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Xiphus

Small · Fey · CR 5 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
15
Hit Points and Hit Dice
55 (10d6+20)
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
14
+2
DEX
21
+5
CON
15
+2
INT
10
+0
WIS
12
+1
CHA
14
+2

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Small
Type Fey
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)
Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)
Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)
Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Dexterity +8

Skills

Acrobatics +8 Perception +4 Stealth +8

Languages

Common, Elvish, Umbral

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
lightning

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

When using Xiphus in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • 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

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • 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

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 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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