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Pixiu

Large · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Unaligned

Source. Creature Codex

15 (natural armor)

112 (15d10+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

understands all, but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Traits

Consume Treasure

The pixiu has an appetite for gold, silver, and jewels and consumes them whenever possible. If the pixiu attempts to eat a magical coin, gemstone, or piece of jewelry, the object has a 25% chance of breaking, dispelling its magic and rendering it useless. If the object doesn't break, the pixiu gives up trying to eat it.

Protector of Qi

The pixiu is immune to disease and to effects that would lower its maximum hp. In addition, each ally within 10 feet of the pixiu has advantage on saving throws against disease and is immune to effects that would lower its maximum hp.

Treasure Sense

A pixiu can pinpoint, by scent, the location of precious metals and stones, such as coins and gems, within 60 feet of it.

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.

Claws

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

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

About Pixiu

Pixiu is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 112 hit points (derived from 15d10+30).

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

GM Tips: Using Pixiu

1 tips available

When using Pixiu 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.

Player Guide: Facing Pixiu

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Pixiu?: Pixiu has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Pixiu?: Pixiu is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Pixiu speak?: Pixiu can communicate in understands all, but can't speak.