Ancient White Dragon

"

Ancient White Dragon Introduction

In the frozen reaches of the world, where the sun's warmth is but a distant memory and the land is a desolate expanse of ice and snow, there dwells a creature of unimaginable power and age. The Ancient White Dragon, a majestic and terrifying embodiment of winter's fury, reigns supreme over this inhospitable domain. Its scales, a brilliant and unyielding white, shimmer like freshly fallen snow under the pale light of the moon, blending seamlessly with its icy surroundings. Its eyes, cold and calculating, are like twin glaciers, reflecting the stark beauty and deadly peril of its frozen realm.

The Ancient White Dragon is a creature of primal instincts and fierce territoriality. It is known for its cunning and patience, often lying in wait beneath the snow for unsuspecting prey to wander into its domain. When it strikes, it does so with the ferocity of a blizzard, its breath a chilling torrent of frost that can freeze flesh and bone in an instant. Despite its immense size, the dragon moves with a grace and silence that belies its bulk, a ghostly predator in a world of ice.

This formidable beast makes its lair within the heart of a glacier or atop a mountain peak, where the air is thin and the cold is unrelenting. Its lair is a labyrinthine network of ice tunnels and caverns, adorned with the frozen remains of past victims and the glittering treasures of those who dared to challenge its might. The dragon's presence is a blight upon the land, its mere existence warping the weather and driving away all but the hardiest of creatures.

Legends speak of the Ancient White Dragon as a harbinger of eternal winter, a creature born of the first snows and destined to bring about the last. It is said that those who gaze into its icy eyes are forever haunted by visions of endless cold and darkness. Many a brave adventurer has sought to slay the beast, lured by tales of its hoard and the glory of defeating such a legendary foe, but few have returned to tell the tale. The dragon's name is whispered in hushed tones, a reminder of the untamed and unforgiving nature of the world beyond the warmth of the hearth.

Ancient White Dragon Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +16
• Stealth +8

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.
• Ice Walk: The dragon can move across and climb icy surfaces without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost it extra movement.

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: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +15 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 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.
• Cold Breath (Recharge 5–6): The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

"

Battle Tips for Ancient White Dragon

The Ancient White Dragon is a formidable foe, known for its icy breath and relentless nature. 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 White Dragon in Battle

• Leverage the Environment: Place the dragon in a snowy or icy terrain where it can blend in and use its natural camouflage to surprise the party. The slippery ice and deep snow can also hinder the players' movement, giving the dragon an advantage.
• Utilize its Breath Weapon: The dragon's icy breath can be devastating. Use it strategically to hit as many players as possible, especially when they are grouped together. Remember, the breath weapon recharges, so keep track of when it can be used again.
• Take to the Skies: The dragon's ability to fly gives it a significant advantage. Use hit-and-run tactics, swooping down to attack and then retreating to the air to avoid melee combat.

Coordinating with Multiple Creatures

• Allies in the Lair: Consider having the dragon accompanied by other cold-dwelling creatures, such as winter wolves or ice mephits. These allies can harass the party and provide distractions, allowing the dragon to focus on its most powerful attacks.
• Pack Tactics: If using multiple dragons, have them coordinate their attacks. One dragon can use its breath weapon while another engages in melee, keeping the party off-balance and unable to focus on a single target.

Strategic Retreats

• Retreat to the Lair: If the battle turns against the dragon, it can retreat to its lair, where it has the home-field advantage. The lair can be filled with traps and hazards that the dragon knows how to navigate but the players do not.
• Use Minions as a Shield: In a dire situation, the dragon can command its minions to cover its retreat, sacrificing them to ensure its own survival. This can also serve as a narrative point, showing the dragon's ruthlessness and self-preservation instincts.

By using these tips, you can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with an Ancient White Dragon that will test your players' skills and strategy.