Ashen dragons are the apex aerial predators of Aethara --- the only surviving draconic lineage in the Grey Age. They are not the majestic, chromatic creatures of the Age of Light. They are what dragons became when the world broke: coated in volcanic ash that has fused with their scales into natural armor, sustained by the heat of deep earth and the necrotic energy that saturates the Blightlands. An ashen dragon is a siege engine made flesh. Its breath weapon is not fire alone but superheated ash and cinder --- a choking, blinding cloud that burns and suffocates simultaneously. There are perhaps a dozen ashen dragons in the known world. Each one claims a territory spanning hundreds of miles. Within that territory, it is an unchallengeable god.
Saving Throws:DEX +5, CON +10, WIS +7, CHA +9
Skills:Perception +12, Stealth +5, Intimidation +9
Damage Resistances:Cold; bludgeoning, piercing, slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities:Fire, necrotic
Condition Immunities:Frightened, paralyzed
Senses:Blindsight 60 ft, darkvision 120 ft, passive Perception 22
Multiattack. The dragon makes three attacks: one bite and two claws.
Bite. Melee: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.
Claw. Melee: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee: +12 to hit, reach 15 ft. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
Ash Breath (Recharge 5-6). The dragon exhales a 60-foot cone of superheated ash and cinder. Each creature in the area must make a DC 18 DEX save, taking 56 (16d6) fire damage on a failure, or half on a success. The area becomes heavily obscured by ash for 1 round. Creatures that failed the save are blinded until the end of their next turn.
Necrotic Pulse (Recharge 6). The dragon releases a wave of deathly energy. Each creature within 30 feet must make a DC 18 CON save, taking 36 (8d8) necrotic damage on a failure, or half on a success. Creatures that fail have their HP maximum reduced by the damage taken (restored by long rest).
Detect. The dragon makes a Perception check.
Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.
Wing Attack (Costs 2). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 18 DEX save or take 14 (2d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its fly speed.