Ancient Silver Dragon

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Ancient Silver Dragon Introduction

In the heart of the towering, snow-capped peaks where the air is thin and the world below seems but a distant memory, there dwells a creature of legend and majesty—the Ancient Silver Dragon. Its scales shimmer like polished moonlight, casting a silvery glow that dances across the icy crags and frozen cliffs. As it moves, the dragon's immense wings unfurl with a grace that belies its size, each beat sending a cascade of snowflakes swirling into the crisp mountain air.

The Ancient Silver Dragon is a paragon of wisdom and nobility, often regarded as a guardian of the high places and a protector of the innocent. Its eyes, deep pools of liquid mercury, hold the weight of centuries, reflecting both the beauty and the sorrow of the world it watches over. Despite its formidable presence, there is a warmth to its demeanor, a gentle kindness that draws the weary and the lost to seek its counsel.

Legends speak of the dragon's lair, a vast cavern hidden within the highest peak, where the walls are encrusted with frost and the air hums with ancient magic. It is said that those who find their way to this sacred place may be granted a boon, provided their hearts are pure and their intentions noble. The dragon's hoard is not one of mere gold and jewels, but of relics and artifacts imbued with the power of ages past, each with a story waiting to be told.

In the tales of old, the Ancient Silver Dragon is often depicted as a harbinger of hope, appearing in times of great need to aid those who fight for justice and peace. Its roar, a thunderous symphony that echoes through the mountains, is both a warning to those who would bring harm and a rallying cry to those who stand against darkness. To encounter such a creature is to stand in the presence of a living legend, a being whose very existence is a testament to the enduring power of good in a world fraught with peril.

Ancient Silver Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +12
• History +12
• Perception +17
• Stealth +8

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: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) 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 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.
  • Cold Breath: The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Constitution saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  • Paralyzing Breath: The dragon exhales paralyzing gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed 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.

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 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 (2d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

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Battle Tips for an Ancient Silver Dragon

The Ancient Silver Dragon is a formidable creature, known for its wisdom, benevolence, and powerful abilities. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing this majestic dragon in battle can create an epic encounter for your players. Here are some tips to effectively use an Ancient Silver Dragon in your campaign:

Using the Ancient Silver Dragon in Battle

• Leverage Its Breath Weapons: The Ancient Silver Dragon has two breath weapon options: a cone of cold and a paralyzing gas. Use the cone of cold to deal massive damage to clustered enemies, while the paralyzing gas can incapacitate key targets, giving the dragon and its allies a strategic advantage.
• Take Advantage of Its Shapechange Ability: The dragon can polymorph into a humanoid or beast. Use this ability to infiltrate enemy lines or to gather intelligence before a battle. During combat, it can surprise opponents by reverting to its true form.
• Utilize Legendary Actions: The dragon's legendary actions, such as Wing Attack and Tail Attack, allow it to maintain control of the battlefield. Use these actions to disrupt enemy formations and protect the dragon from being surrounded.
• Play to Its Strengths: The Ancient Silver Dragon is highly intelligent and charismatic. Use its ability to communicate and negotiate to potentially avoid unnecessary battles or to turn enemies into allies.

Coordinating with Multiple Creatures

• Allied Creatures: Pair the dragon with creatures that can benefit from its leadership and protection, such as knights or paladins. These allies can form a defensive line, allowing the dragon to focus on high-value targets.
• Air Superiority: Use the dragon's flight to dominate the skies. Coordinate with flying allies, such as griffons or pegasi, to control aerial combat and provide reconnaissance.
• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against the dragon, use its superior speed and mobility to retreat to a more advantageous position. Allies can cover the retreat, ensuring the dragon lives to fight another day.

Fleeing and Tactical Withdrawals

• Use Terrain to Your Advantage: The dragon can use its knowledge of the terrain to escape through narrow passes or dense forests where larger groups cannot easily follow.
• Distraction Tactics: Employ illusions or summon creatures to distract pursuers, allowing the dragon to make a clean getaway.
• Reposition for a Counterattack: A tactical withdrawal can be a prelude to a counterattack. Use the dragon's ability to fly and its breath weapons to regroup and strike from a distance.

By understanding the strengths and abilities of the Ancient Silver Dragon, a Dungeon Master can create memorable and challenging encounters that will test the mettle of any adventuring party.