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Ancient Boreal Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 24 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

22 (natural armor)

407 (22d20+176)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 62000

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 28

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Constitution +15 Wisdom +11 Charisma +11

Skills

Athletics +16 Perception +18 Stealth +7

Languages

Draconic, Giant

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

cold

Traits

Ember Wreath (1/Day)

As a bonus action, the boreal dragon wreathes its body in searing blue and white embers. The embers last for 1 minute or until the dragon uses its breath weapon. A creature that enters or starts its turn in a space within 30 feet of the dragon must make a DC 23 Constitution saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If a creature fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it suffers one level of exhaustion as the water is sapped from its body by the unrelenting heat.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

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.

Cinder Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a 90-foot cone of superheated air filled with blue-white embers. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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. Hit: 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 19 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 dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

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.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions)

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 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.

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

About Ancient Boreal Dragon

Ancient Boreal Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 24. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 407 hit points (derived from 22d20+176).

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

GM Tips: Using Ancient Boreal Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Boreal 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.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
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 Ancient Boreal Dragon

3 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.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
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 24.

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: 60,000 XP
Hard: 90,000 XP
Deadly: 120,000 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 Ancient Boreal Dragon?: Ancient Boreal Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 24, making it appropriate for parties of level 24.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Boreal Dragon?: Ancient Boreal Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Boreal Dragon speak?: Ancient Boreal Dragon can communicate in Draconic, Giant.