Well, I fall short of words in the expression of my first impression regarding the concept: it is simply bloody brilliant and marvellous!
I literally fancy almost everything that your suggestion entails, Aulë of many skills. I must first congratulate you for the daunting efforts you poured in such structured proposal; it's clearly evident and visible from any passage of the construction. Also, it was certainly not a very obvious thing that something valuable would be the outcome of our thorough discussions. And it was really a very insightful and in-depth debate, yet hard and cause of fatigues. However, you have triumphed over difficulties, gentle Aulë, and the result of your striving is honourably sound. No doubts or second thoughts about that.
Let us now, in the words of Saruman, examine what we have knowledge of: one of the stringent topics of the debate was the implementation of Smaug in a way that was worthy of the renowned smart mechanics of the Edain Mod. Not only should the very hero be included in the game via unique systems, but he needs be given more prominence in equal terms, were we to widen our sight and gaze until we consider the whole faction. This was not a very easy of a task, surely; Smaug does not partake in the common logic of the three realms (pardon the generalisation with the word
realms), being him a solitary creature which prefers to act on his own and which is not much in tune with the idea of obedience either. A lone and deadly force of nature which is definitely used to lonesomeness. Therefore, in accordance with the insights that were thitherto presented to all, I really like how the concept evolved, revolving around the themes of greed, earned allegiance through tributes of gold and the special character of Smaug himself. Given the iconic importance and pervasiveness of any Edain feature, this proposal lives up to the aforementioned standards, because it devises something that complies with the lore, with the tone of the cinematographic adaptation and with that consistency at the root of faction mechanics (so that the feature is made relevant and significant for players, which is the most important goal we could set ourselves on). In conclusion, the conceptual characterisation would fare greatly, methinks. If it's possible to make it work, I feel we have eventually found a very proper solution for our needs. Although I am generally quite sceptical about tying a hero to the spellbook in such a manner, if not when it comes to exceptional cases (Sauron), I deem the concept necessary; simply said. Smaug boasts too much importance in the faction as a character and general iconic figure. Holistically, this is the system which hitherto fulfils our theories and speculations.
On a secondary note, but not lesser, I have very much appreciated that all sorts of available elements have been brought to the general attention, trying to provide in advance everything one may provide (advices, pictures, animations and so on), while leaving very little in the obscurity of doubts. Well done, indeed! I must particularly state my love for the art which has been proposed. The icons were thoughtfully conceived and that art just gives us those bits of the Hobbit trilogy that we are all fond of. Details do have their relevance! If the concept gets approved, I really hope that these images will be used for the purpose. And abilities I like too, of course. They encompass pretty much all sides of Smaug, without risking to be boring, redundant or mere replicas of the vanilla. Specifically, beside the references to the actual Hobbit, the hypnotising gaze retains the legacy of dragons in Arda and reminds us of the Elder Times of history, when the World used to have a different fashion, when foul foes would tread the ways of Middle-earth and when the immortal shires in which naught perishes were still part of the common world. The first dragons emerged from the pits of Angband during the wars between the Eldar and Morgoth, terrorising Elves, Men and Dwarves; their origin was unknown and they were equally said to have ghoulish capabilities. They appeared under a serpent-like guise and had magical powers as well, as many other demons and fell spirits in those years of agony. It is in fact reported that Glaurung, the most malicious and terrible of the Urulóki (the fire-breathing Worms of Morgoth, which are none else than the first wingless dragons) had the power to cast hypnotising spells with his wicked eyes. Moreover, Smaug is also portrayed as the deadly weapon he ought to be, for Winged Dragons appear in tales only at the last hour, amidst the utter mayhem of the War of Wrath; just to provide some facts, the arrival of such fleet of mighty beasts had even caused the Host of Valinor to retreat. The armies of Valinórë, led in battle by Eönwë, chief of the Maiar of Aman and herald of Manwë, Ancient King of Arda! As you may see, the antique lore of the past always manages to make some forays in the modernity of the Third Age. These are prime themes in the entirety of Tolkien's writings. Similarly to how we have suggested Narya being returned to Gandalf and Círdan being endowed with more lore-accurate features, connected with the ancient lore of the broad seas (Ulmo and Ossë).
Now, lest I be lost in the meanders of my narration, let us get to technicalities. Usually, new faction boards are opened after the release of said new factions. Thinking about the recent suggestions on Rivendell's spells, I truly believe that it would be wiser to start showcasing the concept at the present time, as we have enough time to leave feedback on it and perhaps polish some aspects which might need be polished. The Misty Mountains are probably still far on the horizon, yet time must be used wisely. Thus, I say this: the sooner, the better. So, dear Aulë, you have my
authorisation to open an own thread in the General Suggestions. Everything is more or less finalised; nevertheless, prior to that, it would be wonderful if you managed to correct a couple of typos in the post and add Smaug's Ring form, comprising icons, abilities and the following suggestion (if you wish to include it). Speaking of which, what if Smaug were characterised by golden-toned textures, once he picks the One Ring up? An akin case to Saruman of Many Colours. We would thus have Smaug the Golden. Coming to the ending sentence: many thanks, Aulë, again. I do think that yours is a proposal worthy of being implemented