Black Dragon, Very Old

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

Black Dragon, Very Old (CR 15)

Huge Dragon (Water)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: +4
Senses: Dragon Senses; Perception +31
Aura: frightful presence (270 feet, DC 23)

Speed: 60 feet, Fly 200 feet (poor), Swim 60 feet
Space: 15 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 35, touch 8, flat-footed 35 (+27 natural, -2 size)
Hit Points: 250 (20d12+120)
Saving Throws: Fort +18, Ref +12, Will +16
Damage Reduction: 15/magic
Immunity: acid, paralysis, sleep
Spell Resistance: 26

Offense

Melee: bite +29 (2d8+15 plus 2d6 acid), 2 claws +28 (2d6+10), 2 wings +26 (1d8+5), tail slap +26 (2d6+15)
Reach: 10 feet (15 feet with bite)

Special Attacks: acidic bite, Breath Weapon (100-ft. line, DC 26, 18d6 acid), corrupt water, crush (DC 26, 2d8+15)

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 20th, Concentration +23):

• At Will-- Darkness (90-ft. radius), Plant Growth

Spells Known (CL 9th, concentration +12):

• 4th (4/day) - Black Tentacles, Dimension Door
  
  
• 3rd (7/day) - Dispel Magic, Heroism, Hold Person
  
  
• 2nd (7/day) - Blur, Glitterdust (DC 15), Invisibility, Summon Swarm
  
  
• 1st (7/day) - Alarm, Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Obscuring Mist, True Strike
  
  
• 0 (at will) - Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Message, Prestidigitation, Read Magic

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
31 (+10)	10 (+0)	23 (+6)	16 (+3)	19 (+4)	16 (+3)

Base Attack Bonus: +20
CMB +32
CMD 42 (46 vs. Trip)

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

Skills: Fly +15, Handle Animal +23, Intimidate +26, Knowledge (arcana) +26, Knowledge (history) +26, Perception +31, Spellcraft +26, Stealth +21, Swim +41

• Racial Modifiers: +8 Swim

Languages: Common, Draconic, Giant, Orc

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

Special Abilities

Acidic Bite (Su)

At old age, a black dragon's bite deals an additional 2d6 points of acid damage. An ancient dragon's damage increases to 4d6, and a great wrym's to 6d6.

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.

Crush (Ex)

A flying or jumping Huge or larger dragon can land on foes as a standard action, using its whole body to crush them. Crush attacks are effective only against opponents three or more size categories smaller than the dragon. A crush attack affects as many creatures as fit in the dragon's space. Creatures in the affected area must succeed on a Reflex save (DC equal to that of the dragon's breath weapon) or be pinned, automatically taking bludgeoning damage during the next round unless the dragon moves off them. If the dragon chooses to maintain the pin, it must succeed at a combat maneuver check as normal. Pinned foes take damage from the crush each round if they don't escape. A crush attack deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the dragon's Strength bonus.

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.