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Giant Hyena

Large · Beast · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules
Armor Class
12 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
45 (6d10 + 12)
Challenge Rating CR
1

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
16
+3
DEX
14
+2
CON
14
+2
INT
2
-4
WIS
12
+1
CHA
7
-2

Overview

Category Animals
Size Large
Type Beast
Alignment Unaligned
XP 200
Initiative Bonus +2

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 13

Saving Throws

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

Skills

Perception +3

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. 10 (2d6 + 3) Piercing damage.

Bonus Actions

Rampage

1/day

Immediately after dealing damage to a creature that was already Bloodied, the hyena can move up to half its Speed, and it makes one Bite attack.

About Giant Hyena

Giant Hyena is a large beast with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 6d10 + 12).

GM Tips: Using Giant Hyena

2 tips available

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

  • Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
  • Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Giant Hyena

2 strategies available

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

  • Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
  • Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

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 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 200 XP
  • Hard: 300 XP
  • Deadly: 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 Giant Hyena?
Giant Hyena has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Giant Hyena?
Giant Hyena is a Large Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

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