Adult Black Dragon 5e Guide
Huge Dragon, Chaotic Evil
At a Glance
CR
14
Type
Dragon
Size
Huge
Alignment
Chaotic Evil
AC
19 (natural armor)
HP
195 (17d12 + 85)
Speed40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.
Ability Scores
str
23
+6
dex
14
+2
con
21
+5
int
14
+2
wis
13
+1
cha
17
+3
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Acid Breath (Recharge 5-6) | 60-foot line, 5 feet wide. DC 18 Dexterity save, 12d8 acid damage on failure, half on success. |
| Amphibious | The dragon can breathe air and water. |
| Legendary Actions (3/round) | Detect, Tail Attack (2d8+6 bludgeoning), Wing Attack (costs 2, DC 19 Dex save, 2d6+6, knocked <a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a>). |
| Frightful Presence | Each creature within 120 ft. must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom save or become <a href="/rules/conditions/frightened-condition-5e/">frightened</a> for 1 minute. |
How to Run This Monster
Black dragons are sadistic ambush predators. They lurk in swamps and murky water, using Amphibious to attack from below. They melt enemies with acid breath, then retreat underwater. They love to toy with prey, letting them think they've escaped before striking again.
Encounter Ideas
Set the encounter in a swamp or marsh with deep water, quicksand, and poor visibility. The dragon uses the terrain to hide and ambush. Boats and bridges become hazards when the dragon attacks from below. Use the dragon's cruelty — it may capture and torment victims rather than kill them outright.
Loot
Black dragon hoards include items that survived acid: coins (especially copper and silver), gemstones, and acid-resistant magic items. The hoard is often partially submerged in acidic water.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting the dragon can swim and breathe underwater
Common Mistake
Not using the swamp terrain to the dragon's advantage
Common Mistake
Ignoring legendary resistances (3/day)
DM Tips
DM Tip
Black dragons are the most cruel and sadistic chromatic dragons
DM Tip
Their lairs corrupt the surrounding land — dead trees, acidic water, perpetual fog
DM Tip
Use the dragon as a regional threat before the party ever faces it directly
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Adult Black Dragon — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Adult Black Dragon — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Adult Black Dragon — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block