Illustration Xan Drake

Ancient Brass Dragon

System Reference Document 5.1
Challenge 20
(25,000 XP)
Robinloft Estimated CR 19
Gargantuan dragon, chaotic good
Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points 297 (17d20+119)
Speed 40 ft., burrow 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
STR
27 (+8)
DEX
10 (+0)
CON
25 (+7)
INT
16 (+3)
WIS
15 (+2)
CHA
19 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +13, Wis +8, Cha +10
Skills History +9, Perception +14, Persuasion +10, Stealth +6
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
Languages Common, Draconic
Environments desert
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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5–6).

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons:
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in an 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 56 (16d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Sleep Breath. The dragon exhales sleep gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious for 10 minutes. This effect ends for a creature if the creature takes damage or someone uses an action to wake it.

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.

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 18 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.

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 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.

Dragons

No ear has escaped tales of the most fearsome beasts known as dragons. While many of these tales are old and these creatures are rare, dragons are quite real indeed.

Dragons appear in amazing variety, both in appearance and in temperament. Many are full of malice and greed while others are models of benevolent majesty and confident kindness. Reptile-like, most dragons are covered in scales of unusual toughness and savage beauty. Most grow ever larger as they age—in maturity reaching enormous size.

While dragons seem ready to rule all the lands, if they were so inclined, tales suggest that their ancient enmity with giants and humanoids keeps them in check. Even so, they often dominate the landscape surrounding their lairs.

Mind the Legends. Adventurers should familiarize themselves with the dangers of aggressive dragons they might encounter. While usually solitary, they are at their most defensive when guarding their lair, especially if there is a clutch of eggs. In addition to fearsome physical attacks, most dragons can use their breath as a weapon. You are advised to heed the local legends. It is best to know whether you are up against fire, lightning, icy cold, poison, acid, or some other danger.

True Dragons

While there are creatures, such as the wyvern, that are dragon-kin, a true dragon is the most majestic and formidable of beasts.

A true dragon is a reptilian creature with four legs and a pair of wings. They grow throughout their lives to enormous size and can defend themselves with a fiery, icy, poisonous, acidic or otherwise extraordinary breath weapon.

Metallic Dragons

The so-called metallic dragons are majestic guardians and protectors. While they acknowledge and value their own high station in the world, they acknowledge the value and worth of the lives of humanoids and beasts. This altruism separates them from the chromatic dragons.

Metallic dragons do, however, have some things in common with their chromatic cousins. All dragons have a touch of avarice and are possessive of their lairs and their hoards of treasure. A metallic dragon, however, might be hiding away dangerous items for the good of others and might even be convinced to part with a few items to serve some noble objective.

Metallic dragons are known to come in five varieties that are named after their appearance of their gleaming scales: brass, copper, bronze, silver, and gold.

Scholarship suggests that their natural life span is centuries long, if not unlimited, and they grow in size and power over the decades and centuries. Mature metallic dragons of all varieties are said to possess the ability to take the form of a human or beast and some have been discovered visiting or living among us.

Brass Dragons

“In sun-baked dunes and scorching deserts, where mirages dance and winds carry tales of ancient times, the Brass Dragon soars, a paragon of knowledge and wit.”

The brass species are the conversationalists of the dragon world, always eager for interaction and discussion, making their homes where cultures converge and histories are rich.

Sunlit Scales. Brass dragons shimmer with a bright, polished sheen. Their scales resemble burnished metal, and their fringed wings and expressive faces are often the first indication of their friendly disposition. Their eyes sparkle with curiosity, always seeking new tales and lore.

Desert Diplomats. Preferring the warmth of desert landscapes, brass dragons are known to approach caravans and nomads, not with hostility, but with an eagerness to trade stories or engage in intellectual jousting. Their lairs, often located amidst desert cliffs or hidden oases, are treasure troves of books, artifacts, and memories of countless conversations.

Wit and Wisdom. Despite their often jovial nature, brass dragons are deeply intelligent and have an uncanny ability to discern truth from falsehood. They love riddles and puzzles and appreciate those who can challenge their sharp minds.

Lovers of Lore. Above all, brass dragons cherish knowledge. From ancient histories to personal anecdotes, they are always eager to listen, learn, and share tales with those they meet. Many a lost legend or bard’s tale has been preserved thanks to the memory of a brass dragon.

Ancient Brass Dragon

Not yet described

Known Relationships

Duplication and Templates

Want to make a new design starting from 'Ancient Brass Dragon'? Want to apply a template?