Dragon, Cave

Also known as: Purple Dragon

Solitary, territorial dragons dwelling in the deepest caverns with exceptional echolocation abilities

Basic Fantasy Field Guide Omnibus

Armor Class	21
Hit Dice	9** (+8)
Number Appearing	1, Wild 1, Lair 1d3
Attacks	2 claws, 1 bite or breath, 1 tail
Damage	1d6 claw, 3d8 bite or Sonic Breath, 1d6 tail
Movement	30' Fly 50' (10')
Save As	Fighter: 9 (as Hit Dice)
Morale	9
XP	1225
Treasure Type	H

In the darkness far beneath the earth, the fearsome cave dragons dwell, building their lairs in the deepest of cavern. Only rarely venturing to the surface, their long, sinuous bodies, are well adapted to navigating the narrow tunnels and confined spaces of their subterranean domain. And though they are the slowest fliers among dragons, the exceptional aerial agility developed from having to maneuver through restrictive airspaces filled with obstacles like stalactites and stone columns, makes them perfectly suited to flight in their native domain.

Cave dragon hatchlings have deep purple scales so dark they are almost black, which lighten through violet to indigo as the creature ages, from which they draw their alternate name of purple dragons.

To compensate for their relatively poor eyesight (compared to other dragons,) cave dragons possess an advanced form of echolocation similar to that of bats. This ability allows them to “see” in total darkness, functioning equivalently to darkvision out to 240 feet and even detecting invisible creatures within that range. This echolocation is a lower powered modulation of the cave dragons powerful sonic breath weapon.

Solitary and territorial by nature, cave dragons dwell in the deepest caverns, where they hoard their treasures. As patient hunters, they prefer to ambush their prey in the twisting tunnels surrounding their lairs. Their sonic breath weapon can shatter rock and cause cave-ins, making it particularly dangerous in their underground environment.

Special Abilities

Echolocation: An advanced form of echolocation similar to that of bats allows them to “see” in total darkness, functioning equivalently to darkvision out to 240 feet and even detecting invisible creatures within that range.

Sonic Breath Weapon: Emits a wave of destructive sonic resonance that damages and disorients opponents in a cone. In addition to its usual damage, the cave dragon’s sonic breath weapon has a stunning effect. Those caught in the cone must make an additional save vs. Paralysis or be stunned for one round. When directed at unstable sections of cavern walls or ceilings, the breath weapon’s resonance can trigger rockfalls in vulnerable areas, the areas susceptible, as well as the results should be determined by the Game Master.

Age Progression:

Cave Dragon Age Table

Age Category 1: Hit Dice 6, Attack Bonus +6, Breath Length -, Breath Width -, Chance/Talking 0%, Claw 1d4, Bite 2d6, Tail 1d6

Age Category 2: Hit Dice 7, Attack Bonus +7, Breath Length 60’, Breath Width 25’, Chance/Talking 15%, Spells Level 1: 1, Claw 1d4, Bite 3d6, Tail 1d8

Age Category 3: Hit Dice 8, Attack Bonus +8, Breath Length 70’, Breath Width 30’, Chance/Talking 30%, Spells Level 1: 2, Claw 1d4, Bite 3d8, Tail 1d8

Age Category 4: Hit Dice 9, Attack Bonus +8, Breath Length 80’, Breath Width 35’, Chance/Talking 50%, Spells Level 1: 3, Claw 1d6, Bite 3d8, Tail 1d8

Age Category 5: Hit Dice 10, Attack Bonus +9, Breath Length 90’, Breath Width 40’, Chance/Talking 65%, Spells Level 1: 3, Level 2: 1, Claw 1d6, Bite 4d8, Tail 1d10

Age Category 6: Hit Dice 11, Attack Bonus +9, Breath Length 100’, Breath Width 45’, Chance/Talking 80%, Spells Level 1: 3, Level 2: 2, Claw 1d6, Bite 4d8, Tail 1d10

Age Category 7: Hit Dice 12, Attack Bonus +10, Breath Length 110’, Breath Width 50’, Chance/Talking 90%, Spells Level 1: 3, Level 2: 2, Level 3: 1, Claw 1d6, Bite 5d8, Tail 1d12

Breath Weapon: Sonic (Cone) for all age categories.