Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Saving Throws
Languages
-
Resistances & Immunities
Traits
Echolocation
The darkmantle can't use its keensense while deafened.
False Appearance
While the darkmantle remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a cave formation, such as a stalactite or stalagmite.
Jagged Hide
A creature that hits the darkmantle with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage.
Monstrosity Resilience
The darkmantle is resistant to exhaustion and to the frightened condition.
Actions
Crush
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 bludgeoning damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage, and the darkmantle attaches to it. If the target is Medium or smaller and the darkmantle has advantage on the attack roll, the darkmantle attaches to the target's head, and the target is blinded and unable to breathe while the darkmantle is attached. While attached, the darkmantle can't make Crush attacks, and at the start of each of the darkmantle's turns, the target takes 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage.
The attached darkmantle moves with the target whenever the target moves, requiring none of the darkmantle's movement. It can detach itself by spending 5 feet of its movement on its turn. A creature, including the target, can take its action to detach the darkmantle by succeeding on a DC 13 STR check.
Topple
While attached to a creature, the darkmantle swings its body to throw off the balance of the creature to which it is attached. The attached target must succeed on a DC 13 DEX save or be knocked prone. If the target fails the save and is already prone, it is restrained while the darkmantle is attached to it, as the darkmantle pins it to the ground.
Bonus Actions
Darkness Aura
A 15-foot radius of magical darkness extends out from the darkmantle, moves with it, and spreads around corners. The darkness lasts as long as the darkmantle maintains concentration, up to 10 minutes (as if concentrating on a spell). Darkvision can't penetrate this darkness, and no natural light can illuminate it. If any of the darkness overlaps with an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell creating the light is dispelled.
About Darkmantle
Darkmantle is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 25 hit points (derived from None).
Darkmantle has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.
GM Tips: Using Darkmantle
1 tips available
GM Tips: Using Darkmantle
When using Darkmantle in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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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.
Player Guide: Facing Darkmantle
1 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Darkmantle
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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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.
Encounter Building Calculator
Encounter Building Calculator
Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):
This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.
Solo Encounter:
A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.
Experience Point Thresholds:
- Medium: 75 XP
- Hard: 112 XP
- Deadly: 150 XP
Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Darkmantle?
- Darkmantle has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
- What type of creature is Darkmantle?
- Darkmantle is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
- What languages does Darkmantle speak?
- Darkmantle can communicate in -.
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