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Ancient Gold Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 24 · Lawful Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

22 (natural armor)

546 (28d20 + 252)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Good

XP 62000

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 27

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Insight +10 Perception +17 Persuasion +16 Stealth +9

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

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

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 71 (13d10) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 4 version) or (B) Weakening Breath.

Rend

Cost 1

+17 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+10 slashing plus 2d8 fire damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft. 19 (2d8 + 10) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Fire damage.

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 24, +16 to hit with spell attacks):

At Will: Detect Magic, Guiding Bolt, Shapechange
1/Day Each: Flame Strike, Word of Recall, Zone of Truth

Weakening Breath

Cost 1

Strength Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature that isn't currently affected by this breath in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: The target has Disadvantage on Strength-based D20 Test and subtracts 5 (1d10) from its damage rolls. It repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.

Legendary Actions

Banish

Cost 1

Charisma Saving Throw: DC 24, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 24 (7d6) Force damage, and the target has the Incapacitated condition and is transported to a harmless demiplane until the start of the dragon's next turn, at which point it reappears in an unoccupied space of the dragon's choice within 120 feet of the dragon. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Guiding Light

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 4 version).

Pounce

Cost 1

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

About Ancient Gold Dragon

Ancient Gold Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 24. It has a lawful good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 546 hit points (derived from 28d20 + 252).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Gold Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Gold 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.
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 Gold 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.
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 24.

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: 60,000 XP
Hard: 90,000 XP
Deadly: 120,000 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 Gold Dragon?: Ancient Gold Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 24, making it appropriate for parties of level 24.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Gold Dragon?: Ancient Gold Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Gold Dragon speak?: Ancient Gold Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.