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Ancient Gold Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 24 · Lawful Good

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

22 (natural armor)

546 (28d20+252)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Dragons, Metallic

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Good

XP 62000

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 27

Saving Throws

Dexterity +9 Constitution +16 Wisdom +10 Charisma +16

Skills

Insight +10 Perception +17 Persuasion +16 Stealth +9

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Environments

Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Ocean Ruins Astral Plane

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

Bite

Cost 1

+17 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.

Breath Weapons

Recharge 5–6

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 71 (13d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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.

Change Shape

Cost 1

The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).
In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Claw

Cost 1

+17 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) 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 24 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

+17 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) 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 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 (2d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

About Ancient Gold Dragon

Ancient Gold Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 24. It has a lawful good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 546 hit points (derived from 28d20+252).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Gold Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient 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 Ancient 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 24.

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: 60,000 XP
Hard: 90,000 XP
Deadly: 120,000 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 Ancient Gold Dragon?: Ancient Gold Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 24, making it appropriate for parties of level 24.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Gold Dragon?: Ancient Gold Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Gold Dragon speak?: Ancient Gold Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.