Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Saving Throws
Skills
Languages
Deep Speech, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).
Traits
Amphibious
The aboleth can breathe air and water.
Innate Spellcasting
The aboleths spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:
- 3/Day Each: Detect Thoughts (range 120 ft), Project Image (range 1 mile), Phantasmal Force
Actions
Multiattack
The aboleth attacks three times with its tentacle.
Slimy Cloud
While underwater the aboleth exudes a cloud of inky slime in a 30-foot-radius sphere. Each non-aboleth creature in the area when the cloud appears makes a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure it takes 44 (8d10) poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. The slime extends around corners and the area is heavily obscured for 1 minute or until a strong current dissipates the cloud.
Tentacle
+9 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 4d6+5 bludgeoning damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (4d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The aboleth can choose instead to deal 0 damage. If the target is a creature it makes a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure it contracts a disease called the Sea Change. On a success it is immune to this disease for 24 hours. While affected by this disease the target has disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws. After 1 hour the target grows gills it can breathe water its skin becomes slimy and it begins to suffocate if it goes 12 hours without being immersed in water for at least 1 hour. This disease can be removed with a disease-removing spell cast with at least a 4th-level spell slot and it ends 24 hours after the aboleth dies.
Legendary Actions
Baleful Charm
The aboleth targets one creature within 60 feet that has contracted Sea Change. The target makes a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, it is magically charmed by the aboleth until the aboleth dies. The target can repeat this saving throw every 24 hours and when it takes damage from the aboleth or the aboleths allies. While charmed in this way, the target can communicate telepathically with the aboleth over any distance and it follows the aboleths orders.
Move
The aboleth moves up to its swim speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Soul Drain
One creature charmed by the aboleth takes 22 (4d10) psychic damage, and the aboleth regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
Telepathic Summon
One creature within 90 feet makes a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, it must use its reaction, if available, to move up to its speed toward the aboleth by the most direct route that avoids hazards, not avoiding opportunity attacks. This is a magical charm effect.
The aboleth can take 2 legendary actions
Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creatures turn. It regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
About Aboleth
Aboleth is a large aberration with a Challenge Rating of 11. It has a chaotic evil alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 171 hit points (derived from 18d10+72).
Aboleth has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.
GM Tips: Using Aboleth
2 tips available
GM Tips: Using Aboleth
When using Aboleth in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
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Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.
Player Guide: Facing Aboleth
2 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Aboleth
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
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Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.
Encounter Building Calculator
Encounter Building Calculator
Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):
This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 11.
Solo Encounter:
A single character of level 15 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.
Experience Point Thresholds:
- Medium: 13,200 XP
- Hard: 19,800 XP
- Deadly: 26,400 XP
Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Aboleth?
- Aboleth has a Challenge Rating of 11, making it appropriate for parties of level 11.0.
- What type of creature is Aboleth?
- Aboleth is a Large Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
- What languages does Aboleth speak?
- Aboleth can communicate in Deep Speech, telepathy 120 ft..
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