Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young Black Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

18 (natural armor)

127 (15d10+45)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Dragons, Chromatic

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

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 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +6 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid

Environments

Swamp or Marsh

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Actions

Acid Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales acid in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 49 (11d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Bite

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.

Claw

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Young Black Dragon

Young Black Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 15d10+45).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Black Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Young Black Dragon?: Young Black Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Black Dragon speak?: Young Black Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.