Ancient Brass Dragon

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Ancient Brass Dragon Introduction

As you venture deeper into the arid expanse of the desert, the air shimmers with heat, and the sun casts long shadows over the undulating dunes. It is here, amidst the whispering sands and the occasional oasis, that the legendary Ancient Brass Dragon makes its home. Known for its love of conversation and the warmth of its personality, this majestic creature is as much a part of the desert as the wind itself.

The Ancient Brass Dragon is a sight to behold, its scales gleaming like polished metal under the relentless sun. Each scale is a masterpiece of nature, a blend of burnished gold and deep bronze, creating an aura of regal splendor. Its eyes, wise and knowing, are pools of molten amber that seem to hold the secrets of the ages. Massive wings, reminiscent of the sails of a great ship, stretch wide, casting a shadow that offers a momentary respite from the sun's glare.

Despite its formidable appearance, the Ancient Brass Dragon is known for its affable nature. It delights in conversation, often engaging travelers in lengthy discussions about history, philosophy, or the latest news from distant lands. However, do not mistake its genial demeanor for weakness; this dragon is a formidable guardian of its territory, capable of unleashing a torrent of fiery breath upon those who threaten its domain.

The dragon's lair is a marvel in itself, often found within the cool embrace of a hidden canyon or beneath the shifting sands in a network of caverns. These lairs are filled with treasures collected over centuries, each item a testament to the dragon's long life and its interactions with the world. Legends speak of the dragon's hoard containing ancient tomes, relics of lost civilizations, and artifacts of immense power.

Stories of the Ancient Brass Dragon have been passed down through generations, tales of its wisdom and its role as a protector of the desert. Some say that it was the dragon who taught the first desert tribes how to find water and survive in the harsh environment. Others speak of its role in ancient conflicts, where it served as a mediator, using its vast knowledge to broker peace between warring factions.

As you stand on the edge of its territory, the wind carries a faint, melodic hum, as if the desert itself is singing the dragon's praises. You feel a sense of awe and anticipation, knowing that an encounter with such a creature is both a rare privilege and a test of your own worthiness. Will you earn the dragon's favor, or will you become just another tale in the sands of time?

Ancient Brass Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +16
• Persuasion +12
• Stealth +7

Senses

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

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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +14 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 20 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.
• Breath Weapons (Recharge 5–6): The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
  • Fire Breath: The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  • Sleep Breath: The dragon exhales sleep gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious for 10 minutes. This effect ends for a creature if the creature takes damage or someone uses an action to wake it.

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 25 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 Ancient Brass Dragon

The Ancient Brass Dragon is a formidable opponent with its vast array of abilities and cunning intelligence. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing this creature effectively can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips to maximize the potential of an Ancient Brass Dragon in battle:

• Leverage its Environment: Brass Dragons are known for their love of warm, arid environments. Use the terrain to your advantage by incorporating sandstorms, rocky outcrops, and intense heat that can hinder the players while the dragon remains unaffected.
• Utilize its Breath Weapon Strategically: The Ancient Brass Dragon has a powerful breath weapon that can either deal fire damage or put enemies to sleep. Use the sleep breath to incapacitate key players, allowing the dragon to focus on more immediate threats or to escape if necessary.
• Engage in Conversation: Brass Dragons are known for their love of conversation. Use this trait to stall or distract the players, giving the dragon time to prepare or call for reinforcements. This can also be a way to gather information about the party's weaknesses.
• Coordinate with Other Creatures: If the dragon is not alone, coordinate attacks with other creatures. For example, while the dragon uses its breath weapon to incapacitate players, other creatures can move in to attack or restrain them.
• Take Advantage of its Burrowing Ability: The Ancient Brass Dragon can burrow through sand and loose earth. Use this ability to surprise the players with sudden attacks from below or to retreat and reposition during battle.
• Flee Tactically: If the battle turns against the dragon, it can use its superior speed and burrowing ability to escape. Consider having the dragon retreat to a more advantageous position or to gather reinforcements for a counterattack.

By using these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with an Ancient Brass Dragon, testing the players' abilities and strategic thinking.