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Adult Flame Dragon

Huge · Dragon · CR 16 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

19 (natural armor)

212 (17d12+102)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 15000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 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 22

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7 Constitution +11 Wisdom +7 Charisma +10

Skills

Deception +10 Insight +7 Perception +12 Persuasion +10 Stealth +7

Languages

Common, Draconic, Giant, Ignan, Infernal, Orc

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Environments

Mountain Underworld

Traits

Fire Incarnate

All fire damage dealt by the dragon ignores fire resistance but not fire immunity.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.

Claw

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area takes 63 (18d6) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 19 Dexterity saving throw. Each creature in that area must also succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or go on a rampage for 1 minute. A rampaging creature must attack the nearest living creature or smash some object smaller than itself if no creature can be reached with a single move. A rampaging creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Frightful Presence

Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

Multiattack

The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes one bite attack and two claw attacks.

Shifting Flames

The dragon magically polymorphs into a creature that has immunity to fire damage and a size and challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice). In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Tail

+9 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d8 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions)

The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or take 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

Legendary Actions

Detect

Cost 1

The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack

Cost 1

The dragon makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack

Cost 2

About Adult Flame Dragon

Adult Flame Dragon is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 16. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 212 hit points (derived from 17d12+102).

Adult Flame Dragon has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic, Giant, Ignan, Infernal, Orc. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Adult Flame Dragon

3 tips available

When using Adult Flame 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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 Adult Flame 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.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
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 16.

Solo Encounter:

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

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 27,200 XP
Hard: 40,800 XP
Deadly: 54,400 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 Adult Flame Dragon?: Adult Flame Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 16, making it appropriate for parties of level 16.0.
What type of creature is Adult Flame Dragon?: Adult Flame Dragon is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Adult Flame Dragon speak?: Adult Flame Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Giant, Ignan, Infernal, Orc.

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