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Young Gold Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

18 (natural armor)

193

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5900

Initiative Bonus +6

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 18

Saving Throws

Strength +6 Dexterity +6 Constitution +9 Intelligence +3 Wisdom +8 Charisma +7

Languages

Common,Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Golden Splendor

When the gold dragon hasn't unleashed its Fire Breath, its scales gleam and sparkle like molten gold or a pile of gold coins. While the dragon's Fire Breath is available, each creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 17 CHA save or be charmed until the start of its next turn.

Actions

Bite

+10 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10+6) piercing damage.

Claw

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+6 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6+6) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales fire in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 17 DEX save, taking 66 (12d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

The dragon makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks. It can replace its Bite attack with a use of Weakening Breath, if available.

Weakening Breath

Recharge 6

As the gold dragon wyrmling, except it is a 30-foot cone, and the save DC is 17.

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 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.

About Young Gold Dragon

Young Gold Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 10. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 193 hit points (derived from None).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Gold Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young Gold 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.
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 Young Gold 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.
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.
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 10.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 13 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 11,000 XP
Hard: 16,500 XP
Deadly: 22,000 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 Young Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Gold Dragon speak?: Young Gold Dragon can communicate in Common,Draconic.