Wyvern 5e Guide
Large Dragon, Unaligned
At a Glance
CR
6
Type
Dragon
Size
Large
Alignment
Unaligned
AC
13 (natural armor)
HP
110 (13d10 + 39)
Speed20 ft., fly 80 ft.
Ability Scores
str
19
+4
dex
10
+0
con
16
+3
int
5
-3
wis
12
+1
cha
6
-2
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiattack | Two attacks: one bite (2d6+4) and one stinger. |
| Stinger | Melee weapon attack, +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., 2d6+4 piercing damage. Target must make a DC 15 Constitution save, taking 7d6 poison damage on a failure, or half on a success. |
| Claws | Melee weapon attack, +7 to hit, 2d8+4 slashing damage. |
How to Run This Monster
Wyverns are aerial predators that dive-bomb targets with their poisonous stinger. They grab prey in their claws and carry them into the air, then drop them. They're not intelligent enough for complex tactics but are dangerous due to flight and poison. They attack livestock and travelers near their nesting grounds.
Encounter Ideas
Wyvern encounters work best in mountainous or open terrain where they can use their 80 ft. fly speed. They swoop in, sting, and fly away. Give the party ranged options or they'll be frustrated. Wyvern eggs are valuable to dragon-riding cultures, and taming a wyvern is a classic quest reward.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Not using the stinger poison — 7d6 is devastating for its CR
Common Mistake
Confusing wyverns with true dragons — wyverns are beasts, not intelligent
DM Tips
DM Tip
Wyverns are great 'dragon-lite' encounters for mid-level parties
DM Tip
A wyvern nest on a cliff makes for an excellent exploration encounter
DM Tip
Tamed wyverns as mounts can be a campaign reward
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Wyvern — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Wyvern — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Wyvern — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block