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Shield Guardian

Large · Construct · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

133 (14d10+56)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Construct

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

understands all languages but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, fatigue, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Amulet

The guardian is magically bound to an amulet. It knows the distance and direction to the amulet while it is on the same plane of existence. Whoever wears the amulet becomes the guardians master and can magically command the guardian to travel to it.

Constructed Nature

Guardians dont require air, sustenance, or sleep.

Immutable Form

The guardian is immune to any effect that would alter its form.

Magic Resistance

The guardian has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Spell Storing

A spellcaster wearing the guardians amulet can use the guardian to store a spell. The spellcaster casts a spell using a 4th-level or lower spell slot on the guardian, choosing any spell parameters. The spell has no effect when thus cast. The guardian can cast this spell once, using no components, when ordered to do so by its master or under other predefined circumstances. When a spell is stored in the guardian, any previously stored spell is lost.

Actions

Fist

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The guardian attacks twice with its fist.

Self-Repair

The guardian regains 15 hit points.

Reactions

Absorb Damage

If the guardian is within 60 feet of its master when the master takes damage, half the damage (rounded up) is transferred to the guardian.

Shield

If the guardian is within 5 feet of its master when the master is attacked, the guardian grants a +3 bonus to its masters AC.

About Shield Guardian

Shield Guardian is a large construct with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 133 hit points (derived from 14d10+56).

Shield Guardian has communication capabilities including understands all languages but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shield Guardian

2 tips available

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

Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Shield Guardian

2 strategies available

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

Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Shield Guardian?: Shield Guardian has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Shield Guardian?: Shield Guardian is a Large Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shield Guardian speak?: Shield Guardian can communicate in understands all languages but can't speak.