Catastrophic Dragons in 5e

[dave2008]

Thanks, Dave. Great question. I loved the catastrophic dragons, but for fifth edition I wanted them to be able to compete with the beefier dragons that already existed. 5e combats, in my experience, are quick and brutal with weaker creatures, so to get close to the payoff of the catastrophic aura, these baddies needed to be tough.

I also just prefer catastrophic dragons being on par with true dragons because I think they're badass.

Got it. I wish there was a good way to do a 4e style brute in 5e (more damage/high HP/ lower hit probability/lower AC) as I think catastrophic dragons would be perfect for that.

Personally, I have upgraded (am upgrading) epic monsters (including dragons) because I think they are a bit weak myself.

 

[Jimbro]

Got it. I wish there was a good way to do a 4e style brute in 5e (more damage/high HP/ lower hit probability/lower AC) as I think catastrophic dragons would be perfect for that.

Personally, I have upgraded (am upgrading) epic monsters (including dragons) because I think they are a bit weak myself.

I agree. Things break down a bit at higher levels and it can really depend on party makeup and number of resources remaining how a fight goes. I have a level 15 group now and everything is so swingy.

 

[dave2008]

I agree. Things break down a bit at higher levels and it can really depend on party makeup and number of resources remaining how a fight goes. I have a level 15 group now and everything is so swingy.

Ya, that is kinda hard to avoid. The higher the level of the party the more options they have, the more opportunity they have to get that killer combo. If you plan for the killer combo, and the party doesn't come up with it - then they you can be looking down a TPK.

Personally I design my epic monsters for the killer combo optimizers as I found it easier to nerf a fight on the fly than ramp it up on the fly.

 

[Mopa]

Hey all. I put all the catastrophic dragons from 4e converted to 5e in a pdf. Let me know what you think!

Catastrophic Dragon Wrap-Up – World Builder Blog

u should also make them convert them into 3.5e stats plz

 

[LuisCarlos17f]

Now I am thinking the catastrophic dragons could appear in the reimaginated version of Dragonlance as monsters created by the Chaos.