The most covetous of the chromatic
dragons , red dragons tirelessly seek to increase their treasure hoards. They are exceptionally vain, even for dragons, and their conceit is reflected in their proud bearing and their disdain for other creatures.
Red dragons are fiercely territorial and isolationist, preferring mountainous badlands near volcanic activity as their domains and the locations of their lairs. Volcanoes are ideal lairs for the fiery creatures, preferring to present their lairs as grandiose seats of power. They often compete with
ruby dragons for territory.
Despite this isolation, they yearn to know about events in the wider world, and they make use of lesser creatures as informants, messengers, and spies. They are most interested in news about other red dragons, with which they compete constantly for status.
A red dragon demands fealty from humanoids of ill repute. If allegiance isn't forthcoming, it slaughters local leaderships and claims lordship over the survivors and their lands. Creatures serving a red dragon live in constant terror of fiery death. They spend most of their time fawning over the creature in an attempt to stay alive, as red dragons fly into destructive rages and act on impulse when angered. They are so ferocious and vengeful that they are regarded as the archetypical evil dragon by many cultures.
No other dragon comes close to the arrogance of the red dragon. These creatures see themselves as kings and emperors and view the rest of dragonkind as inferior. Believing that they are the closest to their
primordial dragon ancestors, red dragons consider the world and every creature in it as theirs to command.
Red dragons value wealth above all else and covet anything of monetary value. Because of this, their treasure hoards are legendary. A red dragon has a special affection for treasure claimed from powerful enemies it has slain, exhibiting that treasure to prove its superiority.
A red dragon knows the value and provenance of every item in its hoard, along with each item's exact location. Even the absence of a single coin can ignite a rampage of greed-driven fury.
Red Dragon, Ancient
Gargantuan dragon, chaotic evil
Armor Class 22 (natural armor)
Hit Points 546 28d20+252
Speed
40ft
Fly: 80ft
Climb: 40ft
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +16, Wis +9, Cha +13
Skills Perception +16, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 26
Languages Trade-tongue, Draconic
Challenge 24 (62,000 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: +17 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 21 2d10+10 piercing damage plus 14 4d6 fire damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 2d6+10 slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 19 2d8+10 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.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 91 26d6 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 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 2d6+10 bludgeoning damage and be knocked Prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
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