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Young Boreal Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 8 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

18 (natural armor)

142 (15d10+60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 3900

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 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Dexterity +3 Constitution +7 Wisdom +5 Charisma +5

Skills

Athletics +8 Perception +8 Stealth +3

Languages

Draconic, Giant

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

cold

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+5 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.

Cinder Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a 30-foot cone of superheated air filled with white-hot embers. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 33 (6d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

Multiattack

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

About Young Boreal Dragon

Young Boreal Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 142 hit points (derived from 15d10+60).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Boreal Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Young Boreal Dragon?: Young Boreal Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Young Boreal Dragon?: Young Boreal Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Boreal Dragon speak?: Young Boreal Dragon can communicate in Draconic, Giant.