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Chimera

Large · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

14 (natural armor)

126

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 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 15

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +0 Constitution +4 Intelligence -3 Wisdom +5 Charisma +0

Languages

Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

Multiple Heads,Monstrosity Resilience

Traits

Bickering Heads

The chimera is perpetually one step away from arguing with itself. A creature that can see the chimera can use a bonus action on its turn to appeal to one of the chimera's heads with bribes (dragon), praise (lion), displays of magic (goat), or other clever manipulation of a head's desires. The chimera must succeed on a DC 15 WIS save or succumb to that desire.
If the lion or goat head succumbs, the chimera has disadvantage on the next Bite or Headbutt attack it makes before the end of its next turn. If the dragon head succumbs, creatures caught in the chimera's next Fire Breath have advantage on the save, provided the chimera uses the breath within the next 1 minute. Once a head has succumbed to a desire, that head can't succumb again for the next 24 hours.

Monstrosity Resilience

The chimera is resistant to exhaustion and to the frightened condition.

Multiple Heads

The chimera has three heads and is resistant to the blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and unconscious conditions.

Actions

Bite

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

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

Claws

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6+4) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon head exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 DEX save, taking 27 (6d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Headbutt

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d12+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12+4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The chimera makes one Bite attack, one Headbutt attack, and two Claws attacks, or it can make two Claws attacks and use Fire Breath, if available.

About Chimera

Chimera is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 126 hit points (derived from None).

Chimera has communication capabilities including Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Chimera

2 tips available

When using Chimera 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Chimera

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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

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 Chimera?: Chimera has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Chimera?: Chimera is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Chimera speak?: Chimera can communicate in Draconic.