Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Merfolk

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/8 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

12 (coral armor)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength +1 Dexterity +0 Constitution +1 Intelligence +0 Wisdom +0 Charisma +1

Languages

Aquan,Common

Traits

Amphibious

The merfolk can breathe air and water.

Actions

Coral Spear

+3 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+1 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6+1) piercing damage.

Sharpened Shell

+3 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 1d4+1 slashing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) slashing damage.

Bonus Actions

Nimble Rush

The merfolk takes the Dash or Disengage action.

Reactions

Coral Scrape

When a creature the merfolk can see hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it, the merfolk can twist its body to scrape the attacker's arm or similar attacking appendage across the rough coral of its armor. The attacker must succeed on a DC 11 DEX save or have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn, as its attacking appendage hurts from the abrasion.

About Merfolk

Merfolk is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 9 hit points (derived from None).

Merfolk has communication capabilities including Aquan,Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Merfolk

1 tips available

When using Merfolk in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Merfolk

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

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: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 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 Merfolk?: Merfolk has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Merfolk?: Merfolk is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Merfolk speak?: Merfolk can communicate in Aquan,Common.