Black Dragon, Young Adult

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

Black Dragon, Young Adult (CR 10)

Large Dragon (Water)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Initiative: +5
Senses: Dragon Senses; Perception +21

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

Defense

Armor Class: 25, touch 10, flat-footed 24 (+1 Dex, +15 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 126 (12d12+48)
Saving Throws: Fort +12, Ref +9, Will +10
Damage Reduction: 5/magic
Immunity: acid, paralysis, sleep
Spell Resistance: 21

Offense

Melee: bite +18 (2d6+9), 2 claws +17 (1d8+6), 2 wings +11 (1d6+3), tail slap +11 (1d8+9)
Reach: 5 feet (10 feet with bite)

Special Attacks: Breath Weapon (80-ft. line, DC 21, 10d6 acid)

Spell-Like Abilities (CL 12th):

• At Will- Darkness (50-ft. radius)

Spells Known (CL 1st):

• 1st (4/day) - Alarm, Obscuring Mist
  
  
• 0 (at will) - Detect Magic, Mending, Message, Read Magic

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
23 (+6)	12 (+1)	19 (+4)	12 (+1)	15 (+2)	12 (+1)

Base Attack Bonus: +12
CMB +19
CMD 30 (34 vs. Trip)

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

Skills: Fly +10, Handle Animal +13, Intimidate +16, Knowledge (arcana) +16, Perception +21, Stealth +18, Swim +29

• Racial Modifiers: +8 Swim

Languages: Common, Draconic

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

Special Abilities

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.