Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Chimera

Large · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

14 (natural armor)

114 (12d10 + 48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +8

Languages

Understands Draconic but can't speak

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 11 (2d6 + 4) Piercing damage, or 18 (4d6 + 4) Piercing damage if the chimera had Advantage on the attack roll.

Claw

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 7 (1d6 + 4) Slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 15, each creature in a 15-foot Cone. Failure: 31 (7d8) Fire damage. Success: Half damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The chimera makes one Ram attack, one Bite attack, and one Claw attack. It can replace the Claw attack with a use of Fire Breath if available.

Ram

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d12+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 10 (1d12 + 4) Bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it has the Prone condition.

About Chimera

Chimera is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d10 + 48).

Chimera has communication capabilities including Understands Draconic but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Chimera

2 tips available

When using Chimera 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.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Chimera

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.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Chimera?: Chimera has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Chimera?: Chimera is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Chimera speak?: Chimera can communicate in Understands Draconic but can't speak.