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Young Black Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

18 (natural armor)

136

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +5

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 14

Saving Throws

Strength +5 Dexterity +5 Constitution +6 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +4 Charisma +5

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 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 15 CON save or be poisoned until the start of its next turn.

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales acid in a 3-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 DEX save, taking 49 (11d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10+4) piercing damage.

Claw

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The dragon makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

About Young Black Dragon

Young Black Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 136 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Young Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Black Dragon speak?: Young Black Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.