Dragon Barding Deed
A Dragon Barding Deed is a deeded item that is crafted by blacksmiths and used on tame, unarmored Swamp Dragons.
The armor will provide the rider of the dragon with extra protection in PvM combat. This is done by absorbing a percentage of all damage received. Exceptional dragon barding allows a Swamp Dragon to absorb 20% of the damage inflicted upon the rider, while non-exemption barding provides only a 10% reduction. The damage reduction only works against monsters, not in PvP combat.
The barding can be removed from an armored Swamp Dragon by using a bladed item, however the Dragon Barding Deed will be lost upon removal. A Swamp Dragon's barding is subject to eventual damage and destruction, just like normal armor.
An armored Swamp Dragon will retain its armor upon resurrection.
An exception to the rules concerning armor is Paroxysmus' Swamp Dragon, the armor of which gives a 12% damage reduction. This cannot be removed or destroyed, making it a permanent - but less effective - alternative to acquiring exceptional deeds.
Colored Armor
Colored armor imparts no more protection than iron armor; the use of colored ingots to produce dragon barding is for aesthetic reasons only. Vendors do tend to charge more for colored barding deeds, so choose wisely.