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Young Earth Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

161 (17d10+68)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5900

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 60 ft (18.3 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 20

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Constitution +8 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +7 Charisma +4

Skills

Athletics +8 Insight +7 Nature +5 Perception +7

Languages

Common, 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.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragons spellcasting ability is Charisma (save DC 12). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
- 3/Day Each: Locate Animals or Plants, Spike Growth

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10 + 4) piercing damage.

Multiattack

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

Scouring Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales scouring sand and stones in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area makes a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw taking 38 (11d6) slashing damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Slam

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

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

About Young Earth Dragon

Young Earth Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 10. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 161 hit points (derived from 17d10+68).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Earth Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young Earth 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 60 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 Young Earth 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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 60 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 10.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 13 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 11,000 XP
Hard: 16,500 XP
Deadly: 22,000 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 Earth Dragon?: Young Earth Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Earth Dragon?: Young Earth Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Earth Dragon speak?: Young Earth Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Terran.