Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ancient Silver Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 20 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

21 (natural armor)

355

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

+15

INT

WIS

CHA

+11

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 25000

Initiative Bonus +6

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Strength +10 Dexterity +6 Constitution +15 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +9 Charisma +11

Languages

Common,Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold

Traits

Freezing Fog

As the young silver dragon, except it affects creatures within 30 feet of the dragon, and the save DC is 23.

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 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10+10) piercing 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.

Cold Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 CON save, taking 99 (22d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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 19 CHA save or be vulnerable to cold damage until the end of its next turn. A target resistant to cold damage isn't resistant to it for the duration. A target immune to cold 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 19 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 Paralyzing Breath, if available.

Paralyzing Breath

Recharge 6

As the silver dragon wyrmling, except it is a 90-foot cone, and the save DC is 23.

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 24 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.

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 Silver Dragon

Ancient Silver Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 20. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 355 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Silver Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Silver 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.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Silver 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.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 20.

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: 42,000 XP
Hard: 63,000 XP
Deadly: 84,000 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 Ancient Silver Dragon?: Ancient Silver Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 20, making it appropriate for parties of level 20.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Silver Dragon?: Ancient Silver Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Silver Dragon speak?: Ancient Silver Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.