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Darkmantle

Small · Monstrosity · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

22 (5d6+5)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Traits

Echolocation

The darkmantle can't use blindsight while deafened.

False Appearance

While motionless, the darkmantle is indistinguishable from rock.

Actions

Crush

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage and the target is grappled (escape DC 13). If the darkmantle made the attack with advantage it attaches to the targets head and the target is blinded and can't breathe. While grappling the darkmantle can only attack the grappled creature but has advantage on its attack roll. The darkmantles speed becomes 0 and it moves with its target.

Darkness Aura

A 15-foot radius area of magical darkness emanates from the darkmantle spreading around corners and moving with it. Darkvision and natural light can't penetrate it. If the darkness overlaps with an area of light created by a 2nd-level spell or lower the spell creating the light is dispelled. The darkness aura lasts for 10 minutes or until the darkmantle takes damage.

Multiattack

The darkmantle uses Darkness Aura and makes a crush attack.

About Darkmantle

Darkmantle is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 22 hit points (derived from 5d6+5).

GM Tips: Using Darkmantle

1 tips available

When using Darkmantle 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.

Player Guide: Facing Darkmantle

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 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 Darkmantle?: Darkmantle has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Darkmantle?: Darkmantle is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.