Ruby Dragon

Ruby dragons are the most physically imposing and strongest of all prismatic dragons. They are bold, blunt, and pragmatic by nature, but above all else they respect acts of valor. They live to hear valiant, epic tales of heroism from the smaller races, and may even be willing to trade Magic items for such stories.
Ruby dragons may attend war memorials in disguise to pay their respects to the fallen, or even attend the coronation of a King or Queen.
Ruby dragons actively oppose tyranny, and many ruby dragons yearn to test their mettle by putting their size and strength to good use. When a conflict unfolds near its lair, a ruby dragon ascertains the underlying cause, then offers its services to any side that fights for good. Once a ruby dragon commits to a cause, it remains a staunch ally. Entire sagas have been written about the intense rivalries between the tyrannical red dragons and ruby dragons.
Ruby dragons embrace challenge, and will often fight tyrants in singular combat. If their opponent is a more diminutive humanoid, they will adopt a humanoid disguise to even the playing field.
Ruby dragons actively build their lairs near places of volcanic activity and frequently compete with red dragons for territory. It might salvage a nearby field of battle after the end of a great struggle and take fine weapons as its own. It is not uncommon for a ruby dragon to barter with noble knights or veteran survivors of wars to fight on its behalf and protect its lair.
A ruby dragon's favourite treasures are powerful weapons and armour, particularly if the items are of renowned reputation. A ruby dragon can recall the exact battle and location from which a weapon or piece of armor was found. When a ruby dragon pledges to help an army wage war against tyranny, it asks for nominal payment. If such a request is beyond its allies' means, it might settle for a collection of old books on military history or a ceremonial item commemorating the alliance. A ruby dragon might also lay claim to a treasure held by the enemy that it feels would be safer under its protection.
Many, Ruby dragons, though not all, are renowned for their craftsmanship, and will often don the guises of skilled blacksmiths and jewellers. They will typically use their fiery breaths to melt metal and reforge molten materials into something new, such as an immaculate blade or set of armour. These hand-crafted treasures will take the highest place of value within any ruby dragon hoard.

Ruby Dragon, Ancient

Gargantuan dragon, lawful good

Armor Class 21 (natural armor)

Hit Points 350 20d20+140

Speed 40ft Fly: 80ft Climb: 40ft

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STR

27 +8

DEX

12 +1

CON

25 +7

INT

20 +5

WIS

17 +3

CHA

19 +4

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Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +14, Wis +10, Cha +11

Skills Athletics +11, Perception +17, Stealth +8

Damage Immunities fire

Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 27

Languages Trade-tongue, Draconic

Challenge 21 (33,000 XP)

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

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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: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 2d10+8 piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 2d6+8 slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 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 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.

Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.

Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw, taking 63 14d8 fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Slowing Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature can't use reactions, its speed is halved, and it can't make more than one attack on its turn. In addition, the creature can use either an action or a bonus action on its turn, but not both. These effects last for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself with a successful save.

Change Shape. The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).
In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Legendary Actions

The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action 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 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 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.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Dragons

Origin/Ancestry

Draconus Bellatori

Lifespan

800-1000 years

Average Physique

Ruby dragons are the strongest of all prismatic dragons. Rippling muscle and sinew comprise the forms of ruby dragons, honed from centuries of battles.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

A ruby wyrmling's scales are red, tinged purple; only as the dragon approaches adulthood does its color deepen to a darker, rich ruby tone. The pupils of a ruby dragon's eyes fade as the dragon ages until they resemble glowing red orbs.