Ancient Silver Dragon
Gargantuan Dragon, lawful good
50,000 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.
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.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Cold Breath. The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Constitution saving throw, taking 67 (15d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Paralyzing Breath. The dragon exhales paralyzing gas in a 90- foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed 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 Silver Dragon is a legendary creature that should be treated as a climactic boss encounter. Use its legendary actions and lair actions to maintain pressure across multiple rounds. Consider offering the party opportunities to negotiate or learn its motivations before combat, as silver dragons are inherently good-aligned. This dragon should retreat or surrender if reduced below 100 HP, preferring to live and fight another day rather than die for pride.
Combat Tactics
The Ancient Silver Dragon uses its Multiattack to devastate melee combatants while maintaining flight to avoid ground-based threats. It employs its Cone of Cold breath weapon against clustered enemies and uses Legendary Actions to cast spells like Polymorph or Telekinesis, targeting the party's most dangerous members. At half health, it may attempt to polymorph threatening characters into harmless animals or use its Frightful Presence to suppress aggression.
Environment & Setting
An Ancient Silver Dragon thrives in high mountain peaks, crystalline caverns, or cloud fortresses where flight provides tactical advantage. The lair should feature multiple elevation levels, difficult terrain for non-flying creatures, and opportunities for the dragon to use lair actions like summoning magical effects or manipulating weather.