Gargantuan dragon (metallic dragon), lawful good
Armor Class 22 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 487 (25d20+225)
Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +7
Proficiency Bonus +11 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 (+10) | 10 (+0) | 29 (+9) | 18 (+4) | 15 (+2) | 23 (+6) |
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +16, Wis +9, Cha +13
Skills Arcana +11, History +11, Perception +16, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities Cold
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 26
Languages common, draconic
Challenge 23 (50,000 XP)
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: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.
- Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.
- Kick (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target behind the dragon. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or be kicked back 20 feet. If the target is kicked back, it must succeed on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or fall prone.
- Plummet (suggested). Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 5 ft., one or more targets on the ground. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) 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 24 Constitution saving throw or be pinned under the dragon, taking 21 (2d10 + 10) 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 24 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 25 Dexterity saving throw or be grappled (escape DC 25) 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 17 (2d6 + 10) 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: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 25 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: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage. In addition, the target must succeed on a DC 25 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 25 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 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.
Cold Breath. The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Constitution saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Paralyzing Breath. The dragon exhales paralyzing gas in a 90- foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed 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
Ancient Silver 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 Silver 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 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 (2d6 + 10) 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 silver dragons are the friendliest and most social of the metallic dragons, often seeking out the company of humanoids and other intelligent creatures. They have a noble and majestic appearance, with scales that shine like polished silver and eyes that sparkle like sapphires. Their wings are large and graceful, and their tails are long and slender. They have two long horns that curve backward from their heads, and a frill of spines that runs along their necks and backs. Their faces are expressive and benevolent, and they speak with deep and melodious voices.
Ancient silver dragons are very curious and inquisitive, always eager to learn new things and explore new places. They have a keen interest in history, culture, art, and magic, and often collect rare and valuable items that reflect their passions. They are also very generous and compassionate, willing to share their wealth and wisdom with those who need them. They value friendship and loyalty above all else, and will go to great lengths to protect their allies and loved ones.
Ancient silver dragons are also very playful and humorous, enjoying jokes, riddles, stories, and games. They have a fondness for shapeshifting into humanoid or beast forms, either to blend in with other races or to surprise them with their true identity. They often adopt a friendly and charming persona when interacting with others, but they can also be stern and authoritative when necessary. They are very respectful of the laws and customs of different lands, but they will not hesitate to intervene if they witness injustice or cruelty.
COMBAT
Ancient silver dragons are formidable opponents in combat, using their physical prowess, magical abilities, and breath weapons to overcome their enemies. They prefer to avoid unnecessary violence, but they will not shy away from a fight if they or their friends are threatened. They are also very cunning and strategic, using their shapeshifting skills and environmental features to gain an advantage.
Ancient silver dragons have two types of breath weapons: a cone of freezing cold that can damage and immobilize their foes, and a cone of paralyzing gas that can render them helpless. They can also cast spells as a powerful sorcerer, using a variety of spells to enhance their defenses, heal their wounds, manipulate the elements, or unleash destructive forces. They are especially adept at using spells that involve ice or wind, such as cone of cold, ice storm, wall of ice, or gust of wind.
Ancient silver dragons are also very skilled in melee combat, using their bite, claws, and tail to inflict serious damage. Their bite can pierce through armor and flesh with ease, while their claws can slash through multiple targets at once. Their tail can sweep away enemies with a powerful blow, or grapple them with its prehensile tip. They can also use their frightful presence to instill fear in their enemies, making them more likely to flee or fail their actions.
Ancient silver dragons are very resilient and hardy, having a high armor class and hit points. They are immune to cold damage, and resistant to fire damage. They have keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing, as well as blindsight and darkvision. They can also detect the thoughts and emotions of nearby creatures with their telepathy.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
Ancient silver dragons typically dwell in high mountains or cold regions, where they can enjoy the beauty of nature and the solitude of their lairs. Their lairs are often hidden within glaciers, ice caves, or snow-covered peaks, where they can store their treasures and valuables safely. Their lairs are also adorned with various artworks, sculptures, tapestries, books, maps, and other items that reflect their interests and hobbies.
Ancient silver dragons are very sociable creatures, often seeking out the company of other intelligent beings. They are especially fond of humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, halflings, and other good-aligned races. They often visit nearby towns or villages in disguise, either to observe or to interact with the locals. They may also form lasting friendships or alliances with individuals or groups that share their values or goals. Some ancient silver dragons may even fall in love with humanoids or beasts of other races, resulting in half-dragon offspring.
Ancient silver dragons are very loyal to their friends and allies, often providing them with aid or protection when needed. They may also bestow gifts or favors upon them as a sign of gratitude or affection. They may also invite them to visit their lairs or accompany them on their travels. Ancient silver dragons are very respectful of the sovereignty and autonomy of other races, but they will not tolerate any acts of evil or oppression against them. They may also intervene in conflicts or disputes that threaten the peace or harmony of the world.
Ancient silver dragons have a complex relationship with other dragons. They generally get along well with other metallic dragons (especially golds), sharing similar ideals and values. They may also cooperate or communicate with them on matters of mutual interest or concern. They are usually wary or hostile towards chromatic dragons (especially reds), viewing them as enemies or rivals. They may also clash or compete with them over territory, resources, or prestige. They are usually indifferent or curious towards gem dragons (especially sapphires), having little contact or interaction with them.
ECOLOGY
Ancient silver dragons are apex predators, feeding on large animals such as deer, elk, moose, bears, or wolves. They may also hunt smaller creatures such as rabbits, squirrels, birds, or fish. They prefer to hunt in cold or snowy environments, using their breath weapons or spells to freeze or paralyze their prey. They may also use their shapeshifting abilities to lure or ambush their prey in disguise.
Ancient silver dragons are very long-lived creatures, having lifespans that can reach over 4,000 years. They reach adulthood at around 100 years, and become ancient at around 800 years. They age gracefully and slowly, retaining their vigor and vitality until the end of their lives. They are also very fertile and prolific, able to mate and reproduce with other dragons or creatures of other races. They usually lay one to four eggs at a time, which hatch after about a year. They are very protective and nurturing of their young, teaching them the skills and knowledge they need to survive and thrive.
Ancient silver dragons are very influential and respected creatures, having a significant impact on the world and its inhabitants. They are often revered or worshipped by other races as benevolent guardians, wise sages, or powerful patrons. They may also be feared or hated by other races as dangerous threats, meddling intruders, or arrogant tyrants. They may also be sought out by adventurers, scholars, or treasure hunters for their wealth, wisdom, or power.