The dominion of Pyraxis, the Red Dragonmother, is nestled between the dwarven Conglomerate of Mythspel and the Human Lakorian Kingdom.
The Lair
Her lair emerges as an artifice of awe-inspiring magnitude—a volcanic construct sustained by the raw might of her fire magic. Within the world of the Grey Dragon, Pyraxis reigns supreme as the dragonmother of her fiery lineage, a titan of unyielding power and immeasurable wisdom. Her lair, a monument to her dominance and the fires that course through her very essence, stands as a testament to her majestic grandeur.
Nestled deep within the treacherous embrace of mountain ranges and rugged terrain, Pyraxis’ lair is concealed within the heart of this artificial volcano.
Visiting the Red Dragonmother
The entrance, a formidable gateway to her sanctum, reveals a massive cavern where flames dance along the walls, birthing a kaleidoscope of ever-shifting hues. The searing heat radiating from the depths tests the mettle of all who dare venture too close, a warning writ in scorching tongues of fire.
Step forth into the cavern’s embrace, and an expanse of vast proportions reveals itself—a chamber aglow with the ethereal luminescence of molten lava and the flickering enchantment of torches fueled by the Red Dragonmother’s fire magic. Here, the very air thrums with the intoxicating scent of sulfur, and the symphony of crackling flames reverberates, resonating with the essence of the Red Dragonmother herself.
Adorning the walls of this fiery sanctuary are ancient tapestries, relics of a time long past, depicting the triumphs and struggles that have shaped Pyraxis’ fiery legacy. Each thread weaves together stories of grand battles and relentless conquests, immersing those who bear witness in the ebb and flow of her infernal dominion.
Piraxis’ Chamber
At the heart of the chamber, lies the Red Dragonmother’s personal hoard—a testament to her unparalleled power and unquenchable desire for wealth. Countless piles of gleaming gold, gemstones of untold brilliance, and ancient artifacts steeped in history bask in the fiery radiance of molten lava. Yet, no soul can approach this trove without first facing the wrath of fierce fire elementals and enchanted constructs, creatures birthed by Pyraxis’ very will to safeguard her riches.
Further within the depths of her lair, winding tunnels and subterranean passages beckon, leading to hidden chambers and alcoves that serve as extensions of Pyraxis’ dominion. Each space bears a purpose of its own, be it a repository of arcane knowledge housed within a labyrinthine library or a workshop where the Red Dragonmother, in her tireless quest for power, crafts enchanted artifacts of unimaginable might. The lair, a labyrinth of enigma and unyielding flames, is a testament to the boundless scope of Pyraxis’ influence.
At the core of this magnificent edifice, the Red Dragonmother herself resides upon a towering stone dais, encircled by a swirling vortex of flames. The throne-like structure symbolizes her unwavering command over fire and her sovereign reign as the Red Dragonmother. From this vantage point, she observes with unwavering intensity, her fiery gaze penetrating the very souls of her progeny, guiding their growth and ensuring the unyielding strength and prosperity of the red dragons that roam the world.
Her Brood
Deep in her caverns, she keeps her broods’ broods. She has a warm chamber dedicated to the eggs of each of her daughters, granddaughters (etc). Her female offspring are invited to give birth in that chamber and then leave until the day of hatching. At that time they come back to pick up the hatchlings. All but the first one.
The 1st Hatchlings
The 1st to emerge out of every brood is considered by Pyraxis the most important of the siblings. It is given a position of prominence in the Red Dragon Society and is invited to live with the dragonmother until adulthood. It is these that visitors meet and treat with as they approach the Dragon Volcano.
Statblock
Pyraxis, the Red Dragonmother
Gargantuan Dragon (Legendary)
Armor Class:
25 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points:
900 (40d20 + 400)
Speed:
60 ft., fly 120 ft.
Stats
STR: 30 (+10) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 30 (+10)
INT: 24 (+7) WIS: 20 (+5) CHA: 28 (+9)
Saving Throws:
Dex +11, Con +19, Wis +13, Cha +17
Skills:
Perception +13, Arcana +15, History +15, Insight +13
Damage Immunities:
Fire
Senses:
Blindsight 120 ft., Darkvision 240 ft., Passive Perception 23
Languages:
Draconic, Dwarven, Common
Challenge Rating:
25 (75,000 XP)
Legendary Resistance (3/Day):
If Pyraxis fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.
Innate Spellcasting:
Ther Red Dragonmother’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 25). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: Detect Magic, Scorching Ray
3/day each: Fireball, Wall of Fire
1/day: Meteor Swarm
Actions
Multiattack: Pyraxis can make three attacks: two with her claws and one with her bite.
Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (3d8 + 10) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) fire damage.
Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d8 + 10) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire damage.
Tail Slap: Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 25 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (3d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6):
Pyraxis exhales fire in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 91 (26d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Legendary Actions
Pyraxis 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 Red Dragonmother regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Tail Swipe: Pyraxis makes a tail attack.
Searing Roar: Pyraxis lets out a powerful roar. Each creature of her choice within 60 feet must make a DC 23 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
Heat Aura (Costs 2 Actions): Pyraxis intensifies her fiery presence. Each creature within 30 feet of her takes 10 (3d6) fire damage and must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or catch fire, taking 14 (4d6) fire damage at the start of each of their turns until the fire is extinguished.
Lair Actions of the Red Dragonmother
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Pyraxis takes a lair action. She can use one of the following lair actions. She can’t use the same lair action two rounds in a row:
Molten Eruption: The ground trembles as molten lava bursts forth. Each creature within 60 feet of Pyraxis must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
Flame Whirlwind: Pyraxis conjures a swirling vortex of flames within 120 feet. Each creature in a 20-foot radius must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 56 (16d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.
Volcanic Shroud: Pyraxis wreathes herself in a protective aura of flame. Until the start of her next turn, she has resistance to all damage and can make one additional claw attack as a bonus action on each of her turns.
Note: The Challenge Rating and damage values for the red dragonmother provided are estimations based on the guidelines in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Feel free to adjust them according to your campaign’s needs and the power level of your party.
The Deep Lair Battlemap for FoundryVTT
Click below to get the free battlemap for Foundry VTT (json file and jpeg ready to import).