Tairneanach of Fourth Wing

Tairneanach is perhaps the most iconic dragon in the Fourth Wing series, so I decided to start with his stat block first. As I mentioned in my previous article, the dragons in the books bear some similarity to those in D&D. I’ve beefed up the tail weapon and frightful presence, changed the multiattack and added a few other features to bring his abilities in line with those described in the novels.

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Tairneanach – Adult Black Morningstartail Dragon

Huge Dragon, chaotic neutral

Armor Class

21 (natural armor)

Hit Points

256 (19d12 + 133)

Speed

40 ft., climb 40 ft., fly 80 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
25 (+7)	14 (+2)	25 (+7)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	15 (+2)

Saving Throws

Dex +8, Con +13, Wis +7, Cha +8

Skills

Acrobatics +8, Intimidation +8, Perception +13

Damage Resistances

fire

Senses

darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23

Languages

understands Common but doesn’t speak, telepathy 500 ft.

Challenge

17 (18,000 XP)

Legendary Resistance (3/Day).

 If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Powerful Build.

 Tairneanach counts as one size larger when determining its carrying capacity and

Siege Monster.

 Tairneanach deals double damage to objects and structures.

A Pile of Ash.

 A creature reduced to 0 hit points by Tairneanach’s Fire Breath is reduced to ash.

Actions

Multiattack.

 Tairneanach can use its Frightful Presence. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite, one with its tail and one with its claws.

Bite.

 Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.

Claw.

 Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage.

Tail.

 Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Frightful Presence.

 Each creature of Tairneanach’s choice that is within 120 ft. of Tairneanach and aware of it must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. While it is frightened in this way, a creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of Tairneanach. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevent it from moving. If it has nowhere it can move, the creature can use the Dodge action. 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 dragon’s Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6).

 Tairneanach exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 21 Dexterity saving throw, taking 63 (18d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Legendary Actions

Tairneanach 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 dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Detect.

 Tairneanach makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack.

 Tairneanach makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions).

 Tairneanach beats its wings. Each creature within 10 ft. of Tairneanach must succeed on a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw or take 15 (2d6 + 8) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. Tairneanach can then fly up to half its flying speed.

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