Dragonbait is a saurial (dinosaur-like humanoid) and the loyal traveling companion of Artus Cimber throughout the Tomb of Annihilation adventure. He is good-aligned and can help the party accomplish their goals.
Role in the Adventure
Dragonbait accompanies Artus Cimber as they search Chult for either Orolunga or gather supplies and information in Port Nyanzaru. The pair can be encountered anywhere on the peninsula as a random encounter, or at specific locations including:
- Camp Righteous (exploring ruins)
- Heart of Ubtao (spying on Red Wizards)
- Jahaka Anchorage (attempting to free prisoners)
- Kir Sabal (gathering information)
- Orolunga (consulting with Saja N’baza)
- Fleeing through the jungle from various threats
Key Characteristics
Dragonbait communicates through scent rather than speech—he gives off the scent of roses when content or bidding farewell. He is fiercely loyal to Artus Cimber and remains committed to helping his friend find the displaced city of Mezro as long as Artus lives.
Relationship with Artus Cimber
The bond between Dragonbait and Artus is unbreakable. Dragonbait follows Artus’s lead throughout the adventure, and Artus will take Dragonbait with him if he leaves the party. However, if Artus dies with no hope of resurrection, Dragonbait loses his primary purpose and opts to return to Port Nyanzaru.
Involvement with the Party
Once Dragonbait and Artus become aware of the Soulmonger and its danger, they willingly help the party destroy it. Any party that includes both makes overcoming the adventure’s challenges easier. The duo might be encountered as prisoners—either in Valindra’s cage at the Heart of Ubtao or in the pirates’ cage at Jahaka Anchorage (where Artus might be plotting a rescue as a former Society of Stalwart Adventurers member).
They may also be found consulting with Saja N’baza at Orolunga, where they learn that Mezro won’t return while Ras Nsi lives—giving them incentive to accompany the party to Omu.
After the Adventure
If Dragonbait survives the Tomb of the Nine Gods with Artus alive, he continues helping his friend search for Mezro. If Artus dies, Dragonbait returns to Port Nyanzaru, drowns his sorrows in tej (honey wine), and eventually crosses paths with Volothamp Geddarm. The two explorers then embark on numerous adventures together.