Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ash Drake

Small · Dragon · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

16 (natural armor)

117 (18d6+54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Dexterity +4

Skills

Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

fire

Condition Immunities

paralyzed, unconscious

Environments

Mountain Urban

Actions

Ash Breath

Recharge 6

An ash drake spews a 20-foot cone of blistering hot, choking ash. Any targets in the path of this spray takes 14 (4d6) fire damage and become poisoned for one minute; a successful DC 13 Dexterity saving throw reduces damage by half and negates the poisoning. A poisoned creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.

Ash Cloud

An ash drake can beat its wings and create a cloud of ash that extends 10 feet in all directions, centered on itself. This cloud provides half cover, though the ash drake can see normally through its own cloud. Any creature that enters or starts its turn in the cloud must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or become blinded for 1d6 rounds.

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage + 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Claw

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 slashing damage.

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

Multiattack

The ash drake makes one bite attack and two claw attacks.

About Ash Drake

Ash Drake is a small dragon with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 117 hit points (derived from 18d6+54).

Ash Drake has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ash Drake

2 tips available

When using Ash Drake 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.
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 Ash Drake

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.
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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ash Drake?: Ash Drake has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Ash Drake?: Ash Drake is a Small Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ash Drake speak?: Ash Drake can communicate in Common, Draconic.