D&D 5E Dragon Lairs and Lair Actions

[Sir Brennen]

Any sane dragon would have multiple lairs prepared, as it is too much of an advantage should they be chased out of the current one. It is like a vampire with multiple coffins.

But would all those lairs have the lair and regional effects as described? I'd rule no, as the dragon needs to actually spend time in his lair for those effects. Plus, I'd I think many dragons would be arrogant enough to think that there's no need for "back-up" lairs, and in most cases, they'd be right. Since dragons can fly, and in some cases, breath underwater, they can have their lairs in locations completely inaccessible to a standard army.

And I think I agree with the Jester, non-legendary dragons don't have lair and regional effects, per the rules. Basically, it takes a LONG time for a dragon to have that much influence on its surroundings.

However, I'm toying with the idea that older, non-legendary dragons might have lesser versions of legendary abilities, actions, lair actions and regional effects. For instance, an adult dragon might have Legendary Resistance of 1 auto-save, and have Legendary actions and Lair Actions, but give them a re-charge roll of 5-6 (4-6?) to have them available to use each round. Also, limit those actions to 1/round, but still allow actions which count as 2 or 3 actions.

 

[Zaukrie]

Whatever timeframe makes the best story for your game. That is what I would do.