Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Homunculus

Tiny · Construct · CR 1 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Construct

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength -3 Dexterity +3 Constitution +0 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +0 Charisma -2

Languages

understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

Construct Resilience

Traits

Bound Construct

The homunculus serves another creature as a familiar, forming a magic, telepathic bond with that willing companion. While the two are bonded and on the same plane of existence, the companion can sense what the homunculus senses and the two can communicate telepathically. While the homunculus is within 100 feet of the companion, it can use a reaction to deliver any spell the companion casts that has a range of touch. If the spell requires an attack roll, the homunculus uses the companion's spell attack modifier for the roll. While the homunculus is within 10 feet of its companion, the companion has advantage on INT (Arcana) and INT (Investigation) checks. At any time and for any reason, the homunculus can end its service as a familiar, ending the telepathic bond.

Construct Nature

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

Construct Resilience

The homunculus is immune to poison and psychic damage, and it is immune to exhaustion and the charmed, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, and poisoned conditions.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 plus 2d4 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage plus 5 (2d4) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 CON save or be poisoned for 1 minute. If the save fails by 5 or more, the target is instead poisoned for 5 (1d10) minutes and unconscious while poisoned in this way.

About Homunculus

Homunculus is a tiny construct with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 34 hit points (derived from None).

Homunculus 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 Homunculus

1 tips available

When using Homunculus 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.

Player Guide: Facing Homunculus

1 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.

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 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 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 Homunculus?: Homunculus has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Homunculus?: Homunculus is a Tiny Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Homunculus speak?: Homunculus can communicate in understands the languages of its creator but can't speak.