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Ancient Green Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 22 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

21 (natural armor)

402 (23d20 + 161)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 41000

Initiative Bonus +15

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 +8 Dexterity +8 Constitution +7 Intelligence +5 Wisdom +10 Charisma +6

Skills

Deception +13 Perception +17 Persuasion +13 Stealth +8

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

poisoned

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

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Mind Spike (level 5 version).

Poison Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 77 (22d6) Poison damage. Success: Half damage.

Rend

Cost 1

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8+8 slashing plus 3d6 poison damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +15, reach 15 ft. 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) Poison 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 21):

At Will: Detect Magic, Mind Spike
1/Day Each: Geas, Modify Memory

Legendary Actions

Mind Invasion

Cost 1

The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Mind Spike (level 5 version).

Noxious Miasma

Cost 1

Constitution Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature in a 30-foot-radius Sphere [Area of Effect]|XPHB|Sphere centered on a point the dragon can see within 90 feet. Failure: 17 (5d6) Poison damage, and the target takes a -2 penalty to AC 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.

Pounce

Cost 1

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

About Ancient Green Dragon

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

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 402 hit points (derived from 23d20 + 161).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Green Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Green 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 Green 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 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 Green Dragon?: Ancient Green Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 22, making it appropriate for parties of level 22.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Green Dragon?: Ancient Green Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Green Dragon speak?: Ancient Green Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.