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Cave Dragon Wyrmling

Medium · Dragon · CR 2 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts
Armor Class
16 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
75 (10d8+30)
Challenge Rating CR
2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
19
+4
DEX
12
+1
CON
17
+3
INT
8
-1
WIS
10
+0
CHA
12
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Dragon
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 450
Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Dexterity +3 Constitution +5 Charisma +3

Skills

Perception +2 Stealth +5

Languages

Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
acid, poison, thunder
Condition Immunities
poisoned

Environments

Caves Ruins Underworld

Traits

Innate Spellcasting

the dragon's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma. It can innately cast the following spell, requiring no material components:

3/day: darkness

Tunneler

The cave dragon can burrow through solid rock at half its burrowing speed and leaves a 5-foot wide, 5-foot high tunnel in its wake.

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

Poison Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a cone of black poison gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) poison damage on a failed save and the target is poisoned if it is a creature. The poisoned condition lasts until the target takes a long or short rest or removes the condition with lesser restoration. If the save is successful, the target takes half the damage and does not become poisoned.

About Cave Dragon Wyrmling

Cave Dragon Wyrmling is a medium dragon with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 75 hit points (derived from 10d8+30).

Cave Dragon Wyrmling has communication capabilities including Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Cave Dragon Wyrmling

2 tips available

When using Cave Dragon Wyrmling 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 20 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 Cave Dragon Wyrmling

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 20 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 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 600 XP
  • Hard: 900 XP
  • Deadly: 1,200 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 Cave Dragon Wyrmling?
Cave Dragon Wyrmling has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Cave Dragon Wyrmling?
Cave Dragon Wyrmling is a Medium Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Cave Dragon Wyrmling speak?
Cave Dragon Wyrmling can communicate in Draconic.

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