Ancient Red Dragon Announces Vegan Lifestyle

In a shocking turn of events that has baffled druids and rangers alike, Ignis the Incinerator, an ancient red dragon notorious for burning down three villages last decade, has announced he is adopting a strictly vegan lifestyle. The dragon made the announcement via a cloud of smoke shaped like a carrot over the capital city. According to his herald, a nervous kobold who speaks on his behalf, Ignis has decided that consuming sentient beings is 'bad for the complexion' and that the ethical implications of eating sheep weigh heavily on his conscience. This has left the surrounding kingdoms in a state of confused relief, as the annual tribute of cattle has been cancelled.

Local farmers are struggling to adapt to the new demand. Instead of herding cows to the dragon's lair, they are now tasked with growing colossal vegetables capable of sating a beast the size of a castle. The Guild of Agriculturists is reporting a shortage of giant cabbages and pumpkins, causing prices to skyrocket. Some farmers are attempting to enchant their crops to grow larger overnight, but this has led to incidents where the vegetables become animate and chase the harvesters. Ignis has reportedly been seen sunbathing on his hoard, which is now partially composed of rare seeds and compost rather than just gold coins and gems. He claims the fiber intake has improved his fire breath consistency.

Adventuring parties who were previously hired to slay the dragon are now being hired to protect his garden from pests. A group of level ten paladins was recently seen fighting off a horde of giant locusts threatening Ignis's kale supply. The dragon has expressed gratitude by breathing fire on the locusts, turning them into crispy snacks which he then refused to eat, giving them to the kobolds instead. Critics argue this is merely a phase or a trick to lower the guard of his enemies, but veterinary mages who have examined him confirm his digestive system has indeed changed. He is now immune to poison damage from spoiled lettuce.

The economic impact is rippling through the region. Blacksmiths who specialized in making cages for livestock are pivoting to make gardening tools. The local taverns have renamed their signature stew to 'Dragon's Garden Delight', though patrons complain it lacks protein. Ignis has started a scroll blog detailing his recipes, such as 'Flame-Grilled Asparagus' and 'Molten Lava Roasted Potatoes'. Whether this lifestyle change will last remains to be seen, but for now, the skies are safer, and the air smells slightly more like a salad bar than a barbecue. The Kingdom has officially declared him a Protected Herbivore, though they keep a ballista loaded just in case he gets a craving for steak.