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Young Gold Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 10 · Lawful Good

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

18 (natural armor)

178 (17d10+85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Subcategory Dragons, Metallic

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Lawful Good

XP 5900

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 19

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +9 Wisdom +5 Charisma +9

Skills

Insight +5 Perception +9 Persuasion +9 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Environments

Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.

Breath Weapons

Recharge 5–6

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 17 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.

Claw

Cost 1

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

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

About Young Gold Dragon

Young Gold Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 10. It has a lawful good alignment.

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

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

GM Tips: Using Young Gold Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 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 Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 10, making it appropriate for parties of level 10.0.
What type of creature is Young Gold Dragon?: Young Gold Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Gold Dragon speak?: Young Gold Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.