D&D (2024) 2025's Ancient Green Dragon Stat Block From The New Monster Manual

The new ancient green dragon from the 2025 Monster Manual was previewed at Gen Con.

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[dave2008]

I do too. I may not like the changes to the statblock format as much, but I think the 2024 ancient green dragon is overall an improvement on the 2014 version. However, I am tempted to add back in some of the 2014 elements, such as the wall of thorns lair action, and maybe the Wing Attack legendary action, and maybe also the regional effects (assuming they're not just on another page in the new MM).

I will definitely use the Lair Actions and regional effects from the 2014 MM (or alternate ones from Fizban's). Though I actually like the new formatting better than 2014 version, though not as good as 4e in sum respects IMO.

 

[Stalker0]

So one interesting thing about the new dragon is that it puts more of the tactics in the players hands. For example, a player Y is greatly hurt and it’s player Xs turn For the old dragon, no matter what player X does, the dragon could tail attack Y.

But in this model a player might choose to do a heal, not just for the heal but also because it means the dragon doesn’t get a damaging reaction. So it might encourage more “something other than damage” play

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

So one interesting thing about the new dragon is that it puts more of the tactics in the players hands. For example, a player Y is greatly hurt and it’s player Xs turn For the old dragon, no matter what player X does, the dragon could tail attack Y.

But in this model a player might choose to do a heal, not just for the heal but also because it means the dragon doesn’t get a damaging reaction. So it might encourage more “something other than damage” play

Maybe, but it’s not like it’s other two reactions are warm fuzzies!

 

[Stalker0]

Maybe, but it’s not like it’s other two reactions are warm fuzzies!

The only reaction it could do is charm monster in my example. Now absolutely that’s nasty, but might be preferable to “the dragon attacks you downed buddy and he is now dead”

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

The only reaction it could do is charm monster in my example. Now absolutely that’s nasty, but might be preferable to “the dragon attacks you downed buddy and he is now dead”

Sure, could you give one example of potentially many. My point is simply dragon has other options and just doing damage.

 

[Zaukrie]

I use the encounter builder on Beyond a lot and the lair actions don’t show up when I bring up the monster statblock. So I understand what is being gotten at.

Ya, this is a good change. If it can be used in combat, it should be in the statblock. 100x out of 100.

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

Ya, this is a good change. If it can be used in combat, it should be in the statblock. 100x out of 100.

So you think all the spells that it has to be described completely as well too?

 

[Zaukrie]

So you think all the spells that it has to be spelled out clearly as well too?

Dials, not switches....but the spells are IN the block, but lair actions were not.

.but as many spells as possible (like they did with some NPCs/creatures already) in a block is great, and easier, yes.

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

Dials, not switches....but the spells are IN the block, but lair actions were not.

.but as many spells as possible (like they did with some NPCs/creatures already) in a block is great, and easier, yes.

My point is simply that you can’t get everything in a stat block. And for Lair actions, seems to me you lose a lot by trying to squeeze them in there. There were so much more flavorful and interesting in 2014 compared to what we are seeing now.

Particularly for something that’s not needed in every encounter. Possibly not even most encounters.

 

[Zaukrie]

My point is simply that you can’t get everything in a stat block. And for Lair actions, seems to me you lose a lot by trying to squeeze them in there. There were so much more flavorful and interesting in 2014 compared to what we are seeing now.

Particularly for something that’s not needed in every encounter. Possibly not even most encounters.

I think there is some fairness to your belief......it would be much easier if they lost all the wasted words and stuff that could be in the fluffy parts that aren't combat related (or, why do we need "roll" in there, why do we need reach if it is the standard 5 ft, etc.). I just think and am NOT trying to convince anyone else, that it is easier if it is one spot.