Ancient Skeletal Dragon
Gargantuan dragon, chaotic evil
Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points 333 (18d20+144)
Speed 40 ft., burrow 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 (+8) | 10 (+0) | 26 (+8) | 10 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) |
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +14, Wis +7, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +6
Damage Immunities necrotic
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Draconic
Challenge 20 (25,000 XP)
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: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (2d10+17) piercing damage. If the target is a creature of size medium or smaller, it must succeed a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, or be grappled by the dragon.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6+8) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 20 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 16 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.
Otherworldly Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales a necrotic blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 22 Constitution saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Roar of the Undead Monarch (Recharge 5-6). The dragon unleashes a bone-chilling roar that resonates with necrotic energy. In response to this eerie command, 3d6 skeletons materialize from the surrounding terrain, their sole purpose being the defense of their draconic master. These undead minions remain in service until the dragon is slain or for a duration of 1 hour, after which they crumble back into dust.
Legendary Actions
The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
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 feet 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.
Art by DALL·E