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Ancient Imperial Dragon

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 26 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

22 (natural armor)

546 (28d20+252)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

+10

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 90000

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 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 30

Saving Throws

Dexterity +9 Constitution +17 Wisdom +12 Charisma +13

Skills

Arcana +13 History +13 Insight +12 Perception +20 Stealth +9

Languages

all

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, thunder

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting

The imperial dragon’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 21). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
At will: control water, fog cloud, gust of wind, stinking cloud
3/day each: cloudkill, control weather
1/day each: legend lore, storm of vengeance

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

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

Truespeak

The dragon can communicate with any living creature as if they shared a language.

Actions

Bite

+18 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+10 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.

Cast a Spell (Costs 3 Actions)

The dragon casts a spell from its list of innate spells, consuming a use of the spell as normal.

Change Shape

The imperial dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice). In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hp, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

The dragon can choose to transform only part of its body with this action, allowing it to sprout rabbit-like ears or a humanoid head. These changes are purely cosmetic and don't alter statistics.

Claw

+18 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+10 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.

Lightning Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales lightning in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Mesmerizing 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 24 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by the dragon 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 Mesmerizing Presence for the next 24 hours.

Multiattack

The dragon can use its Mesmerizing Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Tail

+18 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8+10 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) bludgeoning damage.

Legendary Actions

Cast a Spell

Cost 3

The dragon casts a spell from its list of innate spells, consuming a use of the spell as normal.

Detect

Cost 1

The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack

Cost 1

The dragon makes a tail attack.

About Ancient Imperial Dragon

Ancient Imperial Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 26. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 546 hit points (derived from 28d20+252).

Ancient Imperial Dragon has communication capabilities including all. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ancient Imperial Dragon

3 tips available

When using Ancient Imperial 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 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
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 Ancient Imperial 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 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
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 26.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 4.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 70,200 XP
Hard: 105,300 XP
Deadly: 140,400 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 Ancient Imperial Dragon?: Ancient Imperial Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 26, making it appropriate for parties of level 26.0.
What type of creature is Ancient Imperial Dragon?: Ancient Imperial Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ancient Imperial Dragon speak?: Ancient Imperial Dragon can communicate in all.