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Ancient Red Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 21 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

22 (natural armor)

382

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

+16

INT

WIS

CHA

+13

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +7

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 +10 Dexterity +7 Constitution +16 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +9 Charisma +13

Languages

Common,Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Boil Over

When the red dragon hasn't unleashed its Fire Breath, the heat builds and rolls outward from it. While the dragon's Fire Breath is available, it emits immense heat, and each creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 CON save or take 7 (2d6) fire damage. A creature that fails this save by 5 or more also suffers one level of exhaustion.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

Actions

Bite

+17 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+10 plus 4d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10+10) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire damage.

Claw

+17 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+10 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6+10) 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 21 CHA save or be vulnerable to fire damage until the end of its next turn. A target resistant to fire damage isn't resistant to it for the duration. A target immune to fire damage is still immune to it, even if the target fails the save.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 DEX save, taking 105 (30d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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 21 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

+17 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+10 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8+10) 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 25 DEX save or take 17 (2d6+10) 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 Ancient Red Dragon

Ancient Red Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 382 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Red Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Red 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Red 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.
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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 21.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Red Dragon?: Ancient Red Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Red Dragon?: Ancient Red Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Red Dragon speak?: Ancient Red Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.