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Ancient Brass Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 20 · Chaotic Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

20 (natural armor)

332 (19d20 + 133)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Good

XP 25000

Initiative Bonus +12

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 24

Saving Throws

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

Skills

History +9 Perception +14 Persuasion +12 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

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

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

Actions

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature in a 90-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line. Failure: 58 (13d8) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Sleep Breath or (B) Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+14 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+8 slashing plus 2d6 fire damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 15 ft. 19 (2d10 + 8) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Fire damage.

Sleep Breath

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it repeats the save. Second Failure The target has the Unconscious condition for 10 minutes. This effect ends for the target if it takes damage or a creature within 5 feet of it takes an action to wake it.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 20):

At Will: Detect Magic, Minor Illusion, Scorching Ray, Shapechange, Speak with Animals
1/Day Each: Control Weather, Detect Thoughts

Legendary Actions

Blazing Light

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Scorching Ray (level 3 version).

Pounce

Cost 1

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

Scorching Sands

Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 20, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 36 (8d8) Fire damage, and the target's Speed is halved 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.

About Ancient Brass Dragon

Ancient Brass Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 20. It has a chaotic good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 20 and possesses 332 hit points (derived from 19d20 + 133).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Brass Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Brass 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 40 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.
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 Ancient Brass 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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 40 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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 20.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 42,000 XP
Hard: 63,000 XP
Deadly: 84,000 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 Ancient Brass Dragon?: Ancient Brass Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 20, making it appropriate for parties of level 20.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Brass Dragon?: Ancient Brass Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Brass Dragon speak?: Ancient Brass Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.