Copper Dragon Wyrmling
Medium Dragon, chaotic good
200 XP
Actions
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Acid Breath. The dragon exhales acid in an 20-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Slowing Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 1 5-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 11 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.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Copper Dragon Wyrmling is an excellent low-level dragon encounter that can serve as a memorable first dragon fight or a comedic villain. Use its Breath Weapon (2d6 acid damage in 15ft line) as the primary threat, positioning it to catch multiple party members. Its relatively low AC and HP make it vulnerable to focused fire, so consider using terrain or minions to extend the encounter. Emphasize the dragon's mischievous personality through taunts and pranks rather than pure aggression.
Combat Tactics
The wyrmling opens combat with its Breath Weapon from a distance, then uses Multiattack (bite and claws) if enemies close in. It will attempt to keep flying and out of melee range, using hit-and-run tactics with its fly speed of 60ft. If wounded, it may flee rather than fight to the death, allowing for dramatic escape and potential future encounters.
Environment & Setting
An abandoned copper mine, rocky hilltop lair, or canyon system where the dragon can utilize vertical space and take advantage of its flight. Scattered copper ore deposits, narrow passages that force the dragon to land, or a shallow underground pool add environmental flavor and tactical variety.