If the Missile Dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6)
Trait
Fire Damage
Rule
The Missile Dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 60 (13d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Additionally, the fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren't being worn or carried.
Minigun Attack
ActionCustom
Dexterity Saving Throws
Rule
The Missile Dragon fires its minigun in a 50-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The Dragon can make this attack as a bonus action instead of its regular attack action.
Missile Barrage (Recharge 4-6)
Action
Dexterity Saving Throws
Rule
The Missile Dragon launches a series of missiles from its back. It can target up to 3 creatures that it can see within 100 feet. Each creature must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
Combat Behavior
Tactics
• Prefers to attack from the air to maintain distance. • Uses its Minigun for concentrated fire on weaker foes. • Employs its breath weapon to finish off grouped enemies. • If injured, it attempts to retreat to a higher elevation for safety.
Combat Style
Aggressive, calculated assaults that leverage its aerial advantage.
Morale
The Missile Dragon fights fiercely until bloodied but will retreat if heavily injured, conserving strength for future battles.
Monster Description
The Missile Dragon is a terrifying fusion of magic and machinery, originally rumored to have been created by a clan of wizards who worshipped dragons. This creature boasts a mechanical minigun strapped to its back, a testament to its destructive capabilities. Residing in volcanic caverns, it roams the mountains, where it blends in with the environment under the guise of a traditional dragon.
Unlike other dragons, which typically hoard gold and treasures for personal gain, the Missile Dragon collects weaponry and artifacts from ancient battles, fueling its obsession with war and destruction. Facing it means contending with not only its powerful breath weapon but also the minigun's deafening fire, showcasing its warfare expertise and its adaptability to combat conditions.
With scales that shimmer like molten metal, the Missile Dragon ignites fear in the bravest of hearts. Stories tell of adventurers who've challenged its might, only for their stories to end abruptly amidst a shower of missiles and blazing fire. This dragon stands as a grim reminder that the balance between nature and technology can lead to unimaginable horrors.
Monster behavior
In combat, the Missile Dragon employs a tactical approach. Its strategic mind learns from previous encounters, preferring to stay aloft and unleash its deadly barrage from distance. It saves its fire breath for when enemies are grouped closely, maximizing damage. The dragon employs intimidation tactics using its size and booming voice to disorient foes, often taunting them as it rains death upon their ranks. Should the battle turn against it, the Missile Dragon uses its incredible mobility to retreat and conserve its strength, positioning itself to strike again another day.
Ecology
In the ecosystems of their volcanic realms, Missile Dragons hold a unique niche as apex predators. They maintain a balance between the aggressive flora and fauna that thrive in these hostile environments. Their consumption of large beasts and their scavenging habits help keep these populations in check, ensuring stability within their habitat. As warmongers, they occasionally disrupt the peace, forcing temporary alliances among other creatures afraid of their immense power.
Despite their destructive tendencies, Missile Dragons are respected by lesser creatures that dwell in their territories, often worshiped as harbingers of fire and chaos. Some have noted that a carefully cultivated relationship can yield protection or treasure sharing, granting both parties advantages in the perilous volcanic territories.
History
The Missile Dragon's origins are steeped in mystery, often linked to tales of ambitious mages who sought to merge technology with the arcane. These wizards were obsessed with enhancing their powers and weaponry, leading to their creation of the Missile Dragon as a living weapon, combining dragonic might with engineered precision. Over centuries, these dragons adapted to their creators’ desires, thriving independently in the wild and warding off any who would seek to harness them for nefarious purposes. This created a cycle of terror, as adventurers and mercenaries sought the dragons for glory, only to face their soaring loses.
As civilizations rise and fall, the Missile Dragons have continued to weave their tales through history, instigating nightmares in the minds of those who dare to explore the high volcanic mountains. Their presence remains an enduring question of the balance between nature's fearsome power and the unrelenting pursuit of technological mastery.
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