monster

Vorithrax

CR 23

Gargantuan dragon, Lawful Evil

Reveal Stat Block

Armor Class

Hit Points

425 (22d20 + 198)

Speed

40 ft., fly 80 ft., swim 40 ft.

str

dex

con

int

wis

cha

Saving Throws DEX +9, CON +16, WIS +10, CHA +12

Skills Perception +17, Stealth +9

Damage Resistances Cold, Poison

Damage Immunities Acid

Condition Immunities Frightened, Poisoned

Senses Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 27

Languages Common, Draconic

Legendary Resistance (3/Day).If Vorithrax fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Aether-Rot Aura.Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of Vorithrax must succeed on a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage and be poisoned until the start of its next turn.

Actions

Multiattack.Vorithrax can use his Frightful Presence. He then makes three attacks: one with his bite and two with his claws.

Bite.Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) acid damage.

Claw.Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.

Acid Breath (Recharge 5-6).Vorithrax exhales acid in a 90-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 76 (17d8) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Frightful Presence.Each creature of Vorithrax's choice that is within 120 feet of him and aware of him must succeed on a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.

Legendary Actions

Detect.Vorithrax makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack.Vorithrax makes a tail attack: +15 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions).Vorithrax beats his wings. Each creature within 15 feet of him must succeed on a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. He then flies up to half his flying speed.

Vorithrax

Vorithrax is an ancient black dragon who has traded the typical swampy lair for the deep, sulfurous vents beneath the volcanic reaches of the North-East. He is the true shadow behind the Obsidian Scale cult, manipulating its members into believeing they serve a primordial force of "cleansing fire." In reality, Vorithrax seeks to use the cult to destabilize the Aetheric ley lines, hoping to trigger a mana-surge that will weaken his draconic rivals and allow him to claim their hoards.

Unlike many of his kin, Vorithrax is patient and scholarly, often communicating with his high-ranking cultists through telepathic whispers or detailed letters written in Draconic. He views the "younger races" as nothing more than fuel for the coming change.

Secret Motivation: Vorithrax is suffering from a slow-acting "Aether-Rot" caused by a failed experiment with Void Shards centuries ago. He needs a constant supply of refined Aether crystals to stave off the decay, and the cult’s primary purpose is to secure these crystals from Kigum’s vaults.

Adventure Hook: A series of unexplained tremors in a mining town has revealed a hidden Obsidian Scale temple. Inside, the party finds a map marked with Aether Nodes, all leading toward Vorithrax’s subterranean caldera.