground as it passes.[1a]
Quick Answers
What is the origin of the Chaos Dragon?
Who is Galrauch and how is he related to the Chaos Dragon?
What are the Ruinous Powers that the Chaos Dragon serves?
Why are the Chaos Dragons considered rare?
What triggers the Chaos Dragons to wage war?
Role[]
"They are a blight upon a proud lineage, a foul insult to which extermination is the only just reply."
A Chaos Dragon as rendered in Total War: Warhammer.
Once the proud and noble rulers of the skies, now split, twisted and corrupted by the forces of change, the terrible, two-headed Chaos Dragons are nightmarish and malevolent predators. Borne aloft on wings no longer made for mere flesh and bone, but of black sorcery and the will of Dark Gods made manifest, a Chaos Dragon is a terrifying nemesis to all order and sanity.
Chaos Dragons are wicked and fickle creatures, possessing every bit as much malevolent delight in destruction and treachery as their creator, the great and devious god Tzeentch. Even a single Chaos Dragon can put an entire army to flight, incinerating its enemies with bursts of dragonflame, choking them with clouds of noxious black vapour, or shredding them with its massive teeth and claws.[2a]
A Chaos Dragon as rendered in Total War: Warhammer.
It is said that Chaos Dragons see themselves as wholly distinct from Tzeentch's other mortal followers. Indeed, they hold Dragonkind to be the Dark Gods' true servants in the mortal world, for Men have ever been quick to change their allegiance over the centuries.[2a]
No two Chaos Dragons are exactly the same, for the gifts of Chaos affected each in subtly different ways. Some have their organs and bones on display, blood vessels pulsing and pounding through a sheath of invisible flesh. Others are covered in spikes, horns and knobby protrusions, or have skin crawling with the stuff of corruption itself. Truly each Chaos Dragon is a piece of obscene living sculpture, and a facet of Tzeentch's unknowable splendor.[2a]
Although it is a rare (and often calamitous) event to see a Chaos Dragon far from the Northern Wastes, the beasts are drawn to storms of magic and have a preternatural ability to turn up when such tempests strike. Many wizards who bind a Chaos Dragon often feel as if the beast is not truly spellbound, but rather obeying only to suit their own whims.[2a]
Subspecies[]
- Chaos Frost Dragons - Chaos Frost Dragons are Chaos-corrupted Frost Dragons, once known as Frost-wyrms, often employed by the military forces of Norsca.
Notable Chaos Dragons[]
- Baudros - Mount of the Champion of Tzeentch Egrimm van Horstmann.
- Flamefang - Flamefang was the terror of Grand Cathay, but was slain by Archaon.
- Galrauch - Galrauch is the Daemon-possessed progenitor of all Chaos Dragons, the first of their foul kind.