Adult Bronze Dragon
Huge Dragon, lawful good
13,000 XP
Special 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: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage.
Tail
Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) 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 17 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.
Lightning Breath. The dragon exhales lightning in a 90-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Repulsion Breath. The dragon exhales repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is pushed 60 feet away from the dragon.
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 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (2d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
An Adult Bronze Dragon is a formidable solo encounter or the centerpiece of a complex battle. Use its legendary actions to control initiative and pressure the party each round. Leverage lair actions if fighting in its coastal domain, and don't hesitate to use legendary resistance to shrug off save-based spells. Consider adding minions like sahuagin or giant crabs to increase action economy and round difficulty.
Combat Tactics
The dragon opens with lightning breath to damage multiple targets, then uses its flying mobility to stay airborne and out of melee range. It uses multiattack (bite and claw strikes) when enemies close in, and employs legendary actions to disengage or strike again outside its turn. When bloodied, it may attempt to frighten enemies with its presence or grapple a dangerous spellcaster.
Environment & Setting
Coastal caves, shipwrecks, or islands provide ideal lairs where the dragon controls water and air terrain. Narrow passages and waterfalls enhance the dragon's maneuverability while limiting the party's ranged options.