Huge dragon (metallic dragon), lawful good
Armor Class 19 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 256 (19d12+133)
Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +6
Proficiency Bonus +8 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 (+8) | 14 (+2) | 25 (+7) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 24 (+7) |
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +13, Wis +8, Cha +13
Skills Insight +8, Perception +14, Persuasion +13, Stealth +8
Damage Immunities Fire
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
Languages common, draconic
Challenge 17 (18,000 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: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.
- Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
- Kick (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target behind the dragon. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw or be kicked back 10 feet. If the target is kicked back, it must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or fall prone.
- Plummet (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one or more targets on the ground. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 8) 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 (+6) 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 21 Constitution saving throw or be pinned under the dragon, taking 21 (2d10 + 8) 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 22 Dexterity saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 22) 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 15 (2d6 + 8) 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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 19 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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 22 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 22 Strength saving throw or be pushed 15 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 21 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.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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. - 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
Adult Gold 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. Adult Gold 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 10 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 22 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.
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
The adult gold dragon is one of the most powerful and majestic of the metallic dragons, a group of dragons that are dedicated to protecting the innocent and upholding justice. The adult gold dragon has a long, serpentine body covered in gleaming scales that range from light yellow to bright gold. Its head is adorned with two large horns that curve forward and a frill that extends from its chin to the back of its neck. Its eyes are deep blue or violet, and its wings are large and feathered. The adult gold dragon can change its shape into a humanoid or beast of its choice, allowing it to blend in with other creatures or assume a more comfortable form.
COMBAT
The adult gold dragon is a formidable opponent in combat, using its physical prowess and magical abilities to overcome its enemies. It can use its frightful presence to instill fear in those who oppose it, or its breath weapons to inflict devastating damage. The adult gold dragon has two types of breath weapons: a cone of fire that incinerates everything in its path, and a cone of gas that weakens the strength of its foes. The adult gold dragon is also adept at melee combat, using its bite, claws, and tail to strike at its enemies. It can also use its legendary actions to move, make an attack, or detect the presence of hidden or invisible creatures. The adult gold dragon is not afraid to fight for what it believes in, but it prefers to avoid unnecessary violence and will try to resolve conflicts peacefully if possible.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
The adult gold dragon prefers to live in warm, arid regions, such as deserts, savannas, or mountains. It often chooses a lair that is hidden from sight, such as a cave, a temple, or a palace. The adult gold dragon is very protective of its lair and will defend it fiercely from intruders. The adult gold dragon is also very curious and loves to learn new things. It often travels the world in search of knowledge, adventure, and allies. The adult gold dragon is friendly and benevolent, and will often help those in need. It respects other creatures that share its ideals of justice and goodness, and will form strong bonds with them. The adult gold dragon is especially fond of humans and other humanoids, and will often adopt a humanoid form to interact with them.
ECOLOGY
The adult gold dragon is a rare and revered creature that plays an important role in the balance of nature. It is a guardian of life and a foe of evil, using its power and wisdom to maintain harmony in the world. The adult gold dragon is also a source of inspiration and awe for many cultures, who regard it as a symbol of nobility, courage, and enlightenment. The adult gold dragon is often worshiped as a deity or a patron by those who share its values. The adult gold dragon is an omnivorous creature that feeds on plants, animals, and minerals. It has a preference for pearls and gems, which it collects and hoards in its lair. The adult gold dragon can live for thousands of years, and reaches maturity at around 100 years old. It mates for life with another gold dragon of the opposite sex, and produces one or two eggs every hundred years. The eggs take about ten years to hatch, and the young dragons stay with their parents until they are ready to venture out on their own.