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Pathfinder Reference Document

Dragon, Esoteric

One of the many families of true dragons, the following group of five includes distantly related creatures that either live in the far-flung corners of the Esoteric Planes or deal with obscure matters on the Material Plane.

Age Categories

Many of a true dragon's abilities, attacks, and other statistics improve as the dragon grows older. These increases are divided into 12 age categories—as a dragon ages, its base statistics change as noted on the Dragon Age Categories table on page 87.

Age Category: This is the age category's name.

Age in Years: This is the dragon's actual age.

CR: This column modifies the dragon's base CR.

Size: This column shows the number of size categories by which to increase the dragon's base size, depending on its age (from Tiny to Small, Small to Medium, and so on). A true dragon does not gain the standard increases to ability scores when it achieves a larger size—instead, it gains ability score increases according to its age category, as indicated on the Dragon Ability Scores table.

Hit Dice: This shows how many additional Hit Dice a dragon gains beyond its base HD as it grows. Increases to HD grant extra hit points, feats, and skill ranks as well as increase the dragon's base attack bonus and base save bonuses. A dragon has skill ranks equal to 6 + its Intelligence modifier per HD. A dragon's increases to ability scores for gaining HD are included in the total ability score increases (see the Dragon Ability Scores table).

Natural Armor: This shows the amount the dragon's base natural armor bonus increases by age category.

Breath Weapon: Each dragon has a breath weapon (see Combat below) that deals a base amount of damage. This multiplier increases the number of dice of damage dealt by the dragon's breath weapon. For example, a mature adult dragon with a base breath weapon that deals 2d6 points of acid damage would deal 14d6 points of acid damage (because of the ×7 multiplier).

Combat

The Dragon Attacks and Speeds table lists the attacks a dragon can make and the damage each deals (a dash indicates a dragon of that size lacks that attack). Dragons gain other abilities when they reach specific age categories.

Fly Speed: A dragon's fly speed increases as indicated, according to its size.

Bite: This is a primary attack that deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the dragon's Strength bonus (even though it has more than one attack). A dragon's bite attack has reach as if the creature were one size category larger (+10 feet for Colossal dragons).

Claws: These primary attacks deal the indicated damage plus the dragon's Strength bonus.

Wings: The dragon can slam foes with its wings, even when flying. Wing attacks are secondary attacks that deal the indicated damage plus 1/2 the dragon's Strength bonus.

Tail Slap: The dragon can slap one foe each round with its tail. A tail slap is a secondary attack that deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the dragon's Strength bonus (this is an exception to the normal secondary attack rules).

Crush (Ex): A flying or jumping Huge or larger dragon can land on foes as a standard action, using its whole body to crush them. Crush attacks are effective only against opponents three or more size categories smaller than the dragon. A crush attack affects as many creatures as fit in the dragon's space. Creatures in the affected area must succeed at a Reflex save (DC = the DC of the dragon's breath weapon) or be pinned, automatically taking bludgeoning damage during the next round unless the dragon moves off them. If the dragon chooses to maintain the pin, it must succeed at a combat maneuver check as normal. Pinned foes take damage from the crush attack each round if they don't escape. A crush attack deals the indicated damage + 1-1/2 times the dragon's Strength bonus.

Tail Sweep (Ex): This allows a Gargantuan or larger dragon to sweep with its tail as a standard action. The sweep affects a half-circle with a radius of 30 feet (or 40 feet for a Colossal dragon), extending from an intersection on the edge of the dragon's space in any direction. Creatures within the swept area are affected if they were four or more size categories smaller than the dragon. A tail sweep automatically deals the indicated damage plus 1-1/2 times the dragon's Strength bonus. Affected creatures can attempt Reflex saves to take half damage (DC = the DC of the dragon's breath weapon).

Breath Weapon (Su): Using a breath weapon is a standard action. A dragon can use its breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds, even if it has more than one breath weapon. A breath weapon always starts at an intersection adjacent to the dragon and extends in a direction of the dragon's choice. Breath weapons come in two shapes, lines and cones, the areas of which vary with the dragon's size. If a breath weapon deals damage, those caught in the area can attempt saves—typically Reflex saves but sometimes Fortitude saves—to take half damage (DC = 10 + 1/2 the dragon's HD + the dragon's Constitution modifier). Saves against various breath weapons use the same DC; the type of saving throw is noted in the specific breath weapons' descriptions. A dragon can use its breath weapon when it is grappling or being grappled.

Additional Dragon Rules

All esoteric dragons have the following abilities.

Dragon Senses (Ex): Dragons have darkvision 120 feet and blindsense 60 feet. They see four times as well as a human in dim light and twice as well in normal light.

Frightful Presence (Ex): A dragon's frightful presence has a range equal to 30 feet × the dragon's age category, but otherwise functions as detailed on page 293.

Psychic Magic: Esoteric dragons gain greater psychic skill as they age. An esoteric dragon's caster level for its psychic magic spell-like abilities is equal to its total HD. It has an amount of psychic energy equal to 1/2 its HD when it first gains psychic magic + 2 PE for each age category thereafter.

Spells: An esoteric dragon knows and casts psychic spells as a psychic of the level indicated in its specific description. Its caster level depends on its age, as shown for each type.

Damage Reduction: Dragons gain damage reduction as they age, as indicated in each dragon's specific entry. Their natural weapons are treated as magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.

Immunities (Ex): Every dragon is immune to sleep effects and paralysis effects. In addition, a dragon is immune to one or more additional forms of attack or energy damage no matter what its age is, as given in its specific description.

Spell Resistance (Ex): As dragons grow older, they become more resistant to spells and spell-like abilities, as indicated in the specific dragon descriptions. A dragon's spell resistance is equal to 11 + its Challenge Rating.

Esoteric Dragon Age Categories
Age Category Age in Years CR Size Hit Dice Natural Armor Breath Weapon
1 Wyrmling0–5BaseBaseBaseBaseBase
2 Very young6–15Base + 2Base + 1Base + 2Base + 3Base ×2
3 Young16–25Base + 4Base + 2Base + 4Base + 6Base ×3
4 Juvenile26–50Base + 5Base + 2Base + 6Base + 9Base ×4
5 Young adult51–100Base + 7Base + 3Base + 8Base + 12Base ×5
6 Adult101–200Base + 8Base + 3Base + 10Base + 15Base ×6
7 Mature adult201–400Base + 9Base + 3Base + 12Base + 18Base ×7
8 Old401–600Base + 11Base + 4Base + 14Base + 21Base ×8
9 Very old601–800Base + 12Base + 4Base + 16Base + 24Base ×9
10 Ancient801–1,000Base + 13Base + 4Base + 18Base + 27Base ×10
11 Wyrm1,001–1,200Base + 14Base + 4Base + 20Base + 30Base ×11
12 Great wyrm1,201+Base + 16Base + 5Base + 22Base + 33Base ×12
Esoteric Dragon Ability Scores
Age Category Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha
1 WyrmlingBaseBaseBaseBaseBaseBase
2 Very youngBase + 4Base - 2Base + 2Base + 2Base + 2Base + 2
3 YoungBase + 8Base - 2Base + 4Base + 2Base + 2Base + 2
4 JuvenileBase + 10Base - 2Base + 6Base + 4Base + 4Base + 4
5 Young adultBase + 12Base - 4Base + 6Base + 4Base + 4Base + 4
6 AdultBase + 14Base - 4Base + 8Base + 6Base + 6Base + 6
7 Mature adultBase + 16Base - 4Base + 8Base + 6Base + 6Base + 6
8 OldBase + 18Base - 6Base + 10Base + 8Base + 8Base + 8
9 Very oldBase + 20Base - 6Base + 10Base + 8Base + 8Base + 8
10 AncientBase + 22Base - 6Base + 12Base + 10Base + 10Base + 10
11 WyrmBase + 24Base - 8Base + 12Base + 10Base + 10Base + 10
12 Great wyrmBase + 26Base - 8Base + 14Base + 12Base + 12Base + 12
1d41d61d82d62d84d64d8
Esoteric Dragon Attacks and Speeds
  Breath Weapon
Size Fly Speed (maneuverability) 1 Bite 2 Claws 2 Wings 1 Tail Slap 1 Crush 1 Tail Sweep Cone Line
Tiny100 ft. (average)1d330 ft.15 ft.
Small150 ft. (average)1d440 ft.20 ft.
Medium150 ft. (average)1d61d460 ft.30 ft.
Large200 ft. (poor)1d81d61d880 ft.40 ft.
Huge200 ft. (poor)2d61d82d62d8100 ft.50 ft.
Gargantuan250 ft. (clumsy)2d82d62d84d62d6120 ft.60 ft.
Colossal250 ft. (clumsy)4d62d84d64d82d8140 ft.70 ft.

Esoteric Dragon, Astral

This majestic dragon seems to shimmer as if surrounded by thousands of eddies of astral thought.

Astral Dragon

N dragon (extraplanar)

Base Statistics

CR 5; Size Small; HD 6d12

Speed 40 ft.

Natural Armor +4; Breath Weapon line, 2d6 force

Str 13, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 10

Ecology

Environment any (Astral Plane)

Organization solitary

Treasure triple

Special Abilities

Change Shape (Su) An adult or older astral dragon can assume any humanoid form three times per day as if using polymorph.

Psychic Interference (Sp) Three times per day, an old or older astral dragon can cast either mental barrier V or tower of Iron Will III as a swift action at its normal caster level.

Psychic Magic (Sp) An astral dragon gains the following psychic spells upon reaching the listed age category: Young—deja vu (1 PE), telekinetic projectile (0 PE); young adult—analyze aura (3 PE), aversion(2 PE), id Insinuation I (2 PE); mature adult—thoughtsense (4 PE); very old—possession (5 PE); wyrm—psychic crush IV (8 PE).

Staggering Breath (Su) Once per day, when an ancient or older astral dragon uses its breath weapon, those who fail their saving throws are staggered for 2d4 rounds.

Thought Travel (Su) While on the Astral Plane, a great wyrm astral dragon can teleport any distance as a move action.

Age Category Special Abilities Caster Level
WyrmlingMental static aura
Very youngsee invisibility
YoungPsychic magic1st
JuvenilePsychic resilience3rd
Young adultDR 5/magic, psychic magic5th
AdultChange shape, frightful presence7th
Mature adultDR 10/magic, psychic magic9th
OldPsychic interference11th
Very oldDR 15/magic, psychic magic13th
AncientStaggering breath15th
WyrmDR 20/magic, psychic magic17th
Great wyrmThought travel19th

Young Astral Dragon CR 9

XP 6,400

N Large dragon (extraplanar)

Init +6; Senses dragon senses, see invisibility; Perception +16

Aura mental static (30 ft., DC 16)

Defense

AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+2 Dex, +10 natural, -1 size)

hp 95 (10d12+30)

Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +10; +4 vs. psychic spells

Defensive Abilities psychic resilience; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 20

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +15 (2d6+7), 2 claws +14 (1d8+5), 2 wings +12 (1d6+2), tail slap +12 (1d8+7)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (80-ft. line, DC 18, 6d6 force)

Psychic Magic (CL 10th; concentration +13)

5 PE —deja vu (1 PE), telekinetic projectile (0 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +4)

1st (4/day)— burst of insight, sundering shards (DC 14)

0 (at will)—daze (DC 13), detect magic, mage hand, open/close

Statistics

Str 21, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 17, Wis 16, Cha 12

Base Atk +10; CMB +16; CMD 28 (32 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Appraise +16, Diplomacy +14, Fly +9, Intimidate +14, Knowledge (arcana, history, planes) +16, Perception +16, Sense Motive +16

Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic

Adult Astral Dragon CR 13

XP 25,600

N Huge dragon (extraplanar)

Init +5; Senses dragon senses, see invisibility; Perception +24

Aura mental static (30 ft., DC 21), frightful presence (180 ft., DC 21)

Defense

AC 28, touch 9, flat-footed 27 (+1 Dex, +19 natural, -2 size)

hp 184 (16d12+80)

Fort +15, Ref +11, Will +17; +4 vs. psychic spells

Defensive Abilities psychic resilience; DR 5/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 24

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +23 (2d8+12), 2 claws +22 (2d6+8), 2 wings +20 (1d8+4), tail slap +20 (2d6+12)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (100-ft. line, DC 23, 12d6 force), crush

Psychic Magic (CL 16th; concentration +21)

11 PE—analyze aura (3 PE), aversion (2 PE, DC 17), deja vu (1 PE), id insinuation I (3 PE, DC 18), telekinetic projectile (0 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 7th; concentration +12)

3rd (5/day)—ego whip I, haste

2nd (7/day)—blur, hideous laughter (DC 17), locate object

1st (8/day)—burst of insight, feather fall, sundering shards(DC 16), true strike, unwitting ally(DC 16)

0 (at will)—dancing lights, daze (DC 15), detect magic, detect poison, mage hand, message, open/close

Statistics

Str 27, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 21, Wis 20, Cha 16

Base Atk +16; CMB +26; CMD 37 (41 vs. trip)

Feats Cleave, Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lunge, Multiattack, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Appraise +24, Diplomacy +22, Fly +12, Intimidate +22, Knowledge (arcana, history, planes, religion) +24, Perception +24, Sense Motive +24, Stealth +12

Languages Aklo, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape

Ancient Astral Dragon CR 18

XP 153,600

N Gargantuan dragon (extraplanar)

Init +4; Senses dragon senses, see invisibility; Perception +34

Aura mental static (30 ft., DC 27), frightful presence (300 ft., DC 27)

Defense

AC 37, touch 6, flat-footed 37 (+31 natural, -4 size)

hp 348 (24d12+192)

Fort +21, Ref +14, Will +23; +4 vs. psychic spells

Defensive Traits psychic interference, psychic resilience; DR 15/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 30

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 250 ft. (clumsy)

Melee bite +33 (4d6+18), 2 claws +32 (2d8+12), 2 wings +30 (2d6+6), tail slap +30 (2d8+18)

Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft. (20 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (120-ft. line, DC 29, 20d6 damage), crush, staggering breath, tail sweep

Psychic Magic (CL 24th; concentration +31),

19 PE—analyze aura (3 PE), aversion (2 PE, DC 19), deja vu (1 PE), possession (5 PE, DC 22), telekinetic projectile (0 PE), thoughtsense (4 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 15th; concentration +22)

7th (5/day)—insanity (DC 24), repulsion (DC 24)

6th (7/day)—blade barrier (DC 23), disintegrate (DC 23), create mindscape

5th (7/day)—dismissal (DC 22), remote viewing, wall of force, waves of fatigue (DC 22)

4th (7/day)—greater false life, lesser globe of invulnerability, spell immunity, telekinetic charge

3rd (8/day)—displacement, ego whip I(DC 20), haste, major image (DC 20)

2nd (8/day)—hideous laughter (DC 19), hypercognition, locate object, mirror image, touch of idiocy

1st (8/day)—burst of insight, feather fall, sundering shards(DC 18), true strike, unwitting ally(DC 18)

0 (at will)—dancing lights, daze (DC 17), detect magic, detect psychic significance, know direction, mage hand, message, open/close, virtue

Statistics

Str 35, Dex 10, Con 24, Int 25, Wis 24, Cha 20

Base Atk +24; CMB +40; CMD 50 (54 vs. trip)

Feats Cleave, Flyby Attack, Great Cleave, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lunge, Multiattack, Power Attack, Snatch, Toughness, Vital Strike, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Appraise +34, Bluff +32, Diplomacy +32, Fly +13, Intimidate +32, Knowledge (arcana, history, nobility, planes, religion) +34, Perception +34, Sense Motive +34, Stealth +15

Languages Aklo, Auran, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape

Reserved and haughty, these dragons roam the Astral Plane, seeking to expand their knowledge of its esoteric secrets. They hunt to eat, and use psychic magic to fight one another.

Esoteric Dragon, Dream

Clouds trail from the edges of this graceful, nearly fanciful creature in hypnotizing patterns.

Dream Dragon

N dragon (extraplanar)

Base Statistics

CR 6; Size Small; HD 7d12

Speed 40 ft.

Natural Armor +6; Breath Weapon cone, 2d6 electricity

Str 11, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 16

Ecology

Environment any (Dimension of Dreams)

Organization solitary

Treasure triple

Special Abilities

Change Shape (Su) An adult or older dream dragon can assume any humanoid form three times per day as if using polymorph.

Dream Fortress (Su) A juvenile or older young adult dream dragon is immune to dream, nightmare, and similar spells.

Dreamsight (Su) With a brief glance, a very young or older dragon can see a hazy image of the current dreams of sleeping creatures.

Exodus of Dreams (Sp) A great wyrm dream dragon can use dream voyage at will.

Join Dreamscape (Su) An old or older dream dragon who sees a sleeping creature's dream can enter that dream as a lucid body , while still acting with its physical body.

Psychic Magic (Sp) A dream dragon gains the following psychic spells upon reaching the listed age category: Young—lullaby (0 PE), mirror strike (1 PE); young adult—euphoric cloud (2 PE), invisibility (2 PE), thought shield II (3 PE); mature adult—dream (4 PE); very old—dream travel (5 PE); wyrm—maze (8 PE).

Sleeping Breath (Su) A limited number of times per day, a dream dragon can cause those who fail their saving throws against its breath attack to fall asleep for 1d4 rounds, as per the sleep spell. This is a mind-affecting sleep effect.

Age Category Special Abilities Caster Level
WyrmlingSleeping breath 1/day
Very youngDreamsight
YoungPsychic magic1st
JuvenileDream fortress3rd
Young adultDR 5/magic, psychic magic5th
AdultChange shape, frightful presence7th
Mature adultDR 10/magic, psychic magic9th
OldJoin dreamscape11th
Very oldDR 15/magic, psychic magic13th
AncientSleeping breath 3/day15th
WyrmDR 20/magic, psychic magic17th
Great WyrmExodus of dreams19th

Young Dream Dragon CR 10

XP 9,600

N Large dragon (extraplanar)

Init +5; Senses dragon senses, dreamsight; Perception +22

Defense

AC 22, touch 10, flat-footed 21 (+1 Dex, +12 natural, -1 size)

hp 104 (11d12+33)

Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +9

Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 21

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +15 (2d6+6), 2 claws +14 (1d8+4), 2 wings +12 (1d6+2), tail slap +12 (1d8+6)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (40-ft. cone, DC 18, 6d6 electricity), sleeping breath 1/day

Psychic Magic (CL 1st; concentration +5)

5 PE—lullaby (0 PE, DC 14), mirror strike (1 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +5)

1st (4/day)—shield, sleep (DC 15)

0 (At-will)—daze (DC 14), ghost sound (DC 14), light, message

Statistics

Str 19, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 16, Wis 15, Cha 18

Base Atk +11; CMB +16; CMD 27 (31 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Bluff +18, Diplomacy +18, Fly +9, Intimidate +18, Knowledge (arcana) +17, Knowledge (planes) +17, Perception +22, Sense Motive +16, Stealth +11

Languages Aklo, Common, Draconic

Adult Dream Dragon CR 14

XP 38,400

N Huge dragon (extraplanar)

Init +4; Senses dragon senses, dreamsight; Perception +34

Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 23)

Defense

AC 29, touch 8, flat-footed 29 (+21 natural, -2 size)

hp 195 (17d12+85)

Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +14

Defensive Abilities dream fortress; DR 5/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 25

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +23 (2d8+10), 2 claws +22 (2d6+7), 2 wings +20 (1d8+3), tail slap +20 (2d6+10)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (40-ft. cone, DC 23, 12d6 electricity), crush, sleeping breath 1/day

Psychic Magic (CL 17th; concentration +23)

11 PE—euphoric cloud (2 PE, DC 18), invisibility (2 PE), lullaby (0 PE, DC 16), mirror strike (1 PE), thought shield II

Psychic Spells Known (CL 7th; concentration +12)

3rd (5/day)—clairaudience/clairvoyance, deep slumber (DC 18)

2nd (7/day)—aversion(DC 17), calm emotions (DC 17), mind thrust II

1st (8/day)—blurred movement, color spray (DC 16), shield, sleep (DC 16), true strike

0 (at will)—dancing light, daze (DC 15), detect magic, ghost sound (DC 15), mage hand, message, resistance

Statistics

Str 25, Dex 11, Con 20, Int 20, Wis 19, Cha 22

Base Atk +17; CMB +26; CMD 36 (40 vs. trip)

Feats Alertness, Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Initiative, Lightning Reflexes, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Bluff +26, Diplomacy +26, Fly +12, Intimidate +26, Knowledge (arcana, dungeoneering, planes) +25, Perception +34, Sense Motive +28, Stealth +12, Survival +24

Languages Aklo, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape

Ancient Dream Dragon CR 19

XP 204,800

N Gargantuan dragon (extraplanar)

Init +3; Senses dragon senses, dreamsight; Perception +44

Aura frightful presence (300 ft., DC 30)

Defense

AC 38, touch 5, flat-footed 38 (-1 Dex, +33 natural, -4 size)

hp 337 (25d12+175)

Fort +21, Ref +15, Will +22

Defensive Abilities dream fortress; DR 15/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 30

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 250 ft. (clumsy)

Melee bite +33 (4d6+16), 2 claws +32 (2d8+11), 2 wings +30 (2d6+5), tail slap +30 (2d8+16)

Space 20 ft.; Reach 15 ft. (20 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (60-ft. cone, DC 29, 20d6), crush, sleeping breath 3/day, tail sweep

Psychic Magic (CL 25th; concentration +33)

19 PE—dream (4 PE), dream travel (5 PE), euphoric cloud (2 PE, DC 21), invisibility (2 PE), lullaby (0 PE, DC 19), mirror strike (1 PE), thought shield II

Psychic Spells Known (CL 15th; concentration +22)

7th (5/day)—limited wish, waves of exhaustion

6th (7/day)—cloak of dreams (DC 23), dream council, mental barrier V

5th (7/day)—dismissal (DC 22), major creation, wall of force, waves of fatigue

4th (7/day)—anti-incorporeal shell, dimension door, freedom of movement

3rd (8/day)—clairaudience/clairvoyance, deep slumber (DC 20), displacement, purge spirit

2nd (8/day)—aversion, augury, blindness/deafness (DC 19), calm emotions (DC 19), mind thrust II

1st (8/day)—blurred movement, color spray (DC 18), shield, sleep (DC 18), true strike

0 (at will)—arcane mark, dancing light, detect magic, daze (DC 17), ghost sound (DC 17), mage hand, mending, message, resistance

Statistics

Str 33, Dex 9, Con 24, Int 24, Wis 23, Cha 26

Base Atk +25; CMB +40; CMD 49 (53 vs. trip)

Feats Alertness, Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Snatch, Vital Strike, Weapon Focus (bite), Wingover

Skills Bluff +36, Diplomacy +36, Fly +13, Intimidate +36, Knowledge (arcana, dungeoneering, history, planes, religion) +35, Perception +44, Sense Motive +38, Stealth +15, Survival +34

Languages Aklo, Auran, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape, join dreamscape

These self-styled masters of the Dimension of Dreams hunt that strange plane's shifting expanse.

Esoteric Dragon, Etheric

This silent dragon's seems to gather shadows and gloom around its tattered-appearing wings.

Etheric Dragon

N dragon (extraplanar)

Base Statistics

CR 3; Size Tiny; HD 4d12

Speed 40 ft.

Natural Armor +3; Breath Weapon line, 2d8 force

Str 16, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 11

Ecology

Environment any (Ethereal Plane)

Organization solitary

Treasure double

Special Ability

Ghost Stride (Su) While an adult or older etheric dragon is traveling overland or in flight, it gains the incorporeal subtype, but its statistics do not change; it keeps its natural armor bonus and does not gain a deflection bonus to AC.

Grave Breath (Su) Once per day, an ancient or older etheric dragon can choose to deal no damage with its breath weapon. Instead, living creatures that fail their saving throws against the breath weapon must each succeed at a Fortitude saving throw or be reduced to -1 hit points. This is a death effect.

Psychic Magic (Sp) An etheric dragon gains the following psychic spells upon reaching the listed age category: Juvenile—mage hand (0 PE), mind thrust I (1 PE); old—chill metal (2 PE), telekinetic maneuver(3 PE).

Psychic Mastery A great wyrm etheric dragon can cast any of its psychic magic spells as a swift action, or if it casts a psychic magic spell as a standard action, it can do so for 1 fewer PE (minimum 0 PE).

Spectral Attacks (Su) An etheric dragon's bite or claw attacks are considered to be ghost touch weapons.

Spirit Eater (Su) A creature devoured by a young or older etheric dragon cannot be raised from the dead with any magic less powerful than a mythic wish.

Age Category Special Abilities Caster Level
WyrmlingSee in darkness, spectral attacks
Very youngCompression
YoungSpirit eater
JuvenileFrightful presence, psychic magic1st
Young adultDR 5/magic3rd
AdultGhost stride5th
Mature adultDR 10/magic7th
OldPsychic magic, spectral attacks9th
Very oldDR 15/magic11th
AncientGrave breath13th
WyrmDR 20/magic15th
Great WyrmPsychic mastery17th

Young Etheric Dragon CR 7

XP 3,200

N Medium dragon (extraplanar)

Init +5; Senses dragon senses, see in darkness; Perception +12

Defense

AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19 (+1 Dex, +9 natural)

hp 84 (8d12+32)

Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +7

Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 18

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 150 ft. (average)

Melee bite +15 (1d8+10), 2 claws +15 (1d6+7), 2 wings +13 (1d4+3)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (60-ft. line, DC 18, 6d8 force), spectral attacks, spirit eater

Statistics

Str 24, Dex 13, Con 18, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 13

Base Atk +8; CMB +15; CMD 26 (30 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Power Attack

Skills Appraise +13, Fly +12, Intimidate +12, Knowledge (planes) +13, Perception +12, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +12, Survival +12

Languages Draconic

SQ compression

Adult Etheric Dragon CR 11

XP 12,800

N Large dragon (extraplanar)

Init +4; Senses dragon senses, see in darkness; Perception +26

Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 20)

Defense

AC 27, touch 9, flat-footed 27 (+18 natural, -1 size)

hp 175 (14d12+84)

Fort +15, Ref +9, Will +12

DR 5/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 22

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor); ghost stride

Melee bite +23 (2d6+15), 2 claws +24 (1d8+10), 2 wings +21 (1d6+5), tail slap +21 (1d8+15)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (80-ft. line, DC 23, 12d8 force), spectral attacks, spirit eater

Psychic Magic (CL 14th; concentration +17)

9 PE—mage hand (0 PE), mind thrust I(1 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 5th; concentration +9)

2nd (5/day)—blindness/deafness (DC 15), false life

1st (7/day)—anticipate peril, detect thoughts (DC 14), magic missile, shield

0 (at-will)—bleed (DC 13), detect magic, detect poison, ghost sound (DC 13), grave words

Statistics

Str 30, Dex 11, Con 22, Int 19, Wis 16, Cha 17

Base Atk +14; CMB +25; CMD 35 (39 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Intimidating Prowess, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Weapon Focus (claw)

Skills Appraise +21, Fly +11, Intimidate +30, Knowledge (arcana, planes, religion) +21, Perception +26, Sense Motive +20, Stealth +13, Survival +20

Languages Aklo, Common, Draconic

SQ compression

Ancient Etheric Dragon CR 16

XP 76,800

N Huge dragon (extraplanar)

Init +3; Senses dragon senses, see in darkness; Perception +36

Aura frightful presence (300 ft., DC 25)

Defense

AC 37, touch 7, flat-footed 37 (-1 Dex, +30 natural, -2 size)

hp 319 (22d12+176)

Fort +21, Ref +12, Will +18

DR 15/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 27

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor); ghost stride

Melee bite +34 (2d8+21/19-20), 2 claws +35 (2d6+14/19-20), 2 wings +32 (1d8+7), tail slap +32 (2d6+21)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks crush, breath weapon (100-ft. line, DC 28, 20d8 force), grave breath, spectral attacks, spirit eater

Psychic Magic (CL 21st; concentration +27)

17 PE—chill metal (2 PE, DC 17), mage hand (0 PE), mind thrust I(1 PE), telekinetic maneuver (3 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 13th; concentration +19)

6th (5/day)—contingency, heroism (greater)

5th (7/day)—hold monster (DC 20), plane shift (DC 20), wall of ectoplasm(DC 20)

4th (7/day)—arcane eye, condensed ether, dimension door, phantasmal killer (DC 19)

3rd (7/day)—aura sight, deep slumber (DC 18), heroism, thought shield II

2nd (8/day)—blindness/deafness (DC 17), false life, pain strike, see invisibility, silence (DC 17)

1st (8/day)—anticipate peril, detect thoughts (DC 16), shield, silent image (DC 16), magic missile

0 (at will)—bleed (DC 15), dancing lights, daze (DC 15), detect magic, detect poison, ghost sound (DC 15), grave words, resistance, virtue

Statistics

Str 38, Dex 9, Con 26, Int 23, Wis 20, Cha 21

Base Atk +22; CMB +38; CMD 47 (51 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Critical (claws), Improved Initiative, Intimidating Prowess, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Vital Strike, Weapon Focus (claw)

Skills Appraise +31, Bluff +30, Fly +16, Intimidate +44, Knowledge (arcana, geography, planes, religion) +31, Perception +36, Sense Motive +30, Stealth +16, Survival +30

Languages Abyssal, Aklo, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ compression

Etheric dragons are pragmatic and survival-oriented beings who dwell in the farthest reaches of the Ethereal Plane.

Esoteric Dragon, Nightmare

This ebony dragon with red frills appears terribly contorted and trails shadows.

Nightmare Dragon

NE dragon (extraplanar)

Base Statistics

CR 2; Size Tiny; HD 3d12

Speed 60 ft.

Natural Armor +2; Breath Weapon cone, 2d6 acid

Str 15, Dex 15, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 13

Ecology

Environment any (Dimension of Dreams)

Organization solitary

Treasure triple

Special Abilities

Change Shape (Su) A young adult or older nightmare dragon can assume any humanoid form of its size or smaller three times per day as if using polymorph.

Dreamsight (Su) A very young or older nightmare dragon can see the dreams of sleeping creatures.

Dream Terror (Su) A great wyrm nightmare dragon can utterly control any dreamscape it enters, shaping it to its will. When a creature's lucid body dies in a dreamscape under the great wyrm's control, that creature's material body also dies.

Nightmare Talons (Su) The claw attacks of adult or older nightmare dragons are considered keen weapons.

Psychic Magic (Sp) A nightmare dragon gains the following psychic spells upon reaching the listed age category: Juvenile—ghost sound (0 PE), true strike (1 PE); old—dimension door (4 PE), nightmare (5 PE).

Rising Nightmare (Su) Three times per day, when an old or older nightmare dragon kills a living creature, it can cast phantasmal killer as a free action.

Terrifying Presence (Su) A creature that fails its Will save against the frightful presence of an ancient or older nightmare dragon is panicked if it has fewer Hit Dice than the dragon.

Age Category Special Abilities Caster Level
WyrmlingSee in darkness
Very youngDreamsight
YoungImmune to mind-affecting effects
JuvenileFrightful presence, psychic magic1st
Young adultChange shape, DR 5/magic3rd
AdultNightmare talons5th
Mature adultDR 10/magic7th
OldPsychic magic, rising nightmare9th
Very oldDR 15/magic11th
AncientTerrifying presence13th
WyrmDR 20/magic15th
Great WyrmDream terror17th

Young Nightmare Dragon CR 6

XP 2,400

NE Medium dragon (extraplanar)

Init +5; Senses dragon senses, dreamsight, see in darkness; Perception +12

Defense

AC 19, touch 11, flat-footed 18 (+1 Dex, +8 natural)

hp 80 (7d12+35)

Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +7

Immune mind-affecting effects, paralysis, sleep; SR 17

Offense

Speed 60 ft., fly 150 ft. (average)

Melee bite +13 (1d8+9), 2 claws +13 (1d6+6), 2 wings +11 (1d4+3)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (30-ft. cone, DC 18, 6d6 acid)

Statistics

Str 23, Dex 13, Con 20, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 15

Base Atk +7; CMB +13; CMD 24 (28 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Multiattack, Power Attack

Skills Bluff +12, Fly +11, Intimidate +12, Knowledge (planes) +11, Perception +12, Sense Motive +12, Stealth +11

Languages Common, Draconic

Adult Nightmare Dragon CR 10

XP 9,600

NE Large dragon (extraplanar)

Init +4; Senses dragon senses, dreamsight, see in darkness; Perception +20

Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 20)

Defense

AC 26, touch 9, flat-footed 26 (+17 natural, -1 size)

hp 175 (13d12+91)

Fort +15, Ref +8, Will +14

DR 5/magic; Immune mind-affecting effects, paralysis, sleep; SR 21

Offense

Speed 60 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +22 (2d6+13), 2 claws +21 (1d8+9), 2 wings +19 (1d6+4), tail slap +19 (1d8+13)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (40-ft. cone, DC 23, 12d6 acid), nightmare talons

Psychic Magic CL 13th; concentration +17)

8 PE—ghost sound (0 PE), true strike (1 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 5th; concentration +8)

2nd (5/day)—mirror image, scare (DC 15)

1st (7/day)—command (DC 14), detect thoughts, ill omen, unwitting ally (DC 14)

0 (at will)—bleed (DC 13), dancing lights, daze (DC 13), detect psychic significance, lullaby (DC 13), resistance

Statistics

Str 29, Dex 11, Con 24, Int 16, Wis 18, Cha 19

Base Atk +13; CMB +23; CMD 33 (37 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Stealth), Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Bluff +20, Fly +10, Intimidate +20, Knowledge (arcana) +19, Knowledge (planes) +19, Perception +20, Sense Motive +20, Stealth +18, Survival +20

Languages Aklo, Common, Draconic

SQ change shape

Ancient Nightmare Dragon CR 15

XP 51,200

NE Huge dragon (extraplanar)

Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., dreamsight, low-light vision, see in darkness; Perception +30

Aura terrifying presence (300 ft., DC 26)

Defense

AC 36, touch 7, flat-footed 36 (-1 Dex, +29 natural, -2 size)

hp 325 (21d12+189)

Fort +21, Ref +11, Will +20

DR 5/magic; Immune mind-affecting effects, paralysis, sleep; SR 26

Offense

Speed 60 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +33 (2d8+19/19-20), 2 claws +32 (2d6+13/19-20), 2 wings +30 (1d8+6), tail slap +30 (2d6+19)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (50-ft. cone, DC 29, 20d6 acid), crush, nightmare talons

Psychic Magic (CL 21st; concentration +27)

16 PE—dimension door (4 PE), ghost sound (0 PE), nightmare (5 PE, DC 20), true strike (1 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 13th; concentration +18)

6th (4/day)—dream travel, greater dispel magic

5th (7/day)—dream scan, ego whip III, erase impressions

4th (7/day)—agonize (DC 19), crushing despair (DC 19), phantasmal killer (DC 19), stoneskin

3rd (7/day)—deep slumber (DC 18), major image (DC 18), vision of Hell, wall of nausea

2nd (7/day)—haunting mists, mind thrust II, mirror image, scare (DC 17), touch of idiocy

1st (8/day)—command (DC 16), compel hostility, detect thoughts (DC 16), ill omen, unwitting ally (DC 16)

0 (at will)—bleed (DC 15), dancing lights, daze (DC 15), detect magic, detect psychic significance, lullaby (DC 15), resistance, telekinetic projectile

Statistics

Str 37, Dex 9, Con 28, Int 20, Wis 22, Cha 23

Base Atk +21; CMB +36; CMD 45 (49 vs. trip)

Feats Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Stealth), Snatch, Stealthy, Weapon Focus (bite)

Skills Bluff +30, Diplomacy +30, Escape Artist +1, Fly +15, Intimidate +30, Knowledge (arcana, planes, religion) +29, Perception +30, Sense Motive +30, Stealth +25, Survival +30

Languages Abyssal, Aklo, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape

These hunters of the Dimension of Dreams seek to wreak nightmares on sleepers and make existing bad dreams even more terrifying. Nightmare dragons often work with night hags in their grim collection of sleeping souls.

Esoteric Dragon, Occult

Its parchment-colored scales rustling like dry leaves, this dragon seems unusually attentive, as if always on the Lookout.

Occult Dragon

NG dragon

Base Statistics

CR 2; Size Tiny; HD 2d12

Speed 40 ft.

Natural Armor +3; Breath Weapon cone, 2d6 cold or fire

Str 10, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 11

Ecology

Environment any

Organization solitary

Treasure triple

Special Abilities

Appraising Sight (Ex) An occult dragon can appraise items by sight as a free action.

Aura Sight (Su) An old or older occult dragon sees all objects within 30 feet as per the analyze aura spell.

Change Shape (Su) A juvenile or older occult dragon can assume any humanoid form of its size or smaller an unlimited number of times per day as if using polymorph.

Item Mastery (Su) An ancient or older occult dragon automatically emulates any required class or spellcasting ability when using magic items.

Protective Aura (Su) A very young or older occult dragon has an aura that acts as a magic circle against evil, law, or chaos as a 20-foot emanation.

Psychic Magic (Sp) A dream dragon gains the following psychic spells upon reaching the listed age category: Young—forbid action (1 PE), mending (0 PE); young adult—augury (2 PE), blood biography (3 PE), invisibility (2 PE); mature adult—cognitive block (3 PE), speak with dead (3 PE); very old—debilitating portentUC (4 PE), divination (4 PE); wyrm—dimensional lock (8 PE).

Undetectable Essence (Su) A great wyrm occult dragon can choose to be immune to all divination spells and effects.

Age Category Special Abilities Caster Level
WyrmlingAppraising sight
Very youngProtective aura
YoungPsychic magic1st
JuvenileChange shape3rd
Young adultDR 5/magic, psychic magic5th
AdultFrightful presence7th
Mature adultDR 10/magic, psychic magic9th
OldAura sight11th
Very oldDR 15/magic, psychic magic13th
AncientItem mastery15th
WyrmDR 20/magic, psychic magic17th
Great WyrmUndetectable essence19th

Young Occult Dragon CR 6

XP 2,400

NG Medium dragon

Init +2; Senses appraising sight, dragon senses; Perception +14

Aura protective aura (20 ft.)

Defense

AC 21, touch 12, flat-footed 19 (+2 Dex, +9 natural)

hp 57 (6d12+18)

Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +7

Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 17

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 150 ft. (average)

Melee bite +10 (1d8+6), 2 claws +10 (1d6+4), 2 wings +8 (1d4+2)

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (30-ft. cone, DC 16, 6d6 cold or fire)

Psychic Magic (CL 6th; concentration +9)

3 PE —forbid action (1 PE, DC 14), mending (0 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 1st; concentration +4)

1st (4/day)—mage armor, sleep (DC 14)

0 (at-will)—detect magic, detect psychic significance, mage hand, read magic

Statistics

Str 18, Dex 14, Con 17, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 13

Base Atk +6; CMB +10; CMD 22 (26 vs. trip)

Feats Deceitful, Multiattack, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills Appraise +12, Bluff +12, Disguise +9, Fly +11, Knowledge (arcana, history, religion) +12, Perception +14, Sense Motive +11

Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic

Adult Occult Dragon CR 10

XP 9,600

NG Large dragon

Init +1; Senses appraising sight, dragon senses; Perception +25

Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 19), protective aura (20 ft.)

Defense

AC 28, touch 10, flat-footed 27 (+1 Dex, +18 natural, -1 size)

hp 138 (12d12+60)

Fort +13, Ref +9, Will +14

DR 5/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 21

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +18 (2d6+10), 2 claws +18 (1d8+7), 2 wings +16 (1d6+3), tail slap +16 (1d8+10)

Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft. (10 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (40-ft. cone, DC 21, 12d6 cold or fire)

Psychic Magic (CL 12th; concentration +17)

9 PE—augury (2 PE), blood biography (3 PE), forbid action (1 PE; DC 16), invisibility (2 PE), mending (0 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 7th; concentration +12)

3rd (5/day)—gaseous form, mental barrier II

2nd (7/day)—hideous laughter (DC 15), protection from arrows, suggestion (DC 17)

1st (8/day)—burst of adrenaline, burst of insight, interrogation (DC 16), mage armor, sleep (DC 16)

0 (at-will)—detect magic, detect psychic significance, grave words, mage hand, message, read magic, resistance

Statistics

Str 24, Dex 12, Con 21, Int 20, Wis 18, Cha 17

Base Atk +12; CMB +20; CMD 31 (35 vs. trip)

Feats Deceitful, Flyby Attack, Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills Appraise +20, Bluff +22, Diplomacy +18, Disguise +19, Fly +10, Knowledge (arcana, history, planes, religion) +20, Perception +25, Sense Motive +19

Languages Aklo, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal

SQ change shape

Ancient Occult Dragon CR 15

XP 51,200

NG Huge dragon

Init +0; Senses appraising sight, aura sight, dragon senses; Perception +35

Aura frightful presence (180 ft., DC 25), protective aura (20 ft.)

Defense

AC 38, touch 8, flat-footed 38 (+30 natural, -2 size)

hp 270 (20d12+140)

Fort +19, Ref +12, Will +20

DR 15/magic; Immune paralysis, sleep; SR 26

Offense

Speed 40 ft., fly 200 ft. (poor)

Melee bite +29 (2d8+16/19-20), 2 claws +29 (2d6+11/19-20), 2 wings +27 (1d8+5), tail slap +27 (2d6+16)

Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)

Special Attacks breath weapon (50-ft. cone, DC 27, 12d6 cold or fire)

Psychic Magic (CL 20th; concentration +27)

17 PE—augury (2 PE), blood biography(3 PE), cognitive block (3 PE), debilitating portent (4 PE), divination (4 PE), forbid actionUM (1 PE, DC 19), invisibility (2 PE), mending (0 PE), speak with dead (3 PE)

Psychic Spells Known (CL 15th; concentration +22)

7th (5/day)—greater teleport, limited wish

6th (7/day)—blade barrier (DC 23), permanent image (DC 23), repress memory

5th (7/day)—dismissal (DC 22), mind fog (DC 22), psychic crush I, synapse overload

4th (7/day)—confusion (DC 21), dimension door, dream, spell immunity

3rd (8/day)—clairaudience/clairvoyance, gaseous form, mental barrier II, speak with dead, (DC 20)

2nd (8/day)—hideous laughter (DC 19), hold person (DC 19), protection from arrows, suggestion (DC 19), zone of truth (DC 19)

1st (8/day)—burst of adrenaline, charm person (DC 18), burst of insight, interrogation (DC 18), mage armor

0 (at will)—detect poison, ghost sound (DC 17), grave words, mage hand, message, read magic, resistance, telekinetic projectile, virtue

Statistics

Str 32, Dex 10, Con 25, Int 24, Wis 22, Cha 21

Base Atk +20; CMB +33; CMD 43 (47 vs. trip)

Feats Deceitful, Flyby Attack, Hover, Improved Critical (bite), Improved Critical (claw), Iron Will, Multiattack, Power Attack, Skill Focus (Perception), Snatch

Skills Appraise +30, Bluff +32, Diplomacy +28, Disguise +29, Fly +15, Intimidate +28, Knowledge (arcana, geography, history, planes, religion) +30, Perception +35, Sense Motive +29

Languages Abyssal, Aklo, Celestial, Common, Draconic, Infernal, Sylvan

SQ change shape, item mastery

Occult dragons infiltrate large urban centers in humanoid form to search for esoteric secrets and psychically charged artifacts to add to their hoards.