Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ettercap

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

44 (8d8+8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +5 Survival +3

Languages

Ettercap

Traits

Speak with Spiders

The ettercap can communicate with spiders that can hear it or that are touching the same web.

Spider Climb

The ettercap can use its climb speed even on difficult surfaces and upside down on ceilings.

Web Sense

While touching a web, the ettercap knows the location of other creatures touching that web.

Web Walker

The ettercap ignores movement restrictions imposed by webs.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 plus 1d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage.

Claws

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The ettercap attacks with its bite and claws.

Strangle

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Medium or smaller creature against which the ettercap has advantage on the attack roll. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage and the target is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends the ettercap automatically hits the target with its strangle attack and the target can't breathe.

Bonus Actions

Web

Recharge 5–6

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: The creature is restrained by webs. As an action, a creature can make a DC 11 Strength check, breaking the webs on a success. The effect also ends if the webs are destroyed. They have AC 10, 1 hit point, and immunity to all damage except slashing, fire, and force.

About Ettercap

Ettercap is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 44 hit points (derived from 8d8+8).

Ettercap has communication capabilities including Ettercap. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ettercap

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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 Ettercap

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
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 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 Ettercap?: Ettercap has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Ettercap?: Ettercap is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ettercap speak?: Ettercap can communicate in Ettercap.