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Adult Black Dragon

Huge · Dragon · CR 14 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

19 (natural armor)

195 (17d12+85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Dragons, Chromatic

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 11500

Initiative Bonus +2

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 21

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +11 Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Environments

Swamp or Marsh

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales acid in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

Cost 1

+11 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.

Claw

Cost 1

+11 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Frightful Presence

Cost 1

Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Tail

Cost 1

+11 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Legendary Actions

Detect

Cost 1

The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack

Cost 1

The dragon makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack

Cost 2

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

About Adult Black Dragon

Adult Black Dragon is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 14. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 195 hit points (derived from 17d12+85).

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

GM Tips: Using Adult Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Adult Black 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 Adult Black 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 14.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 18 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 21,000 XP
Hard: 31,500 XP
Deadly: 42,000 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 Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 14, making it appropriate for parties of level 14.0.
What type of creature is Adult Black Dragon?: Adult Black Dragon is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Adult Black Dragon speak?: Adult Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.