Ancient Brass Dragon
Gargantuan Dragon, chaotic good
25,000 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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
Tail
Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 20 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 18 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 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 56 (16d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Sleep Breath. The dragon exhales sleep gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21 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.
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 15 ft. 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.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Ancient Brass Dragon is a supremely confident combatant that enjoys conversation and riddles before combat. Use its legendary actions ruthlessly to maintain control of the battlefield, particularly the wing attack to disrupt melee fighters. Position the dragon to maximize its line breath weapon against clustered enemies, and leverage its high AC and HP to outlast the party. Remember it can use Paragon Actions if this is a legendary monster variant, and prioritize eliminating spellcasters who threaten its intelligence.
Combat Tactics
The dragon opens with devastating line breath attacks against grouped enemies, then uses its flying speed and Legendary Actions to maintain distance while dealing continuous damage. It employs tail attacks and wing attacks to control positioning and interrupt enemy actions, while using its intelligence to identify and focus fire on the party's most dangerous members.
Environment & Setting
A vast desert canyon with rock formations providing partial cover and open space for the dragon's flight advantage. Alternatively, a sprawling underground cavern system where the dragon can retreat vertically and use environmental features to control engagement distance.