Glacial Wyrm

huge dragon (ice), neutral

Challenge 10.0 (5,900 XP)

STR
24 (+7)
DEX
14 (+2)
CON
21 (+5)
INT
16 (+3)
WIS
15 (+2)
CHA
19 (+4)

Defense

Armor Class 18 (natural)
Hit Points 180 (20d12 + 60 +3)
Speed 40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 30 ft.

Proficiencies & Senses

Saving Throws constitution, wisdom, charisma
Skills Arcana +3, Nature +3, History +3, Insight +2, Stealth +2, Medicine +2, Religion +3, Survival +2, Athletics +7, Deception +4, Acrobatics +2, Perception +2, Persuasion +4, Performance +4, Intimidation +4, Investigation +3, Sleight of hand +2
Senses
darkvision 120 ft.
passive Perception 12

Characteristics

Damage Vulnerabilities
Damage Resistances cold, fire
Damage Immunities ice
Condition Immunities frightened, paralyzed
Languages Common, Draconic

Traits

Immutable Form

The Glacial Wyrm is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.

Cold Aura

The area within 30 feet of the Glacial Wyrm is treated as difficult terrain for non-ice creatures. Any creature that starts its turn in the aura must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Actions

Multiattack

The Glacial Wyrm makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (3d10 + 7) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) cold damage.

Claw

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) slashing damage.

Frost Breath (Recharge 5-6)

The Glacial Wyrm exhales an icy blast in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 63 (14d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

Combat Behavior

Tactics


• Utilizes its Cold Aura to control battlefield movement.
• Targets weaker foes first before focusing on stronger beings.
• Flies above opponents before using Frost Breath to gain area advantage.

Combat Style

Hit-and-run tactics, taking advantage of flight and Frost Breath.

Monster Description

The Glacial Wyrm is a majestic and terrifying dragon, its scales glimmering like ice under the cold sun. Unfathomably large, it moves with a graceful majesty, despite its cumbersome size. Its breath is a chilling frost that can freeze the very air. The Glacial Wyrm nests high in snow-laden mountains or deep within frozen caves, veiling its lair in layers of ice and snow, making it difficult for unwelcome guests to approach. These dragons have a regal demeanor, often seen gliding through snowy skies or perching atop icy spires, surveying their frozen domain from great heights.

Monster behavior

The Glacial Wyrm is territorial, often guarding its lair fiercely against intruders. When threatened, it will unleash its Frost Breath, attempting to freeze any aggressive foes in place before swooping down to land devastating bite and claw attacks. While they are generally solitary, they can occasionally be found in pairs during mating season. Glacial Wyrms show intelligence and cunning, often employing ambush tactics when faced with multiple foes, using ice and terrain to their advantage, and forcing opponents to fight under less-than-ideal conditions. When not in battle, they can often be found surveying their territory from high altitudes, ensuring their realm remains undisturbed.

Ecology

As apex predators, Glacial Wyrms play a crucial role in their cold ecosystems. They keep the populations of lesser predators and prey species in check, maintaining balance. Their hunting grounds stretch far and wide across the icy North; however, they pose a serious threat to adventurers and travelers unprepared for their fierce nature. The Wyrm’s lair often attracts other creatures, some seeking to take advantage of the dragon’s protective presence while others come to scavenge remains. In winter months, their hunting patterns change, favoring larger prey that can be difficult to subdue in harsh conditions.

History

Legends tell of ancient Glacial Wyrms that roamed the northern realms when ice and snow conquered the land. These dragons are steeped in history, often tied to the folklore of nearby villages. Tales abound about encounters with noble knights or brave adventurers seeking their treasure or knowledge, only to face the dragon's frost-laden wrath. Many have sought their power, but few have returned to tell the tale, leaving behind only whispers of glories and deaths intertwined with their legacy. It is said that the first Glacial Wyrm was born from the heart of a winter storm, a being of pure cold that emerged with a sentinel purpose to guard the sacred ice.

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