Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Blood Hawk

Small · Beast · CR 1/8 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

12 (natural armor)

7 (2d6)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Animals

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

Strength -2 Dexterity +2 Constitution +0 Intelligence -4 Wisdom +2 Charisma -3

Skills

Perception +6

Traits

Pack Tactics

The hawk has Advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the hawk's allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally doesn't have the Incapacitated condition.

Actions

Beak

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+2 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 4 (1d4 + 2) Piercing damage, or 6 (1d8 + 2) Piercing damage if the target is Bloodied.

About Blood Hawk

Blood Hawk is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 7 hit points (derived from 2d6).

GM Tips: Using Blood Hawk

2 tips available

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

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Blood Hawk

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 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 Blood Hawk?: Blood Hawk has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Blood Hawk?: Blood Hawk is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.