Dragon, Paiste

Family: Dragons

Huge dragon, chaotic evil

Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 250 (20d12 + 120)
Speed 30 ft., swim 60 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
24 (+7)	12 (+1)	22 (+6)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)

Saving Throws Str +10, Con +12, Wis +9
Skills Perception +9, Stealth +8
Damage Resistances fire, poison
Condition Immunities frightened, poisoned
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages Common, Draconic
Proficiency Bonus +7
Challenge 23 (50,000 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Amphibious. The paiste can breathe both air and water.
• Innate Spellcasting. The paiste’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: create or destroy water, fog cloud
  • 1/day each: control water
• Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the paiste fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The paiste uses its Frightful presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its tail.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
• Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 22 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The paiste exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 63 (18d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail the save by 5 or more are also poisoned until the end of their next turn.
• Frightful Presence. Each creature of the paiste’s choice within 120 feet of it and aware of it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the paiste’s Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
• Swallow. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Large or smaller creature the paiste is grappling. Hit: The target must succeed on a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by the paiste. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, has total cover against attacks and effects outside the paiste, and takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the paiste’s turns. The paiste can have only one creature swallowed at a time. If the paiste takes 30 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the paiste must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a space within 10 feet of the paiste. If the paiste dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 20 feet of movement, exiting prone.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS

The paiste can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The paiste regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

• Tail Attack. The paiste makes a tail attack.
• Fire Burst. The paiste breathes flames in a circle around it. Each creature within 20 feet of the paiste must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Intimidating Roar (Costs 2 Actions). The paiste lets out a terrifying roar. Each creature of its choice within 60 feet of it that can hear it must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

ABOUT

The paiste’s serpentine body measures over 30 feet in length, covered in thick, scale-like armor that glistens with a dark red hue. The scales, reminiscent of dinner plates, offer excellent protection against most forms of harm. The dragon’s head is adorned with sharp, curving horns resembling those of a ram, further accentuating its menacing presence. Its eyes, glowing with an intense yellow hue, hold a predatory gaze that strikes fear into the hearts of those who dare to meet its gaze. The creature’s long fangs and a thick, black tongue add to its terrifying visage.

The paiste is an apex predator, known for its aggressive hunting habits. It lurks within the depths of lochs, patiently stalking its prey before striking with lightning speed. The serpent’s fire breath is a deadly weapon, capable of scorching its victims. It often preys upon fish, waterfowl, and occasionally larger aquatic mammals that venture too close to its lair.

As a deadly serpent, the paiste’s insatiable hunger have a profound impact on the balance of the underwater food chain. For creatures it can’t simply overpower by swallowing, it resort to its fire breath.

The paiste is typically found in the vicinity of lochs, dwelling within its depths. The serpent’s lair is hidden among the underwater caves and caverns of the lake, where it rests and awaits its next prey. Its presence has a profound effect on the local ecosystem, shaping the behavior and other aquatic creatures in the area.