Gold Dragon Wyrmling
Medium Dragon, lawful good
700 XP
Special Abilities
Amphibious
The dragon can breathe air and water.
Actions
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 13 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.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Gold Dragon Wyrmling is a young, intelligent creature with genuine good alignments that make it unpredictable in combat—it won't simply fight to the death and may attempt negotiation, redemption, or mercy. Its combination of flight, swimming, and ground mobility allows it to control positioning and create dynamic combat scenarios across varied terrain. Use its Legendary Actions to make it feel powerful while keeping it from overwhelming the party. Consider whether the encounter should be combative confrontation or a moral/social challenge, as gold dragons typically prefer non-violent solutions when presented with reasonable alternatives.
Combat Tactics
This wyrmling prioritizes using Multiattack with its Bite and Claws while staying airborne to maintain distance from melee combatants. It casts spells like Detect Thoughts or Charm Person before engaging in direct combat, and will focus fire on the most dangerous ranged threats. If the party demonstrates good intent or surrenders, it may immediately cease hostilities and attempt parley rather than fight to the bitter end.
Environment & Setting
Gold Dragon Wyrmlings thrive in high-altitude mountain peaks, celestial temples, or hidden lairs within holy sites where they guard sacred artifacts or innocents. Encounters work best in vertical terrain with multiple elevation levels, allowing the wyrmling to exploit its superior flying speed and maneuverability.