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Orthrus

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 3 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Creature Codex

60 (8d8+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 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 15

Saving Throws

Wisdom +3

Skills

Perception +5 Survival +3

Languages

understands Common but can't speak

Traits

Three-Headed

The orthrus has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or knocked unconscious.

Wakeful

While the orthrus sleeps, at least one of its heads is awake.

Actions

Bite (Canine Head)

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Bite (Snake Head)

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 14 (4d6) poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. On a success, it takes half the damage and isn't poisoned.

Multiattack

The orthrus makes three bite attacks: two with its canine heads and one with its snake head. If the orthrus bites the same creature with both of its canine heads in the same round, that creature must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

About Orthrus

Orthrus is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 60 hit points (derived from 8d8+24).

Orthrus has communication capabilities including understands Common but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Orthrus

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Orthrus

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Orthrus?: Orthrus has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Orthrus?: Orthrus is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Orthrus speak?: Orthrus can communicate in understands Common but can't speak.