Adult Copper Dragon
Huge Dragon, chaotic good
11,500 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.
Acid Breath. The dragon exhales acid in an 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Slowing Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature can't use reactions, its speed is halved, and it can't make more than one attack on its turn. In addition, the creature can use either an action or a bonus action on its turn, but not both. These effects last for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.
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 Copper Dragon is a cunning, mischievous opponent that uses its intelligence and environment to outmaneuver foes. Leverage its legendary actions and lair actions if available, forcing the party to adapt to changing battlefield conditions. Use the dragon's ability to fly and its breath weapon (acid) to control engagement ranges and damage multiple targets. Remember that copper dragons are chaotic good-aligned and may parley, play tricks, or negotiate rather than fight to the death.
Combat Tactics
The dragon uses its flying speed to maintain distance while breathing acid on clustered enemies, repositioning between turns using legendary actions. It employs its cunning to split the party's focus, targeting the most obvious threats while avoiding concentrated magical damage. When pressured, it may use burrow abilities or terrain to escape, fight intermittently, or attempt to trick enemies rather than commit to total defeat.
Environment & Setting
Ideal in rocky mountainous terrain with natural caves, crevices, and multiple elevation levels that favor aerial combat and provide escape routes. Copper dragons favor arid badlands or desert regions with exposed copper deposits and cavern systems for lairs.