Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ash Drake

Small · Dragon · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (natural armor)

117 (18d6 + 54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Dexterity +4

Skills

Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Firesight

The ash drake can see through areas obscured by fire, smoke, and fog without penalty.

Actions

Ash Breath

Recharge 5–6

The ash drake spews blistering hot, choking ash in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 14 (4d6) fire damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't poisoned. A poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Ash Cloud

Recharge 6

The ash drake beats its wings, filling the area within 10 feet of it with ash for 1 minute. The ash spreads around corners, and its area is heavily obscured. Each creature that isn't an ash drake and that enters the cloud for the first time on its turn or starts its turn there must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or become blinded until the end of its next turn. The ash moves with the drake, remaining centered on it for the duration.

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+2 plus 1d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Claw

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+2 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The drake makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

About Ash Drake

Ash Drake is a small dragon with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 117 hit points (derived from 18d6 + 54).

Ash Drake has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ash Drake

2 tips available

When using Ash Drake 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 Ash Drake

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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Ash Drake?: Ash Drake has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Ash Drake?: Ash Drake is a Small Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ash Drake speak?: Ash Drake can communicate in Common, Draconic.