Battle Dragon

(From 3.5e Draconomicon: The Book of Dragons - 2003):

Battle dragons are glorious creature that exult in valorous combat. They often serve as steeds for powerful warriors. 

A battle dragon at rest has a dull brown sheen to its scales. However, as soon as it takes wing, allowing the sun to strike its armored skin, it gleams like the finest gold. 

Battle dragons are notorious optimists, and always seem to find the silver lining to any cloud. This emotion is often contagious, as they inspire others to bravery and valor in battle. 

By juvenile age, battle dragons may find use as steeds for Small riders. Young adult and older dragons can serve Medium riders. Some cities or knightly orders have reached mutual protection and assistance accords with nearby battle dragon families, as generation after generation of rider finds an ally within the same line of dragons. 

Battle dragons speak Common, Draconic, and Celestial.

Combat: A battle dragon is a fearless combatant, raised from birth to take joy in the simple act of conflict. It uses its special abilities to fortify the prowess of its allies, while striking fear into foes with its breath weapon, frightful presence, and battle fury. 

Young and older battle dragons’ natural weapons are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction. 

Battle Fury (Ex): Once per day, an ancient or older battle dragon may enter a battle fury, which grants it a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saves, but a –2 penalty to AC. This battle fury lasts for a number of rounds equal to the dragon’s (new) Constitution modifier +3, at the end of which the dragon loses the indicated bonuses but suffers no fatigue or other ill effects. This ability is otherwise identical to the barbarian’s rage class feature. 

Breath Weapon (Su): A battle dragon has two types of breath weapon, a cone of sonic energy and a cone of fear gas. Creatures within the cone of fear gas must succeed on a Will save or become shaken for 4d6 rounds. Multiple exposures are not cumulative, but if an affected creature is already shaken (for instance, from the dragon’s frightful presence), it becomes frightened instead. 

Inspire Courage (Su): Once per day, an adult or older battle dragon can inspire courage in itself and its allies, granting them a +2 morale bonus on saving throws against charm or fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and weapon damage rolls. This is identical with the bardic ability of the same name, and requires the dragon to speak, sing, or roar for 1 full round. 

Spell-Like Abilities: 3/day—aid, protection from evil; 1/day—heroes’ feast, shield other. 

Skills: Perform is a class skill for battle dragons. Their preferred modes of performance include oratory and singing.

(From 4th Edition Draconomicon: Chromatic Dragons - 2008):

Battle dragons are prized for their warlike cunning and loyalty. They serve diverse gods, including Kord, Bane, and even Gruumsh, and support their deity’s mortal servants. Battle dragons lend their might to holy champions in wars against their enemies, whether foul demons and devils or the servants of rival gods.  

A battle dragon resembles a hybrid of a chromatic red and a metallic gold dragon, with gleaming green scales tipped in bronze, red, or gold. Great wings unfold from its back, revealing brilliantly patterned skin. Sharp horns extend from the dragon’s extremities and from the back of its skull.

Battle Dragon Lore: A character knows the following information with a successful Religion check.  

DC 20: Battle dragons are natural leaders that encourage allies to perform daring acts of heroism or despicable deeds of villainy, depending on the gods they serve. They lead strikes against enemies, instilling their followers with a sense of duty and purpose.

Battle Dragon Tactics: Bred for war, the battle dragon leads the vanguard against its master’s foes, soaring over their ranks and using its frightful presence. When it is engaged, it descends to tear through enemies with fangs and claws. If the battle turns against its allies, the battle dragon fills them with renewed vigor by screaming its ululating battle cry. It is loath to quit the battlefield, but it’s savvy enough to know when the cause is lost. Before departing, it delivers a vicious bite for its opponents to remember it by.