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Ahu-Nixta

Large · Aberration · CR 3 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex

14 (clockwork armor)

67 (9d10+18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3

Languages

Deep Speech, Void Speech

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone

Traits

Clockwork Encasement

The creature within the machine is a somewhat shapeless mass, both protected and given concrete manipulators by its armor. The clockwork armor has a variety of manipulators that the ahu-nixta can use to attack or to interact with objects outside of the armor. When the ahu-nixta is reduced to 0 hp, its clockwork armor breaks and the ahunixta exits it. Once out of its armor, the creature's pulpy mass no longer receives the benefits of the listed Damage or Condition Immunities, except for psychic and prone.

Without its clockwork armor, the ahu-nixta has the following statistics: AC 12, hp 37 (5d10 + 10), Strength 9 (-1), and all its modes of travel are reduced to 20 feet. In addition, it has no attack actions, though it can still cast its spells. The ahu-nixta's body can form eyes, mouths, and grabbing appendages. Its grabbing appendages can pick up objects and manipulate them, but the appendages can't be used for combat. The ahu-nixta's extra appendages can open and close glass-covered viewing ports in the clockwork armor, requiring no action, so it can see and interact with objects outside the armor.

The ahu-nixta can exit or enter its clockwork armor as a bonus action.

Immutable Form

The clockwork armor of the ahu-nixta is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form, as is the creature that controls it as long as the ahu-nixta remains within the armor.

Innate Spellcasting

The ahu-nixta's innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The ahu-nixta can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.
At will: fear, fire bolt (2d10), telekinesis

Actions

Bashing Rod

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d10+3 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The ahu-nixta makes three melee attacks. It can cast one at will spell in place of two melee attacks.

Pronged Scepter

+5 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Whirring Blades

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage.

About Ahu-Nixta

Ahu-Nixta is a large aberration with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 67 hit points (derived from 9d10+18).

Ahu-Nixta has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, Void Speech. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ahu-Nixta

2 tips available

When using Ahu-Nixta 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.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Ahu-Nixta

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.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 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 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Ahu-Nixta?: Ahu-Nixta has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Ahu-Nixta?: Ahu-Nixta is a Large Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ahu-Nixta speak?: Ahu-Nixta can communicate in Deep Speech, Void Speech.