Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Alkonost

Small · Monstrosity · CR 1/2 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
17 (5d6)
Challenge Rating CR
1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
11
+0
DEX
14
+2
CON
10
+0
INT
7
-2
WIS
14
+2
CHA
13
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Small
Type Monstrosity
Alignment Neutral
XP 100
Initiative Bonus +2

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 12

Languages

Common

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
lightning

Traits

One with Wind

An alkonost is immune to the effects of magical and natural wind, including effects that would force it to move, impose disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks, or force it to land when flying. In addition, its weapon attacks do an extra 2 (1d4) lightning damage if it is within 1 mile of a lightning storm.

Actions

Charged Melody

Recharge 6

The alkonost sings a beautiful melody. Each creature within 30 feet of it that can hear the melody must succeed on a DC 12 Charisma saving throw or take 7 (2d6) lightning damage the next time it moves.

Claws

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

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

About Alkonost

Alkonost is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 17 hit points (derived from 5d6).

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

GM Tips: Using Alkonost

2 tips available

When using Alkonost 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.
  • Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Alkonost

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.
  • Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

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 Alkonost?
Alkonost has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Alkonost?
Alkonost is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Alkonost speak?
Alkonost can communicate in Common.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures