Dragon Turtle
- Size: Gargantuan
- Type: Dragon
- Alignment: Neutral
- AC: 20
- Initiative: +6 (16)
- HP: 356 (23d20 + 115)
- Speed: 20 ft, Swim 50 ft .
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 25 | +7 | +7 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| CON | 20 | +5 | +11 |
| INT | 10 | +0 | +0 |
| WIS | 12 | +1 | +7 |
| CHA | 12 | +1 | +1 |
- Resistances: Fire
- Senses: Darkvision 120 ft.; Passive Perception 11
- Languages: Draconic, Primordial (Aquan)
- CR: 17 (XP 18,000; PB +6)
Traits
Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Bite attacks. It can replace one attack with a Tail attack.
Bite. Melee Attack Roll: +13, reach 15 ft . Hit: 23 (3d10+7) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Fire damage. Being underwater doesn't grant Resistance to this Fire damage.
Tail. Melee Attack Roll: +13, reach 15 ft . Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) Bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Huge or smaller creature, it has the Prone condition.
Steam Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 19, each creature in a 60 -foot Cone. Failure: 56 (16d6) Fire damage. Success: Half damage. Failure or Success: Being underwater doesn't grant Resistance to this Fire damage.
Lore & Background
Dragon turtles are ancient, colossal creatures that combine the majesty of dragons with the endurance of sea turtles. These magnificent beings are among the oldest and most powerful inhabitants of the world's oceans, ruling vast underwater territories from their deep-sea lairs. Dragon turtles possess the intelligence and magical abilities of true dragons while maintaining the patient, methodical nature of their turtle heritage.
These creatures are living legends that have witnessed the rise and fall of entire civilizations, the shifting of continents, and the changing of ocean currents over millennia. Dragon turtles are deeply connected to the sea itself, serving as guardians of oceanic balance and protectors of marine ecosystems. They possess ancient wisdom about the world's history, particularly events that affected the oceans and coastal regions.
Dragon turtle society is largely solitary, with individuals claiming vast territories that they patrol and protect for centuries. They are territorial but not necessarily hostile, often establishing relationships with coastal communities, maritime nations, and other sea-dwelling creatures. Some dragon turtles serve as oracles or advisors to those who approach them with proper respect and tribute.
Combat Tactics
Dragon turtles are formidable combatants that combine overwhelming physical power with tactical intelligence and magical abilities. They prefer to fight in or near water where their swimming ability provides maximum advantage, but they are equally dangerous on land or at the surface. Their steam breath creates zones of scalding vapor that can affect multiple enemies while their bite and claw attacks deal devastating damage.
These creatures use their massive size and natural armor to their advantage, positioning themselves to control battlefield access while using their breath weapon to deny area control to enemies. They are patient combatants who prefer to let enemies come to them rather than rushing into combat, using their longevity and experience to outlast opponents.
When facing naval forces, dragon turtles can single-handedly destroy entire fleets by capsizing ships, creating massive waves, or using their breath weapon to disable crews. They are intelligent enough to target the most dangerous threats first while using their environment to maximum advantage.
Encounter Ideas
The Territorial Guardian: A dragon turtle controls a strategic waterway and demands tribute from passing ships, creating diplomatic and economic challenges for maritime trade.
The Ancient Oracle: Scholars and leaders seek audience with a dragon turtle to gain insight into historical events or to receive prophecies about future oceanic catastrophes.
The Ecological Crisis: A dragon turtle emerges from the depths to investigate pollution, overfishing, or other threats to marine ecosystems, potentially bringing it into conflict with coastal civilizations.
The Sunken Treasure: A dragon turtle guards the wreck of an ancient ship or underwater ruins, testing visitors to determine their worthiness to access the treasures within.
Environmental Effects
Oceanic Dominance: Dragon turtles can control local weather patterns, tides, and currents over vast areas, affecting shipping, fishing, and coastal communities.
Marine Sanctuary: Areas under dragon turtle protection become havens for marine life, with thriving ecosystems and abundant fish populations.
Underwater Architecture: Long-lived dragon turtles often modify their territories with coral gardens, arranged rock formations, and other environmental changes.
Thermal Vents: The dragon turtle's steam breath can create or enhance underwater thermal vents, affecting local water temperature and marine habitats.
Treasure
Sunken Hoards: Vast collections of treasure accumulated from centuries of shipwrecks, including coins, artifacts, and magical items from across the world.
Oceanic Artifacts: Items of power related to the sea, including tridents, pearls of power, and magical items that control water and weather.
Ancient Knowledge: Scrolls and tablets (magically preserved) containing historical records, nautical charts, and oceanic lore spanning millennia.
Dragon Turtle Components: Scales, shell fragments, and other materials that retain magical properties useful for creating items related to protection and water magic.
Plot Hooks
The Sleeping Giant: A dragon turtle that has been dormant for centuries begins to stir, and its awakening threatens to disrupt established shipping routes and coastal settlements.
The Ocean's Judgment: A dragon turtle serves as judge in a dispute between different maritime factions, with its decision having far-reaching consequences for oceanic politics.
The Deep Covenant: An ancient pact between a dragon turtle and a coastal civilization is about to expire, and renegotiating the terms requires understanding both parties' needs and histories.
The Ecological Avenger: A dragon turtle begins attacking ships and coastal settlements in response to environmental damage, and resolving the conflict requires addressing the underlying ecological problems.