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Neophron

Medium · Fiend · CR 8 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Creature Codex

16 (natural armor)

114 (12d8+60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fiend

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 90 ft (27.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Constitution +8 Wisdom +6

Skills

Survival +6

Languages

Abyssal, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Keen Sight and Smell

The neophron has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight or smell.

Magic Resistance

The neophron has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Shapechanger

The neophron can use its action to polymorph into a Large giant vulture, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d10+4 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the neophron, and it takes 14 (4d6) acid damage at the start of each of the neophron's turns.

The neophron can only swallow one creature at a time. If a humanoid dies while swallowed, it transforms into a ghast. At the start of its next turn, the neophron regurgitates the ghast into an unoccupied space within 10 feet. The ghast is under the neophron's control and acts immediately after the neophron in the initiative count.

If the neophron takes 20 or more damage in a single turn from a creature inside it, the neophron must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the neophron. If the neophron dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape the corpse by using 5 feet of movement, exiting prone.

Claw

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.

Multiattack

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

About Neophron

Neophron is a medium fiend with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d8+60).

Neophron has communication capabilities including Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Neophron

3 tips available

When using Neophron 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.
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.
Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Neophron

3 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.
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.
Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Neophron?: Neophron has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Neophron?: Neophron is a Medium Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Neophron speak?: Neophron can communicate in Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft..