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One-Headed Clockwork Dragon

Large · Construct · CR 8 · Unaligned

Source. Creature Codex

16 (natural armor)

178 (17d10+85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Construct

Alignment Unaligned

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Constitution +8

Skills

Athletics +9 Perception +6

Languages

understands Common but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Bound

The dragon is magically bound to three circlets. As long as the dragon is within 1 mile of a circlet wearer on the same plane of existence, the wearer can communicate telepathically with the dragon. While the dragon is active, the wearers see through its eyes and hear what it hears. During this time, the wearers are deaf and blind with regard to their own senses.

If only two circlet wearers are within 1 mile of the active dragon, each hour spent wearing the circlets imposes one level of exhaustion on those wearers. If only a single wearer is within 1 mile of the active dragon, each minute spent wearing the circlet gives that wearer one level of exhaustion. If no circlet wearers are within 1 mile of the dragon, it views all creatures it can see as enemies and tries to destroy them until a circlet wearer communicates with the dragon or the dragon is destroyed. A circlet wearer can use its action to put the dragon in an inactive state where it becomes incapacitated until a wearer uses an action to switch the dragon to active.

Each circlet is a magic item that must be attuned.

Immutable Form

The dragon is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.

Magic Resistance

The dragon has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Siege Monster

The dragon deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+6 plus 1d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 6

The dragon exhales fire in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Fist

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+6 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The dragon can use its Oil Spray. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its fists.

Oil Spray

The dragon sprays oil in a 30-foot-cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or become vulnerable to fire damage until the end of the dragon's next turn.

Tail Sweep

The dragon swings its bladed tail. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 15 (2d8 + 6) slashing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About One-Headed Clockwork Dragon

One-Headed Clockwork Dragon is a large construct with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 178 hit points (derived from 17d10+85).

One-Headed Clockwork Dragon has communication capabilities including understands Common but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using One-Headed Clockwork Dragon

2 tips available

When using One-Headed Clockwork 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.
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 One-Headed Clockwork 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.
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 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 One-Headed Clockwork Dragon?: One-Headed Clockwork Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is One-Headed Clockwork Dragon?: One-Headed Clockwork Dragon is a Large Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does One-Headed Clockwork Dragon speak?: One-Headed Clockwork Dragon can communicate in understands Common but can't speak.