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Graveyard Dragon

Large · Undead · CR 7 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

16 (natural armor)

127 (15d10+45)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Constitution +6 Wisdom +3 Charisma +4

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +3

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, poisoned

Traits

Elemental Aura

At the start of each of the graveyard dragon’s turns, each creature within 5 feet of it takes 4 (1d8) damage of the type dealt by the dragon’s breath weapon.

Elemental Resistance

The graveyard dragon has resistance to the type of damage dealt by its breath weapon.

False Appearance

While the graveyard dragon remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a pile of dragon bones.

Reassemble Bones

As a bonus action, the graveyard dragon can rearrange its bone structure to fit into a space as narrow as 1 foot wide without squeezing. It can use a bonus action to reassemble itself into its normal form. While in this compressed form, it can’t make melee weapon attacks.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+3 plus 1d8 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) damage of the type dealt by the dragon's breath weapon.

Breath Weapon

Recharge 5–6

The dragon releases a breath weapon that corresponds to the type of dragon it was in life. Each creature in the area must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 40 (9d8) damage of the corresponding type on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
* Black. Acid damage in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide.
* Blue. Lightning damage in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide.
* Green. Poison damage in a 30-foot cone.
* Red. Fire damage in a 30-foot cone.
* White. Cold damage in a 30-foot cone.

Claw

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The graveyard dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Graveyard Dragon

Graveyard Dragon is a large undead with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 15d10+45).

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

GM Tips: Using Graveyard Dragon

3 tips available

When using Graveyard Dragon in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

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.
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.
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 Graveyard Dragon

3 strategies available

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

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.
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.
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 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Graveyard Dragon?: Graveyard Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Graveyard Dragon?: Graveyard Dragon is a Large Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Graveyard Dragon speak?: Graveyard Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.