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Young Black Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

144 (17d10+51)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +7 Wisdom +5 Charisma +6

Skills

History +5 Perception +5 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Traits

Ambusher

When submerged in water, the dragon has advantage on Stealth checks. If the dragon hits a creature that can't see it with its bite, it can deal piercing damage and grapple the target simultaneously.

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragons spellcasting ability is Charisma (save DC 14). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
- 3/Day Each:Fog Cloud, Pass Without Trace

Ruthless (1/Round)

After scoring a critical hit on its turn, the dragon can immediately make one claw attack.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales sizzling acid in a 40-foot-long 5-foot-wide line. Each creature in that area makes a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw taking 45 (10d8) acid damage on a failed save or half damage on a success. A creature that fails the save is blinded until the end of its next turn.

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d10+4 plus 1d8 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage. Instead of dealing piercing damage the dragon can grapple the target (escape DC 16) and a Medium or smaller creature grappled in this way is restrained. While grappling a creature the dragon can't bite another creature.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws.

About Young Black Dragon

Young Black Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 144 hit points (derived from 17d10+51).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young Black Dragon 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.
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.

Player Guide: Facing Young Black Dragon

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.
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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Young Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Black Dragon speak?: Young Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.