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Ancient Black Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 21 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

22 (natural armor)

367 (21d20 + 147)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +16

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 26

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +16 Stealth +9

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (4/Day, or 5/Day in Lair)

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

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 90-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 67 (15d8) 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 4 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+8 slashing plus 2d8 acid damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +15, reach 15 ft. 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) 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 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks):

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

Legendary Actions

Cloud of Insects

Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 21, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 33 (6d10) 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 moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.

About Ancient Black Dragon

Ancient Black Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 367 hit points (derived from 21d20 + 147).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient 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 Ancient 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 21.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Ancient Black Dragon?: Ancient Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Black Dragon?: Ancient Black Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Black Dragon speak?: Ancient Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.