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Crimson Drake

Tiny · Dragon · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

14 (natural armor)

54 (12d4+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

-1

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 15 ft (4.6 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 7 ft (2.1 m)

Climb 7 ft (2.1 m)

Crawl 7 ft (2.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Dexterity +4

Skills

Acrobatics +4 Perception +1

Languages

Common, Draconic, telepathy 60.0 ft (18.3 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Condition Immunities

paralyzed, unconscious

Environments

Forest or Jungle

Traits

Magic Resistance

The drake has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) fire damage.

Breath Weapon

Recharge 6

The drake exhales fire in a 15-ft. cone. Each target in that cone takes 18 (4d8) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 12 Dexterity saving throw.

Multiattack

The crimson drake makes one bite attack and one stinger attack.

Stinger

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target takes 2 (1d4) poison damage at the start of each of its turns for 3 rounds. The target may repeat the saving throw at the end of its turn to end the effect early.

About Crimson Drake

Crimson Drake is a tiny dragon with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 54 hit points (derived from 12d4+24).

Crimson Drake has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic, telepathy 60 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Crimson Drake

3 tips available

When using Crimson 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.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Crimson Drake

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.
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.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 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 Crimson Drake?: Crimson Drake has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Crimson Drake?: Crimson Drake is a Tiny Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Crimson Drake speak?: Crimson Drake can communicate in Common, Draconic, telepathy 60 ft..