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Bolt-Thrower

Small · Construct · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

44 (8d6+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Construct

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 15 ft (4.6 m)

Swim 7 ft (2.1 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 7 ft (2.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +0

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Condition Immunities

blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Clockwork Sights

The bolt-thrower does not have disadvantage on attack rolls when making ranged attacks within 5 feet of a hostile creature.

Rooted

The bolt-thrower can use a bonus action to anchor itself to or detach itself from a surface. While anchored, the bolt-throwers Speed is 0, and a DC 20 Strength check is required to detach it. A bolt-thrower cannot use its heavy crossbow unless it is anchored.

Actions

Heavy Crossbow

+5 to hit, range 100/400 ft (30.5/121.9 m). Hit: 1d10+3 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.

Light Crossbow

+5 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The bolt-thrower attacks once with each of its crossbows.

About Bolt-Thrower

Bolt-Thrower is a small construct with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 44 hit points (derived from 8d6+16).

GM Tips: Using Bolt-Thrower

1 tips available

When using Bolt-Thrower in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 15 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Bolt-Thrower

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 15 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Bolt-Thrower?: Bolt-Thrower has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Bolt-Thrower?: Bolt-Thrower is a Small Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.