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| Source | Monster Manual 🛒 |
|---|---|
| Size | Huge |
| Type | dragon |
| Alignment | chaotic good |
| Armor Class | 18 (natural) |
| Hit Points | 184 (16d12) |
| Challenge Rating | 14 (11500 XP) |
| Ability Scores | STR 23, DEX 12, CON 21, INT 18, WIS 15, CHA 17 |
| Full rules | open5e.com ↗ |
Copper dragons belong to the most fascinating representatives of the metallic dragons in D&D. The Adult Copper Dragon embodies a unique blend of deadly threat and playful intelligence that clearly distinguishes it from its chromatic relatives. With a Challenge Rating of 14, it presents a serious test for parties of levels 10-15.
Character and Personality
What makes copper dragons so special is their chaotic good alignment paired with a pronounced love for wordplay, riddles, and harmless pranks. An Adult Copper Dragon will rarely attack immediately – instead, it might first challenge intruders with riddles or try to engage them in a battle of wits. This trait makes it an ideal NPC for roleplay-intensive encounters.
Its high values in Deception and its Intelligence of 18 make it a masterful manipulator, who however – unlike evil dragons – usually pursues good-natured intentions.
Tactical Features
The Adult Copper Dragon possesses two remarkable breath weapons that make it tactically versatile. Its Acid Breath deals devastating damage in a 60-foot line, while its unique Slowing Breath severely weakens opponents without killing them. This second option makes it perfect for situations where the dragon wants to drive away intruders, not destroy them.
Its Frightful Presence and legendary actions ensure that even experienced parties can find themselves in dire straits. Particularly the Wing Attack as a legendary action can quickly reshape the battlefield by knocking characters prone and opening new positioning opportunities for the dragon.
Use at the Gaming Table
Copper dragons work excellently as complex NPCs. They could function as guardians of ancient secrets, revealing their knowledge only to those who can solve their riddles. Alternatively, an Adult Copper Dragon could appear as an unusual ally who helps the party – but only under its own very specific conditions.
For Dungeon Masters who want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, the Monster Manual 🛒 offers detailed background information about all dragon types.
Dungeon Master Tips
Use the chaotic-good nature of the dragon for surprising twists. Perhaps it lets defeated characters live and instead demands a favor. Or it offers the party a deal: Solve my riddle, and I’ll reveal the location of the treasure you seek. Its Stealth skill also makes it a master of surprise attacks – a huge dragon that can sneak up is an impressive notion!
This article was created using AI, based on data from the 5e-database project (D&D 5e System Reference Document, licensed under CC BY 4.0).
