Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*Dungeons & Dragons
Best way to play an Ancient White Dracolich (with Ancient Red Stats)?
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Quickleaf" data-source="post: 7316251" data-attributes="member: 20323"><p>[MENTION=6855489]Balfore[/MENTION] I like the tilting pyramid causing people to slide along its icy surface because that really plays to the uniqueness of the dragon's lair (which is what Lair Actions are for!), but I imagine at 20th level (haven't ever played in 5e let alone any edition) that most PCs have access to flight options whether spells, magic items, racial traits, or winged mounts? </p><p></p><p>---</p><p></p><p>Let's see...can you elaborate a bit on the scenario...that might help make it something really special...</p><p></p><p>What is the dragon's name and purpose? And why are the PCs going up against it? </p><p></p><p>How was the dracolich created (i.e. which mages helped and why) and where is its phylactery?</p><p></p><p>Why are you using an ancient red dragon as your template instead of an ancient white? Is it simply for the beefier numbers?</p><p></p><p>What's the deal with the upside down pyramid? Is it a tomb, a crashed spaceship, etc?</p><p></p><p>Is it your intention to have the PCs face the Ancient White Dracolich alone or with minions?</p><p></p><p>---</p><p></p><p>I'll give an example of a dragon I briefly used in a game & my approach to treating each dragon as a unique individual...</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Rimewing, Ancient Frost Dragon</u></strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Region:</strong> Durghessan Highlands (tundra)</p><p><strong>Bond: </strong>Rimewing despises the dwarven kingdom because they destroyed her hatchery; she would see the dwarves toppled.</p><p><strong>Ideal: </strong>Rimewing would go to any lengths for revenge.</p><p><strong>Flaw:</strong> Rimewing is irrationally afraid of an old northern barbarian legend about the Spirit Horse which was prophesied to lead to her final death.</p><p><strong>Personality Trait:</strong> The dragoness makes a reptilian rumbling sound in her gullet when thrilled at the prospect of fine tribute or tasty prey.</p><p></p><p>Rimewing is the whisper on the winter wind, the hunter amidst the gale. In ages past she ruled the Durghessan Highlands, lording over the human tribes and feasting on dwarf flesh. When the Seal of Amaghwar was forged, Rimewing collapsed in the Serpentback Mountains after a battle with dwarves, forming a cirque called the Valley of Echoes beneath which she was buried in snow while she slept. With her awakening, Rimewing ushers avalanches and snowstorms. She exploits the Nic Epona tribe, whose chieftain Kalju hangs on to the traditional belief that a white wyrm is a blessing. The deeper Rimewing sinks her claws into the tribe, the more she leverages them into raiding lowland settlements for treasure and sacrifices. Once she has gathered her strength, she will assault the dwarven kingdom.</p><p></p><p><img src="https://orig00.deviantart.net/1d84/f/2012/323/8/a/frost_dragon_by_alsaresnolynx-d5lgfit.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii fr-draggable " style="" /></p><p></p><p><strong>Rimewing</strong></p><p><em>Gargantuan dragon, chaotic evil</em></p><p><em></em><strong>Armor Class</strong> 20 (natural armor)</p><p><strong>Hit Points</strong> 296 (16d20+128)</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 40 ft, burrow 40 ft, fly 80 ft, swim 40 ft</p><p><strong>STR</strong> 26 (+8) <strong>DEX</strong> 10 (+0) <strong>CON</strong> 26 (+8) <strong>INT</strong> 10 (+1) <strong>WIS</strong> 13 (+1) <strong>CHA</strong> 14 (+2)</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> Dex +5, Con +13, Wis +6, Cha +7</p><p><strong>Damage Immunities</strong> cold, poison</p><p><strong>Condition Immunities </strong>charmed, poisoned</p><p><strong>Senses</strong> blindsight 60 ft, darkvision 120 ft, passive perception </p><p><strong>Languages</strong> Common, Draconic (understand only)</p><p><strong>Challenge</strong> 13+ (10,000 XP)</p><p></p><p>TRAITS</p><p><strong>Frost Fury. </strong>Whenever the dragon suffers a condition, a flurry of snow engulfs her, heavily obscuring the dragon until the start of her next turn.</p><p><strong>Ice Walk.</strong> The dragon can move across and climb icy surface without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost her extra movement.</p><p></p><p>ACTIONS</p><p><strong>Multiattack. </strong>The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. She then makes 3 attacks: 1 with her bite and 2 with her claws.</p><p><strong>Bite. </strong>Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 15 ft, one target; Hit: 19 (2d10+8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage.</p><p><strong>Claw.</strong> Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 10 ft, one target; Hit: 15 (2d6+8) slashing damage.</p><p><strong>Tail.</strong> Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 20 ft, one target; Hit: 17 (2d8+8) bludgeoning damage.</p><p><strong>Frightful Presence.</strong> Each creature of the dragon’s choice within 120 feet and aware of it must succeed a DC 15 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.</p><p></p><p><strong>Monster Maths</strong></p><p>defense CR 16</p><p>offense CR 11 (DPR 58, attack +7)</p><p>total CR 13</p><p></p><p><strong>Lair Actions</strong></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">cover enemies/objects in layer of hoarfrost, petrifying those who reach 0 hit points</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">rapidly freeze fog or clouds / sleet storm</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">trigger avalanche</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">hide in winterstorm or snow drift</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">summon white dragon wyrmlings (CR 14+)</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>Regional Effects</strong></p><p>See the ancient white dragon in MM. The regional effects span the dragon’s aura, which increases as she awakens (see below).</p><p></p><p><strong>Awakening</strong></p><p><u>CR.......Features........................................................................................Aura</u></p><p>0...........Trapped beneath snow, can only use Lair Actions and Regional Effects....1 mile</p><p>13.........Breaks free, causing an avalanche, poisoned and can’t speak or breath...3 miles</p><p>14.........Cold Breath, Minions (wyrmlings), Speech...........................................6 miles</p><p>16.........Legendary Actions, Minions (berserkers), Storm Projection....................12 miles</p><p>18.........Improved Cold Breath, Proficiency bonus +6, Minions (wyverns)............24 miles</p><p>20.........Increase HP to 333 (18d20+144), Truesight 60 ft, Hoarfrost Curse.........50 miles</p><p></p><p><strong>Challenge 13: Emergence</strong></p><p>Rimewing emerges in the dead of winter, though she is weakened (poisoned) and must relearn how to speak. During this time - anywhere from 1 week to a month - she hunts ravenously in the tundra.</p><p></p><p><strong>Challenge 14: Stirrings</strong></p><p>After a month passes during which Rimewing mostly incubates her frozen eggs, she gains:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">10 white dragon wyrmlings (CR 2).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). </strong>The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 58 (13d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The ability to speak Common and Draconic.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>Challenge 16: Whispers</strong></p><p>After 3 months pass during which Rimewing focuses on manipulating the Nic Epona tribal leadership, she gains:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Command of a large force of berserkers (CR 2) mounted on warhorses.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Legendary Actions (see ancient white dragon in the MM).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Storm Projection.</strong> The dragon can cast <em>project image</em> into any storm, appearing as the specter of a woman with long white hair.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>Challenge 18: Rise</strong></p><p>After 6 months pass during which Rimewing consolidates her power in the Durghessan Highlands, unifying and conquering various tribes, she gains:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">3d6 Wyverns (CR 6) flock from the Wyvernlands to Rimewing’s territory in groups of 1-6. While they don’t obey Rimewing, they give the dragoness a wide berth.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Improved Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6).</strong> The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Proficiency bonus increases to +6.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>Challenge 20: Dominance</strong></p><p>After 1 year passes during which Rimewing eliminates all challengers and demands tribute from neighboring lands, she gains:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Increase HP to 333 (18d20+144).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Truesight 60 ft.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Hoarfrost Curse. </strong>Extreme cold weather and terrible snowstorms wrack Durghess. All non-draconic creatures (that aren’t pacted/sworn to Rimewing) exposed to the Durghessan snow begin to petrify into ice statues over the course of 2d4 days. No magic returns such creatures to their normal form until the Hoarfrost Curse is broken.</li> </ul></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Quickleaf, post: 7316251, member: 20323"] [MENTION=6855489]Balfore[/MENTION] I like the tilting pyramid causing people to slide along its icy surface because that really plays to the uniqueness of the dragon's lair (which is what Lair Actions are for!), but I imagine at 20th level (haven't ever played in 5e let alone any edition) that most PCs have access to flight options whether spells, magic items, racial traits, or winged mounts? --- Let's see...can you elaborate a bit on the scenario...that might help make it something really special... What is the dragon's name and purpose? And why are the PCs going up against it? How was the dracolich created (i.e. which mages helped and why) and where is its phylactery? Why are you using an ancient red dragon as your template instead of an ancient white? Is it simply for the beefier numbers? What's the deal with the upside down pyramid? Is it a tomb, a crashed spaceship, etc? Is it your intention to have the PCs face the Ancient White Dracolich alone or with minions? --- I'll give an example of a dragon I briefly used in a game & my approach to treating each dragon as a unique individual... [B][U]Rimewing, Ancient Frost Dragon[/U][/B] [B]Region:[/B] Durghessan Highlands (tundra) [B]Bond: [/B]Rimewing despises the dwarven kingdom because they destroyed her hatchery; she would see the dwarves toppled. [B]Ideal: [/B]Rimewing would go to any lengths for revenge. [B]Flaw:[/B] Rimewing is irrationally afraid of an old northern barbarian legend about the Spirit Horse which was prophesied to lead to her final death. [B]Personality Trait:[/B] The dragoness makes a reptilian rumbling sound in her gullet when thrilled at the prospect of fine tribute or tasty prey. Rimewing is the whisper on the winter wind, the hunter amidst the gale. In ages past she ruled the Durghessan Highlands, lording over the human tribes and feasting on dwarf flesh. When the Seal of Amaghwar was forged, Rimewing collapsed in the Serpentback Mountains after a battle with dwarves, forming a cirque called the Valley of Echoes beneath which she was buried in snow while she slept. With her awakening, Rimewing ushers avalanches and snowstorms. She exploits the Nic Epona tribe, whose chieftain Kalju hangs on to the traditional belief that a white wyrm is a blessing. The deeper Rimewing sinks her claws into the tribe, the more she leverages them into raiding lowland settlements for treasure and sacrifices. Once she has gathered her strength, she will assault the dwarven kingdom. [img]https://orig00.deviantart.net/1d84/f/2012/323/8/a/frost_dragon_by_alsaresnolynx-d5lgfit.jpg[/img] [B]Rimewing[/B] [I]Gargantuan dragon, chaotic evil [/I][B]Armor Class[/B] 20 (natural armor) [B]Hit Points[/B] 296 (16d20+128) [B]Speed[/B] 40 ft, burrow 40 ft, fly 80 ft, swim 40 ft [B]STR[/B] 26 (+8) [B]DEX[/B] 10 (+0) [B]CON[/B] 26 (+8) [B]INT[/B] 10 (+1) [B]WIS[/B] 13 (+1) [B]CHA[/B] 14 (+2) [B]Saving Throws[/B] Dex +5, Con +13, Wis +6, Cha +7 [B]Damage Immunities[/B] cold, poison [B]Condition Immunities [/B]charmed, poisoned [B]Senses[/B] blindsight 60 ft, darkvision 120 ft, passive perception [B]Languages[/B] Common, Draconic (understand only) [B]Challenge[/B] 13+ (10,000 XP) TRAITS [B]Frost Fury. [/B]Whenever the dragon suffers a condition, a flurry of snow engulfs her, heavily obscuring the dragon until the start of her next turn. [B]Ice Walk.[/B] The dragon can move across and climb icy surface without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, difficult terrain composed of ice or snow doesn’t cost her extra movement. ACTIONS [B]Multiattack. [/B]The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. She then makes 3 attacks: 1 with her bite and 2 with her claws. [B]Bite. [/B]Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 15 ft, one target; Hit: 19 (2d10+8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage. [B]Claw.[/B] Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 10 ft, one target; Hit: 15 (2d6+8) slashing damage. [B]Tail.[/B] Melee weapon attack: +12 hit, reach 20 ft, one target; Hit: 17 (2d8+8) bludgeoning damage. [B]Frightful Presence.[/B] Each creature of the dragon’s choice within 120 feet and aware of it must succeed a DC 15 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. [B]Monster Maths[/B] defense CR 16 offense CR 11 (DPR 58, attack +7) total CR 13 [B]Lair Actions[/B] [list][*]cover enemies/objects in layer of hoarfrost, petrifying those who reach 0 hit points [*]rapidly freeze fog or clouds / sleet storm [*]trigger avalanche [*]hide in winterstorm or snow drift [*]summon white dragon wyrmlings (CR 14+)[/list] [B]Regional Effects[/B] See the ancient white dragon in MM. The regional effects span the dragon’s aura, which increases as she awakens (see below). [B]Awakening[/B] [U]CR.......Features........................................................................................Aura[/U] 0...........Trapped beneath snow, can only use Lair Actions and Regional Effects....1 mile 13.........Breaks free, causing an avalanche, poisoned and can’t speak or breath...3 miles 14.........Cold Breath, Minions (wyrmlings), Speech...........................................6 miles 16.........Legendary Actions, Minions (berserkers), Storm Projection....................12 miles 18.........Improved Cold Breath, Proficiency bonus +6, Minions (wyverns)............24 miles 20.........Increase HP to 333 (18d20+144), Truesight 60 ft, Hoarfrost Curse.........50 miles [B]Challenge 13: Emergence[/B] Rimewing emerges in the dead of winter, though she is weakened (poisoned) and must relearn how to speak. During this time - anywhere from 1 week to a month - she hunts ravenously in the tundra. [B]Challenge 14: Stirrings[/B] After a month passes during which Rimewing mostly incubates her frozen eggs, she gains: [list][*]10 white dragon wyrmlings (CR 2). [*][B]Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). [/B]The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 58 (13d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. [*]The ability to speak Common and Draconic.[/list] [B]Challenge 16: Whispers[/B] After 3 months pass during which Rimewing focuses on manipulating the Nic Epona tribal leadership, she gains: [list][*]Command of a large force of berserkers (CR 2) mounted on warhorses. [*]Legendary Actions (see ancient white dragon in the MM). [*][B]Storm Projection.[/B] The dragon can cast [I]project image[/I] into any storm, appearing as the specter of a woman with long white hair.[/list] [B]Challenge 18: Rise[/B] After 6 months pass during which Rimewing consolidates her power in the Durghessan Highlands, unifying and conquering various tribes, she gains: [list][*]3d6 Wyverns (CR 6) flock from the Wyvernlands to Rimewing’s territory in groups of 1-6. While they don’t obey Rimewing, they give the dragoness a wide berth. [*][B]Improved Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6).[/B] The dragon exhales an icy blast in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. [*]Proficiency bonus increases to +6.[/list] [B]Challenge 20: Dominance[/B] After 1 year passes during which Rimewing eliminates all challengers and demands tribute from neighboring lands, she gains: [list][*]Increase HP to 333 (18d20+144). [*]Truesight 60 ft. [*][B]Hoarfrost Curse. [/B]Extreme cold weather and terrible snowstorms wrack Durghess. All non-draconic creatures (that aren’t pacted/sworn to Rimewing) exposed to the Durghessan snow begin to petrify into ice statues over the course of 2d4 days. No magic returns such creatures to their normal form until the Hoarfrost Curse is broken.[/list] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
*Dungeons & Dragons
Best way to play an Ancient White Dracolich (with Ancient Red Stats)?
Top