Illustration Xan Drake

Ancient White Dragon

System Reference Document 5.1
Challenge 20
(25,000 XP)
Robinloft Estimated CR 20
Gargantuan dragon, chaotic evil
Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points 333 (18d20+144)
Speed 40 ft., burrow 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR
26 (+8)
DEX
10 (+0)
CON
26 (+8)
INT
10 (+0)
WIS
13 (+1)
CHA
14 (+2)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +14, Wis +7, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +6
Damage Immunities cold
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Draconic
Environments arctic
Ice Walk.

The dragon can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost it extra movement.

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 plus 9 (2d8) cold 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.
Cold Breath (Recharge 5–6).

The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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 16 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.

Chromatic Dragons

Chromatic dragons—vicious, greedy, and voracious—are the most feared of all dragons. They come in at least five color variants: black, blue, green, red, and white, each of which has its peculiar habitats and breath weapons.

White Dragons

“In the frostbitten expanse, where snowstorms veil ancient secrets and icy gusts whisper tales of woe, the White Dragon reigns supreme, a sovereign of snow and shard.”

White dragons are the embodiment of winter’s wrath—predators with cold cunning, thriving where few dare tread.

Glacial Majesty. With scales resembling pristine snow and icy ridges, white dragons blend seamlessly into their frozen domains. Their eyes gleam with crystalline brilliance, reflecting both curiosity and malevolence.

Frostbound Hunters. Adept at stalking prey in blizzards and on frozen terrains, white dragons unleash a chilling breath that can freeze foes solid. Their lairs, often hidden deep within ice caverns or atop towering mountains, are maze-like fortresses guarding hoards of treasures and frozen trophies.

Cold Cunning. While often deemed the least intellectual among chromatic dragons, white dragons boast a primal intelligence. They expertly use their environment to advantage, setting icy ambushes for unwary travelers.

Memory Frozen in Time. White dragons have an uncanny ability to remember events, especially grievances. Those who cross their path should be wary, for a white dragon’s memory, much like the icy tundras they dominate, remains cold and unyielding.

Ancient White Dragon

Not yet described

Known Relationships

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