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Dragon Eel

Huge · Dragon · CR 12 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

18 (natural armor)

195 (17d12 + 85)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 8400

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 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 15

Saving Throws

Strength +12 Dexterity +5 Intelligence +6 Wisdom +5 Charisma +6

Skills

Acrobatics +5 Athletics +12 Insight +5 Perception +5

Languages

Common, Draconic, Primordial

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Condition Immunities

paralyzed, prone

Traits

Limited Amphibiousness

The dragon eel can breathe air and water, but it needs to be submerged at least once every 6 hours to avoid suffocating.

Shocking Hide

A creature that touches the dragon eel or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) lightning damage.

Storm Glide

During storms with ample rain or lightning, the dragon eel gains a flying speed equal to its swimming speed.

Actions

Bite

+12 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 4d8+8 plus 1d10 lightning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d8 + 8) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) lightning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or become paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Lightning Breath

Recharge 6

The dragon eel exhales lightning in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each target in that line must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

The dragon eel makes one Bite attack and one Tail Slap attack.

Tail Slap

+12 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 5d8+8 plus 1d10 lightning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (5d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage plus 5 (1d10) lightning damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away from the eel. The dragon eel can choose to not push a target.

About Dragon Eel

Dragon Eel is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 12. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 195 hit points (derived from 17d12 + 85).

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

GM Tips: Using Dragon Eel

2 tips available

When using Dragon Eel 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 Dragon Eel

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 12.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 16 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 15,600 XP
Hard: 23,400 XP
Deadly: 31,200 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 Dragon Eel?: Dragon Eel has a Challenge Rating of 12, making it appropriate for parties of level 12.0.
What type of creature is Dragon Eel?: Dragon Eel is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Dragon Eel speak?: Dragon Eel can communicate in Common, Draconic, Primordial.