Rot Dragon (Black), Young

Family: Dragons

Large undead, neutral evil

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 170 (20d10 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 6 (-2) 5 (-3) 7 (-2)

Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +6, Wis +0, Cha +1
Damage Resistances necrotic
Damage Immunities acid
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, stunned
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 7
Languages understands the languages it knew in life but can’t speak
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Fleeting Senses. The rot dragon has disadvantage on Intelligence (Investigation) and Wisdom (Perception) checks.
  • Putrefied Body. Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the rot dragon must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 9 (2d8) poison damage and must spend its action this turn retching and reeling. Creatures that don’t need to breathe or are immune to poison automatically succeed on this saving throw.
  • Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the rot dragon to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the rot dragon drops to 1 hit point instead.

ACTIONS

  • Multiattack. The rot dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
  • Foul Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) poison damage.
  • Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
  • Putrid Breath (Recharge 5-6). The rot dragon exhales poisonous acid in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) acid damage and 22 (5d8) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

ABOUT

Only the most powerful or necromancers can hope to slay, let alone reanimate, a dragon. Through complex rituals and incantations that render the lifeless corpse such a once proud beast, a rot dragon can be brought forth. Though devoid of any intelligence, a rot dragon is a gruesome reminder that even the most powerful creatures can be enslaved in undeath.

These rotting remains vaguely retain the appearance they had in life, however in a state that no vain and proud living dragon would accept. Its scales are covered in dust, grime, and rotting flesh, its wings tattered, torn or in many cases, missing completely. The dragon’s eyes take on a yellowed-glassy hue and are unfocused despite the occasional maggot writhing within. The breath of a rot dragon is no longer a raging inferno or blistering icy storm, but instead a poisonous fume that chokes any living creature nearby.

Putrefied Form. Rot dragons emanate the stench of putrefaction and decay, the scent of which lingers long after the creature has moved on from a region. As their innards rot, their bodies become bloated and decaying material may erupt from any open wounds upon the rot dragon’s body. Nearby creatures with feeble stomachs often purge themselves due to the stink of decaying dragon flesh.

Foul Breath. While living, a dragon’s breath is one of its most fearsome weapons. However, as the organs responsible for metabolizing and creating their breath decay, the potency of their breath weapon decreases as well. Instead, their breath becomes acidic, poisonous, and capable of rapidly decomposing any organic material exposed to it.

Undead Nature. Rot dragons do not require air, food, water, or sleep.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Traps, Trammels, and Triggers Copyright 2021, Grim Press; Trevor Armstrong

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