Adult Gold Dragon

CreatureMMp. 1142014SRD

Huge dragon, lawful good

Armor Class
19 (natural armor)
Hit Points
256 (19d12 + 133)
Speed
fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft., 40 ft.
Challenge
17 (18,000 XP)
STR
27
+8
DEX
14
+2
CON
25
+7
INT
16
+3
WIS
15
+2
CHA
24
+7
Saving Throws
Cha +13, Con +13, Dex +8, Wis +8
Skills
Insight +8, Stealth +8, Perception +14, Persuasion +13
Damage Immunities
fire
Senses
blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
Languages
Common, Draconic

Traits

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 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.

Claw.

Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.

Tail.

Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 15 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 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 5.

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.

  • Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  • Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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.
Change Shape.

The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).

In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Legendary Actions

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 22 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.

Raw data
{
  "ac": [
    {
      "ac": 19,
      "from": [
        "natural armor"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "cr": "17",
  "hp": {
    "average": 256,
    "formula": "19d12 + 133"
  },
  "cha": 24,
  "con": 25,
  "dex": 14,
  "int": 16,
  "srd": true,
  "str": 27,
  "wis": 15,
  "name": "Adult Gold Dragon",
  "page": 114,
  "save": {
    "cha": "+13",
    "con": "+13",
    "dex": "+8",
    "wis": "+8"
  },
  "size": [
    "H"
  ],
  "type": "dragon",
  "group": [
    "Metallic Dragon"
  ],
  "skill": {
    "insight": "+8",
    "stealth": "+8",
    "perception": "+14",
    "persuasion": "+13"
  },
  "speed": {
    "fly": 80,
    "swim": 40,
    "walk": 40
  },
  "trait": [
    {
      "name": "Amphibious",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon can breathe air and water."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Legendary Resistance (3/Day)",
      "entries": [
        "If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "__prop": "monster",
  "action": [
    {
      "name": "Multiattack",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Bite",
      "entries": [
        "{@atk mw} {@hit 14} to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. {@h}19 ({@damage 2d10 + 8}) piercing damage."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Claw",
      "entries": [
        "{@atk mw} {@hit 14} to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. {@h}15 ({@damage 2d6 + 8}) slashing damage."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Tail",
      "entries": [
        "{@atk mw} {@hit 14} to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. {@h}17 ({@damage 2d8 + 8}) bludgeoning damage."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Frightful Presence",
      "entries": [
        "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 {@condition 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."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Breath Weapons {@recharge 5}",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.",
        {
          "type": "list",
          "items": [
            {
              "name": "Fire Breath",
              "type": "item",
              "entry": "The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a {@dc 21} Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 ({@damage 12d10}) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one."
            },
            {
              "name": "Weakening Breath",
              "type": "item",
              "entry": "The dragon exhales gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a {@dc 21} Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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."
            }
          ],
          "style": "list-hang-notitle"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Change Shape",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).",
        "In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "immune": [
    "fire"
  ],
  "senses": [
    "blindsight 60 ft.",
    "darkvision 120 ft."
  ],
  "source": "MM",
  "passive": 24,
  "variant": [
    {
      "name": "Customizing Dragons",
      "page": 33,
      "type": "inset",
      "source": "FTD",
      "entries": [
        "You can customize any dragon's stat block to reflect the dragon's unique character. Minor changes such as those below are easy to make and have no impact on a dragon's challenge rating.",
        {
          "name": "Languages",
          "type": "entries",
          "entries": [
            "Most dragons prefer to speak Draconic but learn Common for dealing with allies and minions. But given their high Intelligence and long life span, dragons can easily learn additional languages. You can add languages to a dragon's stat block."
          ]
        },
        {
          "name": "Skills",
          "type": "entries",
          "entries": [
            "Most dragons are proficient in the {@skill Perception} and {@skill Stealth} skills, and many dragons have additional skill proficiencies. As with languages, you can customize a dragon's skill list (even doubling their proficiency bonus with certain skills) to reflect particular interests and activities. You can also give a dragon tool proficiencies, particularly if the dragon spends time in Humanoid form."
          ]
        },
        {
          "name": "Spells",
          "type": "entries",
          "entries": [
            "{@note See the \"Variant: Dragons as Innate Spellcasters\" inset(s), below.}"
          ]
        },
        {
          "name": "Other Traits and Actions",
          "type": "entries",
          "entries": [
            "You can borrow traits and actions from other monsters to add unique flavor to a dragon. Consider these examples:",
            {
              "type": "list",
              "items": [
                {
                  "name": "Change Shape",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "You can decide that a dragon acquires this action at a younger age than usual, particularly if you want to feature a dragon in Humanoid form in your campaign:",
                    "The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).",
                    "In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form."
                  ]
                },
                {
                  "name": "Damage Absorption",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "You might decide that this dragon is not only unharmed by fire damage, but actually healed by it.",
                    "Whenever the dragon is subjected to fire damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of hit points equal to the fire damage dealt."
                  ]
                },
                {
                  "name": "Flyby",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "The dragon is an agile flier, quick to fly out of enemies' reach.",
                    "The dragon doesn't provoke an opportunity attack when it flies out of an enemy's reach."
                  ]
                },
                {
                  "name": "Mimicry",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "Impersonating characters or their allies could be a fun trick for a crafty dragon.",
                    "The dragon can mimic any sounds it has heard, including voices. A creature that hears the sounds can tell they are imitations with a successful {@dc 15} Wisdom ({@skill Insight}) check."
                  ]
                },
                {
                  "name": "Rejuvenation",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "You might decide that dragons in your campaign, being an essential part of the Material Plane, are nearly impossible to destroy. A dragon's life essence might be preserved in the egg from which it first emerged, in its hoard, or in a cavernous hall at the center of the world, just as a lich's essence is hidden in a phylactery.",
                    "If it has an essence-preserving object, a destroyed dragon gains a new body in {@dice 1d10} days, regaining all its hit points and becoming active again. The new body appears within 5 feet of the object."
                  ]
                },
                {
                  "name": "Special Senses",
                  "type": "item",
                  "entries": [
                    "Most dragons have {@sense blindsight} and {@sense darkvision}. You might upgrade {@sense blindsight} to {@sense truesight}, or you could give a dragon with a burrowing speed {@sense tremorsense|MM}."
                  ]
                }
              ],
              "style": "list-hang-notitle"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "hasFluff": true,
  "hasToken": true,
  "miscTags": [
    "AOE",
    "MW",
    "RCH"
  ],
  "alignment": [
    "L",
    "G"
  ],
  "dragonAge": "adult",
  "languages": [
    "Common",
    "Draconic"
  ],
  "legendary": [
    {
      "name": "Detect",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon makes a Wisdom ({@skill Perception}) check."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Tail Attack",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon makes a tail attack."
      ]
    },
    {
      "name": "Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions)",
      "entries": [
        "The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a {@dc 22} Dexterity saving throw or take 15 ({@damage 2d6 + 8}) bludgeoning damage and be knocked {@condition prone}. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed."
      ]
    }
  ],
  "senseTags": [
    "B",
    "SD"
  ],
  "soundClip": {
    "path": "bestiary/gold-dragon.opus",
    "type": "internal"
  },
  "traitTags": [
    "Amphibious",
    "Legendary Resistances"
  ],
  "actionTags": [
    "Breath Weapon",
    "Frightful Presence",
    "Multiattack",
    "Shapechanger"
  ],
  "damageTags": [
    "B",
    "F",
    "P",
    "S"
  ],
  "environment": [
    "grassland",
    "forest"
  ],
  "reprintedAs": [
    "Adult Gold Dragon|XMM"
  ],
  "languageTags": [
    "C",
    "DR"
  ],
  "hasFluffImages": true,
  "legendaryGroup": {
    "name": "Gold Dragon",
    "source": "MM"
  },
  "conditionInflict": [
    "frightened",
    "prone"
  ],
  "referenceSources": [
    "EGW",
    "GoS",
    "JttRC",
    "WDH"
  ],
  "savingThrowForced": [
    "dexterity",
    "strength",
    "wisdom"
  ],
  "dragonCastingColor": "gold",
  "conditionInflictLegendary": [
    "charmed"
  ],
  "savingThrowForcedLegendary": [
    "charisma",
    "wisdom"
  ]
}