Bronze Dragon, Ancient

An ancient bronze dragon is a magnificent sight to behold, with scales that gleam like polished metal under the sun. Its immense size and strength command respect, as it moves with grace and purpose. The dragon’s body is sleek and streamlined, built for speed and agility in both land and sky. Its regal head is adorned with sharp, horn-like projections, and its eyes emanate a wise and knowing gaze. The dragon’s wings, expansive and powerful, allow it to traverse great distances effortlessly. Its breath carries the scent of ozone and electricity, hinting at its affinity for lightning. An ancient bronze dragon is known for its noble and honorable nature, valuing justice and fairness above all else. It often serves as a guardian and protector of lands and civilizations, using its formidable intellect and vast knowledge to guide and counsel those in need. Its lair, hidden within the depths of thundering storms or near ancient temples, is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and accumulated wisdom, surrounded by an aura of ancient power.

Special Abilities

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Usage: 3 per day

Actions

• Multiattack: The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (2d10 + 9) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.
• Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) bludgeoning damage.
• Frightful Presence: Each creature of the dragon’s choice that is within 120 feet of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 20 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.
• Breath Weapons: The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
  Lightning Breath. The dragon exhales lightning in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 88 (16d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
  Repulsion Breath. The dragon exhales repulsion energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 23 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is pushed 60 feet away from the dragon.
• Change Shape: The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or 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 (the dragon’s choice).
  In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Legendary Actions

• Detect: The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
• Tail Attack: The dragon makes a tail attack.
• Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions): The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 ft. of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

Lair Actions

1. Electric Web: On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the dragon can create a web of crackling electric energy in a 60-foot radius centered on itself or a point it can see within 120 feet. The web lasts until the start of the dragon’s next turn. Creatures that enter the area for the first time on a turn or start their turn there must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
2. Whirlpool Command: The dragon can use its connection to water to summon a whirlpool in a body of water within 120 feet of it. The whirlpool has a radius of 30 feet and lasts until the end of the dragon’s next turn. Creatures within the whirlpool’s area when it appears, or that enter it afterward, must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pulled 20 feet towards its center and take 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage.
3. Mist of Disorientation: The dragon can create a dense, magical mist in a 90-foot radius around itself or a specific point it chooses within its lair. The mist obscures vision, making the area heavily obscured. Creatures that start their turn in the mist must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be disoriented, causing them to have disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws until the start of their next turn.

Bronze Dragon Regional Effects

• Stormspeaker’s Influence: The weather within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair is prone to sudden changes, often reflecting the dragon’s mood. Clear skies might swiftly become stormy, with thunder and lightning, or vice versa. These storms do not harm the local flora and fauna but can be directed by the dragon to hinder its enemies.
• Maritime Bounty: Sea life within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair flourishes, leading to an abundance of fish and other marine creatures. Fishermen find their catches more bountiful, and the sea is unusually clear, making underwater visibility improved. This effect fosters a symbiotic relationship between the dragon and local fishing communities.
• Echoes of the Past: Ancient ruins and shipwrecks within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair become infused with magical energy, causing them to occasionally emit ghostly lights and sounds. Adventurers and scholars might find these phenomena either a valuable clue in their explorations or a haunting reminder of the past. This effect underlines the bronze dragon’s love for history and its preservation.