Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Cave Drake

Large · Dragon · CR 3 · Neutral

Armor Class
13 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
95 (10d10+40)
Challenge Rating CR
3

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
17
+3
DEX
14
+2
CON
18
+4
INT
6
-2
WIS
13
+1
CHA
11
+0

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Dragon
Alignment Neutral
XP 700
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 90 ft (27.4 m)
Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +4 Survival +3

Languages

Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
poison
Condition Immunities
poisoned

Traits

Ambusher

In the first round of combat, the cave drake has advantage on attack rolls against any creature it has surprised.

Keen Smell

The cave drake has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Spider Climb

The cave drake can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Stone Camouflage

The cave drake has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Blinding Spit

Recharge 5–6

+4 to hit, range 30 ft (9.1 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: The target is poisoned for 1 minute and must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be blinded while poisoned in this way.

Claw

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The cave drake makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Cave Drake

Cave Drake is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 95 hit points (derived from 10d10+40).

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

GM Tips: Using Cave Drake

1 tips available

When using Cave Drake in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Cave Drake

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells 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 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 1,200 XP
  • Hard: 1,800 XP
  • Deadly: 2,400 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 Cave Drake?
Cave Drake has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Cave Drake?
Cave Drake is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Cave Drake speak?
Cave Drake can communicate in Draconic.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures