Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Archelon

Huge · Beast · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

17 (natural armor)

90 (12d12 + 12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Animals

Size Huge

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 80 ft (24.4 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +3 Constitution +1 Intelligence -3 Wisdom +2 Charisma -2

Skills

Stealth +5

Traits

Amphibious

The archelon can breathe air and water.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 14 (3d6 + 4) Piercing damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The archelon makes two Bite attacks.

About Archelon

Archelon is a huge beast with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 12d12 + 12).

GM Tips: Using Archelon

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 80 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Archelon

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 80 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.

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 Archelon?: Archelon has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Archelon?: Archelon is a Huge Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.