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Dragon, Sand Ancient

Gargantuan · Dragon · CR 23 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

21 (natural armor)

507 (26d20+234)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 50000

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 31

Saving Throws

Dexterity +9 Constitution +1 Wisdom +1 Charisma +1

Skills

Perception +5

Languages

Common, Draconic, Terran

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

piercing

Condition Immunities

blinded

Traits

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

Choose to succeed failed save.

Sand Camouflage

Advantage: Dex (Stealth) to hide in sandy terrain.

Sandy Nature

Is infused with elemental power and it requires only half the air food and drink that a typical dragon if its size needs.

Stinging Sand

1st time it hits target with melee weapon attack target: disadvantage attacks/ability checks til its next turn ends (DC 25 Con).

Legendary Actions

Detect

Cost 1

Makes a Wis (Perception) check.

Tail Attack

Cost 1

Makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack

Cost 2

All within 15 feet: 15 (2d6+8) bludgeoning damage and knocked prone (DC 24 Wis negates). Can then fly up to half its fly speed.

About Dragon, Sand Ancient

Dragon, Sand Ancient is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 23. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 507 hit points (derived from 26d20+234).

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

GM Tips: Using Dragon, Sand Ancient

2 tips available

When using Dragon, Sand Ancient 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 40 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Dragon, Sand Ancient

2 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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 40 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 23.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 55,200 XP
Hard: 82,800 XP
Deadly: 110,400 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 Dragon, Sand Ancient?: Dragon, Sand Ancient has a Challenge Rating of 23, making it appropriate for parties of level 23.0.
What type of creature is Dragon, Sand Ancient?: Dragon, Sand Ancient is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Dragon, Sand Ancient speak?: Dragon, Sand Ancient can communicate in Common, Draconic, Terran.