Ancient Red Dragon
Gargantuan Dragon, chaotic evil
62,000 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: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (2d10 + 10) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire 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 21 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.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 91 (26d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
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 Red Dragon is a legendary creature requiring careful pacing and dramatic presentation. Open with the dragon's lair in chaos—collapsed pillars, scorched earth, and the stench of sulfur set the atmosphere. Use legendary actions and lair actions to control action economy and prevent the party from focusing fire. Build tension by having the dragon toy with the party before committing fully to combat, allowing it to monologue about its superiority.
Combat Tactics
The Ancient Red Dragon uses its superior mobility to stay airborne, raining fire breath on clustered enemies while avoiding melee combatants. It employs legendary actions to move and attack multiple times per round, focusing on spellcasters and ranged attackers first. When bloodied, it uses lair actions strategically and may attempt to flee to a prepared escape route rather than fight to the death.
Environment & Setting
An ancient volcano, mountain peak, or opulent hoard-filled cavern serves as the ideal lair, featuring multiple levels, lava pools, and escape routes. The environment should include cover, difficult terrain, and hazards that the dragon can exploit through familiarity while hindering the party.