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Shadow Dragon Wyrmling

Medium · Dragon · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

52 (8d8+16)

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 +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Deception +4 Insight +2 Nature +2 Perception +2 Stealth +4

Languages

Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; damage from nonmagical weapons

Condition Immunities

fatigue, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, poisoned, prone, restrained

Traits

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.

Evil

The dragon radiates an Evil aura.

Incorporeal Movement

The dragon can move through other creatures and objects. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Actions

Anguished Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a shadowy maelstrom of anguish in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area makes a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw taking 22 (4d8) necrotic damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d10+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d10 + 2) piercing damage.

About Shadow Dragon Wyrmling

Shadow 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 16 and possesses 52 hit points (derived from 8d8+16).

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

GM Tips: Using Shadow Dragon Wyrmling

4 tips available

When using Shadow 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Incorporeal Movement: This creature can pass through objects and walls! Use 'Magic Circle', 'Forcecage', or other magical barriers. Physical obstacles are ineffective.

Player Guide: Facing Shadow Dragon Wyrmling

4 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.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Hit Incorporeal Creature: This creature can pass through objects! Use magical weapons or spells. Physical attacks may not work. 'Magic Missile' or 'Spiritual Weapon' are effective.

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 Shadow Dragon Wyrmling?: Shadow Dragon Wyrmling has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Shadow Dragon Wyrmling?: Shadow Dragon Wyrmling is a Medium Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadow Dragon Wyrmling speak?: Shadow Dragon Wyrmling can communicate in Draconic.