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Purple Worm

Gargantuan · Monstrosity · CR 15 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

247 (15d20+90)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 13000

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Strength +14 Constitution +11 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +5 Charisma +2

Traits

Tunneler

The worm can tunnel through earth and solid rock, leaving behind a 10-foot-diameter tunnel.

Actions

Bite

+14 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d10+9 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (3d10 + 9) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature it makes a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure the target is swallowed. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained it has total cover from attacks from outside the worm and it takes 24 (7d6) acid damage at the start of each of the worms turns.

If a swallowed creature deals 35 or more damage to the worm in a single turn, or if the worm dies, the worm vomits up all swallowed creatures

Multiattack

The worm attacks two different targets with its bite and its tail stinger.

Tail Stinger

+14 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d6+9 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one creature. Hit: 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage and the target makes a DC 19 Constitution saving throw taking 42 (12d6) poison damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

Reactions

Fighting Retreat

When a creature makes an opportunity attack on the worm, the worm attacks with either its bite or its tail stinger.

About Purple Worm

Purple Worm is a gargantuan monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 15. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 247 hit points (derived from 15d20+90).

GM Tips: Using Purple Worm

1 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 20 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Purple Worm

1 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 15.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 19 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 24,000 XP
Hard: 36,000 XP
Deadly: 48,000 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 Purple Worm?: Purple Worm has a Challenge Rating of 15, making it appropriate for parties of level 15.0.
What type of creature is Purple Worm?: Purple Worm is a Gargantuan Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.