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Adult Black Dragon

Huge · Dragon · CR 14 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

19 (natural armor)

238

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

+10

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 11500

Initiative Bonus +7

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)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Strength +7 Dexterity +7 Constitution +10 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +7 Charisma +8

Languages

Common,Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid,poisoned

Traits

Acidic Vapors

After the black dragon uses its Acid Breath, acid clings to its mouth, throat, and nostrils for a time, evaporating as the dragon breathes. While the dragon's Acid Breath is unavailable, acidic vapors surround it, and each creature that starts its turn within 20 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 18 CON save or be poisoned until the start of its next turn.

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If the dragon fails a save, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales acid in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 18 DEX save, taking 49 (11d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

+12 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+7 plus 1d8 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10+7) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.

Claw

+12 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+7 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6+7) slashing damage.

Elemental Roar (Costs 2 Actions)

The dragon roars at up to two creatures of its choice within 120 feet of it. Each target must succeed on a DC 16 CHA save or be vulnerable to acid damage until the end of its next turn. A target resistant to acid damage isn't resistant to it for the duration. A target immune to acid damage is still immune to it, even if the target fails the save.

Frightful Presence

Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 16 WIS save or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's save is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

Multiattack

The dragon uses its Frightful Presence. It then makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

Tail

+12 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+7 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8+7) bludgeoning damage.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions)

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 20 DEX save or take 14 (2d6+7) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Legendary Actions

Detect

Cost 1

The dragon automatically detects every creature and trap within 30 feet of it, pinpointing the current location of each.

Elemental Roar

Cost 2

Tail Attack

Cost 1

The dragon makes a Tail attack.

Wing Attack

Cost 2

About Adult Black Dragon

Adult Black Dragon is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 14. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 238 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Adult Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Adult 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 Adult 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 14.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 18 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 21,000 XP
Hard: 31,500 XP
Deadly: 42,000 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 Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 14, making it appropriate for parties of level 14.0.
What type of creature is Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Adult Black Dragon speak?: Adult Black Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.