Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young River Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

142 (19d10+38)

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 +3

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 80 ft (24.4 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Tremorsense 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Acrobatics +6 Deception +5 Insight +7 Nature +5 Perception +7 Stealth +7

Languages

Aquan, Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

damage from nonmagical weapons

Condition Immunities

fatigue

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

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.

Flowing Grace

The dragon doesnt provoke opportunity attacks when it flies or swims out of an enemys reach.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragons spellcasting ability is Charisma (save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
- 3/Day Each:Create or Destroy Water, Fog Cloud

Shimmering Scales

While in water, the dragon gains three-quarters cover from attacks made by creatures more than 30 feet away.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d10+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d10 + 3) piercing damage.

Claws

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

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

Torrential Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales water in a 30-foot-long 5-foot-wide line. Each creature in the area makes a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw taking 42 (12d6) bludgeoning damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

About Young River Dragon

Young River 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 142 hit points (derived from 19d10+38).

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

GM Tips: Using Young River Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young River 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 80 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Young River 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 80 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 River Dragon?: Young River Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young River Dragon?: Young River Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young River Dragon speak?: Young River Dragon can communicate in Aquan, Common, Draconic.