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Zmey

Huge · Dragon · CR 14 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

18 (natural armor)

189 (18d12+72)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Dragon

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 11500

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 90 ft (27.4 m)

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Constitution +9 Wisdom +8 Charisma +6

Skills

Perception +8

Languages

Common, Draconic, Elvish, Sylvan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

cold, fire

Condition Immunities

paralyzed, unconscious

Environments

Forest or Jungle

Traits

Amphibious

The zmey can breathe air and water.

Lake Leap

A zmey spends much of its time lurking in lakes and ponds. When submerged in a natural pool of standing water, it can transport itself as a bonus action to a similar body of water within 5,000 feet. Rapidly flowing water doesn't serve for this ability, but the zmey can leap to or from a river or stream where the water is calm and slow-moving.

Legendary Resistance (1/Day)

If the zmey fails a saving throw, it can count it as a success instead.

Multiheaded

The zmey normally has three heads. While it has more than one head, the zmey has advantage on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, and stunned. If the zmey takes 40 or more damage in a single turn (and the damage isn't poison or psychic), one of its heads is severed. If all three of its heads are severed, the zmey dies.

Regeneration

The zmey regains 15 hit points at the start of its turn. If the zmey takes acid or fire damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the zmey's next turn. Regeneration stops functioning when all heads are severed. It takes 24 hours for a zmey to regrow a functional head.

Spawn Headling

The severed head of a zmey grows into a zmey headling 2d6 rounds after being separated from the body. Smearing at least a pound of salt on the severed head's stump prevents this transformation.

Actions

Claws

+11 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d12 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d12 + 6) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The zmey breathes up to three 60-foot cones of fire, one from each of its heads. Creatures in a cone take 16 (3d10) fire damage, or half damage with a successful DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. If cones overlap, their damage adds together but each target makes only one saving throw. A zmey can choose whether this attack harms plants or plant creatures.

Multiattack

The zmey makes one bite attack per head and one claws attack.

Tail

+11 to hit, reach 20 ft (6.1 m). Hit: 2d8 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Legendary Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+11 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d12 piercing damage.

The zmey makes a bite attack.

Tail Attack

Cost 1

The zmey makes a tail attack.

Trample

Cost 1

The zmey moves up to half its land speed. It can enter enemy-occupied spaces but can't end its move there. Creatures in spaces the zmey enters must make successful DC 14 Dexterity saving throws or take 10 (1d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage and fall prone.

About Zmey

Zmey is a huge dragon with a Challenge Rating of 14. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 189 hit points (derived from 18d12+72).

Zmey has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic, Elvish, Sylvan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Zmey

4 tips available

When using Zmey 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.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
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.
Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Zmey

4 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.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
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.
Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 14.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 18 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 21,000 XP
Hard: 31,500 XP
Deadly: 42,000 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 Zmey?: Zmey has a Challenge Rating of 14, making it appropriate for parties of level 14.0.
What type of creature is Zmey?: Zmey is a Huge Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Zmey speak?: Zmey can communicate in Common, Draconic, Elvish, Sylvan.