Robinloft > Monsters > Ancient Gold Dragon

Ancient Gold Dragon

System Reference Document 5.1

Challenge 24

(62,000 XP)

Robinloft Estimated CR 24

Gargantuan dragon, lawful good

Armor Class 22 (natural armor)

Hit Points 546 (28d20+252)

Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.

STR

30 (+10)

DEX

14 (+2)

CON

29 (+9)

INT

18 (+4)

WIS

17 (+3)

CHA

28 (+9)

Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +16, Wis +10, Cha +16

Skills Insight +10, Perception +17, Persuasion +16, Stealth +9

Damage Immunities fire

Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 27

Languages Common, Draconic

Environments forest, grassland

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.

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: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) bludgeoning damage.

Breath Weapons (Recharge 5–6).

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 71 (13d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 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.

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 24 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

“In the hallowed halls of ancient temples and the shimmering heart of the sun’s embrace, the Gold Dragon glides, a symbol of purity and the embodiment of benevolent power.”

Gold dragons are the paragons of dragonkind, revered for their wisdom, majesty, and unwavering sense of justice.

Sun-Kissed Scales. Glistening with a radiant sheen, the scales of a gold dragon shine like freshly minted coins. Their regal appearance, with sweeping wings and a commanding presence, evokes awe and respect from all who behold them.

Temples in the Sky. Preferring places of serenity and reflection, gold dragons often choose mountaintops, sacred groves, and ancient ruins as their abodes. These lairs are places of meditation and study, filled with artifacts of historical and magical significance.

Benevolent Guardians. Known for their compassion and sense of duty, gold dragons often intervene in mortal affairs to right wrongs and dispel darkness. They form bonds with noble-hearted individuals, guiding them towards paths of honor and righteousness.

Seekers of Wisdom. With a thirst for knowledge that spans eons, gold dragons are voracious learners. They cherish ancient tomes, art, and music, often sharing their vast knowledge with those who genuinely seek enlightenment.

Not yet described