Adult Black Dragon

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Adult Black Dragon Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the swamp, where the air hangs thick with the scent of decay and the ground squelches beneath your feet, lies the lair of the fearsome Adult Black Dragon. This creature, a master of its murky domain, is a sight both terrifying and awe-inspiring. Its scales, as dark as the midnight sky, glisten with a slick, oily sheen, reflecting the dim light that filters through the canopy above. The dragon's eyes, a piercing yellow, cut through the gloom like twin beacons of malevolence, watching, waiting, and calculating.

The Adult Black Dragon is a creature of cunning and cruelty, known for its sadistic pleasure in tormenting those who dare to encroach upon its territory. It is said that the dragon's very presence can sour the land, turning fertile ground into a festering bog. Its breath, a corrosive acid, can melt flesh and bone, leaving nothing but a bubbling pool of ruin in its wake. This dragon is not just a beast of brute strength, but a creature of dark intellect, often toying with its prey before delivering the final, fatal blow.

Legends speak of the dragon's lair, a labyrinthine network of tunnels and caverns hidden deep within the swamp. Here, the air is thick with the stench of rot, and the walls drip with moisture, creating an atmosphere of perpetual gloom. It is said that the dragon hoards not only treasure but also secrets, ancient and terrible, whispered to it by the spirits of the swamp. Many have sought these secrets, but few have returned, and those who have speak only in hushed tones of the horrors they witnessed.

In the tales of old, the Adult Black Dragon is often depicted as a harbinger of doom, a creature whose arrival signals the beginning of a dark age. It is said that the dragon can command the very elements of the swamp, calling forth storms and floods to drown its enemies. Yet, despite its fearsome reputation, there are those who seek to challenge the dragon, driven by greed, glory, or a desperate need to protect their homes from its insidious influence.

As you stand on the edge of the swamp, the air heavy with anticipation, you cannot shake the feeling that you are being watched. The shadows seem to shift and writhe, and the distant rumble of thunder echoes ominously through the trees. Somewhere in the darkness, the Adult Black Dragon waits, a living nightmare ready to strike.

Adult Black Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception: +11
• Stealth: +7

Senses

• Blindsight: 60 ft.
• Darkvision: 120 ft.
• Passive Perception: 21

Languages

• Common
• Draconic

Abilities

• Amphibious: The dragon can breathe air and water.
• Legendary Resistance (3/Day): If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

• Multiattack: The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
• Frightful Presence: Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
• Acid Breath (Recharge 5–6): The dragon exhales acid in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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Battle Tips for an Adult Black Dragon

Adult Black Dragons are formidable foes in any campaign, known for their cunning and malevolence. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing these creatures effectively can create memorable and challenging encounters for your players. Here are some tips on how to use an Adult Black Dragon in battle:

Using the Dragon in Battle

• Leverage the Environment: Black Dragons are at home in swamps and murky waters. Use these environments to your advantage by having the dragon use its amphibious nature to ambush players from underwater or retreat into the depths to avoid attacks.
• Psychological Warfare: Black Dragons are known for their cruelty and intelligence. Use this to instill fear in the players by having the dragon taunt them, use illusions, or manipulate the environment to create a sense of dread.
• Acid Breath: The dragon's acid breath is a powerful weapon. Use it strategically to hit multiple players at once, especially when they are grouped together. Remember, the dragon can fly, so it can position itself for the most effective attack.

Coordinating with Multiple Creatures

• Allies and Minions: Black Dragons often have minions or allies such as lizardfolk or other swamp creatures. Use these creatures to harass and distract the players, allowing the dragon to strike when the party is divided or weakened.
• Divide and Conquer: If there are multiple dragons or dragon-like creatures, use them to split the party. One dragon can engage the players while another uses hit-and-run tactics to wear them down.

Strategic Retreats

• Know When to Flee: Black Dragons are intelligent and will retreat if the battle turns against them. Use the dragon's speed and knowledge of the terrain to escape, potentially leading the players into traps or ambushes.
• Regroup and Return: After retreating, the dragon can regroup with its allies or heal before returning to the fray. This can create a dynamic encounter where the players must decide whether to pursue or prepare for the dragon's return.

By using these tips, you can create a challenging and engaging encounter with an Adult Black Dragon that will test your players' skills and strategy.