Yep, it's that time of the month again. I've read all the arguments, I've seen all the logic. I hate to bring it up yet again, but I've just been thinking. First of all, I'm not a major proponent for either side. In fact, being able to treat kobolds as True Dragons in order to grab Loredrake has been one of my favorite character flavors from both a mechanics AND roleplaying perspective. Something about a kobold trying to convince his non-kobold companions that he is, in fact, an actual TRUE dragon, while his companions laugh and roll their eyes, just makes me happy inside. However, to the point:
1. The generally accepted definition of a true dragon is:
.....true dragons are those creatures that grow more powerful as they grow older...other creatures of the dragon type that do not advance through age categories are referred to as lesser dragons
Many people place more emphasis on the second part, but that's irrelevant to my thinking because that's the part I'm challenging.
2. The universally accepted true dragons
advance through age categories, which gives them more HD.
3. The term "advance" has a very specific meaning in D&D language when talking about creatures. The advancement line in the monster manual points out the method by which creatures get tougher. Some gain HD, like animals, some gain class levels, like most humanoids, and true dragons advance by aging, which also grows their HD.
4. Kobolds advance by character class, according to the rules.
5. Metallic/Chromatic/etc. dragons advance by aging.
Just by looking at the words used, it sorta looks to me like kobolds do not advance through age categories. They do age, but they do not ADVANCE by gaining age. Rather, they advance by gaining character class levels. Dragonwrought kobolds do gain power as they age (higher mental abilities), however, they do not ADVANCE through age categories by the strictest meaning of the word in D&D creature terms.
This, obviously, means that Dragonwrought Kobolds would not be True Dragons if you follow this logic.
What does it mean?
Dragonwrought Kobolds cannot take epic feats early.
It is POSSIBLE that it could mean that Dragonwrought Kobolds cannot take Loredrake. The Sovereign Archetypes section only mentions True Dragons one time. However, within the context of the book, it would appear that Dragonwrought Kobolds cannot take Loredrake (context is as much a part of RAW as the words). Still, the Sovereign Archetypes section only says "dragons" except in the one part where it states all true dragons have access to arcane magic.
What does it not mean?
It doesn't mean that Dragonwrought Kobolds don't automatically qualify for feats, PrCs, etc. requiring dragonblood subtype. This line specifically says the "dragon" type, and nothing about True Dragons. (sorry about the double negative)
It doesn't mean Dragonwrought Kobolds can't use spell slots/spells known to utilize Draconic Aura (Dragon Magic).(edited: just reread Draconic Auras in DM)
Sorry to open this up yet again, that has just been nagging at my sense of logic.