Ancient Red Dragon
Gargantuan Dragon (Chromatic) · · CR 24
- Dragon (Chromatic)
- Gargantuan
- Tier 4
Ancient Red Dragon, CR 24, fills the gargantuan dragon (chromatic) role with chaotic evil disposition. Encounter regions: hill and mountain. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 24
- Type
- Dragon (Chromatic)
- Size
- Gargantuan
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Hill, Mountain
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Ancient red dragons claim volcanic mountain ranges — entire chains where one dragon is the apex predator and accidental king. They eat herd animals, livestock, and occasionally anything offered as tribute. They have ruled for 800–1200 years by the time they reach 'ancient' age. Their lair is always volcanic — they bathe in lava the way mortals bathe in pools.
Behaviour
Greed, vanity, wrath. A red dragon catalogues every coin in its hoard from memory. It demands worship from nearby kingdoms. It remembers every slight for centuries and will return to a town three generations later to enact a grudge. It speaks Draconic, Common, and the languages of every tribute-paying culture nearby. It is a cunning planner — fights tactically rather than mindlessly.
Origin
All chromatic dragons trace their lineage to Tiamat, queen of evil dragons, in Forgotten Realms / D&D canon. Tiamat is a five-headed dragon-goddess imprisoned in the Nine Hells. Her red-dragon children are the most prideful and martial — said to be born from her scream of rage. Famous ancient red dragons include Klauth in Faerûn (one of the few who outsmarted his rivals to live freely).
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Ancient Red Dragon
- What is the challenge rating of Ancient Red Dragon?
- Ancient Red Dragon's challenge rating is 24. A party in this band fits the very top of the level ladder.
- What type of creature is Ancient Red Dragon?
- By creature type, Ancient Red Dragon is a dragon (chromatic), gargantuan size.
- Where does Ancient Red Dragon live?
- Habitats for Ancient Red Dragon: Hill, Mountain.