Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Young Sea Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

18 (natural armor)

190 (20d10 + 80)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Dexterity +4 Constitution +8 Wisdom +5 Charisma +7

Skills

Perception +9 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic, Primordial

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Siege Monster

The dragon deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+5 plus 2d6 cold damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage.

Fin

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The dragon makes one Bite attack and two Fin attacks.

Tidal Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a crushing wave of frigid seawater in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 22 (4d10) bludgeoning damage and 22 (4d10) cold damage and is pushed up to 15 feet away from the dragon and knocked prone. On a success, the creature takes half the damage and isn't pushed or knocked prone.

About Young Sea Dragon

Young Sea Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 190 hit points (derived from 20d10 + 80).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Sea Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young Sea 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.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Young Sea 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.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Young Sea Dragon?: Young Sea Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young Sea Dragon?: Young Sea Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Sea Dragon speak?: Young Sea Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Primordial.