5e Cards
Challenge 17: 17

Adult Red Dragon

Huge dragon, chaotic evil

Armor Class
19 (natural armor)
Hit Points
256 (19d12+133)
Speed
40 ft., climb 40 ft., fly 80 ft.
STR
27 (+8)
DEX
10 (+0)
CON
25 (+7)
INT
16 (+3)
WIS
13 (+1)
CHA
21 (+5)
Saving Throws
Dex +6, Con +13, Wis +7, Cha +11
Skills
Perception +13, Stealth +6
Damage Immunities
fire
Senses
blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages
Common, Draconic
Challenge
17 (18,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus
+6

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 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire 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 ft. of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 19 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.

Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 63 (18d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

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 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.

How many for your party

Copies of the adult red dragon (18,000 XP each) against a party of four characters of the same level. Build mixed fights in the encounter builder.

Number of Adult Red Dragon for each difficulty, party of four
Party levelEasyMediumHardDeadly
Level 13——12–20
Level 14——12–20
Level 15——12–20
Level 16—1—2–20
Level 17—1—2–20
Level 18—1—2–20

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Questions

What CR is the Adult Red Dragon?

The Adult Red Dragon is challenge 17, worth 18,000 XP, with a proficiency bonus of +6.

How many hit points does the Adult Red Dragon have?

256 hit points (19d12+133), with AC 19 from natural armor.

How many should I use against four 13th-level characters?

Against four level 13 characters, 1 is hard by the encounter XP budget.