[RPG] What does it mean that an Ancient Blue Dragon’s legendary action ‘Wing Attack’ costs 2 actions

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What does it mean that an Ancient Blue Dragon's legendary action 'Wing Attack' costs 2 actions?

Doesn't a dragon get one action on its turn like everyone else, whether it's a multi-attack, casting a spell, or using its breath weapon?

Best Answer

Legendary Actions work differently than normal actions

The ancient blue dragon gets a turn like everyone else and can take any of the usual actions available for everyone (dodge, shove, grapple etc.) as well as the actions specified in the Actions section of its statblock, in this case with the following options available:

  • Multiattack
  • Bite
  • Claw
  • Tail
  • Frightful presence
  • Lightning Breath (Recharge 5–6)

In addition to that, it has Legendary Actions, which is a special trait that grants it some extra options to perform under the listed circumstances:

The dragon 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. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.

Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.

Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 15 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw or take 16 (2d6 + 9) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.

This means at the end of any other creatures turn, the dragon can choose to take any one of the three listed Legendary Actions, following their rules. You can think of the number of Legendary Actions as a pool of resources you can use to do extra things, which might cost 1 or more "points" to use.

In your example the Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions) means the dragon has to spend 2 out of its 3 legendary actions to use this specific legendary action.

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