5e Cards
Challenge 22: 22

Ancient Bronze Dragon

Gargantuan dragon, lawful good

Armor Class
22 (natural armor)
Hit Points
444 (24d20+192)
Speed
40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
STR
29 (+9)
DEX
10 (+0)
CON
27 (+8)
INT
18 (+4)
WIS
17 (+3)
CHA
21 (+5)
Saving Throws
Dex +7, Con +15, Wis +10, Cha +12
Skills
Insight +10, Perception +17, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities
lightning
Senses
blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 27
Languages
Common, Draconic
Challenge
22 (41,000 XP)
Proficiency Bonus
+7

Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water.

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: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) 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 20 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.

**Lightning Breath.** The dragon exhales lightning in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

**Repulsion Breath.** The dragon exhales repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 23 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is pushed 60 feet away from the dragon.

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 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 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d6 + 9) 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 ancient bronze dragon (41,000 XP each) against a party of four characters of the same level. Build mixed fights in the encounter builder.

Number of Ancient Bronze Dragon for each difficulty, party of four
Party levelEasyMediumHardDeadly
Level 19——12–20
Level 20——12–20

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Questions

What CR is the Ancient Bronze Dragon?

The Ancient Bronze Dragon is challenge 22, worth 41,000 XP, with a proficiency bonus of +7.

How many hit points does the Ancient Bronze Dragon have?

444 hit points (24d20+192), with AC 22 from natural armor.

How many should I use against four 19th-level characters?

Against four level 19 characters, 1 is hard by the encounter XP budget.