Ancient Gold Dragon
Gargantuan Dragon, lawful good
62,000 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: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d6 + 10) slashing damage.
Tail
Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) 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 24 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 a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 71 (13d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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.
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 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 (2d6 + 10) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
An Ancient Gold Dragon is a legendary creature requiring careful pacing and dramatic presentation. Use lair actions and legendary actions every round to maintain threat and control battlefield positioning. Emphasize the dragon's intelligence by having it communicate, negotiate, or present moral dilemmas before combat escalates. Expect this to be a multi-round, resource-draining battle that tests the party's strategy and coordination.
Combat Tactics
The Ancient Gold Dragon uses Legendary Actions to cast spells, attack multiple targets, and reposition while flying out of melee range. It prioritizes eliminating spellcasters and dangerous ranged threats with targeted breath weapon attacks and legendary resistances to counter save-based spells. The dragon leverages intelligence to exploit party weaknesses, coordinate with allies, and retreat to regenerate if bloodied.
Environment & Setting
Place the dragon in a grand sky-castle, mountain peak, or celestial realm where flight is advantageous and the dragon controls high ground. Include environmental hazards like crumbling architecture, magical wards, or elemental storms that reflect the dragon's divine nature and complicate party tactics.