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Chimera

Large · Monstrosity · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

114 (12d10+48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 21

Saving Throws

Constitution +7 Intelligence -1 Wisdom +6

Skills

Perception +6

Traits

Reactive Heads

The chimera can take three reactions per round, but not more than one per turn.

Three Heads

The chimera has advantage on Perception checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious, and it can't be flanked.

Wakeful

When one of the chimeras heads is asleep, the others are awake.

Actions

Breath Weapon

Recharge 5–6

The dragon head breathes fire in a 15-foot cone. Creatures in the area make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Headbutt

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or fall prone.

Reactions

Tail Swipe

1/day

If a creature within 5 feet hits the chimera with a melee attack, the attacker is battered by the chimeras tail. The attacker makes a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failure, it takes 9 (2d4 + 4) bludgeoning damage and is pushed 10 feet from the chimera and knocked prone.

Winged Charge

1/day

If a creature the chimera can see hits it with a ranged attack, the chimera leaps off the ground and moves up to its fly speed towards the attacker. If within range, the chimera then makes a headbutt attack against the attacker.

Legendary Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

The chimera uses its Bite attack.

Claw

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+4 slashing damage.

The chimera uses its Claw attack.

The chimera can take 2 legendary actions

Cost 1

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 Chimera

Chimera is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d10+48).

GM Tips: Using Chimera

2 tips available

When using Chimera in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Chimera

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Chimera?: Chimera has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Chimera?: Chimera is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.