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Dragon Turtle

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 17 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

264 (16d20+96)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 18000

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +12 Intelligence +8 Wisdom +9

Skills

History +8 Insight +9 Nature +8

Languages

Aquan, Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

cold, fire

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon turtle can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragon turtles spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:
- 3/Day Each: Control Weather, Water Breathing, Zone of Truth

Actions

Bite

+13 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 7d12+7 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 52 (7d12 + 7) piercing damage. If the target is a creature it is grappled (escape DC 21). Until this grapple ends the dragon turtle can't bite a different creature and it has advantage on bite attacks against the grappled creature.

Lightning Storm

1/day

Hundreds of arcs of lightning crackle from the dragon turtle. Each creature within 90 feet makes a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw taking 35 (10d6) lightning damage on a failure or half damage on a success.

Ram

+13 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 6d12+7 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 46 (6d12 + 7) bludgeoning damage. This attack deals double damage against objects vehicles and constructs.

Steam Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon turtle exhales steam in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in the area makes a DC 20 Constitution saving throw taking 52 (15d6) fire damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one.

Bonus Actions

Claws

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) slashing damage.

Reactions

Retract

When the dragon turtle takes 50 damage or more from a single attack or spell, it retracts its head and limbs into its shell. It immediately regains 20 hit points. While retracted, it is blinded; its Speed is 0; it can't take reactions; it has advantage on saving throws; attacks against it have disadvantage; and it has resistance to all damage. The dragon turtle stays retracted until the beginning of its next turn.

Tail

+13 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 6d12+7 bludgeoning damage.

When the dragon turtle is hit by an opportunity attack, it makes a tail attack.

About Dragon Turtle

Dragon Turtle is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 17. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 264 hit points (derived from 16d20+96).

Dragon Turtle has communication capabilities including Aquan, Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Dragon Turtle

3 tips available

When using Dragon Turtle in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Dragon Turtle

3 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 17.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 30,600 XP
Hard: 45,900 XP
Deadly: 61,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Dragon Turtle?: Dragon Turtle has a Challenge Rating of 17, making it appropriate for parties of level 17.0.
What type of creature is Dragon Turtle?: Dragon Turtle is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Dragon Turtle speak?: Dragon Turtle can communicate in Aquan, Common, Draconic.