Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Philosopher's Ghost

Medium · Ooze · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. Creature Codex

77 (14d8+14)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Ooze

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1100

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

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold; slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, prone

Traits

Illumination

The philosopher's ghost sheds bright light in a 20-foot-radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.

Persistent Burning Form

The philosopher's ghost can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing. A creature that touches the ghost or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) fire damage. In addition, the philosopher's ghost can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. The first time it enters a creature's space on a turn, that target takes 5 (1d10) fire damage and catches fire; until a creature takes an action to douse the fire, the target takes 5 (1d10) fire damage at the start of each of its turns.

Siege Monster

The philosopher's ghost deals double damage to objects and structures.

Water Vulnerability

If completely immersed in water, a philosopher's ghost's movement halves each round until it stops moving completely, becoming incapacitated, and contact with it no longer causes damage. As soon as any portion of it is exposed to the air again, it resumes moving at full speed.

Actions

Burning Touch

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) fire damage. If the target is a creature, it suffers a burning lesion, taking 2 (1d4) fire damage at the start of each of its turns. Any creature can take an action to soothe the burning lesion with a successful DC 12 Wisdom (Medicine) check. The lesion is also soothed if the target receives magical healing.

Multiattack

The philosopher's ghost makes two burning touch attacks.

About Philosopher's Ghost

Philosopher's Ghost is a medium ooze with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 77 hit points (derived from 14d8+14).

Philosopher's Ghost has communication capabilities including -. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Philosopher's Ghost

1 tips available

When using Philosopher's Ghost in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

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 Philosopher's Ghost

1 strategies available

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

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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Philosopher's Ghost?: Philosopher's Ghost has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Philosopher's Ghost?: Philosopher's Ghost is a Medium Ooze, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Philosopher's Ghost speak?: Philosopher's Ghost can communicate in -.