Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young Blue Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Lawful Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

18 (natural armor)

152 (16d10 + 64)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +4

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 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Strength +5 Dexterity +4 Constitution +4 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +5 Charisma +3

Skills

Perception +9 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Actions

Lightning Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 16, each creature in a 60-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line. Failure: 55 (10d10) Lightning damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks.

Rend

Cost 1

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing plus 1d6 lightning damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +9, reach 10 ft. 12 (2d6 + 5) Slashing damage plus 5 (1d10) Lightning damage.

About Young Blue Dragon

Young Blue Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 152 hit points (derived from 16d10 + 64).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Blue Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young Blue 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 20 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.
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 Young Blue 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 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Young Blue Dragon?: Young Blue Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young Blue Dragon?: Young Blue Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Blue Dragon speak?: Young Blue Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.