Wringe

Ageing Dragons

Many dragons age fairly well, but are usually killed by disease (such as Dragon Pox) or by challengers to their territory before they die of old age.

Most dragons, especially the larger ones, are known to be able to live to well over 90 years old, some even to 150, when on Dragon Reserves and Sanctuaries. Some, such as the Prussian Bloodwing (pictured above), will protect their territory well into their later years, while small breeds of dragons, especially the highly sociable Webbed Water Dragons, will often move territories depending on seasons, food supply, weather and group disagreements. 

Some dragons may lose their ability to flame as they grow older, this is most common among the impressive Chinese Fireball and Swedish Shortsnout breeds, though the Hungarian Horntail and the Catalonian Scorcher may also experience similar problems.

Ageing dragons do risk many infections, and their immune systems do tend to start to weaken after their 70th year. Many elderly dragons on reserves have to be constantly warded against disease during Dragon Pox outbreaks, while younger dragons usually endure a few days of discomfort and then continue on with an immunity.

LOTRO - Draigoch by Gorrem