Ancient Gold Dragon

Gargantuan dragon, lawful good

Armor Class 22 (natural armor)

Hit Points 546 (28d20+252)

Speed 40ft., fly 80ft., swim 40ft.

Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +16, Wis +10, Cha +16

Skills Insight +10, Perception +17, Persuasion +16, Stealth +9

Damage Immunities fire

Senses blindsight 60ft., darkvision 120ft., passive Perception 27

Languages Common, Draconic

Challenge 24 (62,000 XP)

Traits

Amphibious

The dragon can breathe air and water.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Multiattack

The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 15ft., one target.
Hit: 21 (2d10+10) piercing damage.

Claw

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 10ft., one target.
Hit: 17 (2d6+10) slashing damage.

Tail

Melee Weapon Attack: +17 to hit, reach 20ft., one target.
Hit: 19 (2d8+10) bludgeoning damage.

Frightful Presence

Each creature of the dragon's choice that is within 120ft of the dragon and aware of it must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the dragon's Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6)

The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.

Fire Breath. The dragon exhales fire in a 90ft cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 71 (13d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Weakening Breath. The dragon exhales gas in a 90ft cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 24 Strength saving throw or have disadvantage on Strength-based attack rolls, Strength checks, and Strength saving throws for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Change Shape

The dragon magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating no higher than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the dragon's choice).

In a new form, the dragon retains its alignment, hit points, Hit Dice, ability to speak, proficiencies, Legendary Resistance, lair actions, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores, as well as this action. Its statistics and capabilities are otherwise replaced by those of the new form, except any class features or legendary actions of that form.

Legendary Actions

The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15ft of the dragon must succeed on a DC 25 Dexterity saving throw or take 17 (2d6+10) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.