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Crimson Drake

Tiny · Dragon · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

45 (10d4 + 20)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

-1

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 80 ft (24.4 m)

Fly 15 ft (4.6 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Dexterity +4

Skills

Acrobatics +4 Perception +1

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Magic Resistance

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

Actions

Bite

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

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

Familiar

The drake can serve another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded, the companion can sense what the drake senses as long as they are within 1 mile of each other. While the drake is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion shares the drake's Magic Resistance trait. At any time and for any reason, the drake can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.

Fire Breath

Recharge 6

The drake exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

The crimson drake makes one Bite attack and one Stinger attack.

Stinger

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+2 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target takes 2 (1d4) poison damage at the start of each of its turns while 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.

About Crimson Drake

Crimson Drake is a tiny dragon with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 10d4 + 20).

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

GM Tips: Using Crimson Drake

2 tips available

When using Crimson 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 Crimson 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 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 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 Crimson Drake?: Crimson Drake has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Crimson Drake?: Crimson Drake is a Tiny Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Crimson Drake speak?: Crimson Drake can communicate in Common, Draconic.