SRD5:Ancient Black Dragon

This material from the 5th edition (2014) SRD v5.1 is published under the OGL and CC-BY

Ancient Black Dragon [SRD5 OGL/CC-BY]
Gargantuan Dragon (Chromatic Dragons, Black Dragons), Chaotic Evil
Armor Class: 22 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 367 (21d20+147)
Speed: 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 27 (+8) 14 (+2) 25 (+7) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 19 (+4)
Saving Throws: Dex +9, Con +14, Wis +9, Cha +11
Skills: Perception +16, Stealth +9
Damage Immunity: acid
Senses: blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 26
Languages: Common, Draconic
Habitat: Swamp
Challenge: 21 (33,000 xp)Proficiency Bonus (PB): +7
Features Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water. Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.  Actions Multiattack. The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10+8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage. Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6+8) slashing damage. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8+8) bludgeoning damage. Frightful Presence. Each creature of the dragon’s choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon’s Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours. Acid Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales acid in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.  Legendary Actions The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check. Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack. Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

End of the SRD5 material

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Variant: Dragons as Innate Spellcasters

Many dragons have the ability to innately cast spells. Their Spellcasting Ability is Charisma, which also determines the number of spells it can cast.

Black Dragon's Lair

 Black dragons lair in swamps, especially in caves, grottos, and ruined buildings.

Lair Actions

 When fighting inside its lair, an black dragon can use lair actions. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the dragon takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the dragon can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:

• Grasping Tide
• Cloud of swarming insects
• Magical Darkness

Regional Effects

 The region near a black dragon's lair

• Difficult Terrain
• Water Fouled
• Fog

If the dragon dies, effects fade over 1d10 days.

Sources and Notes

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