Gold Dragon, Ancient

An ancient gold dragon is a majestic and awe-inspiring creature, radiating an aura of regality and wisdom. Its massive form is adorned with gleaming golden scales that seem to catch and reflect the light, creating a luminous presence. The dragon’s head is adorned with majestic horns, and its piercing eyes convey a deep understanding of the world around it. Its wings span wide, allowing it to soar gracefully through the skies. The dragon’s breath, a scorching blast of fire, speaks of its power and ferocity. Yet, despite its formidable nature, an ancient gold dragon possesses a gentle and benevolent demeanor. It champions justice and righteousness, tirelessly protecting the weak and oppressed. It is a wise counselor, offering guidance and counsel to those in need. Within its lair, a sanctuary of wisdom and treasures, it gathers and safeguards ancient knowledge and artifacts. The presence of an ancient gold dragon instills hope and reverence, as it embodies the epitome of noble power and goodness.

Special Abilities

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Usage: 3 per day

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.
• 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 24 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: The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
  Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 71 (13d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws 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.
• 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

• 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 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.

Lair Actions

1. Radiant Pulse: On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the dragon can unleash a pulse of radiant energy. Each creature of the dragon’s choice within 60 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of their next turn. Creatures that fail the saving throw by 5 or more also take 6 (1d12) radiant damage.
2. Golden Chains: The dragon can cause spectral chains of golden light to erupt from the ground in a 20-foot radius centered on a point it can see within 120 feet. Creatures in the area must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be restrained for 1 minute. Affected creatures can make a Strength saving throw at the end of each of their turns, breaking free on a success.
3. Sanctuary’s Call: The dragon can create a zone of sanctuary in a 30-foot radius around itself or a point it chooses within its lair. Allies in the zone gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened and have resistance to damage from spells for 1 minute. This effect emphasizes the gold dragon’s role as a protector and guardian.

Gold Dragon Regional Effects

• Enlightened Peace: Within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair, aggressive creatures feel a calming influence that makes them less likely to attack unless provoked. This effect creates an unusual peace in the region, where even natural predators may show restraint.
• Gilded Fog: A shimmering fog fills the area within 1 mile of the lair, especially at dawn and dusk. This fog does not impede vision but makes the landscape appear more vibrant and ethereal. Creatures passing through the fog occasionally find small nuggets of gold on the ground, a sign of the dragon’s benevolence.
• Blessings of Wealth: Crops and natural resources within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair are unusually bountiful, and gold veins in nearby mines are richer. This prosperity is attributed to the dragon’s magical presence, which enhances growth and abundance.