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Ancient Black Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 21 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

22 (natural armor)

367 (21d20+147)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Dragons, Chromatic

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 33000

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 26

Saving Throws

Dexterity +9 Constitution +14 Wisdom +9 Charisma +11

Skills

Perception +16 Stealth +9

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 Cost 1

The dragon exhales acid in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

Cost 1

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage.

Claw

Cost 1

+15 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) 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 19 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

+15 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) 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 15 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

About Ancient Black Dragon

Ancient Black Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 367 hit points (derived from 21d20+147).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient 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 Ancient 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 21.

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: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Black Dragon?: Ancient Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Black Dragon?: Ancient Black Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Black Dragon speak?: Ancient Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.