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Young Shadow Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

114 (12d10+48)

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 +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 240 ft (73.2 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +8 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +5

Skills

Deception +8 Insight +5 Nature +5 Perception +5 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, 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 11 (2d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Innate Spellcasting

The dragons spellcasting ability is Charisma (save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
- 3/Day Each:Darkness, Detect Evil and Good

Actions

Anguished Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a shadowy maelstrom of anguish in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area makes a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw taking 40 (9d8) necrotic damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Bite

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

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

Claws

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

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

About Young Shadow Dragon

Young Shadow 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 17 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d10+48).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Shadow Dragon

4 tips available

When using Young Shadow 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 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 40 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 Young Shadow Dragon

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 40 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 40 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 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 Shadow Dragon?: Young Shadow Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Shadow Dragon?: Young Shadow Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Shadow Dragon speak?: Young Shadow Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.