Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young Red Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Chaotic Evil

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 Chaotic Evil

XP 5900

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Strength +6 Dexterity +4 Constitution +5 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +4 Charisma +4

Skills

Perception +8 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Actions

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: 56 (16d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three Rend attacks.

Rend

Cost 1

+10 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+6 slashing plus 1d6 fire damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 10 ft. 13 (2d6 + 6) Slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) Fire damage.

About Young Red Dragon

Young Red Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 10. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

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

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

GM Tips: Using Young Red Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young Red 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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 Red 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.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
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 Red Dragon?: Young Red Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Red Dragon?: Young Red Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Red Dragon speak?: Young Red Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.