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Thunderbird

Large · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

57 (6d10+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 15

Skills

Perception +5

Traits

Keen Sight

The griffon has advantage on Perception checks that rely on sight.

Storm Sight

A thunderbirds vision is not limited by weather.

Actions

Beak

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Lightning Strike

Recharge 6

The thunderbird exhales a blast of lightning at one target within 60 feet. The target makes a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw taking 28 (8d6) lightning damage on a failure or half the damage on a success.

Multiattack

The griffon attacks once with its beak and once with its talons.

Talons

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage or 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage if the griffon started its turn at least 20 feet above the target and the target is grappled (escape DC 14). Until this grapple ends the griffon can't attack a different target with its talons.

About Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 57 hit points (derived from 6d10+24).

GM Tips: Using Thunderbird

2 tips available

When using Thunderbird 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.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Thunderbird

2 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.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Thunderbird?: Thunderbird has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Thunderbird?: Thunderbird is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.