Ancient Green Dragon

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Ancient Green Dragon Introduction

In the heart of the dense, primeval forest where sunlight barely pierces the thick canopy, there lies a realm shrouded in mystery and danger. It is here, amidst the towering trees and the perpetual twilight, that the Ancient Green Dragon makes its lair. This creature, a master of deception and cunning, is as much a part of the forest as the roots that twist through the earth and the vines that hang like serpents from the branches above.

The Ancient Green Dragon is a sight both magnificent and terrifying to behold. Its scales shimmer with a deep, verdant hue, reminiscent of the lush foliage that surrounds it. Each scale is edged with a darker green, creating a pattern that allows the dragon to blend seamlessly into its environment. Its eyes, a piercing yellow-green, glow with an unsettling intelligence, capable of seeing through the thickest fog and the darkest night.

Known for its insidious nature, the Ancient Green Dragon is a creature of guile and manipulation. It delights in sowing discord and confusion among those who dare to enter its domain. With a voice that can mimic the whispers of the wind or the rustle of leaves, it lures the unwary deeper into the forest, where they become hopelessly lost. The dragon's breath, a noxious cloud of poison, is as deadly as its cunning, capable of withering the strongest of warriors and the hardiest of adventurers.

The forest itself is a reflection of the dragon's malevolent presence. The air is thick with the scent of decay, and the ground is littered with the bones of those who have fallen victim to the dragon's wiles. Legends speak of a time when the forest was a place of beauty and light, but that was before the dragon claimed it as its own. Now, it is a place of shadows and secrets, where the very trees seem to whisper warnings to those who dare to tread its paths.

Many tales are told of the Ancient Green Dragon, each more chilling than the last. Some say it was once a guardian of the forest, corrupted by a dark power that twisted its nature. Others claim it is the embodiment of the forest's wrath, a spirit of vengeance against those who would despoil its beauty. Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: to encounter the Ancient Green Dragon is to face a creature of unparalleled power and malice, a force of nature that will stop at nothing to protect its domain.

Ancient Green Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +9
• Insight +8
• Perception +14
• Persuasion +9
• Stealth +8

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft.
• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 24

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 10 (3d6) poison 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 19 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.
• Poison Breath (Recharge 5–6): The dragon exhales poisonous gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 77 (22d6) poison 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 10 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.

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Battle Tips for Ancient Green Dragon

The Ancient Green Dragon is a formidable foe, known for its cunning intelligence and mastery of deception. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing this creature effectively can create a memorable and challenging encounter for your players. Here are some battle tips to consider:

Using the Ancient Green Dragon in Battle

• Leverage Its Environment: Green dragons are often found in lush forests or dense jungles. Use the terrain to the dragon's advantage by incorporating ambush tactics, utilizing cover, and creating difficult terrain for the players.
• Psychological Warfare: The Ancient Green Dragon is a master manipulator. Use its ability to speak and its high Charisma to sow discord among the party, perhaps by offering tempting deals or playing on their fears and weaknesses.
• Breath Weapon Tactics: The dragon's poison breath is deadly. Position the dragon to maximize the number of targets hit, and use it to control the battlefield by forcing players to scatter or retreat.

Coordinating with Multiple Creatures

• Allied Creatures: Pair the dragon with creatures that complement its abilities, such as trolls or other forest-dwelling monsters. These allies can engage the players while the dragon uses hit-and-run tactics.
• Minions and Traps: Use minions to harass and distract the players, allowing the dragon to focus on high-value targets. Set traps in the environment to further complicate the players' approach.
• Divide and Conquer: Use the dragon's intelligence to separate the party, isolating weaker members for a swift takedown.

Fleeing and Retreat Strategies

• Strategic Retreat: If the battle turns against the dragon, it should not hesitate to retreat. Use its superior speed and knowledge of the terrain to escape and regroup.
• Illusions and Misdirection: Employ illusions or other magical abilities to cover its retreat, creating false trails or decoys to confuse the players.
• Regroup and Return: After retreating, the dragon can plan a counterattack, perhaps with reinforcements or after setting new traps to catch the players off guard.

By using these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with an Ancient Green Dragon, testing the players' tactical skills and adaptability.