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Ancient Copper Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 18 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

21 (natural armor)

297

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

+13

INT

WIS

CHA

+10

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 20000

Initiative Bonus +6

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Dexterity +6 Constitution +13 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +9 Charisma +10

Languages

Common,Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Traits

Corrosive Scales

As the young copper dragon.

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 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 21 DEX save, taking 76 (17d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+8 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10+8) piercing damage.

Claw

+15 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+8 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6+8) 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 18 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 18 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. It can replace its Bite attack with a use of Slowing Breath, if available.

Slowing Breath

Recharge 6

As the copper dragon wyrmling, except it is a 90-foot cone, and the save DC is 21.

Tail

+15 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+8 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8+8) bludgeoning damage.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions)

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 22 DEX save or take 15 (2d6+8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Bonus Actions

Change Shape

The dragon magically transforms into a Beast or Humanoid that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form, which is Dragon. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying transforms with it or is borne by the new form (the dragon's choice). It reverts to its true form if it dies. In a new form, the dragon retains its Legendary Resistance trait and its HP, ability to speak, proficiencies, and INT, WIS, and CHA scores, as well as this bonus action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

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 Ancient Copper Dragon

Ancient Copper Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 18. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 297 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Copper Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Copper 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.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Copper 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.
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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 18.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 34,200 XP
Hard: 51,300 XP
Deadly: 68,400 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 Ancient Copper Dragon?: Ancient Copper Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 18, making it appropriate for parties of level 18.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Copper Dragon?: Ancient Copper Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Copper Dragon speak?: Ancient Copper Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.