Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Piercer

Small · Monstrosity · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

9 (2d6+2)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

-2

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +0

Senses

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 8

Traits

False Appearance

While motionless, the piercer is indistinguishable from a normal stalactite.

Actions

Pierce

+2 to hit. Hit: 3d6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit one target directly underneath the piercer. Hit: 10 (3d6) piercing damage. This attack has disadvantage against a creature that is protecting its head with a shield or similar object. If the attack misses the piercer dies.

About Piercer

Piercer 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 17 and possesses 9 hit points (derived from 2d6+2).

GM Tips: Using Piercer

2 tips available

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

Minion Strategy: Use as scouts or minions for larger threats
Group Tactics: Group 3-4 together to pose a moderate threat

Player Guide: Facing Piercer

2 strategies available

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

Easy Target: This creature is weak - focus on other threats
Group Threat: Multiple can be dangerous - use area attacks

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 Piercer?: Piercer has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Piercer?: Piercer is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.