Are Blue Dragons Worth Killing? A Deep Dive
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Are Blue Dragons worth killing? The answer depends heavily on what you’re seeking. If you’re referring to the real-world blue glaucus, a small sea slug also known as the blue dragon, then the answer is a resounding NO. They are a vulnerable and endangered species, and any interaction should be limited to observation from a distance. In this case, harming a blue dragon is both unethical and harmful to the ecosystem. However, if you’re asking about the fictional blue dragons found in the popular game Old School Runescape (OSRS), then it’s a more nuanced answer that can generally be answered with a qualified yes, particularly for their potential monetary rewards, but only if your character is appropriately equipped and you’re prepared for the dangers they pose. Let’s explore both scenarios.
Real-World Blue Dragons: A Hands-Off Approach
The Blue Glaucus: Nature’s Tiny Terror
The blue glaucus, or blue dragon, is a tiny, brightly colored nudibranch (sea slug) that inhabits tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. They are found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and they only grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. They are fascinating creatures, known for their vibrant blue and silver coloration and their unusual feeding habits.
However, they are not to be trifled with. They consume venomous Portuguese man-o’-war and store the stinging cells (nematocysts) within their own tissues. This gives the blue glaucus a potent defense mechanism. Touching a blue dragon can result in a painful sting, comparable to a man-o’-war sting that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even be life-threatening in rare cases.
The Case Against Killing
The blue glaucus is an endangered species, listed as such by the IUCN. Their populations are threatened by various factors, including the exotic pet trade, ocean pollution, and ocean acidification. These factors also affect the populations of their prey, which can be detrimental to blue dragon numbers. It is crucial to protect these delicate creatures and their ecosystems. There is absolutely no benefit to harming them and doing so is detrimental to their survival. The focus should be on conservation and appreciation of their unique role in the marine environment.
In-Game Blue Dragons: A Calculated Risk
Old School Runescape (OSRS) Blue Dragons
The OSRS blue dragons are a different story altogether. These are large, aggressive creatures found in various locations throughout the game, often located in remote and dangerous places. Unlike the real-world version, the game variety is a formidable foe, using a combination of melee attacks, dragonfire, and magic. They can pose a serious threat to unprepared players. However, killing them can be quite lucrative.
The Reward: Bones and Dragonhide
Blue dragons in OSRS consistently drop dragon bones and blue dragonhide. These items are valuable due to their use in training prayer and crafting respectively. According to your reference article:
- Dragon bones sell for 2,670 coins.
- Blue dragonhide sells for 1,647 coins.
This means each kill is worth a base of 4,317 coins. This doesn’t even account for the other potential drops, such as:
- Runes
- Herbs
- Rare items
These additional drops can significantly increase the profitability of killing blue dragons.
The Risks: Dangerous and Requires Strategy
While the rewards are enticing, blue dragons are not an easy target. They can inflict significant damage, and players need to be properly equipped and utilize the right strategies to be successful. Players should consider:
- Protecting against melee, dragonfire, and magic attacks.
- Using dragonbane weapons which are particularly effective against dragons.
- Utilizing safe-spotting techniques. These allow players to attack the dragon from a location where it cannot reach them. Ranged or halberd-like weapons are especially good for this.
Is It Worth It? A Final Judgement
For an OSRS player, killing blue dragons is absolutely worth it for the potential profit. However, it requires careful planning and preparation. Players with the appropriate combat level, equipment, and a good understanding of combat mechanics can farm blue dragons efficiently, making it a good source of income. Players who are new to the game or haven’t leveled their combat skills may find it to be an impractical pursuit. Ultimately, the decision rests on your character’s capabilities and your risk tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best way to kill Blue Dragons in OSRS?
The best method depends on your combat stats and equipment. However, safespotting with ranged or halberd-like weapons is generally recommended. Using dragonbane weapons will also significantly increase your kill speed. High prayer and defense levels will be important to minimize damage taken.
2. Are there any specific quests that make killing Blue Dragons easier?
While no quests directly make them easier, completing quests that unlock more efficient weapons or better equipment, such as the Dragon Slayer quest for access to anti-dragon shields and dragonbane weapons will improve your blue dragon slaying capabilities.
3. What are the recommended gear setups for killing Blue Dragons?
High melee, ranged, or magic gear, depending on your preferred method, is key. An anti-dragon shield or dragonfire protection potion is essential to reduce dragonfire damage. A good prayer potion supply is highly recommended.
4. How much money can you realistically make per hour killing Blue Dragons in OSRS?
Depending on your efficiency and the current market prices, you can expect to make between 500k and 1.5m gold per hour, excluding any rare drop bonuses. The higher your combat skills and better your setup, the higher the amount you can make per hour.
5. Can blue dragons hurt you in real life?
Yes, absolutely. The real-world blue glaucus stores the venom from its prey and can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous sting. Never handle or touch these creatures.
6. Where can you find blue dragons (blue glaucus) in the wild?
They are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are pelagic and found near the surface of the water.
7. What should I do if I get stung by a blue glaucus?
Wash the area with seawater to remove any remaining tentacles, or carefully pick them off (with gloves). Do not use vinegar. Soak the affected area in hot water (as hot as you can tolerate) for at least 20 minutes.
8. Why are blue glaucus considered endangered?
The blue glaucus populations are threatened by the exotic pet trade, pollution, and ocean acidification. These factors impact their prey as well, causing further decline.
9. How big do blue glaucus get?
They are quite small, reaching a maximum size of only 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
10. Do blue dragons have other uses in OSRS besides drops?
In OSRS, you will find dragon bones that are used for prayer training and blue dragonhides are used to create blue dragonhide armour. Additionally, killing blue dragons provides experience points for your combat stats.
11. What is the blue dragon’s weakness in OSRS?
They are weak to dragonbane weapons, and can often be safespotted due to their large size making them unable to reach players using ranged or halberd weapons from a distance.
12. Do real-world blue dragons breathe fire?
No. Real-world blue dragons are sea slugs and do not breathe fire. This is a characteristic of fictional dragons, like those in OSRS.
13. What is the average life span of the blue glaucus?
Their life span is short, with an average of only a few months, up to a maximum of one year.
14. What are some other interesting facts about real blue dragons?
They float upside down, using the surface tension of the water and an air bubble in their stomach. They are also hermaphrodites, but still require another blue glaucus to reproduce.
15. Are there any other notable fictional blue dragons in other games?
Yes, there is the Arcane Dragon in Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow which is considered the hardest boss in the game. These are different from the blue dragons in OSRS. They often have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the game.