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Serpentine Lamia

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 1 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex

13 (leather armor)

36 (8d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Skills

Deception +6 Intimidation +6

Languages

Abyssal, Common

Traits

Seductive Gaze

When a humanoid that can see the serpentine lamia's eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of the serpentine lamia, the serpentine lamia can force it to make a DC 13 Charisma saving throw if the serpentine lamia isn't incapacitated and can see the creature. If the creature fails, it is charmed for 1 minute. The charmed target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target's saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is immune to the serpentine lamia's Seductive Gaze for the next 24 hours.

Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it can't see the serpentine lamia until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the creature looks at the serpentine lamia in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.

Serpent Strike

The serpentine lamia has advantage on attack rolls against a creature it has surprised, or that is charmed by it or its allies.

Snake Body

The serpentine lamia has advantage on saving throws and ability checks against being knocked prone.

Actions

Constrict

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 12). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the serpentine lamia can't constrict another target.

Multiattack

The serpentine lamia makes two attacks, only one of which can be a constrict attack.

Scimitar

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Shortbow

+4 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 piercing damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

About Serpentine Lamia

Serpentine Lamia is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 36 hit points (derived from 8d8).

Serpentine Lamia has communication capabilities including Abyssal, Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Serpentine Lamia

2 tips available

When using Serpentine Lamia 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 20 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Serpentine Lamia

2 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 20 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 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 Serpentine Lamia?: Serpentine Lamia has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Serpentine Lamia?: Serpentine Lamia is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Serpentine Lamia speak?: Serpentine Lamia can communicate in Abyssal, Common.