Silver Dragons
Silver Dragon Wyrmling
- Size: Medium
- Type: Dragon (Metallic)
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 17
- Initiative: +2 (12)
- HP: 45 (6d8 + 18)
- Speed: 30 ft, Fly 60 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 19 | +4 | +4 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +2 |
| CON | 17 | +3 | +5 |
| INT | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +2 |
| CHA | 15 | +2 | +4 |
- Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +2
- Senses: Blindsight 10 ft, Darkvision 60 ft; Passive Perception 14
- Languages: Draconic
- CR: 2 (XP 450; PB +2)
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes two Rend attacks.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) Piercing damage.
Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, each creature in a 15-foot Cone. Failure: 18 (4d8) Cold damage. Success: Half damage.
Paralyzing Breath. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 13, each creature in a 15-foot Cone. First Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, when it repeats the save. Second Failure: The target has the Paralyzed condition, and it repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Young Silver Dragon
- Size: Large
- Type: Dragon (Metallic)
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 18
- Initiative: +4 (14)
- HP: 168 (16d10 + 80)
- Speed: 40 ft, Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 23 | +6 | +6 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +4 |
| CON | 21 | +5 | +9 |
| INT | 14 | +2 | +2 |
| WIS | 11 | +0 | +4 |
| CHA | 19 | +4 | +8 |
- Skills: History +6, Perception +8, Stealth +4
- Senses: Blindsight 30 ft, Darkvision 120 ft; Passive Perception 18
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 9 (XP 5,000; PB +4)
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Paralyzing Breath.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 10 ft. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) Slashing damage.
Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. Failure: 49 (11d8) Cold damage. Success: Half damage.
Paralyzing Breath. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 17, each creature in a 30-foot Cone. First Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, when it repeats the save. Second Failure: The target has the Paralyzed condition, and it repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Adult Silver Dragon
- Size: Huge
- Type: Dragon (Metallic)
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 19
- Initiative: +10 (20)
- HP: 216 (16d12 + 112)
- Speed: 40 ft, Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 27 | +8 | +8 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +5 |
| CON | 25 | +7 | +12 |
| INT | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| WIS | 13 | +1 | +6 |
| CHA | 22 | +6 | +11 |
- Skills: History +8, Perception +11, Stealth +5
- Senses: Blindsight 60 ft, Darkvision 120 ft; Passive Perception 21
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 16 (XP 15,000, or 18,000 in lair; PB +5)
Traits
Legendary Resistance (3/Day, or 4/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Paralyzing Breath or (B) Spellcasting to cast Ice Knife.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +13, reach 10 ft. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) Cold damage.
Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 20, each creature in a 60-foot Cone. Failure: 54 (12d8) Cold damage. Success: Half damage.
Paralyzing Breath. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 20, each creature in a 60-foot Cone. First Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, when it repeats the save. Second Failure: The target has the Paralyzed condition, and it repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks):
At Will: Detect Magic, Hold Monster, Ice Knife, Shapechange (Beast or Humanoid form only, no Temporary Hit Points gained from the spell, and no Concentration or Temporary Hit Points required to maintain the spell)
1/Day Each: Ice Storm (level 5 version), Zone of Truth
Legendary Actions
Legendary Action Uses: 3 (4 in Lair). Immediately after another creature's turn, the dragon can expend a use to take one of the following actions. The dragon regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns.
Chill. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Hold Monster. The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Cold Gale. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 19, each creature in a 60-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 14 (4d6) Cold damage, and the target is pushed up to 30 feet straight away from the dragon. Success: Half damage only. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.
Ancient Silver Dragon
- Size: Gargantuan
- Type: Dragon (Metallic)
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- AC: 22
- Initiative: +14 (24)
- HP: 468 (24d20 + 216)
- Speed: 40 ft, Fly 80 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 30 | +10 | +10 |
| DEX | 10 | +0 | +7 |
| CON | 29 | +9 | +16 |
| INT | 18 | +4 | +4 |
| WIS | 15 | +2 | +9 |
| CHA | 26 | +8 | +15 |
- Skills: History +11, Perception +16, Stealth +7
- Senses: Blindsight 60 ft, Darkvision 120 ft; Passive Perception 26
- Languages: Common, Draconic
- CR: 23 (XP 50,000, or 62,000 in lair; PB +7)
Traits
Legendary Resistance (4/Day, or 5/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Paralyzing Breath or (B) Spellcasting to cast Ice Knife (level 2 version).
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +17, reach 15 ft. Hit: 19 (2d8 + 10) Slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) Cold damage.
Cold Breath (Recharge 5-6). Constitution Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. Failure: 67 (15d8) Cold damage. Success: Half damage.
Paralyzing Breath. Constitution Saving Throw: DC 24, each creature in a 90-foot Cone. First Failure: The target has the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, when it repeats the save. Second Failure: The target has the Paralyzed condition, and it repeats the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. After 1 minute, it succeeds automatically.
Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 23, +15 to hit with spell attacks):
At Will: Detect Magic, Hold Monster, Ice Knife (level 2 version), Shapechange (Beast or Humanoid form only, no Temporary Hit Points gained from the spell, and no Concentration or Temporary Hit Points required to maintain the spell)
1/Day Each: Control Weather, Ice Storm (level 7 version), Teleport, Zone of Truth
Legendary Actions
Legendary Action Uses: 3 (4 in Lair). Immediately after another creature's turn, the dragon can expend a use to take one of the following actions. The dragon regains all expended uses at the start of each of its turns.
Chill. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Hold Monster. The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Cold Gale. Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 23, each creature in a 60-foot-long, 10-foot-wide Line. Failure: 14 (4d6) Cold damage, and the target is pushed up to 30 feet straight away from the dragon. Success: Half damage only. Failure or Success: The dragon can't take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.
Lore & Background
Silver dragons are among the most noble and benevolent of all dragonkind, combining tremendous power with genuine compassion for the welfare of good-aligned creatures. These magnificent beings often take on humanoid forms to walk among mortals, serving as protectors, advisors, and champions of justice. Their scales shimmer like polished silver, and their breath weapon of freezing cold can preserve life as easily as it can destroy enemies.
Unlike their more reclusive metallic cousins, silver dragons actively seek involvement in the affairs of humanoid civilizations, particularly when they can help fight against evil or protect the innocent. They are natural diplomats and often serve as mediators in conflicts between different races or nations. Their long lifespans give them perspective on historical patterns and the patience to work toward long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.
Combat Tactics
Silver dragons are tactical combatants who prefer to minimize collateral damage and protect innocent bystanders during battles. They use their paralyzing breath weapon to incapacitate enemies rather than killing when possible, reserving their lethal cold breath for truly evil foes. Their spellcasting abilities focus on control and protection magic that allows them to manage battlefield conditions.
In combat, silver dragons leverage their flight and shapeshifting abilities to maintain tactical advantages while limiting enemy options. They often begin encounters in humanoid form to gauge opponents' intentions before revealing their true nature. When fighting alongside allies, they prioritize battlefield control and support over direct damage dealing.
Encounter Ideas
1. The Dragon Diplomat A silver dragon in humanoid form serves as a peace negotiator between warring factions, but assassins threaten to destroy the delicate talks. The party must protect the dragon diplomat while uncovering who wants the negotiations to fail and why.
2. The Ancient Alliance A silver dragon calls upon old debts and friendships to gather heroes for a crucial mission against an emerging evil threat. The party finds themselves part of a larger alliance spanning multiple races and generations of heroes.
3. The Frozen Sanctuary A silver dragon has created a magical sanctuary where refugees from various conflicts can find safety. When this sanctuary comes under attack, the party must help defend it while managing the complex needs of its diverse population.
4. The Dragon's Protégé A silver dragon has been mentoring a young hero destined for greatness, but enemies seek to corrupt or eliminate this chosen champion. The party becomes involved in protecting the protégé while helping them fulfill their destiny.
Environmental Effects
- Beneficial Climate: The dragon's presence moderates extreme weather, creating more comfortable conditions for good-aligned creatures
- Blessed Territory: Areas under silver dragon protection become sanctified, providing resistance to evil magic and undead influences
- Diplomatic Aura: The dragon's natural charisma and wisdom help facilitate peaceful negotiations and reduce hostility
- Preserved History: Silver dragons often maintain libraries and archives, preserving important knowledge for future generations
Treasure
- Diplomatic Gifts (varies): Treasures received as tokens of appreciation from grateful kingdoms and organizations
- Ancient Artifacts (varies): Historical items preserved across centuries of the dragon's involvement in mortal affairs
- Blessed Silver (2000-8000 gp): Magically enhanced silver that can harm evil creatures and resist corruption
- Peace Treaties (priceless): Original documents of important historical agreements mediated by the dragon
- Humanitarian Fund (varies): Wealth set aside specifically for helping those in need during times of crisis
Plot Hooks
1. The Dragon's Burden A silver dragon bears the weight of a terrible secret that could prevent a war if revealed, but doing so would break ancient oaths and destroy important alliances. The party must help the dragon find a way to avert disaster without violating sacred trust.
2. The Succession Crisis When a silver dragon's humanoid identity becomes a legitimate heir to a throne, their dual nature creates a succession crisis with far-reaching political implications. The party becomes involved in resolving questions of identity, legitimacy, and rulership.
3. The Corrupted Legend Enemies have spread false stories about a silver dragon's past actions, turning former allies against them and undermining their ability to help those in need. The party must investigate the truth and restore the dragon's reputation while dealing with the consequences of the lies.
4. The Dragon's Twilight An ancient silver dragon nears the end of their life and seeks to pass on their responsibilities and accumulated wisdom to worthy successors. The party becomes involved in this transition of power while ensuring the dragon's legacy of protection continues.