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Ancient Flame Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 23 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

22 (natural armor)

518 (28d20 + 224)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 50000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 80 ft (24.4 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 27

Saving Throws

Dexterity +9 Constitution +15 Wisdom +10 Charisma +13

Skills

Deception +13 Perception +17 Persuasion +13 Stealth +9

Languages

Common, Draconic, Ignan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Fire Incarnate

Creatures with resistance to fire damage don’t have resistance to the fire damage dealt by the flame dragon. A creature with immunity to fire damage is still immune to the dragon’s fire damage.

Heated Body

A creature that touches the flame dragon or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 14 (4d6) fire damage.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

Actions

Bite

+13 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+6 plus 4d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire damage.

Claw

+13 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+6 slashing damage.

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

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 91 (26d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Each creature in that area must also succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom saving throw or go on a rampage for 1 minute. A rampaging creature must attack the nearest creature other than the dragon on its turn. If no other creature is near enough to move to and attack, the rampaging creature stalks off in a random direction, seeking a target for its rage. The rampaging creature can repeat the Wisdom saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Frightful Presence

Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 21 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

The dragon uses its Frightful Presence. It then makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

Tail

+13 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+6 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Bonus Actions

Detect

The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Shifting Flames

The dragon magically transforms into a Gargantuan or smaller fire-based Elemental (such as a salamander, magma mephit, or fire elemental) or back into its true form, which is a Dragon. Without wings or other way of flying, it loses its flying speed. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying transforms with it. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Tail Attack

The dragon makes a Tail attack.

Wing Attack

Cost 2

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 21 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.

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

About Ancient Flame Dragon

Ancient Flame Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 23. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 518 hit points (derived from 28d20 + 224).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Flame Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Flame 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.
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 Flame 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.
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 23.

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: 55,200 XP
Hard: 82,800 XP
Deadly: 110,400 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 Flame Dragon?: Ancient Flame Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 23, making it appropriate for parties of level 23.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Flame Dragon?: Ancient Flame Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Flame Dragon speak?: Ancient Flame Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Ignan.