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Steam Mephit

Small · Elemental · CR 1/2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Elemental

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength -3 Dexterity +2 Constitution +0 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +1 Charisma +0

Languages

Aquan,Ignan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire,poison,poisoned,prone

Damage Vulnerabilities

cold,thunder

Traits

Death Burst

When the mephit dies, it explodes in a cloud of steam. Each creature within 5 feet of the mephit must succeed on a DC 11 DEX save or be scalded for 1 minute. A scalded creature has disadvantage on weapon attack rolls and on ability checks that require manual dexterity. A scalded creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

False Appearance

While the mephit remains motionless and hovering, it is indistinguishable from an ordinary cloud of steam.

Actions

Claws

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+2 plus 1d4 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) slashing damage plus 2 (1d4) fire damage.

Steam Blast

+4 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 1d4+2 plus 1d4 fire damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) bludgeoning damage plus 2 (1d4) fire damage

Steam Breath

Recharge 6

The mephit exhales superheated breath in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 11 CON save. On a failure, a creature takes 5 (2d4) fire damage and suffers one level of exhaustion. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and doesn't suffer exhaustion. A creature can't suffer more than two levels of exhaustion from a steam mephit's Steam Breath, regardless of the number of times it fails the save or the number of steam mephits using Steam Breath against it.

Bonus Actions

Hazy Form

1/day

The mephit casts the blur spell, requiring no material components and using WIS as the spellcasting ability.

About Steam Mephit

Steam Mephit is a small elemental with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 27 hit points (derived from None).

Steam Mephit has communication capabilities including Aquan,Ignan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Steam Mephit

2 tips available

When using Steam Mephit 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 Steam Mephit

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 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

What is the challenge rating of Steam Mephit?: Steam Mephit has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Steam Mephit?: Steam Mephit is a Small Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Steam Mephit speak?: Steam Mephit can communicate in Aquan,Ignan.