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Young Flame Dragon

Large · Dragon · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

18 (natural armor)

161 (17d10+68)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +8 Wisdom +5 Charisma +8

Skills

Deception +8 Insight +5 Perception +9 Persuasion +8 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic, Ignan, Giant, Infernal, Orc

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Environments

Mountain Underworld

Traits

Fire Incarnate

All fire damage dealt by the dragon ignores fire resistance but not fire immunity.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d10 + 2) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Claw

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon exhales fire in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area takes 56 (16d6) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 16 Dexterity saving throw.

Multiattack

The dragon makes one bite attack and two claw attacks.

About Young Flame Dragon

Young Flame Dragon is a large dragon with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 161 hit points (derived from 17d10+68).

Young Flame Dragon has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic, Ignan, Giant, Infernal, Orc. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Young Flame Dragon

3 tips available

When using Young Flame 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 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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 Young Flame Dragon

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.
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.
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 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Young Flame Dragon?: Young Flame Dragon has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Young Flame Dragon?: Young Flame Dragon is a Large Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Young Flame Dragon speak?: Young Flame Dragon can communicate in Common, Draconic, Ignan, Giant, Infernal, Orc.