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Ancient Wind Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 21 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

20 (natural armor)

351 (19d20 +152)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 120 ft (36.6 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)

Climb 60 ft (18.3 m)

Crawl 60 ft (18.3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 27

Saving Throws

Dexterity +10 Constitution +15 Wisdom +10 Charisma +12

Skills

Acrobatics +17 Intimidation +12 Perception +17 Stealth +10

Languages

Common, Draconic, Primordial

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Damage Resistances

cold

Traits

Freedom of Movement

The dragon ignores difficult terrain, and magical effects can’t reduce its speed or cause it to be restrained. It can spend 5 feet of movement to escape from nonmagical restraints or being grappled.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

Storm Sight

The dragon can see through areas obscured by fog, mist, clouds, or precipitation.

Whirling Winds

Gale force winds rage around the dragon’s body. Arrows, bolts, and other ordinary projectiles launched at the dragon are deflected upward and automatically miss. Boulders hurled by giants or siege engines, and similar projectiles, are unaffected.

Actions

Bite

+16 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+9 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) piercing damage.

Claw

+16 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+9 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. it: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.

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

Tail

+16 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+9 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) bludgeoning damage.

Tempest Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a blast of stormy wind in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 36 (8d8) bludgeoning damage and 36 (8d8) lightning damage and is pushed up to 45 feet away from the dragon and knocked prone. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't pushed or knocked prone. Nonmagical flames in the area are extinguished.

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 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

About Ancient Wind Dragon

Ancient Wind Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 20 and possesses 351 hit points (derived from 19d20 +152).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Wind Dragon

2 tips available

When using Ancient Wind 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.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Ancient Wind 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.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 21.

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: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Wind Dragon?: Ancient Wind Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Wind Dragon?: Ancient Wind Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Wind Dragon speak?: Ancient Wind Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Primordial.