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Ancient Bronze Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 22 · Lawful Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

22 (natural armor)

444 (24d20 + 192)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Good

XP 41000

Initiative Bonus +14

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 27

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Dexterity +7 Constitution +8 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +10 Charisma +7

Skills

Insight +10 Perception +17 Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

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

Lightning Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 23, each creature in a 120-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 82 (15d10) Lightning damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Repulsion Breath or (B) Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 2 version).

Rend

Cost 1

+16 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+9 slashing plus 2d8 lightning damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +16, reach 15 ft. 18 (2d8 + 9) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Lightning damage.

Repulsion Breath

Cost 1

Strength Saving Throw: DC 23, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: The target is pushed up to 60 feet straight away from the dragon and has the Prone condition.

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 22, +14 to hit with spell attacks):

At Will: Detect Magic, Guiding Bolt, Shapechange, Speak with Animals, Thaumaturgy
1/Day Each: Detect Thoughts, Control Water, Scrying, Water Breathing

Legendary Actions

Guiding Light

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 2 version).

Pounce

Cost 1

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

Thunderclap

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 20-foot-radius Sphere [Area of Effect]|XPHB|Sphere centered on a point the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 13 (3d8) Thunder damage, and the target has the Deafened condition until the end of its next turn.

About Ancient Bronze Dragon

Ancient Bronze Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 22. It has a lawful good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 444 hit points (derived from 24d20 + 192).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Bronze Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Bronze 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.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Bronze 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.
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.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 22.

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: 50,600 XP
Hard: 75,900 XP
Deadly: 101,200 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 Bronze Dragon?: Ancient Bronze Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 22, making it appropriate for parties of level 22.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Bronze Dragon?: Ancient Bronze Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Bronze Dragon speak?: Ancient Bronze Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.