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Tar Ghoul

Medium · Undead · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
13
Hit Points and Hit Dice
66 (12d8+12)
Challenge Rating CR
4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
16
+3
DEX
17
+3
CON
13
+1
INT
11
+0
WIS
10
+0
CHA
8
-1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Undead
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 1100
Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 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 12

Skills

Perception +2

Languages

Common, Darakhul

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
fire, poison
Damage Resistances
necrotic
Condition Immunities
charmed, exhaustion, poisoned

Traits

Fire Hazard

As a bonus action or when it takes fire damage, the tar ghoul bursts into flame. The tar ghoul continues burning until it takes cold damage or is immersed in water. A creature that touches the tar ghoul or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it while it is burning takes 3 (1d6) fire damage. While burning, a tar ghoul deals an extra 3 (1d6) fire damage on each melee attack, and its vomit tar action is a 15-foot cone that ignites immediately. Each creature in that area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+3 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage.

Claw

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage. If the target is a creature other than an elf or undead, it must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Multiattack

The tar ghoul makes one bite attack and one claw attack.

Vomit Tar

Recharge 5–6

The tar ghoul vomits tar, covering the ground in a 10-foot square within 5 feet of it. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or be covered with tar. The tar ignites if touched by a source of fire or if a creature covered with tar takes fire damage. The tar burns for 3 (1d6) rounds or until a creature takes an action to stop the blaze. A creature that starts its turn in the area or that starts its turn covered with burning tar takes 5 (1d10) fire damage.

About Tar Ghoul

Tar Ghoul is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 66 hit points (derived from 12d8+12).

Tar Ghoul has communication capabilities including Common, Darakhul. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Tar Ghoul

1 tips available

When using Tar Ghoul 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 Tar Ghoul

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 Tar Ghoul?
Tar Ghoul has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Tar Ghoul?
Tar Ghoul is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Tar Ghoul speak?
Tar Ghoul can communicate in Common, Darakhul.

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