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Gargoctopus

Large · Monstrosity · CR 5 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

13 (natural armor)

104 (16d10+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 16

Skills

History +7 Investigation +7 Perception +6 Stealth +7

Languages

telepathy 100.0 ft (30.5 m).

Traits

Amphibious

The gargoctopus can breathe air and water.

Shifting Camouflage

The gargoctopus has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide.

Spider Climb

The gargoctopus can climb on difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Fling

One Medium or smaller creature grappled by the gargoctopus is thrown up to 20 feet in a random direction and is knocked prone. If the target strikes a solid surface, the target takes 7 (2d6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is thrown at another creature, that creature must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take the same damage and be knocked prone.

Ink Cloud

Recharge 6

A 20-foot-radius cloud of darkness extends around the gargoctopus. The area is heavily obscured until the start of the gargoctopus' next turn. If underwater, the gargoctopus can use the Dash action as a bonus action after releasing the cloud.

Multiattack

The gargoctopus makes four tentacle attacks or one bite attack and three tentacle attacks.

Tentacle

+7 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 15). Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained, the gargoctopus can automatically hit the target with its tentacle, and it can't use the same tentacle on another target. The gargoctopus can grapple up to four creatures at one time.

Tentacle Slam

Recharge 5–6

The gargoctopus slams the creatures grappled by it into a solid surface. Each grappled creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a target takes 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and is stunned until the end of the gargoctopus' next turn. On a success, a target takes half the damage and isn't stunned.

About Gargoctopus

Gargoctopus is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 104 hit points (derived from 16d10+16).

Gargoctopus has communication capabilities including telepathy 100 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Gargoctopus

3 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Gargoctopus

3 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Gargoctopus?: Gargoctopus has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Gargoctopus?: Gargoctopus is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Gargoctopus speak?: Gargoctopus can communicate in telepathy 100 ft..