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Adult Black Dragon

Huge · Dragon · CR 14 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

19 (natural armor)

195 (17d12 + 85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 11500

Initiative Bonus +12

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)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 21

Saving Throws

Strength +6 Dexterity +7 Constitution +5 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +6 Charisma +4

Skills

Perception +11 Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day, or 4/Day in Lair)

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 18, each creature in a 60-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line. Failure: 54 (12d8) Acid damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Acid Arrow (level 3 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+11 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+6 slashing plus 1d8 acid damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +11, reach 10 ft. 13 (2d6 + 6) Slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) Acid damage.

Spellcasting

The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks):

At Will: Detect Magic, Fear, Acid Arrow
1/Day Each: Speak with Dead, Vitriolic Sphere

Legendary Actions

Cloud of Insects

Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 22 (4d10) Poison damage, and the target has Disadvantage on saving throws to maintain Concentration until the end of its next turn. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Frightful Presence

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Fear. The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Pounce

Cost 1

The dragon can move up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.

About Adult Black Dragon

Adult Black Dragon is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 14. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 195 hit points (derived from 17d12 + 85).

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

GM Tips: Using Adult Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Adult 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 Adult 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 14.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 18 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 21,000 XP
Hard: 31,500 XP
Deadly: 42,000 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 Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 14, making it appropriate for parties of level 14.0.
What type of creature is Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Adult Black Dragon speak?: Adult Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.