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Monster Details

Detailed information for this bestiary entry

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Ancient Black Dragon

Monster Stat Block

Gargantuan Dragon (Chromatic), Chaotic Evil

AC22
Initiative+16 (26)
HP367 (21d20 + 147)
SpeedWalk 40 ft., Fly 80 ft., Swim 40 ft.
STR27
MOD+8
SAVE+8
DEX14
MOD+2
SAVE+9
CON25
MOD+7
SAVE+7
INT16
MOD+3
SAVE+3
WIS15
MOD+2
SAVE+9
CHA22
MOD+6
SAVE+6
SkillsPerception +16, Stealth +9
Damage ImmunitiesAcid
SensesBlindsight 60 ft.; Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 26
LanguagesCommon, Draconic
CRCR 21 (XP 33,000, or 41,000 in lair; PB +7)

Traits

Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (4/Day, or 5/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks): At Will: Detect Magic, Fear, Melf's Acid Arrow (level 4 version) 1/Day Each: Create Undead, Speak with Dead, Vitriolic Sphere (level 5 version)

Actions

Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting to cast Melf's Acid Arrow (level 4 version).

Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +15, reach 15 ft. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Acid damage.

Acid Breath (Recharge 5–6). Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 22, each creature in a 90-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 67 (15d8) Acid damage. Success: Half damage.

Legendary Actions (3)

Legendary Action Uses: 3 (4 in Lair). Immediately after another creature's turn, the dragon can expend a use to take one of the following actions. The dragon regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns.

Cloud of Insects. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 21, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 33 (6d10) Poison damage, and the target has Disadvantage on saving throws to maintain Concentration until the end of its next turn. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Frightful Presence. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Fear. The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.

Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.

Found on p.40 of MM2025 (Free Rules)

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