Ancient Black Dragon — fantasy monster illustration. Ancient Black Dragon is a gargantuan dragon (Challenge Rating 21).

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Ancient Black Dragon

Gargantuan Dragon, chaotic evil

AC
22
HP
367
Speed
40
CR
21

Armor Class 22 (natural armor)

Hit Points 367 (21d20+147)

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


STR
27 (+8)
DEX
14 (+2)
CON
25 (+7)
INT
16 (+3)
WIS
15 (+2)
CHA
19 (+4)

Saving Throws Cha +11, Con +14, Dex +9, Wis +9

Skills Stealth +9, Perception +16

Damage Immunities acid

Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 26

Languages Common, Draconic

Challenge 21


Traits

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.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

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 19 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.

Acid Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales acid in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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 23 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.

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Ancient Black Dragon — fantasy monster illustrationPrimary
FTTHelper · auto-generated · monster · monster

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Further reading

Jetpack7 Game Master Series
The Game Master's Book of Legendary Dragons
Aaron Hübrich · 2022
The Game Master's Book of Random Encounters
Jeff Ashworth · 2020
The Game Master's Book of Traps, Puzzles and Dungeons
Jeff Ashworth · 2022