Black Dragon, Very Young

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

Black Dragon, Very Young (CR 5)

Small Dragon (Water)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: +6
Senses: Dragon Senses; Perception +12

Speed: 60 feet, Fly 150 feet (average), Swim 60 feet
Space: 5 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 19, touch 13, flat-footed 17 (+2 Dex, +6 natural, +1 size)
Hit Points: 51 (6d12+12)
Saving Throws: Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +6
Immunity: acid, paralysis, sleep

Offense

Melee: bite +9 (1d6+3), 2 claws +9 (1d4+2)
Reach: 5 feet (10 feet with bite)

Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (40 ft. line, DC 15, 4d6 acid)

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
15 (+2)	14 (+2)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +6
CMB +7
CMD 19 (23 vs. Trip)

Feats: Alertness, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Stealth)

Skills: Fly +13, Handle Animal +6, Intimidate +9, Perception +12, Stealth +18, Swim +19

• Racial Modifiers: +8 Swim

Languages: Draconic

Special Qualities: swamp stride, Water Breathing

Special Abilities

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.