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Young Emerald Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

133 (14d12+42)

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 +4

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Deception +7 History +8 Perception +5 Stealth +8

Languages

Common, Deep Speech, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

psychic, thunder

Condition Immunities

fatigue

Traits

Far Thoughts

The dragon is aware of any creature that uses a psionic ability or communicates telepathically within 100 miles of it. As an action, the dragon can psionically observe a creature, object, or location it is familiar with within 100 miles. While observing a subject in this way, the dragon can see, hear, and communicate telepathically, but it is blind and deaf in regard to its physical senses and does not require food or water. The dragon can psionically observe a subject indefinitely and can end this effect and return to its own senses as an action.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragons spellcasting ability is Charisma (save DC 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
- 3/Day Each:Hideous Laughter, Suggestion

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) thunder damage.

Claws

+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.

Maddening Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon screams stripping flesh from bone in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area makes a DC 15 Constitution saving throw taking 44 (8d10) thunder damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Multiattack

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

About Young Emerald Dragon

Young Emerald 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 17 and possesses 133 hit points (derived from 14d12+42).

Young Emerald Dragon has communication capabilities including Common, Deep Speech, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Young Emerald Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young Emerald 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 20 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.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Young Emerald Dragon

3 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 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

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 Emerald Dragon?: Young Emerald Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young Emerald Dragon?: Young Emerald Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Emerald Dragon speak?: Young Emerald Dragon can communicate in Common, Deep Speech, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft..