Speak with Dragonkind

When this spell is cast, the shukenja projects a special aura that can be detected and read only by a dragon (or a dragon like creature such as a chimera, pseudo-dragon, firedrake, dragonne, and so on). The aura allows the dragon to determine that the caster is not hostile and is interested only in conversation. Any number of dragons may view the caster, and the chance that any sufficiently motivated dragon may feel an urge to attack the caster while the spell is in effect is only 2% per Hit Die of the dragon. Even if this check is successful, most dragons will have no wish to attack the spell-caster if no real reason for such an attack exists.

The dragon may decide to speak for one of two reasons. First, the dragon might genuinely desire conversation. Second, any dragon who slays a spellcaster while this spell is in effect becomes known to the deity of the priest; that deity will always make a point afterward of arranging for vengeance to be dispensed by various adventurers, though the success of these attempts must be played out or determined randomly by the DM.

The knowledge of this vengeance is made known to the dragon upon sighting the priest while this spell is in effect, and few dragons are willing to risk a god's displeasure. The worst that a dragon will do to the spellcaster in most cases is merely ignore him or make vaguely threatening gestures.

The shukenja, too, is bound by certain considerations. This spell fails if cast by a priest who secretly plans to harm the dragon. If the caster or an ally within the area of effect shows hostile intent toward a dragon, the spell ends immediately and the dragon to whom the priest is will, if it chooses to attack, gain a +2 bonus to all attack and damage rolls in combat with the offenders and those aiding them. The dragon gains initiative on its first attack even if the offenders make the first moves, as the spell invokes a curse that gives the dragon the upper hand for the first round of melee. The phrase “hostile intent” includes any action that would harm or immobilize the dragon, as well as any attempt to spy on the dragon's lair prior to an attack or theft. Wise spellcasters avoid entering a dragon's lair, as the temptation of seeing the dragon's treasure hoard might move the caster to contemplate a “hostile” action – and thus invite doom.

Since this spell is actually cast upon the priest, the dragon receives no saving throw or magic resistance check. The dragon operates under its own free will and may decide to attack the caster once the spell's duration expires. The dragon is not obliged to be truthful or helpful, nor is it compelled to reveal its secrets. However, even evil dragons are more inclined to bend or shade the truth rather than to lie, as this may prove to be far more effective a tactic in certain situations (for example, if asked for information on a nearby ore tribe, a red dragon might disguise the fact that the ores give him treasure and sacrifices, and might offer misleading information as to its location and the composition of its forces). Divination spells can be used in conjunction with this spell to strengthen one's bargaining position.