Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young Gold Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Lawful Good

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

18 (natural armor)

178 (17d10 + 85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Good

XP 5900

Initiative Bonus +6

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 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Strength +6 Dexterity +6 Constitution +5 Intelligence +3 Wisdom +5 Charisma +5

Skills

Insight +5 Perception +9 Persuasion +9 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Actions

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: 55 (10d10) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Weakening Breath.

Rend

Cost 1

+10 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+6 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 10 ft. 17 (2d10 + 6) Slashing damage.

Weakening Breath

Cost 1

Strength Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature that isn't currently affected by this breath in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: The target has Disadvantage on Strength-based D20 Test and subtracts 3 (1d6) 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.

About Young Gold Dragon

Young Gold Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 10. It has a lawful good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 178 hit points (derived from 17d10 + 85).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Gold Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 10.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 13 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 11,000 XP
Hard: 16,500 XP
Deadly: 22,000 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 Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Gold Dragon speak?: Young Gold Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.