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Shantak

Large · Monstrosity · CR 5 · Lawful Evil

Source. Creature Codex

16 (natural armor)

123 (13d10+52)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Constitution +7 Wisdom +5

Skills

Perception +5

Languages

understands Common and Void Speech, but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Traits

Eldritch Sight

Magical darkness doesn't impede the shantak's darkvision.

Flyby

The shantak doesn't provoke an opportunity attack when it flies out of an enemy's reach.

Keen Sight and Smell

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

Magic Resistance

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

Pack Tactics

The shantak has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the shantak's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Unctuous Hide

A shantak's hide is very slippery. A rider can dismount a shantak without any penalty to movement speed. If an effect moves the shantak against its will while a creature is on it, the creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or fall off the shantak, landing prone in a space within 5 feet of it. If a rider is knocked prone or unconscious while mounted, it must make the same saving throw. In addition, the shantak can attempt to shake off a rider as a bonus action, forcing the rider to make the saving throw to stay mounted.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 plus 1d10 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) necrotic damage.

Insane Tittering

Recharge 4–6

The shantak emits a horrific screech. Each non-shantak creature within 60 feet of it that can hear it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be frightened until the end of the shantak's next turn. The shantak can choose to include or exclude its rider when using this action.

Multiattack

The shantak makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its talons.

Talons

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 plus 1d10 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage plus 5 (1d10) necrotic damage.

About Shantak

Shantak is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 123 hit points (derived from 13d10+52).

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

GM Tips: Using Shantak

2 tips available

When using Shantak 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.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Shantak

2 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.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Shantak?: Shantak has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Shantak?: Shantak is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shantak speak?: Shantak can communicate in understands Common and Void Speech, but can't speak.