Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Balara

Large · Undead · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

17 (natural armor)

114

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Undead

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +2

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 12

Saving Throws

Strength +3 Dexterity +2 Constitution +2 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +2 Charisma -1

Languages

understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

charmed,frightened,Undead Resilience

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Traits

Terrifying Luminance

When a creature that can see the balara's glowing ribcage starts its turn within 30 feet of the balara, the balara can force it to make a DC 14 WIS save if the balara isn't incapacitated and can see the creature. On a failure, the creature is frightened until the start of its next turn, as the visions, fear, and pain of the last moments of several animals flash through its mind. While frightened, the creature's speed is reduced to 0, and it can't use reactions. Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the save at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can't see the balara until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the balara in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.

Undead Nature

The balara doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Undead Resilience

The balara is immune to poison damage, to exhaustion, and to the poisoned condition.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+3 plus 1d8 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d8+3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) necrotic damage, and the target can't regain HP until the start of the balara's next turn.

Claw

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (3d6+3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The balara makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks, or it makes three Necrotic Bolt attacks.

Necrotic Bolt

+5 to hit, range 60 ft (18.3 m). Hit: 3d8+2 necrotic damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d8+2) necrotic damage, and the target can't regain HP until the start of the balara's next turn.

Reactions

Relentless Pursuit

When a creature the balara can see moves away from it, the balara can move up to half its speed toward that creature. This movement doesn't provoke opportunity attacks.

About Balara

Balara is a large undead with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from None).

Balara has communication capabilities including understands the languages of its creator but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Balara

2 tips available

When using Balara 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 Balara

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 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Balara?: Balara has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Balara?: Balara is a Large Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Balara speak?: Balara can communicate in understands the languages of its creator but can't speak.