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A Leveled Up Bestiary
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<blockquote data-quote="Faolyn" data-source="post: 8783005" data-attributes="member: 6915329"><p>The next dragon in this article is the <strong>obsidian dragon</strong>—which, of course, will be a gem dragon. These dragons are arctic-dwellers and are described as being black with silver highlights, which I interpret as indicating highlights—and shockingly the article does not actually say they are based on <em>snowflake </em>obsidian. Maybe they thought it was obvious.</p><p></p><p>A different version of the obsidian dragon (which actually was listed as a gem dragon) was put out by WotC as a <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140213210236/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psb/20030124b" target="_blank">web enhancement</a> for 3.5 (web archive link). As usual, I’ll steal info from both to make this monster as interesting as possible. Honestly, I need to steal that info, because the obsidian dragon in the Dragon article has no social info and nothing that would make it psionic. Maybe when I'm done with Dragon I'll go through these dead monster websites and convert some of those creatures as well.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]262538[/ATTACH]</p><p><span style="font-size: 15px">Art by Tom Baxa</span></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 22px"><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Obsidian Dragon (Gem Dragon)</span></span></strong></p><p>The Dragon’s Bestiary, Dragon Magazine #146</p><p>Created by Mark Mathis, and Scott Brocius and Mark A. Jindra.</p><p></p><p>At a distance, an obsidian dragon might be mistaken for a silver dragon, especially when the light causes their scales to gleam. Up close, they have shining black scales flecked with clusters of white, like snowflake obsidians, and they have a “beard,” “eyebrows,” and cheek tufts made of short, sharp spikes. Their smooth scales fit closely together, making it seem almost as if they have skin instead of scales. But should a scale drop off of its body, it is easy to see that its edges are more sharply honed than even the finest of blades. Obsidian dragons prefer to lair in near to arctic volcanoes, where they can bask in a perfect balance of heat and cold, and they enjoy roaming their territories in humanoid form, seeing the land from the ground. Arctic-dwelling Stoneworthy tribes often ally themselves with these dragons, providing simple services and in return getting cast-off scales with which to make high-quality blades.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Orderly Minds. </em></strong>Obsidian dragons are disciplined beings. They hold themselves to high standards and expect others to do so as well. While they can be quite ruthless and egotistical, they are rarely cruel. In fact, they may be the most <em>good </em>of all gemstone dragons, although they prefer to do good by encouraging others to do the correct (that is, most logical) thing that will benefit the most people rather than actually go forth and do good themselves.</p><p></p><p><strong><em>Least Of The Gems.</em></strong> Possibly the least psionically-powerful of all gemstone dragons, many gem dragons don’t consider obsidian dragons to be a “true” gem dragon. Legends tell that the first obsidian dragon was banished from the courts of the dragon gods and its mind partially sealed to prevent it from gaining its full psychic potential. Obsidian dragons who are aware of this story claim it is nothing more than a myth, and point to their own high intelligence and powers—including the ability to shapeshift, which is otherwise unknown to gem dragons—as proof of that. Most other gem dragons view them as arrogant creatures who think themselves smarter and more capable than they actually are. The worst of them don’t even consider obsidian dragons to be “true” gem dragons.</p><p></p><p>Due to their territories, obsidian dragons frequently come into contact with silver dragons, and the two are often on friendly terms. Obsidians are less people-oriented than silvers are, and silvers are less focused on their hoards than obsidians are, but they have a great deal in common and tend to enjoy each other’s company, at least for brief periods of time.</p><p></p><p><strong><em> Collectors. </em></strong>Like most dragons, obsidian dragons like to keep hoards. Unlike many, though, they prefer to come about their collections through legal (or at least <em>mostly </em>legal) means. They gladly accept gifts and tributes and will take the goods of dragonslayers that they best in combat, but they primarily obtain their goods by buying them (and are sometimes willing to trade an object for a newer, more interesting one). Obsidian dragons are no fools, however. They have keen investigative skills and <em>always </em>check an object’s provenance, and are they <em>very good </em>at haggling. Since they do most of their purchasing in humanoid form, few merchants know that they are selling to a dragon.</p><p></p><p>An obsidian dragon’s collections vary wildly over time. For a while, the dragon may be obsessed with gathering examples of swords made by the finest smiths of the land or in pottery from a long-since destroyed dwarven kingdom, then develop an interest in collecting gemstones with star inclusions, magic wands, or exotic butterflies.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Legends and Lore</span></strong></p><p>With an Arcana or Nature check, the characters can learn the following:</p><p></p><p><strong>DC 15.</strong> A rare species of gem dragon, obsidian dragons native to arctic volcanoes. They are known to be studious and serious-minded. They breathe a sheet of black frost that freezes and burns its victims before encasing them in hardened ice.</p><p></p><p><strong>DC 20.</strong> Obsidian dragons are shapeshifters and often prefer humanoid form. The oldest of them can steal the thoughts from someone else’s mind. They enjoy hoarding things—tomes, magic items, objets d’art, and so on—rather than coins.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 22px">Obsidian Dragon Encounters</span></strong></p><p><strong><em>Terrain:</em></strong> mountain, tundra, volcanoes</p><p></p><p><strong>CR 3-4</strong> obsidian dragon wyrmling; obsidian dragon wyrmling with 1d4+4 dragonbound warriors or mountain dwarf soldiers</p><p><strong><em>Treasure:</em></strong> 200 gp, 350 sp, personal collection worth 200 gp (2d4 wooden elven religious idols; 3d10 novels; or 1d4 pieces of sheet music, penned by a master bard), <em>potions of cold resistance </em>and <em>healing</em></p><p></p><p><strong>CR 5-10</strong> obsidian dragon wyrmling with 1d4 berserkers; young obsidian dragon; young obsidian dragon with 2d4+8 dragonbound warriors or mountain dwarf soldiers</p><p><strong><em>Treasure:</em></strong> 400 gp, 2,500 sp, personal collection worth 1,000 gp (1d10 rare history and culture books, 2d4 small marble statues, 2 oil paintings by a master artist, or 6 different warlock <em>patron tokens</em>), <em>spell scroll of conjure fey.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>CR 11-16</strong> young obsidian dragon with yeti or ettin; young obsidian dragon with 1d4+1 berserkers</p><p><strong><em>Treasure:</em></strong> 250 pp, 600 sp, personal collection worth 3,000 gp (collection of 6 large spinels, each a different color and carved in a different shape; collection of regalia from several historical members of royalty of a nearby kingdom; or 1d6×2 tapestries, each of which use metallic thread and describe different scenes), <em>+1 mithril broadsword</em></p><p></p><p><strong>CR 17-22</strong> adult obsidian dragon; adult obsidian dragon with azer forgemaster; young obsidian dragon with salamander</p><p><strong><em>Treasure:</em></strong> 700 pp, 2,500 gp, personal collection worth 10,000 gp (4 life-sized humanoid stone statues with gold and jade accents from a long-dead civilization; collection of magic wands: 3 <em>cantrip wands, wand of elocution, wand of erudition, wand of magic missile, wand of lightning bolts, wand of wonder</em>; or 14 daggers and shortswords made of different extraplanar metals but all made by the same swordsmith), 2 <em>spell scrolls of clairvoyance.</em></p><p></p><p><strong>CR 23-30</strong> adult obsidian dragon with obsidian dragon wyrmling and 1 warrior band; ancient obsidian dragon; ancient obsidian dragon with 1-2 warrior bands or 2-3 azer</p><p><strong><em>Treasure:</em></strong> 900 pp, 10,000 gp, personal collection worth 30,000 gp (3d4 goblets decorated gold goblets; letters of correspondence with half the nobles of the continent, stretching back several centuries—some of which reveal scandalous details; or 3 spellbooks, one of which has 1-2 rare spells, taken from famed spellcasters; each spellbook has a total of 20 levels worth of spells, none higher than 6th level)</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Signs</span></strong></p><p>1. A smoking volcano that always seems on the cusp of erupting.</p><p>2. Freezing rains and blizzards.</p><p>3. Natives to the area wield weapons and bladed tools made of the finest obsidian.</p><p>4. Local humanoids work for a famed art collector and offer rewards for procuring desired pieces.</p><p>5. Patches of black ice.</p><p>6. A corpse. Close examination reveals severe brain damage and frostbite</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Behavior</span></strong></p><p>1-2. Obsessively taking care of and cataloging its hoard.</p><p>3. Asleep, telepathically aware of approaches, annoyed if disturbed.</p><p>4. Writing the latest volume of its memoirs.</p><p>5. Preparing an attack on a bandit clan.</p><p>6. Approaches the party in human form, asking about a particular item that it wishes to purchase.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Obsidian Dragon Lair Features</span></strong></p><p>The save DC for the following effects is 13 + the dragon’s proficiency modifier. Choose or roll one or more of the following lair features:</p><p></p><p>1. Sharp shards of obsidian—consisting of both natural stone and shed scales—litter the ground and are stuck into the walls. A creature that isn’t wearing Medium or Heavy armor that moves through the area takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage for every 10 feet it travels.</p><p>2. Volcanic vents spew dark clouds of smoke and plumes of magma, heavily obscuring a 20-foot-radius area. When a breathing creature starts its turn in the cloud or enters it for the first time on its turn, it must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) fire damage and become poisoned until the start of its next turn.</p><p>3. All the floors are slippery, black ice. Anyone moving more than half their speed in a single turn must make a Dexterity saving throw or fall prone.</p><p>4. Bitterly cold strong winds roar throughout the lair. The area is difficult terrain, sounds can’t travel more than 20 feet away, and unprotected flames are extinguished.</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 18px">Names</span></strong></p><p>Asadywan, Blackstone, Cristobalite, Tolshaverys, Vitrean</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"><span style="font-size: 18px">Variant: Obsidian Dragon Spellcaster</span></span></strong></p><p>Some gem dragons develop the ability to psionically cast spells. An obsidian dragon’s spellcasting ability is Charisma. It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components. Each age category knows its own spells and those of younger age categories.</p><p></p><p><strong>Young (save DC 14):</strong> <em>identify, locate object</em></p><p><strong>Adult (save DC 17):</strong> <em>legend lore, wall of force</em></p><p><strong>Ancient (save DC 19):</strong> <em>demiplane </em>(demiplane is a 100-foot square), <em>plane shift</em></p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 26px"><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Ancient Obsidian Dragon</span></span></strong></p><p><strong>Gargantuan legendary dragon (shapechanger)</strong></p><p>Challenge 24 (62,000 XP)</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 22</p><p><strong>HP</strong> 388 (21d20+168; bloodied 194)</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 40 ft., burrow 40 ft., fly 80 ft.</p><p></p><p><strong>STR</strong> 27 (+8) <strong>DEX</strong> 10 (+0) <strong>CON</strong> 26 (+8)</p><p><strong>INT</strong> 24 (+7) <strong>WIS</strong> 21 (+5) <strong>CHA</strong> 19 (+4)</p><p></p><p><strong>Proficiency</strong> +7</p><p><strong>Maneuver DC</strong> 23</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> Con +15, Int +14, Wis +12, Cha +11</p><p><strong>Skills</strong> History +14, Investigation +14, Perception +12, Persuasion +11 (+<em>1d6</em> <em>bargaining</em>)</p><p><strong>Damage Resistances</strong> acid, fire</p><p><strong>Damage Immunities</strong> cold, psychic</p><p><strong>Senses</strong> darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 22</p><p><strong>Languages</strong> Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft.</p><p><strong><em>Legendary Resistance (3/Day).</em></strong> When the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. When it does, some of its scales soften and lose their luster. If it has no more uses of this ability, it can’t use its Steal Thoughts legendary action and its Glassy Shards trait is no longer in effect until it completes a long rest.</p><p><strong><em>Glassy Shards. </em></strong>A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 11 (2d10) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales.</p><p><strong><em>Lightning Weakness. </em></strong>If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn.</p><p><strong><em>Master Appraiser.</em></strong> The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20.</p><p><strong><em>Psionic Powers. </em></strong>The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Multiattack.</em></strong> The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws. In place of its bite, it can use Whitefire.</p><p><strong><em>Bite. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>30 (4d10+8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage.</p><p><strong><em>Claws. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>21 (3d8+8) slashing damage.</p><p><strong><em>Tail. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>21 (3d8+8) bludgeoning damage, and the dragon pushes the target 10 feet away.</p><p><strong><em>Bastard Sword (Humanoid Form Only).</em></strong> <em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit:</em> 12 (1d8+8) slashing damage, or 13 (1d10+8) slashing damage when wielded in two hands.</p><p><strong><em>Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).</em></strong> The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, 35 (10d6) acid damage and 35 (10d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 23) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage).</p><p><strong><em>Whitefire.</em></strong> The dragon concentrates fiery thoughts on one or more creatures it can see within 20 feet. Each creature in that area is engulfed in burning-cold white flames and must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) cold damage and 11 (2d10) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Bonus Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Blackflame Aura.</em></strong> The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 20 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) psychic damage.</p><p><strong><em>Change Shape.</em></strong> The dragon magically takes the shape of a humanoid or beast, or changes 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 (dragon’s choice). In the new form, the dragon’s stats are unchanged except for its size. It can’t use Whitefire, Breath Weapon, Tail Attack, or Wing Attack except in dragon form. In beast form, it can attack only with its bite and claws, if appropriate to its form. If the beast form is Large or smaller, the reach of these attacks is reduced to 5 feet. In humanoid form, it can attack only with its sword.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Reactions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Tail Attack.</em></strong> When a creature the dragon can see within 10 feet hits the dragon with a melee attack, the dragon makes a tail attack against it.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Legendary Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Analyze.</em></strong> The dragon evaluates one creature it can see within 60 feet. It learns the creature’s resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities, and current and maximum hit points. That creature’s next attack roll against the dragon before the start of the dragon’s next turn is made with disadvantage</p><p><strong><em>Whitefire (Costs 2 Actions).</em></strong> The dragon makes a Whitefire attack.</p><p><strong><em>Steal Thoughts (Costs 3 Actions, 3/Day). </em></strong>The dragon targets a creature within 60 feet of it, forcing it to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 11 (2d10) psychic damage and the dragon psionically rips a fragmented copy of the creature’s memories out of its head and stores them in one of its scales. The dragon from then on has a d4 expertise die on Charisma checks made against that character and Intelligence checks made to recall any information that the character would know about, including secret knowledge. Until the targeted creature completes a long rest or is targeted by a <em>greater restoration </em>or similar spell, it has disadvantage on all Intelligence checks, as its memories have been scrambled, and on Constitution saving throws made to maintain concentration on a spell.</p><p></p><p>*</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 26px"><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">Adult Obsidian Dragon</span></span></strong></p><p><strong>Huge legendary dragon (shapechanger)</strong></p><p>Challenge 18 (20,000 XP)</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 20</p><p><strong>HP</strong> 262 (21d12+126; bloodied 131)</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 40 ft., burrow 30 ft., fly 80 ft.</p><p></p><p><strong>STR</strong> 23 (+6) <strong>DEX</strong> 10 (+0) <strong>CON</strong> 22 (+6)</p><p><strong>INT</strong> 22 (+6) <strong>WIS</strong> 19 (+4) <strong>CHA</strong> 17 (+3)</p><p></p><p><strong>Proficiency</strong> +6</p><p><strong>Maneuver DC</strong> 20</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> Con +12, Int +12, Wis +10, Cha +9</p><p><strong>Skills</strong> History +12, Investigation +12, Perception +10, Persuasion +9 (+<em>1d6</em> <em>bargaining</em>)</p><p><strong>Damage Resistances</strong> acid, fire</p><p><strong>Damage Immunities</strong> cold, psychic</p><p><strong>Senses</strong> darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20</p><p><strong>Languages</strong> Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft.</p><p><strong><em>Legendary Resistance (3/Day).</em></strong> When the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. When it does, some of its scales soften and lose their luster. If it has no more uses of this ability, it can’t use its Steal Thoughts legendary action and its Glassy Shards trait is no longer in effect until it completes a long rest.</p><p><strong><em>Glassy Shards. </em></strong>A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 9 (2d8) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales.</p><p><strong><em>Lightning Weakness. </em></strong>If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn.</p><p><strong><em>Master Appraiser.</em></strong> The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20.</p><p><strong><em>Psionic Powers. </em></strong>The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Multiattack.</em></strong> The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws. In place of its bite, it can use Whitefire.</p><p><strong><em>Bite. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>22 (3d10+6) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage.</p><p><strong><em>Claws. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>19 (3d8+6) slashing damage.</p><p><strong><em>Tail. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>19 (3d8+6) bludgeoning damage, and the dragon pushes the target 10 feet away.</p><p><strong><em>Bastard Sword (Humanoid Form Only).</em></strong> <em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit:</em> 10 (1d8+6) slashing damage, or 11 (1d10+6) slashing damage when wielded in two hands.</p><p><strong><em>Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).</em></strong> The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, 28 (8d6) acid damage and 28 (8d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 20) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage).</p><p><strong><em>Whitefire.</em></strong> The dragon concentrates fiery thoughts on one or more creatures it can see within 20 feet. Each creature in that area is engulfed in burning-cold white flames and must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) cold damage and 5 (1d10) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Bonus Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Blackflame Aura.</em></strong> The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 10 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) psychic damage.</p><p><strong><em>Change Shape.</em></strong> The dragon magically takes the shape of a humanoid or beast, or changes 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 (dragon’s choice). In the new form, the dragon’s stats are unchanged except for its size. It can’t use Whitefire Pulse, Breath Weapons, Tail Attack, or Wing Attack except in dragon form. In beast form, it can attack only with its bite and claws, if appropriate to its form. If the beast form is Large or smaller, the reach of these attacks is reduced to 5 feet. In humanoid form, it can attack only with its sword.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Reactions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Tail Attack.</em></strong> When a creature the dragon can see within 10 feet hits the dragon with a melee attack, the dragon makes a tail attack against it.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Legendary Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Analyze.</em></strong> The dragon evaluates one creature it can see within 60 feet. It learns the creature’s resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities, and current and maximum hit points. That creature’s next attack roll against the dragon before the start of the dragon’s next turn is made with disadvantage</p><p><strong><em>Whitefire (Costs 2 Actions).</em></strong> The dragon makes a Whitefire attack.</p><p><strong><em>Steal Thoughts (Costs 3 Actions, 3/Day). </em></strong>The dragon targets a creature within 60 feet of it, forcing it to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 9 (2d8) psychic damage and the dragon psionically rips a fragmented copy of the creature’s memories out of its head and stores them in one of its scales. The dragon from then on has a d4 expertise die on Charisma checks made against that character and Intelligence checks made to recall any information that the character would know about, including secret knowledge. Until the targeted creature completes a long rest or is targeted by a <em>greater restoration </em>or similar spell, it has disadvantage on all Intelligence checks, as its memories have been scrambled, and on Constitution saving throws made to maintain concentration on a spell.</p><p></p><p>*</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"><span style="font-size: 26px">Young Obsidian Dragon</span></span></strong></p><p><strong>Large dragon</strong></p><p>Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 18</p><p><strong>HP</strong> 152 (16d10+72; bloodied 64)</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 40 ft., burrow 20 ft., fly 80 ft.</p><p></p><p><strong>STR</strong> 18 (+4) <strong>DEX</strong> 10 (+0) <strong>CON</strong> 18 (+4)</p><p><strong>INT</strong> 19 (+4) <strong>WIS</strong> 16 (+3) <strong>CHA</strong> 15 (+2)</p><p></p><p><strong>Proficiency</strong> +4</p><p><strong>Maneuver DC</strong> 16</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> Con +8, Int +8, Wis +7, Cha +6</p><p><strong>Skills</strong> History +8, Investigation +8, Perception +7, Persuasion +6 (+<em>1d4</em> <em>bargaining</em>)</p><p><strong>Damage Resistances</strong> acid, fire</p><p><strong>Damage Immunities</strong> cold, psychic</p><p><strong>Senses</strong> darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17</p><p><strong>Languages</strong> Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft.</p><p><strong><em>Glassy Shards. </em></strong>A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales.</p><p><strong><em>Lightning Weakness. </em></strong>If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn.</p><p><strong><em>Master Appraiser.</em></strong> The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20.</p><p><strong><em>Psionic Powers. </em></strong>The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Multiattack.</em></strong> The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws.</p><p><strong><em>Bite. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>20 (3d10+4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) cold damage.</p><p><strong><em>Claws. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>13 (2d8+4) slashing damage.</p><p><strong><em>Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).</em></strong> The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, 18 (5d6) acid damage and 18 (5d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 16) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage).</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Bonus Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Blackflame Aura.</em></strong> The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 5 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) psychic damage.</p><p></p><p>*</p><p></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)"><span style="font-size: 26px">Obsidian Dragon Wyrmling</span></span></strong></p><p><strong>Medium dragon</strong></p><p>Challenge 3 (750 XP)</p><p><strong>AC</strong> 16</p><p><strong>HP</strong> 58 (9d8+18; bloodied 29)</p><p><strong>Speed</strong> 30 ft., burrow 15 ft., fly 60 ft.</p><p></p><p><strong>STR</strong> 15 (+2) <strong>DEX</strong> 10 (+0) <strong>CON</strong> 14 (+2)</p><p><strong>INT</strong> 15 (+2) <strong>WIS</strong> 14 (+2) <strong>CHA</strong> 13 (+1)</p><p></p><p><strong>Proficiency</strong> +2</p><p><strong>Maneuver DC</strong> 12</p><p><strong>Saving Throws</strong> Con +4 Int +4, Wis +4, Cha +3</p><p><strong>Skills</strong> History +4, Investigation +4, Perception +4, Persuasion +3</p><p><strong>Damage Resistances</strong> acid, fire</p><p><strong>Damage Immunities</strong> cold, psychic</p><p><strong>Senses</strong> darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14</p><p><strong>Languages</strong> Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft.</p><p><strong><em>Glassy Shards. </em></strong>A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales.</p><p><strong><em>Lightning Weakness. </em></strong>If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn.</p><p><strong><em>Psionic Powers. </em></strong>The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic.</p><p></p><p><strong><u>Actions</u></strong></p><p><strong><em>Bite. </em></strong><em>Melee Weapon Attack:</em> +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. <em>Hit: </em>13 (2d10+2) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) cold damage.</p><p><strong><em>Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).</em></strong> The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, 10 (3d6) acid damage and 10 (3d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 12) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Faolyn, post: 8783005, member: 6915329"] The next dragon in this article is the [B]obsidian dragon[/B]—which, of course, will be a gem dragon. These dragons are arctic-dwellers and are described as being black with silver highlights, which I interpret as indicating highlights—and shockingly the article does not actually say they are based on [I]snowflake [/I]obsidian. Maybe they thought it was obvious. A different version of the obsidian dragon (which actually was listed as a gem dragon) was put out by WotC as a [URL='https://web.archive.org/web/20140213210236/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psb/20030124b']web enhancement[/URL] for 3.5 (web archive link). As usual, I’ll steal info from both to make this monster as interesting as possible. Honestly, I need to steal that info, because the obsidian dragon in the Dragon article has no social info and nothing that would make it psionic. Maybe when I'm done with Dragon I'll go through these dead monster websites and convert some of those creatures as well. [ATTACH type="full" alt="1664312822873.png"]262538[/ATTACH] [SIZE=4]Art by Tom Baxa[/SIZE] [B][SIZE=6][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]Obsidian Dragon (Gem Dragon)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/B] The Dragon’s Bestiary, Dragon Magazine #146 Created by Mark Mathis, and Scott Brocius and Mark A. Jindra. At a distance, an obsidian dragon might be mistaken for a silver dragon, especially when the light causes their scales to gleam. Up close, they have shining black scales flecked with clusters of white, like snowflake obsidians, and they have a “beard,” “eyebrows,” and cheek tufts made of short, sharp spikes. Their smooth scales fit closely together, making it seem almost as if they have skin instead of scales. But should a scale drop off of its body, it is easy to see that its edges are more sharply honed than even the finest of blades. Obsidian dragons prefer to lair in near to arctic volcanoes, where they can bask in a perfect balance of heat and cold, and they enjoy roaming their territories in humanoid form, seeing the land from the ground. Arctic-dwelling Stoneworthy tribes often ally themselves with these dragons, providing simple services and in return getting cast-off scales with which to make high-quality blades. [B][I]Orderly Minds. [/I][/B]Obsidian dragons are disciplined beings. They hold themselves to high standards and expect others to do so as well. While they can be quite ruthless and egotistical, they are rarely cruel. In fact, they may be the most [I]good [/I]of all gemstone dragons, although they prefer to do good by encouraging others to do the correct (that is, most logical) thing that will benefit the most people rather than actually go forth and do good themselves. [B][I]Least Of The Gems.[/I][/B] Possibly the least psionically-powerful of all gemstone dragons, many gem dragons don’t consider obsidian dragons to be a “true” gem dragon. Legends tell that the first obsidian dragon was banished from the courts of the dragon gods and its mind partially sealed to prevent it from gaining its full psychic potential. Obsidian dragons who are aware of this story claim it is nothing more than a myth, and point to their own high intelligence and powers—including the ability to shapeshift, which is otherwise unknown to gem dragons—as proof of that. Most other gem dragons view them as arrogant creatures who think themselves smarter and more capable than they actually are. The worst of them don’t even consider obsidian dragons to be “true” gem dragons. Due to their territories, obsidian dragons frequently come into contact with silver dragons, and the two are often on friendly terms. Obsidians are less people-oriented than silvers are, and silvers are less focused on their hoards than obsidians are, but they have a great deal in common and tend to enjoy each other’s company, at least for brief periods of time. [B][I] Collectors. [/I][/B]Like most dragons, obsidian dragons like to keep hoards. Unlike many, though, they prefer to come about their collections through legal (or at least [I]mostly [/I]legal) means. They gladly accept gifts and tributes and will take the goods of dragonslayers that they best in combat, but they primarily obtain their goods by buying them (and are sometimes willing to trade an object for a newer, more interesting one). Obsidian dragons are no fools, however. They have keen investigative skills and [I]always [/I]check an object’s provenance, and are they [I]very good [/I]at haggling. Since they do most of their purchasing in humanoid form, few merchants know that they are selling to a dragon. An obsidian dragon’s collections vary wildly over time. For a while, the dragon may be obsessed with gathering examples of swords made by the finest smiths of the land or in pottery from a long-since destroyed dwarven kingdom, then develop an interest in collecting gemstones with star inclusions, magic wands, or exotic butterflies. [B][SIZE=5]Legends and Lore[/SIZE][/B] With an Arcana or Nature check, the characters can learn the following: [B]DC 15.[/B] A rare species of gem dragon, obsidian dragons native to arctic volcanoes. They are known to be studious and serious-minded. They breathe a sheet of black frost that freezes and burns its victims before encasing them in hardened ice. [B]DC 20.[/B] Obsidian dragons are shapeshifters and often prefer humanoid form. The oldest of them can steal the thoughts from someone else’s mind. They enjoy hoarding things—tomes, magic items, objets d’art, and so on—rather than coins. [B][SIZE=6]Obsidian Dragon Encounters[/SIZE] [I]Terrain:[/I][/B] mountain, tundra, volcanoes [B]CR 3-4[/B] obsidian dragon wyrmling; obsidian dragon wyrmling with 1d4+4 dragonbound warriors or mountain dwarf soldiers [B][I]Treasure:[/I][/B] 200 gp, 350 sp, personal collection worth 200 gp (2d4 wooden elven religious idols; 3d10 novels; or 1d4 pieces of sheet music, penned by a master bard), [I]potions of cold resistance [/I]and [I]healing[/I] [B]CR 5-10[/B] obsidian dragon wyrmling with 1d4 berserkers; young obsidian dragon; young obsidian dragon with 2d4+8 dragonbound warriors or mountain dwarf soldiers [B][I]Treasure:[/I][/B] 400 gp, 2,500 sp, personal collection worth 1,000 gp (1d10 rare history and culture books, 2d4 small marble statues, 2 oil paintings by a master artist, or 6 different warlock [I]patron tokens[/I]), [I]spell scroll of conjure fey.[/I] [B]CR 11-16[/B] young obsidian dragon with yeti or ettin; young obsidian dragon with 1d4+1 berserkers [B][I]Treasure:[/I][/B] 250 pp, 600 sp, personal collection worth 3,000 gp (collection of 6 large spinels, each a different color and carved in a different shape; collection of regalia from several historical members of royalty of a nearby kingdom; or 1d6×2 tapestries, each of which use metallic thread and describe different scenes), [I]+1 mithril broadsword[/I] [B]CR 17-22[/B] adult obsidian dragon; adult obsidian dragon with azer forgemaster; young obsidian dragon with salamander [B][I]Treasure:[/I][/B] 700 pp, 2,500 gp, personal collection worth 10,000 gp (4 life-sized humanoid stone statues with gold and jade accents from a long-dead civilization; collection of magic wands: 3 [I]cantrip wands, wand of elocution, wand of erudition, wand of magic missile, wand of lightning bolts, wand of wonder[/I]; or 14 daggers and shortswords made of different extraplanar metals but all made by the same swordsmith), 2 [I]spell scrolls of clairvoyance.[/I] [B]CR 23-30[/B] adult obsidian dragon with obsidian dragon wyrmling and 1 warrior band; ancient obsidian dragon; ancient obsidian dragon with 1-2 warrior bands or 2-3 azer [B][I]Treasure:[/I][/B] 900 pp, 10,000 gp, personal collection worth 30,000 gp (3d4 goblets decorated gold goblets; letters of correspondence with half the nobles of the continent, stretching back several centuries—some of which reveal scandalous details; or 3 spellbooks, one of which has 1-2 rare spells, taken from famed spellcasters; each spellbook has a total of 20 levels worth of spells, none higher than 6th level) [B][SIZE=5]Signs[/SIZE][/B] 1. A smoking volcano that always seems on the cusp of erupting. 2. Freezing rains and blizzards. 3. Natives to the area wield weapons and bladed tools made of the finest obsidian. 4. Local humanoids work for a famed art collector and offer rewards for procuring desired pieces. 5. Patches of black ice. 6. A corpse. Close examination reveals severe brain damage and frostbite [B][SIZE=5]Behavior[/SIZE][/B] 1-2. Obsessively taking care of and cataloging its hoard. 3. Asleep, telepathically aware of approaches, annoyed if disturbed. 4. Writing the latest volume of its memoirs. 5. Preparing an attack on a bandit clan. 6. Approaches the party in human form, asking about a particular item that it wishes to purchase. [B][SIZE=5]Obsidian Dragon Lair Features[/SIZE][/B] The save DC for the following effects is 13 + the dragon’s proficiency modifier. Choose or roll one or more of the following lair features: 1. Sharp shards of obsidian—consisting of both natural stone and shed scales—litter the ground and are stuck into the walls. A creature that isn’t wearing Medium or Heavy armor that moves through the area takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage for every 10 feet it travels. 2. Volcanic vents spew dark clouds of smoke and plumes of magma, heavily obscuring a 20-foot-radius area. When a breathing creature starts its turn in the cloud or enters it for the first time on its turn, it must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) fire damage and become poisoned until the start of its next turn. 3. All the floors are slippery, black ice. Anyone moving more than half their speed in a single turn must make a Dexterity saving throw or fall prone. 4. Bitterly cold strong winds roar throughout the lair. The area is difficult terrain, sounds can’t travel more than 20 feet away, and unprotected flames are extinguished. [B][SIZE=5]Names[/SIZE][/B] Asadywan, Blackstone, Cristobalite, Tolshaverys, Vitrean [B][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)][SIZE=5]Variant: Obsidian Dragon Spellcaster[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B] Some gem dragons develop the ability to psionically cast spells. An obsidian dragon’s spellcasting ability is Charisma. It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components. Each age category knows its own spells and those of younger age categories. [B]Young (save DC 14):[/B] [I]identify, locate object[/I] [B]Adult (save DC 17):[/B] [I]legend lore, wall of force[/I] [B]Ancient (save DC 19):[/B] [I]demiplane [/I](demiplane is a 100-foot square), [I]plane shift[/I] [B][SIZE=7][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]Ancient Obsidian Dragon[/COLOR][/SIZE] Gargantuan legendary dragon (shapechanger)[/B] Challenge 24 (62,000 XP) [B]AC[/B] 22 [B]HP[/B] 388 (21d20+168; bloodied 194) [B]Speed[/B] 40 ft., burrow 40 ft., fly 80 ft. [B]STR[/B] 27 (+8) [B]DEX[/B] 10 (+0) [B]CON[/B] 26 (+8) [B]INT[/B] 24 (+7) [B]WIS[/B] 21 (+5) [B]CHA[/B] 19 (+4) [B]Proficiency[/B] +7 [B]Maneuver DC[/B] 23 [B]Saving Throws[/B] Con +15, Int +14, Wis +12, Cha +11 [B]Skills[/B] History +14, Investigation +14, Perception +12, Persuasion +11 (+[I]1d6[/I] [I]bargaining[/I]) [B]Damage Resistances[/B] acid, fire [B]Damage Immunities[/B] cold, psychic [B]Senses[/B] darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 22 [B]Languages[/B] Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft. [B][I]Legendary Resistance (3/Day).[/I][/B] When the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. When it does, some of its scales soften and lose their luster. If it has no more uses of this ability, it can’t use its Steal Thoughts legendary action and its Glassy Shards trait is no longer in effect until it completes a long rest. [B][I]Glassy Shards. [/I][/B]A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 11 (2d10) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales. [B][I]Lightning Weakness. [/I][/B]If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn. [B][I]Master Appraiser.[/I][/B] The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20. [B][I]Psionic Powers. [/I][/B]The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic. [B][U]Actions[/U] [I]Multiattack.[/I][/B] The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws. In place of its bite, it can use Whitefire. [B][I]Bite. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]30 (4d10+8) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage. [B][I]Claws. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]21 (3d8+8) slashing damage. [B][I]Tail. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]21 (3d8+8) bludgeoning damage, and the dragon pushes the target 10 feet away. [B][I]Bastard Sword (Humanoid Form Only).[/I][/B] [I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit:[/I] 12 (1d8+8) slashing damage, or 13 (1d10+8) slashing damage when wielded in two hands. [B][I]Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).[/I][/B] The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, 35 (10d6) acid damage and 35 (10d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 23) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage). [B][I]Whitefire.[/I][/B] The dragon concentrates fiery thoughts on one or more creatures it can see within 20 feet. Each creature in that area is engulfed in burning-cold white flames and must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) cold damage and 11 (2d10) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. [B][U]Bonus Actions[/U] [I]Blackflame Aura.[/I][/B] The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 20 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) psychic damage. [B][I]Change Shape.[/I][/B] The dragon magically takes the shape of a humanoid or beast, or changes 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 (dragon’s choice). In the new form, the dragon’s stats are unchanged except for its size. It can’t use Whitefire, Breath Weapon, Tail Attack, or Wing Attack except in dragon form. In beast form, it can attack only with its bite and claws, if appropriate to its form. If the beast form is Large or smaller, the reach of these attacks is reduced to 5 feet. In humanoid form, it can attack only with its sword. [B][U]Reactions[/U] [I]Tail Attack.[/I][/B] When a creature the dragon can see within 10 feet hits the dragon with a melee attack, the dragon makes a tail attack against it. [B][U]Legendary Actions[/U] [I]Analyze.[/I][/B] The dragon evaluates one creature it can see within 60 feet. It learns the creature’s resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities, and current and maximum hit points. That creature’s next attack roll against the dragon before the start of the dragon’s next turn is made with disadvantage [B][I]Whitefire (Costs 2 Actions).[/I][/B] The dragon makes a Whitefire attack. [B][I]Steal Thoughts (Costs 3 Actions, 3/Day). [/I][/B]The dragon targets a creature within 60 feet of it, forcing it to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 11 (2d10) psychic damage and the dragon psionically rips a fragmented copy of the creature’s memories out of its head and stores them in one of its scales. The dragon from then on has a d4 expertise die on Charisma checks made against that character and Intelligence checks made to recall any information that the character would know about, including secret knowledge. Until the targeted creature completes a long rest or is targeted by a [I]greater restoration [/I]or similar spell, it has disadvantage on all Intelligence checks, as its memories have been scrambled, and on Constitution saving throws made to maintain concentration on a spell. * [B][SIZE=7][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]Adult Obsidian Dragon[/COLOR][/SIZE] Huge legendary dragon (shapechanger)[/B] Challenge 18 (20,000 XP) [B]AC[/B] 20 [B]HP[/B] 262 (21d12+126; bloodied 131) [B]Speed[/B] 40 ft., burrow 30 ft., fly 80 ft. [B]STR[/B] 23 (+6) [B]DEX[/B] 10 (+0) [B]CON[/B] 22 (+6) [B]INT[/B] 22 (+6) [B]WIS[/B] 19 (+4) [B]CHA[/B] 17 (+3) [B]Proficiency[/B] +6 [B]Maneuver DC[/B] 20 [B]Saving Throws[/B] Con +12, Int +12, Wis +10, Cha +9 [B]Skills[/B] History +12, Investigation +12, Perception +10, Persuasion +9 (+[I]1d6[/I] [I]bargaining[/I]) [B]Damage Resistances[/B] acid, fire [B]Damage Immunities[/B] cold, psychic [B]Senses[/B] darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 20 [B]Languages[/B] Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft. [B][I]Legendary Resistance (3/Day).[/I][/B] When the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead. When it does, some of its scales soften and lose their luster. If it has no more uses of this ability, it can’t use its Steal Thoughts legendary action and its Glassy Shards trait is no longer in effect until it completes a long rest. [B][I]Glassy Shards. [/I][/B]A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 9 (2d8) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales. [B][I]Lightning Weakness. [/I][/B]If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn. [B][I]Master Appraiser.[/I][/B] The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20. [B][I]Psionic Powers. [/I][/B]The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic. [B][U]Actions[/U] [I]Multiattack.[/I][/B] The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws. In place of its bite, it can use Whitefire. [B][I]Bite. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]22 (3d10+6) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage. [B][I]Claws. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]19 (3d8+6) slashing damage. [B][I]Tail. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]19 (3d8+6) bludgeoning damage, and the dragon pushes the target 10 feet away. [B][I]Bastard Sword (Humanoid Form Only).[/I][/B] [I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit:[/I] 10 (1d8+6) slashing damage, or 11 (1d10+6) slashing damage when wielded in two hands. [B][I]Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).[/I][/B] The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, 28 (8d6) acid damage and 28 (8d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 20) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage). [B][I]Whitefire.[/I][/B] The dragon concentrates fiery thoughts on one or more creatures it can see within 20 feet. Each creature in that area is engulfed in burning-cold white flames and must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) cold damage and 5 (1d10) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. [B][U]Bonus Actions[/U] [I]Blackflame Aura.[/I][/B] The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 10 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) psychic damage. [B][I]Change Shape.[/I][/B] The dragon magically takes the shape of a humanoid or beast, or changes 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 (dragon’s choice). In the new form, the dragon’s stats are unchanged except for its size. It can’t use Whitefire Pulse, Breath Weapons, Tail Attack, or Wing Attack except in dragon form. In beast form, it can attack only with its bite and claws, if appropriate to its form. If the beast form is Large or smaller, the reach of these attacks is reduced to 5 feet. In humanoid form, it can attack only with its sword. [B][U]Reactions[/U] [I]Tail Attack.[/I][/B] When a creature the dragon can see within 10 feet hits the dragon with a melee attack, the dragon makes a tail attack against it. [B][U]Legendary Actions[/U] [I]Analyze.[/I][/B] The dragon evaluates one creature it can see within 60 feet. It learns the creature’s resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities, and current and maximum hit points. That creature’s next attack roll against the dragon before the start of the dragon’s next turn is made with disadvantage [B][I]Whitefire (Costs 2 Actions).[/I][/B] The dragon makes a Whitefire attack. [B][I]Steal Thoughts (Costs 3 Actions, 3/Day). [/I][/B]The dragon targets a creature within 60 feet of it, forcing it to make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 9 (2d8) psychic damage and the dragon psionically rips a fragmented copy of the creature’s memories out of its head and stores them in one of its scales. The dragon from then on has a d4 expertise die on Charisma checks made against that character and Intelligence checks made to recall any information that the character would know about, including secret knowledge. Until the targeted creature completes a long rest or is targeted by a [I]greater restoration [/I]or similar spell, it has disadvantage on all Intelligence checks, as its memories have been scrambled, and on Constitution saving throws made to maintain concentration on a spell. * [B][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)][SIZE=7]Young Obsidian Dragon[/SIZE][/COLOR] Large dragon[/B] Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) [B]AC[/B] 18 [B]HP[/B] 152 (16d10+72; bloodied 64) [B]Speed[/B] 40 ft., burrow 20 ft., fly 80 ft. [B]STR[/B] 18 (+4) [B]DEX[/B] 10 (+0) [B]CON[/B] 18 (+4) [B]INT[/B] 19 (+4) [B]WIS[/B] 16 (+3) [B]CHA[/B] 15 (+2) [B]Proficiency[/B] +4 [B]Maneuver DC[/B] 16 [B]Saving Throws[/B] Con +8, Int +8, Wis +7, Cha +6 [B]Skills[/B] History +8, Investigation +8, Perception +7, Persuasion +6 (+[I]1d4[/I] [I]bargaining[/I]) [B]Damage Resistances[/B] acid, fire [B]Damage Immunities[/B] cold, psychic [B]Senses[/B] darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17 [B]Languages[/B] Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft. [B][I]Glassy Shards. [/I][/B]A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales. [B][I]Lightning Weakness. [/I][/B]If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn. [B][I]Master Appraiser.[/I][/B] The dragon gains a d4 expertise die on checks made to recall lore about objects or to appraise their worth. If it fails such a roll, or it fails a Persuasion check when bargaining, it can expend on use of its Legendary Resistance trait to treat the roll as a 20. [B][I]Psionic Powers. [/I][/B]The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic. [B][U]Actions[/U] [I]Multiattack.[/I][/B] The dragon attacks once with its bite and twice with its claws. [B][I]Bite. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]20 (3d10+4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) cold damage. [B][I]Claws. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]13 (2d8+4) slashing damage. [B][I]Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).[/I][/B] The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, 18 (5d6) acid damage and 18 (5d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 16) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage). [B][U]Bonus Actions[/U] [I]Blackflame Aura.[/I][/B] The dragon targets a creature it can see within 90 feet of it. That creature is covered in a ghostly aura of black flames. Until the end of its next turn, that creature gains a +2 bonus to its Armor Class, 5 temporary hit points, and another creature that touches it or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) psychic damage. * [B][COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)][SIZE=7]Obsidian Dragon Wyrmling[/SIZE][/COLOR] Medium dragon[/B] Challenge 3 (750 XP) [B]AC[/B] 16 [B]HP[/B] 58 (9d8+18; bloodied 29) [B]Speed[/B] 30 ft., burrow 15 ft., fly 60 ft. [B]STR[/B] 15 (+2) [B]DEX[/B] 10 (+0) [B]CON[/B] 14 (+2) [B]INT[/B] 15 (+2) [B]WIS[/B] 14 (+2) [B]CHA[/B] 13 (+1) [B]Proficiency[/B] +2 [B]Maneuver DC[/B] 12 [B]Saving Throws[/B] Con +4 Int +4, Wis +4, Cha +3 [B]Skills[/B] History +4, Investigation +4, Perception +4, Persuasion +3 [B]Damage Resistances[/B] acid, fire [B]Damage Immunities[/B] cold, psychic [B]Senses[/B] darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14 [B]Languages[/B] Common, Draconic, Undercommon, telepathy 120 ft. [B][I]Glassy Shards. [/I][/B]A creature that hits the dragon with a melee attack while within 10 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) piercing damage from broken, glassy shards that fly off the dragon’s scales. [B][I]Lightning Weakness. [/I][/B]If the dragon takes lightning damage, it is rattled and its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn. [B][I]Psionic Powers. [/I][/B]The dragon’s psionic abilities are considered both magical and psionic. [B][U]Actions[/U] [I]Bite. [/I][/B][I]Melee Weapon Attack:[/I] +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. [I]Hit: [/I]13 (2d10+2) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) cold damage. [B][I]Black Ice (Recharge 5-6).[/I][/B] The dragon spits a web of corrosive black ice at a creature within 60 feet. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, 10 (3d6) acid damage and 10 (3d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one, and a creature that fails its save is restrained (escape DC 12) by the black ice and can’t breathe. The ice can be attacked and destroyed (AC 15, 20 hp, vulnerability to acid damage, immune to cold, poison, and psychic damage). [/QUOTE]
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