Young Bronze Dragon
Large Dragon, lawful good
3,900 XP
Special Abilities
Amphibious
The dragon can breathe air and water.
Actions
Multiattack
The dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.
Claw
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6)
The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Lightning Breath. The dragon exhales lightning in a 60-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 55 (10d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Repulsion Breath. The dragon exhales repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is pushed 40 feet away from the dragon.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
The Young Bronze Dragon is a cunning, intelligent opponent that should leverage its aerial superiority and water affinity. Use the environment to its advantage—position it above the party initially, forcing ranged characters to struggle with disadvantage. The dragon should use its Legendary Actions to maintain positioning and control the battlefield. Remember it has access to lair actions if encountered in its coastal territory.
Combat Tactics
The dragon opens with a Lightning Breath attack to damage clustered enemies, then uses Fly to maintain 60+ feet distance while striking with lightning-enhanced melee attacks on closing enemies. When bloodied, it attempts to flee to water or higher ground, using its superior mobility rather than fighting to the death.
Environment & Setting
Coastal cliffs, shipwrecks, flooded ruins, or stormy islands with high vantage points and nearby water for retreat. These settings maximize the dragon's aerial and aquatic advantages while limiting party escape routes.