Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Earth Dragon Wyrmling

Medium · Dragon · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

58 (9d8+18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Tremorsense 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Athletics +4 Insight +4 Nature +3 Perception +4

Languages

Draconic, Terran

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

damage from nonmagical weapons

Condition Immunities

petrified

Traits

Earth Glide

The dragon can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone without disturbing it.

Essence Link

The essence dragon is spiritually linked to a specific area or landmark. The dragon gains no benefit from a long rest when more than 1 mile away from its linked area. If the dragon dies, the area it is linked to loses its vital essence until it forms a new essence dragon, which can take centuries. When a creature first enters an area that has lost its vital essence in this way, they gain a level of fatigue and a level of strife. This fatigue and strife can be removed only by completing a long rest outside the area.

False Appearance

While the dragon remains motionless within its linked area, it is indistinguishable from a natural rocky outcropping.

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d10+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d10 + 2) piercing damage.

Scouring Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon breathes scouring sand and stones in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area makes a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw taking 10 (3d6) slashing damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

About Earth Dragon Wyrmling

Earth Dragon Wyrmling is a medium dragon with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 58 hit points (derived from 9d8+18).

Earth Dragon Wyrmling has communication capabilities including Draconic, Terran. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Earth Dragon Wyrmling

2 tips available

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

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 40 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Earth Dragon Wyrmling

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 40 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Earth Dragon Wyrmling?: Earth Dragon Wyrmling has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Earth Dragon Wyrmling?: Earth Dragon Wyrmling is a Medium Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Earth Dragon Wyrmling speak?: Earth Dragon Wyrmling can communicate in Draconic, Terran.