Quicksilver dragon

Version 0.13: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

For a list of all dragons, see list of dragons.

quicksilver dragon D
HP	63-110
HD	16
XP	2542
Speed	15
AC	10
EV	15
Will	140
Attack1	25 (bite: plain)
Attack2	20 (claw: plain)
Resistances	rDrown, rWater
Vulnerabilities	Dragon Slaying
Habitat	Land
Intelligence	Animal
Uses	Uses nothing
Holiness	Natural
Size	Giant
Type	dragon, quicksilver dragon
Flags	Flying See invisible Warm-blooded

A long and sinuous dragon, seemingly more neck and tail than anything else. Its skin shines like molten mercury, magical energies arc from its pointed snout, and it moves with terrifying swiftness. “On the other hand, Confucius is made to say to his disciples, ‘I know how birds can fly, how fishes can swim, and how animals can run. But the runner may be snared, the swimmer may be hooked, and the flyer may be shot by the arrow. But there is the dragon. I cannot tell how he mounts on the wind through the clouds, and rises to heaven. Today I have seen Lao-tsze, and can only compare him to the dragon.’” -Life of Confucius “This Dragon had Two furious Wings Each one upon each Shoulder; With a Sting in his Tail as long as a Flail, Which made him bolder and bolder. He had long Claws, and in his Jaws Four and forty Teeth of Iron; With a Hide as tough, as any Buff, Which did him round environ.” -“An Excellent Ballad of a most dreadful Combat, fought between Moore of Moore-Hall, and the Dragon of Wantley”, retold by Ambrose Philips, _A Collection of Old Ballads. Corrected from the Best and Most Ancient Copies Extant. With Introductions Historical, Critical, Or Humorous_. 1723.

Useful info

Quicksilver dragons are rare and dangerous dragons that move 50% faster than average and breathe irresistible status-dispelling energy bolts. Fortunately, they're extremely rare, appearing almost exclusively in Vaults:5, Dis:7, and certain Dungeon vaults. If you see one elsewhere, it's likely a shapeshifter.

Spells

Spell set
Slot1	Quicksilver Bolt (3d20)	Natural flag

Tips & Tricks

• As their damage output is irresistible and considerable, the best defense is a good offense. Take them out quickly, using Haste or berserk if those options are available.
• While the bolts can't be absorbed, they can be avoided or blocked; a shield or Repel/Deflect Missiles can help keep you safe.
• Be mindful if you have any active enchantments that you're relying on: unexpectedly losing Haste, or worse, Flight in the middle of a battle can be devastating, even fatal.