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Desert Troll

Large · Giant · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Creature Codex

15 (natural armor)

105 (10d10+50)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Giant

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Giant

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Desert Camouflage

The desert troll has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in desert terrain.

Erupt

If the desert troll burrows at least 15 feet straight toward a creature, it can burst out of the ground, harming those above it. Each creature in its space when it erupts must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage, is pushed out of the troll's space, and is knocked prone. On a success, the creature takes half the damage and is pushed out of the troll's space, but isn't knocked prone.

Keen Smell

The desert troll has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Regeneration

The troll regains 10 hp at the start of its turn. If the troll takes acid damage, this trait doesn't function at the start of the troll's next turn. The troll dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hp and doesn't regenerate.

Water Susceptibility

The desert troll takes 1 acid damage for every 5 feet it moves in water or for every gallon of water splashed on it.

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+5 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage.

Claws

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The desert troll makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Desert Troll

Desert Troll is a large giant with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 105 hit points (derived from 10d10+50).

Desert Troll has communication capabilities including Common, Giant. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Desert Troll

2 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 30 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.
Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Desert Troll

2 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 30 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Desert Troll?: Desert Troll has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Desert Troll?: Desert Troll is a Large Giant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Desert Troll speak?: Desert Troll can communicate in Common, Giant.