Ancient Black Dragon

"

Ancient Black Dragon Introduction

In the shadowed depths of the swamp, where the air hangs heavy with the scent of decay and the ground squelches beneath your feet, lies the lair of the Ancient Black Dragon. This fearsome creature, a relic of a bygone era, is a master of its domain, shrouded in mystery and terror. Its scales, as dark as the midnight sky, glisten with an oily sheen, reflecting the dim light that filters through the twisted canopy above. The dragon's eyes, pools of molten gold, pierce through the murk, watching, waiting, ever vigilant.

The Ancient Black Dragon is a creature of malevolent intelligence and cunning, its mind as sharp as the jagged horns that crown its head. It revels in the chaos and fear it sows, delighting in the suffering of those who dare to encroach upon its territory. Its voice, a deep and resonant rumble, echoes through the swamp like distant thunder, a harbinger of the storm to come. This dragon is not merely a beast; it is a force of nature, an embodiment of the swamp's darkest aspects.

Legends speak of the dragon's lair, a cavernous hollow deep within the heart of the swamp, where the air is thick with the stench of sulfur and the ground is littered with the bones of its victims. It is said that the dragon hoards treasures beyond imagination, relics of ancient civilizations long lost to time. But these riches come at a terrible price, for the dragon guards them jealously, and its wrath is swift and merciless to those who would dare to steal from it.

In the tales whispered by the firelight, the Ancient Black Dragon is a creature of nightmares, a specter that haunts the dreams of those who live near its domain. It is said that the dragon can call forth the very swamp to do its bidding, summoning mists to obscure its movements and bogs to swallow its enemies whole. To face this dragon is to confront the very essence of fear, to stand against a creature as old as the world itself, and to challenge the darkness that lies within the heart of the swamp.

Ancient Black Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +17
• Stealth +10

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft.
• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 27

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: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) acid damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) 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 21 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
• Acid Breath (Recharge 5–6): The dragon exhales acid in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Legendary Actions

• Detect: The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
• Tail Attack: The dragon makes a tail attack.
• Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions): The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

"

Battle Tips for Facing an Ancient Black Dragon

Engaging an Ancient Black Dragon in battle is a formidable challenge for any adventuring party. Known for their cunning and malevolence, these dragons are not only powerful but also highly intelligent. Here are some strategic tips for Dungeon Masters to create an unforgettable encounter:

Using the Ancient Black Dragon in Battle

• Environmental Advantage: Place the dragon in a swampy or marshy environment where it can use its natural surroundings to its advantage. The difficult terrain can hinder the movement of the adventurers while the dragon remains unaffected.
• Acidic Breath Weapon: The dragon's breath weapon is a devastating attack. Use it strategically to target clustered players or to cut off escape routes. Remember, the dragon can fly, so it can attack from above and retreat to a safe distance.
• Psychological Warfare: The dragon is intelligent and can use fear to its advantage. Have it taunt the players, using its knowledge of their weaknesses to sow doubt and panic.

Coordinating with Other Creatures

• Minions and Allies: Consider having the dragon command a group of lizardfolk or other swamp-dwelling creatures. These minions can harass the party, forcing them to split their focus between the dragon and its allies.
• Ambush Tactics: Use the dragon's ability to hide in the murky waters or dense foliage to set up ambushes. It can coordinate with its minions to attack from multiple angles, overwhelming the party.

Retreat and Regroup

• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against the dragon, it should not hesitate to retreat. Use its superior speed and flight to escape, regroup, and return with a new plan or reinforcements.
• Hit-and-Run Tactics: The dragon can employ hit-and-run tactics, using its breath weapon and then retreating to a safe distance. This can wear down the party over time, forcing them to expend resources.

By leveraging the Ancient Black Dragon's strengths and cunning, a Dungeon Master can create a thrilling and challenging encounter that will test the mettle of any adventuring party.