Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Pteranodon

Large · Beast · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

30 (4d10+8)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Beast

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 11

Traits

Flyby

The pteranodon doesnt provoke an opportunity attack when it flies out of a creatures reach.

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.

About Pteranodon

Pteranodon is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 30 hit points (derived from 4d10+8).

GM Tips: Using Pteranodon

1 tips available

When using Pteranodon 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 Pteranodon

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