Zspheres are good somtimes, but usualy a real base is better. If you have access to a 3D modeler that uses .obj to export, like maya, max, XSI, or pretty much all of them, you should try modeling the basis of your character then export it to Zbrush for sculpting. You'l get much better results, and a better triangulation/edge loop.

I like how you call them Z-balls, hehe.

Hehehe, Zballs.

I've got 3dsmax experience but don't have it installed at the moment: my current goal is to play around with and learn how to use Zbrush properly. I will probably be learning Maya in order to use the liquids (I have a picture of said dragon on a hillside in the pissing rain, looking all fierce in mind), and to get some of the more handy modelling tools.

One thing that really ticks me off about zspheres is the way they only allow child nodes to be at right angles to the parent: the mesh deforms horribly as can be seen in the head pic when they're not correct.

Fortunately the heavy-set brows will probably work okay for this simple 'test' dragon.

Thanks for the comments!