Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Saving Throws
Skills
Languages
Common, Draconic, Giant, Ignan, Infernal, Orc
Resistances & Immunities
Environments
Traits
Fire Incarnate
All fire damage dealt by the dragon ignores fire resistance but not fire immunity.
Flame Dragon's Lair
on initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the dragon takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the dragon can't use the same effect two rounds in a row.
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A cloud of smoke swirls in a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on a point the dragon can see within 120 feet of it. The cloud spreads around corners and the area is lightly obscured. Each creature in the cloud must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be blinded for 1 minute. A blinded creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
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The ground erupts with volcanic force at a point the dragon can see within 120 feet of it. Any creature within 20 feet of the point must make a successful DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone and trapped in the ground. A creature trapped in this way is restrained and can't stand up. A creature can end the restraint if it or another creature takes an action to make a successful DC 15 Strength check.
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A wall of fire rises up from the ground within 120 feet of the dragon. The wall is up to 60 feet long, 10 feet high, and 5 feet thick, can take any shape the dragon wants, and blocks line of sight. When the wall appears, each creature in its area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. A creature that fails the saving throw takes 21 (6d6) fire damage. Each creature that enters the wall for the first time each turn or ends its turn there takes 21 (6d6) fire damage. The wall is extinguished when the dragon uses this lair action again or when the dragon dies.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day)
If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Regional Effects
the region containing a legendary flame dragon's lair is warped by the dragon's magic, which creates one or more of the following effects:
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Arguments and misunderstandings erupt easily within 6 miles of the lair. Friendships are easily broken and criminal acts are common.
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Temperatures rise within 6 miles of the lair. Crops wither, producing famines.
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Sulfur geysers form in and around the dragon's lair. Some of them erupt only once an hour, so they're spotted only with a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check. A creature on top of an erupting geyser takes 21 (6d6) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 15 Dexterity saving throw.
if the dragon dies, the arguments and misunderstandings disappear immediately and the temperatures go back to normal within 1d10 days. Any geysers remain where they are.
Actions
Bite
+13 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10 fire damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire damage.
Claw
+13 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 slashing damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.
Fire Breath
The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area takes 91 (26d6) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 23 Dexterity saving throw. Each creature in that area must also succeed on a DC 21 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 21 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
+13 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8 bludgeoning damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) 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 21 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
Legendary Actions
Detect
The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
Tail Attack
The dragon makes a tail attack.
Wing Attack
The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
About Ancient Flame Dragon
Ancient Flame Dragon is a gargantuan dragon with a Challenge Rating of 24. It has a chaotic evil alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 22 and possesses 481 hit points (derived from 26d20+208).
Ancient 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 Ancient Flame Dragon
3 tips available
GM Tips: Using Ancient Flame Dragon
When using Ancient Flame Dragon in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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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.
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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.
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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 Ancient Flame Dragon
3 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Ancient Flame Dragon
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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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.
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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.
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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
Encounter Building Calculator
Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):
This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 24.
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: 60,000 XP
- Hard: 90,000 XP
- Deadly: 120,000 XP
Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Ancient Flame Dragon?
- Ancient Flame Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 24, making it appropriate for parties of level 24.0.
- What type of creature is Ancient Flame Dragon?
- Ancient Flame Dragon is a Gargantuan Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
- What languages does Ancient Flame Dragon speak?
- Ancient Flame Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Giant, Ignan, Infernal, Orc.
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