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Skull Drake

Medium · Dragon · CR 3 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

15 (natural armor)

75 (10d8+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5 Wisdom +3

Skills

Intimidation +2 Perception +3 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic

Damage Resistances

poison

Damage Vulnerabilities

radiant

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Keen Smell

The skull drake has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the skull drake has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The skull drake makes two bite attacks.

Necrotic Breath

Recharge 6

The skull drake exhales a 15-foot cone of noxious, black gas. Each creature in the area must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A creature reduced to 0 hp by this damage dies.

About Skull Drake

Skull Drake is a medium dragon with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 75 hit points (derived from 10d8+30).

Skull Drake has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Skull Drake

2 tips available

When using Skull Drake 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 10 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Skull Drake

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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 10 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Skull Drake?: Skull Drake has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Skull Drake?: Skull Drake is a Medium Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Skull Drake speak?: Skull Drake can communicate in Common, Draconic.