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Young Imperial Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 11 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

18 (natural armor)

210 (20d10+100)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral

XP 7200

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 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 20

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5 Constitution +9 Wisdom +6 Charisma +7

Skills

Insight +6 Perception +10 Stealth +5

Languages

Common, Draconic

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 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
3/day: fog cloud
1/day each: control water, gust of wind, stinking cloud

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.

Claw

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+6 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Lightning Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales lightning in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

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

About Young Imperial Dragon

Young Imperial Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 11. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 210 hit points (derived from 20d10+100).

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

GM Tips: Using Young Imperial Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young 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 Young 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 11.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 15 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 13,200 XP
Hard: 19,800 XP
Deadly: 26,400 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 Imperial Dragon?: Young Imperial Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 11, making it appropriate for parties of level 11.0.
What type of creature is Young Imperial Dragon?: Young Imperial Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Imperial Dragon speak?: Young Imperial Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic.