Gargantuan dragon (metallic dragon), Lawful good
Armor Class 22 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 444 (24d20+192)
Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +7
Proficiency Bonus +10 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 (+9) | 10 (+0) | 27 (+8) | 18 (+4) | 17 (+3) | 21 (+5) |
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +15, Wis +10, Cha +12
Skills Insight +10, Perception +17, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities lightning
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 27
Languages common, draconic
Challenge 22 (41,000 XP)
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.
- Multiattack (suggested). The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes four attacks.
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) piercing damage.
- Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.
- Kick (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target behind the dragon. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or be kicked back 20 feet. If the target is kicked back, it must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or fall prone.
- Plummet (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 5 ft., one or more targets on the ground. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) bludgeoning damage. The dragon can use this attack only if it is flying or jumping and descends at least 30 feet straight toward the target. The dragon can target a number of creatures equal to its proficiency bonus (+7) that are in a 15-foot radius of where it lands. The dragon makes a separate attack roll for each target. The target must succeed on a DC 23 Constitution saving throw or be pinned under the dragon, taking 20 (2d10 + 9) bludgeoning damage at the start of each of the dragon’s turns until the dragon moves or the target escapes. The target can use its action to make a DC 21 Strength check, ending the effect on itself on a success. The dragon can’t use its breath weapon or wing attack on the same turn as this attack.
- Snatch (suggested). When the dragon flies at least 20 feet straight toward a creature that is two or more size categories smaller than itself and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, the dragon can use its bonus action to try to snatch the creature. The target must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 24) by the dragon and lifted into the air. While grappled in this way, the target is restrained and has disadvantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. The dragon can only snatch one creature at a time. At the start of each of the dragon’s turns, it can choose to squeeze the snatched creature, dealing 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage to it. Alternatively, the dragon can make an attack roll against the snatched creature to transfer it to its mouth. On a hit, the creature is no longer grappled by the claw, but by the bite. On a miss, the creature falls and takes falling damage as normal.
- Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of the dragon’s next turn. The dragon can make this attack as a bonus action if it uses its Multiattack action on its turn.
- Wing Buffet (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone. The dragon can make this attack as a bonus action if it uses its Multiattack action on its turn. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or be pushed 20 feet away from the dragon due to the gust of wind produced by the wing buffet.
- 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 20 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.
- Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Lightning Breath. The dragon exhales lightning in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Repulsion Breath. The dragon exhales repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 23 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is pushed 60 feet away from the dragon. - Change Shape. The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon’s choice).
In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Ancient Bronze 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. Ancient Bronze Dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of their turn.
- Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
- Tail Attack. The dragon makes an additional attack.
- Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
Ancient bronze dragons are gargantuan metallic dragons with a lawful good alignment. They have a sleek and muscular body, covered with scales that range from turquoise to copper in color. They have a long and graceful neck, a horned head, and a frilled crest that runs from their nose to the tip of their tail. Their eyes are green and their teeth are pearly white. They have four legs with webbed claws and a pair of large wings that enable them to fly and swim with ease.
Ancient bronze dragons are honorable and noble, often acting as guardians and protectors of the weak and innocent. They value justice, law, and order, and they will not tolerate evil or corruption in any form. They are also very wise and knowledgeable, having accumulated centuries of experience and learning. They are fascinated by history, culture, art, and magic, and they often seek out ancient ruins, libraries, or museums to satisfy their curiosity. They are friendly and courteous, but also proud and dignified. They respect those who show courage, honesty, loyalty, and generosity, but they despise those who are cowardly, deceitful, treacherous, or greedy.
COMBAT
Ancient bronze dragons avoid unnecessary violence, preferring to use diplomacy or persuasion to resolve conflicts. However, if they are provoked or threatened, they will not hesitate to unleash their full power against their enemies. They are formidable foes who can use their size, strength, and speed to their advantage. They also have two potent breath weapons: a line of lightning that can electrocute anything in its path, and a cone of repulsion energy that can push away any creature that fails to resist its effects. Ancient bronze dragons can also change their shape into any humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than their own, allowing them to infiltrate or escape different situations.
Ancient bronze dragons are immune to lightning damage and have high resistance to physical attacks. They have keen senses that allow them to see in the dark and detect hidden creatures. They also have legendary resistance that enables them to overcome any adverse effects that would otherwise hinder them. Additionally, they can use their legendary actions to make extra attacks with their bite, claw, or tail, or to detect nearby enemies with their perception.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Ancient bronze dragons typically live in coastal areas, such as islands, peninsulas, or bays. They favor lairs that have access to both land and water, such as caves, cliffs, or reefs. They often salvage wrecked ships, reconstruct them within the confines of their lair, and use them as treasure vaults or nests for their eggs. They also collect items that reflect their interests and tastes, such as books, scrolls, maps, paintings, sculptures, jewels, or magic items.
Ancient bronze dragons are very sociable and enjoy the company of other creatures, especially those who can share their knowledge and wisdom. They often form friendships with humanoids, beasts, or other dragons who share their values and goals. They are especially fond of scholars, historians, artists, magicians, and adventurers who can enlighten them with new information or experiences. They are loyal and generous allies who will aid their friends in times of need or reward them with gifts or favors. However, they also expect respect and gratitude from them, and they can be easily offended or angered by insults or ingratitude.
Ancient bronze dragons are usually solitary or mated pairs, but they sometimes form clans or alliances with other bronze dragons or metallic dragons who share their ideals or causes. They often cooperate with each other to fight against evil forces or promote peace and harmony among different races and cultures. They also like to participate in festivals, celebrations, competitions, or games that involve skill, wit, or creativity.
ECOLOGY
Ancient bronze dragons are omnivorous creatures who can eat almost anything that is edible. However, they prefer seafood over land food, especially fish, crustaceans, mollusks, or seaweed. They hunt their prey while flying above the water or diving below the surface, using their lightning breath to stun them or their repulsion breath to trap them[4. They also enjoy fruits, nuts, spices, honey, wine, and other delicacies that they can find or trade for.
Ancient bronze dragons play an important role in the ecology of their habitats by regulating the population of their prey species and preventing overfishing or starvation. They also help maintain the balance of nature by protecting the environment from destruction or pollution caused by evil creatures or forces. They often aid other creatures who live in harmony with nature by providing them with food, water, shelter, or guidance.
Ancient bronze dragons have a long lifespan that can span centuries or even millennia. They reach maturity at around 100 years old and can mate at any time after that. They usually mate for life with another bronze dragon who shares their personality and preferences. They lay one or two eggs every few decades and guard them carefully until they hatch. They are very attentive and affectionate parents who teach their young everything they know and encourage them to explore the world and find their own path. They also introduce them to their friends and allies and help them form their own bonds and relationships.