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Ziphius

Gargantuan · Aberration · CR 8 · Neutral

Source. Creature Codex
Armor Class
16 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
135 (10d20+30)
Challenge Rating CR
8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
19
+4
DEX
13
+1
CON
16
+3
INT
9
-1
WIS
13
+1
CHA
4
-3

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Gargantuan
Type Aberration
Alignment Neutral
XP 3900
Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)
Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)
Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)
Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Strength +7

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

Aquan, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
cold; bludgeoning, piercing and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities
prone

Traits

Charge

If the ziphius moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a dorsal fin attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 27 (5d10) slashing damage.

Siege Monster

The ziphius deals double damage to objects and structures.

Telepathic Foresight

As a bonus action at the start of its turn, the ziphius can choose one creature within 120 feet that it can see. The ziphius' eyes glow, and the target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or the ziphius creates a temporary mental bond with the target until the start of the ziphius' next turn. While bonded, the ziphius reads the creature's surface thoughts, choosing to either gain advantage on attacks against that target or cause the target to have disadvantage on attacks against the ziphius.

Water Breathing

The ziphius can breathe only underwater.

Actions

Beak

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be swallowed by the ziphius. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the ziphius, and it takes 14 (4d6) acid damage at the start of each of the ziphius' turns. The ziphius can have only one target swallowed at a time.

If the ziphius takes 20 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the ziphius must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the ziphius. If the ziphius dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 20 feet of movement, exiting prone.

Claw

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Dorsal Fin

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d10+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The ziphius makes one beak attack and one claw attack.

About Ziphius

Ziphius is a gargantuan aberration with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 135 hit points (derived from 10d20+30).

Ziphius has communication capabilities including Aquan, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ziphius

2 tips available

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

  • Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 60 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
  • Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Ziphius

2 strategies available

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

  • Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 60 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
  • Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 7,200 XP
  • Hard: 10,800 XP
  • Deadly: 14,400 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 Ziphius?
Ziphius has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Ziphius?
Ziphius is a Gargantuan Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ziphius speak?
Ziphius can communicate in Aquan, telepathy 120 ft..

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