Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Saving Throws
Skills
Languages
Common, Elvish, Umbral
Resistances & Immunities
Traits
Evasion
If the xiphus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the xiphus instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.
Lightning Absorption
Whenever the xiphus is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of hp equal to the lightning damage dealt.
Siphon Time (Recharge 5-6)
As a bonus action, a xiphus chooses one creature it can see. The xiphus' clockwork heart vibrates rapidly, bending time to give the xiphus the upper hand against its chosen target. The xiphus chooses whether to have advantage on its attacks against that target or on saving throws against spells cast by the target until the start of the xiphus' next turn.
Startling Speed
The movements of a xiphus are so swift that it is almost invisible when in motion. If the xiphus moves at least 10 feet on its turn, attack rolls against it have disadvantage until the start of its next turn unless the xiphus is incapacitated or restrained.
Actions
Hidden Dagger
+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+5 plus 2d6 lightning damage.
Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) lightning damage.
Multiattack
The xiphus makes three hidden dagger attacks.
Reactions
Borrowed Time
If damage is dealt to a xiphus that would kill it, it can attempt to temporarily borrow time from another creature to avoid death. One creature the xiphus can see within 30 feet of it must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage, and the xiphus regains hp equal to the damage taken. The target is stable and doesn't die if this effect reduces its hp to 0. After 2 rounds, the xiphus takes necrotic damage, and the target regains hp, equal to the original amount borrowed.
About Xiphus
Xiphus is a small fey with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic evil alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 55 hit points (derived from 10d6+20).
Xiphus has communication capabilities including Common, Elvish, Umbral. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.
GM Tips: Using Xiphus
1 tips available
GM Tips: Using Xiphus
When using Xiphus in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.
Player Guide: Facing Xiphus
1 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Xiphus
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.
Encounter Building Calculator
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
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Xiphus?
- Xiphus has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
- What type of creature is Xiphus?
- Xiphus is a Small Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
- What languages does Xiphus speak?
- Xiphus can communicate in Common, Elvish, Umbral.
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Related D&D 5e Content
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