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Ancient Mithral Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 22 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

20 (natural armor)

490 (28d20 + 196)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 41000

Initiative Bonus +8

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 29

Saving Throws

Dexterity +15 Constitution +14 Wisdom +12 Charisma +12

Skills

History +12 Insight +12 Perception +19 Persuasion +12 Stealth +15

Languages

all, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

slashing

Condition Immunities

charmed

Traits

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

Magic Resistance

The dragon has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Mithral Scales

If the dragon succeeds on a saving throw by 5 or more against a spell that targets only it, the dragon is unaffected, and the spell is reflected back at the caster as though it originated from the dragon, turning the caster into the target.

Actions

Bite

+15 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+8 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage. Instead of dealing damage, the dragon can end one magical effect of its choice of 7th level or lower on the target.

Claw

+15 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+8 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 +8) slashing damage, and if the target isn't a Construct or Undead, it must succeed on a DC 23 Constitution saving throw or lose 10 (3d6) hp at the start of each of its turns as a piece of metallic claw breaks off in the wound. Any creature can take an action to remove the claw with a successful DC 16 Wisdom (Medicine) check. The claw pops out of the wound if the target receives magical healing.

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 20 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end 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.

Shard Breath

Recharge 5–6

The mithral dragon spits metallic shards in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 73 (21d6) slashing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The area becomes difficult terrain for 1 minute, then the shards dissolve into wisps of silvery smoke. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 7 (2d6) slashing damage for every 5 feet it travels.

Tail

+15 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+8 bludgeoning 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 10 feet 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 Mithral Dragon

Ancient Mithral Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 22. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 20 and possesses 490 hit points (derived from 28d20 + 196).

Ancient Mithral Dragon has communication capabilities including all, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ancient Mithral Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Mithral 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.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Mithral 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.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 22.

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: 50,600 XP
Hard: 75,900 XP
Deadly: 101,200 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 Ancient Mithral Dragon?: Ancient Mithral Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 22, making it appropriate for parties of level 22.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Mithral Dragon?: Ancient Mithral Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Mithral Dragon speak?: Ancient Mithral Dragon can communicate in all, telepathy 120 ft..