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Young Cave Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 8 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

17 (natural armor)

157 (15d10+75)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Constitution +4 Intelligence +8 Wisdom +4 Charisma +7

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Darakhul, 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 (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

1/day each: blur, counterspell, web

3/day: darkness

Tunneler

The cave dragon can burrow through solid rock at half its burrowing speed and leaves a 10-foot wide, 5-foot high tunnel in its wake.

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The dragon makes three attacks; one with its bite and two with its claws.

Poison Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales a cone of black poison gas in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 45 (13d6) poison damage on a failed save and becoming 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 or comparable magic. If the save is successful, the target takes half damage and is not poisoned.

Reactions

Ruff Spikes

When a creature tries to enter a space adjacent to a cave dragon, the dragon flares its many feelers and spikes. The creature cannot enter a space adjacent to the dragon unless it makes a successful DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. If the saving throw fails, the creature can keep moving but only into spaces that aren't within 5 feet of the dragon and takes 4 (1d8) piercing damage from spikes.

About Young Cave Dragon

Young Cave Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 157 hit points (derived from 15d10+75).

Young Cave Dragon has communication capabilities including Common, Darakhul, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Young Cave Dragon

2 tips available

When using Young Cave 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 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Young Cave Dragon

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.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Young Cave Dragon?: Young Cave Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Young Cave Dragon?: Young Cave Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Cave Dragon speak?: Young Cave Dragon can communicate in Common, Darakhul, Draconic.