Post/Author/DateTime	Post
RagingAngel 10-16-06, 10:40 AM	The sleeping pattern of dragons.. How often do they have to sleep? For how long for? do they sleep for months when they go up age catagorys? Raging Angel
Derren S. 10-18-06, 04:53 PM	There is no information about that in any 3.X book that I know off, including the Draconomicon. So either use the normal 16/8 hour cycle or make something up that feels right to you (if you are the DM). I only suggest that you don't make the sleeping cycles too long as those make dragons very vulnerable.
Myree 10-18-06, 06:28 PM	I agree with Derren with a couple of exceptions. I could easily see an argument that, like elves and yet far beyond them, dragons would be atuned to the magic that is a part of their very being, so "normal" to us doesn't quite fit, so an "elf normal" would be more likely, and an even more advanced form would be well within reason -- say being able to go for several days or even longer before "needing" to rest, and then the type of "rest" might not be an actual "sleep". There is also plenty in literature (both D&D based and others sources that players might be familiar with) to support that dragons COULD sleep for much longer (either naturally or magic induced). But, instead of considering them "vulnerable", I would say that their superior intelligence and natural cunning, wisdom from decades and more of life experiences than even your "oldest" PC, super keen senses, plus natural magical abilities, and I would say that this would give them a defensive advantage that the average "hero" would have more trouble dealing with than they might go in be prepared for. We aren't thinking about cow-tipping here -- this is a creature that eats hero's for breakfast! Think of what your players do to protect themselves while resting on the road, then project that proportionally onto something far more powerful AND probably has the home-field advantage (or at least the intelligence to fully scope out and prepare any location they are choosing to leave themselves "vulnerable" in). An average Barbarian knows enough that if travelling alone, you need to set up some sort of warning perimeter and defensive plan -- now try that using alarm spells, unseen servants, summoned creatures, or maybe even something as simple as the standard "Rope Trick" ("The space holds as many as eight creatures (any size creature)" -- just have to get past the weight limit on the rope, and I think there has already been discussion on another thread about that piece). Or, what about the much maligned and controversal "Change Shape", or even a clever illusion for that matter. But, as Derren said, this is totally DM-perogative -- over the years, versions, and settings, there have been some rather dramatic shifts in the personalities and abilities of dragons (anywhere from "huge beast" to the most skilled wizard/clerics. Your world/your rules.
rmb43 10-19-06, 03:26 PM	I would suppose it depends on how you interperet dragon physiology. Are they more akin to reptiles, who can be sleeping/dormant for long periods of time (especially after a large meal of adventurers)? Or are they more like a mammal or bird that never really sleeps deeply, but instead have many short bouts of resting/activity? Since there's no official word on this topic, you as DM get to pick whichever best suits your vision of dragon behavior. I tend to think of them as giant cats (proud, independent, lazy whenever possible, and ferocious when corned).:)
RagingAngel 10-21-06, 07:18 AM	Thanks all. I agree with all that has been posted, Though I think wyrmling and older dragons should be able to stay awake for long periods of time because of the magical energy's from without and within. because they have their elemental nodes, which as we know is a magical ability factory, I think it could also be used to re-energize the dragon to aid in keeping it awake for longer. Because of their magical nature they should be able to stay awake for days, and maybe up to a week or two. As for sleeping, I think they should sleep a bit like elf's but only needing 2 hours sleep and 4 hours rest, otherwise I think it would make them too much of an easy target. Raging