Black Dragon, Mature Adult

Hissing green acid drips from the fanged maw of this black-scaled, horned dragon.

Black Dragon, Mature Adult (CR 12)

Large Dragon (Water)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: +5
Senses: Dragon Senses; Perception +26
Aura: frightful presence (210 feet, DC 20)

Speed: 60 feet, Fly 200 feet (poor), Swim 60 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 31, touch 10, flat-footed 30 (+1 Dex, +21 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 184 (16d12+80)
Saving Throws: Fort +15, Ref +11, Will +13
Damage Reduction: 10/magic
Immunity: acid, paralysis, sleep
Spell Resistance: 23

Offense

Melee: bite +24 (2d6+12), 2 claws +23 (1d8+8), 2 wings +18 (1d6+4), tail slap +18 (1d8+12)
Reach: 5 feet (10 feet with bite)

Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (80 ft. line, DC 23, 14d6 acid)

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 16th, Concentration +18):

• At Will- Darkness (70-ft. radius)

Spells Known (CL 5th, concentration +7):

• 2nd (5/day) - Blur, Summon Swarm
  
  
• 1st (7/day) - Alarm, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist
  
  
• 0 (at will) - Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic, Prestidigitation

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
27 (+8)	12 (+1)	21 (+5)	14 (+2)	17 (+3)	14 (+2)

Base Attack Bonus: +16
CMB +25
CMD 36 (40 vs. Trip)

Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Improved Vital Strike, Skill Focus (Stealth), Vital Strike, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills: Fly +14, Handle Animal +18, Intimidate +21, Knowledge (arcana) +21, Perception +26, Spellcraft +21, Stealth +22, Swim +35

• Racial Modifiers: +8 Swim

Languages: Common, Draconic, Giant

Special Qualities: corrupt water, speak with reptiles, swamp stride, Water Breathing

Special Abilities

Corrupt Water (Sp)

Once per day an adult or older black dragon can stagnate 10 cubic feet of still water, making it foul and unable to support water-breathing life. The ability spoils liquids containing water. Liquid-based magic items (such as potions) and items in a creature's possession must succeed on a Will save (DC equal to the dragon's frightful presence) or become ruined. This ability is the equivalent of a 1st-level spell. Its range is equal to that of the dragon's frightful presence.

Speak with Reptiles (Sp)

A young or older black dragon gains the constant spell-like ability to speak with reptiles. This functions as speak with animals, but only with reptilian animals.

Swamp Stride (Ex)

A very young or older black dragon can move through bogs and quicksand without penalty at its normal speed.

Water Breathing (Ex)

A black dragon can breathe underwater indefinitely and can freely use its breath weapon, spells, and other abilities while submerged.

Ecology

Environment: Warm Marshes
Organization: solitary
Treasure: triple


Lording over the darkest swamps and marshes, black dragons are the undisputed masters of their domain, ruling through cruelty and intimidation. Those who dwell within a black dragon's reach live in fear.

Black dragons tend to make their lairs in remote parts of the swamp, preferably in caves at the bottom of dark and fetid pools. Inside, they pile up their filthy treasure and sleep amid the roots and muck.

Black dragons prefer their food a bit rotten and will often allow a meal to sit in a pool for days before consuming it. Black dragons prefer treasures that do not rot or decay, making their hoard, full of coins, gemstones, jewelry, and other objects made from stone or metal.