| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 27 | +8 | +8 |
| DEX | 14 | +2 | +8 |
| CON | 25 | +7 | +7 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| INT | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| WIS | 15 | +2 | +8 |
| CHA | 24 | +7 | +7 |
Amphibious. The dragon can breathe air and water.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day, or 4/Day in Lair). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Multiattack. The dragon makes three Rend attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of (A) Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 2 version) or (B) Weakening Breath.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +14, reach 10 ft. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) Slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) Fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5–6).Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature in a 60-foot Cone. Failure: 66 (12d10) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.
Spellcasting. The dragon casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Charisma as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks):
At Will: Detect Magic, Guiding Bolt (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: Flame Strike, Zone of Truth
Weakening Breath. Strength Saving Throw: DC 21, each creature that isn’t currently affected by this breath in a 60-foot Cone. Failure: The target has Disadvantage on Strength-based D20 Tests and subtracts 3 (1d6) from its damage rolls. 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.
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.
Banish. Charisma Saving Throw: DC 21, one creature the dragon can see within 120 feet. Failure: 10 (3d6) Force damage, and the target has the Incapacitated condition and is transported to a harmless demiplane until the start of the dragon’s next turn, at which point it reappears in an unoccupied space of the dragon’s choice within 120 feet of the dragon. Failure or Success: The dragon can’t take this action again until the start of its next turn.
Guiding Light. The dragon uses Spellcasting to cast Guiding Bolt (level 2 version).
Pounce. The dragon moves up to half its Speed, and it makes one Rend attack.
Description
"Gold dragons are the epitome of power, wisdom, and grace. They stand as the most majestic and awe-inspiring of all dragons, and their dedication to justice and the protection of the innocent is unparalleled. As one who has had the rare privilege of studying and interacting with gold dragons, I can confidently say that they are beings of profound depth—guardians not only of treasure but of the greater good.
A gold dragon’s appearance is nothing short of regal. Their faces are adorned with flexible spines that resemble whiskers, giving them an almost sage-like demeanor. Their horns sweep back from their brows in elegant arcs, while their long necks are adorned with twin frills, enhancing their majestic presence.
In my experiences with gold dragons, particularly with an ancient gold dragon I encountered during my studies, I have learned that their wisdom is unparalleled, yet they are also the most reserved and private of the good-aligned dragons. Gold dragons do not seek the company of others frequently, preferring solitude or the company of their mates and offspring.
I once had the privilege of observing a gold dragon in disguise. At the time, I did not know who—or rather, what—this seemingly unassuming old peddler truly was. This particular dragon took the form of an elderly human, regularly visiting a nearby village to share news, offer assistance, and subtly aid those in need. I marveled at the quiet kindness the dragon displayed, all while carefully concealing its true nature. It was Irthiria who told me that this peddler was just a guise. When I tracked the man away from the village his image faded to reveal the gold dragon he truly was. It was both a beautiful and perplexing sight.
Gold dragons possess the rare ability to assume both animal and humanoid forms. In these guises, they often interact with the world in ways that would be impossible for them in their true form.
As an animal, a gold dragon might befriend a child lost in the woods or offer companionship to a wandering minstrel. Their purpose is never self-serving, but always to aid and observe, ensuring that justice and good prevail quietly and unobtrusively.
When it comes to their lairs, gold dragons prefer to dwell in out-of-the-way places that allow them to carry out their tasks undisturbed. Often, their homes are near idyllic lakes, misty islands, or ancient ruins hidden away from the world’s prying eyes.
Because of their desire for balance, gold dragons are one of the easiest to appeal and bond to. Once your find them, that is."
--- Betony Silphera, Monsters and Allies, 3rd Edition
Aurixiov specifically is an adult gold dragon who has spent much of her life living in the hatching ground, fiercely protecting eggs and hatchlings alike from monsters that intend to make them dinner. Professor SIlphera surmises that she is may be the daughter of the golden high mother, but so much of the dragon's familial lineage they keep to themselves. Due to her fierce maternal instinct and her ability to absolutely obliterate any egg hungry rocs, gryphons, basilisks, packs of Ichneumon, or other beasties, she attracted the attention of Faestriah, a adult gold dragon whose reputation as a warrior king among their species was strong. They quickly formed a bond like no other. They were fiercely loyal, fiercely strong, and fiercely powerful together. An egg was born of their union...but Aurixiov discovered that it refused to hatch. As the war raged on, she began to have her doubts that it ever would. Then, one day, a strange humanoid told her that she had heard from her welp. Her baby. Aurixiov could no longer avoid her participation in the war. She must end it.
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