Adult Brass Dragon
Huge Dragon, chaotic good
10,000 XP
Special Abilities
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: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.
Tail
Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) 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 16 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.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in an 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 45 (13d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Sleep Breath. The dragon exhales sleep gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious for 10 minutes. This effect ends for a creature if the creature takes damage or someone uses an action to wake it.
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 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
An Adult Brass Dragon is a cunning and talkative opponent that should engage in combat with confidence. Use its high AC and substantial HP to weather initial assaults, and position it to maximize its devastating breath weapon effects. The dragon's intelligence means it understands tactics—it may parley, set traps, or retreat to advantageous terrain rather than fight to the death. Remember its legendary actions and lair actions if this is a lair encounter, which can dramatically shift the battle's momentum.
Combat Tactics
An Adult Brass Dragon prioritizes using its line-shaped breath weapon (90 feet of fire damage) against clustered enemies, often maneuvering to catch multiple targets. It prefers to stay airborne and mobile, using its fly speed to maintain distance while dealing damage, only closing in to attack vulnerable spellcasters or isolated targets. The dragon may attempt to dominate through intimidation and conversation before committing to lethal force.
Environment & Setting
This dragon thrives in arid, desert environments—rocky plateaus, canyon systems, and sandy wastes provide ideal hunting grounds and lair locations. Mountains with exposed peaks and caverns also suit brass dragons well, offering natural fortress-like defenses.