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Huge dragon · CR 17

Adult Gold Dragon

Armor Class19
Hit Points256 (19d12+133)
Speed40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
ChallengeCR 17 (18,000 XP)
STR
27
(+8)
DEX
14
(+2)
CON
25
(+7)
INT
16
(+3)
WIS
15
(+2)
CHA
24
(+7)
Saving ThrowsDEX +8, CON +13, WIS +8, CHA +13
SkillsInsight +8, Perception +14, Persuasion +13, Stealth +8
Immunitiesfire
Sensesblindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 24
LanguagesCommon, Draconic
Special Abilities
Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water.
Legendary Resistance. 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: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) 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. The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 21 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.
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 10 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

Running Adult Gold Dragon in an encounter

As a CR 17 threat worth 18,000 XP, Adult Gold Dragon is a fair challenge for a party of four at a comparable level. Its legendary actions let it act between the party's turns, so it holds up as a solo boss rather than needing a horde around it. Use the XP value with the encounter builder to slot it into a balanced fight.

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