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Execrable Shrub

Medium · Fiend · CR 1/2 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex

14 (natural armor)

40 (9d8)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fiend

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Burrow 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

piercing, poison

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Healed by Blood

Whenever a creature is reduced to 0 hp within 60 feet of the execrable shrub, the shrub regains 5 (1d10) hp.

Like Calls to Like

The execrable shrub knows if a creature within 60 feet of it is evil-aligned or not.

Limited Telepathy

Using telepathy, the execrable shrub can magically communicate with any other evil-aligned creature within 100 feet of it. This communication is primarily through images and emotions rather than actual words.

Actions

Burning Slash

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

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

Smolder

Recharge 5–6

The execrable shrub releases a billowing cloud of smoke in a 10-foot-radius that lasts for 1 minute and moves with the shrub. The area affected by the smoke is heavily obscured.

About Execrable Shrub

Execrable Shrub is a medium fiend with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 40 hit points (derived from 9d8).

Execrable Shrub has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Execrable Shrub

2 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 10 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.
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 Execrable Shrub

2 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 10 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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 Execrable Shrub?: Execrable Shrub has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Execrable Shrub?: Execrable Shrub is a Medium Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Execrable Shrub speak?: Execrable Shrub can communicate in -.