Ancient Blue Dragon

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Ancient Blue Dragon Introduction

In the heart of the arid desert, where the sun blazes mercilessly and the sands stretch endlessly, there lies a creature of immense power and majesty—the Ancient Blue Dragon. Its scales shimmer like polished sapphires under the relentless sun, each one a testament to the centuries it has endured. The dragon's eyes, a piercing electric blue, seem to crackle with the energy of a thousand storms, watching over its domain with an intelligence that is both ancient and unfathomable.

The Ancient Blue Dragon is a master of the skies, its massive wings unfurling like thunderclouds as it soars above the dunes. Its presence is heralded by the distant rumble of thunder, even on the clearest of days, and the air around it crackles with static electricity. This formidable creature is known for its cunning and strategic mind, often toying with its prey before delivering the final, electrifying blow.

Legends speak of the dragon's lair, a vast cavern hidden beneath the shifting sands, filled with treasures beyond imagination. It is said that the dragon's hoard contains relics from lost civilizations, artifacts imbued with ancient magic, and gemstones that sparkle with an inner light. The lair is protected by a labyrinth of tunnels and traps, designed to ensnare the unwary and the greedy.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the Ancient Blue Dragon is not merely a creature of destruction. It is a guardian of the desert, maintaining the delicate balance of its ecosystem. The nomadic tribes of the region tell tales of the dragon's wisdom, seeking its counsel in times of great need. However, they also warn of its wrath, for the dragon is quick to punish those who would defile its sacred sands.

As you stand on the edge of the desert, the wind carrying the scent of ozone and the distant echo of thunder, you cannot help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. For somewhere out there, beneath the endless sea of sand, the Ancient Blue Dragon waits, a living storm ready to unleash its fury upon those who dare to challenge its dominion.

Ancient Blue Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +16
• Stealth +7

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft.
• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 26

Languages

• Common
• Draconic

Abilities

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

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: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) piercing damage plus 11 (2d10) lightning damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) 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.
• Lightning Breath (Recharge 5-6): The dragon exhales lightning in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Legendary Actions

• The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
• 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 24 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.

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Battle Tips for Facing an Ancient Blue Dragon

Ancient Blue Dragons are formidable foes, known for their cunning intelligence, devastating lightning breath, and mastery of desert and storm environments. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing these creatures in battle can create a thrilling and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips to make the most of an Ancient Blue Dragon in your campaign:

Dragon Tactics

• Terrain Advantage: Use the dragon's affinity for desert and stormy environments to its advantage. The dragon can create sandstorms or summon thunderstorms to obscure vision and disorient players.
• Lightning Breath: The dragon's lightning breath is a powerful weapon. Position the dragon to maximize the number of targets hit, and use it strategically to break up player formations.
• Burrowing and Ambush: Blue dragons can burrow through sand and loose earth. Use this ability to set up ambushes or to retreat and reposition during battle.
• Illusions and Deception: Ancient Blue Dragons are intelligent and can use illusions to confuse and mislead players, creating false images of themselves or hiding their true location.

Coordinated Attacks

• Allied Creatures: Pair the dragon with other desert-dwelling creatures like sand elementals or scorpions to create a multi-layered threat. These allies can harass and distract players while the dragon strikes from a distance.
• Dragon Kin: If using multiple dragons, coordinate their attacks to overwhelm players. One dragon can focus on melee combat while another uses ranged attacks or breath weapons.
• Minions and Traps: Set traps around the dragon's lair and use minions to lure players into them. This can weaken the party before they face the dragon directly.

Strategic Retreat

• Feign Weakness: The dragon can pretend to be weakened or retreating to lure players into a false sense of security, only to strike back with renewed ferocity.
• Escape Routes: Plan escape routes through burrows or hidden passages. If the battle turns against the dragon, it can retreat to fight another day, potentially setting up a future encounter.
• Regroup and Counterattack: If the dragon retreats, it can regroup with allies or prepare the battlefield with traps and illusions for a counterattack when the players least expect it.

By leveraging the Ancient Blue Dragon's strengths and cunning, you can create a memorable and challenging encounter that will test your players' strategic thinking and teamwork.