Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Vulture

Large · Monstrosity · CR 1 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

10 (natural armor)

25 (3d10 + 9)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Animals

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +0

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

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Strength +2 Dexterity +0 Constitution +3 Intelligence -2 Wisdom +1 Charisma -2

Skills

Perception +3

Languages

Understands Common but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Traits

Pack Tactics

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

Actions

Gouge

Cost 1

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

Melee Attack Roll: +4, reach 5 ft. 9 (2d6 + 2) Piercing damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the end of its next turn.

About Giant Vulture

Giant Vulture is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 10 and possesses 25 hit points (derived from 3d10 + 9).

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

GM Tips: Using Giant Vulture

2 tips available

When using Giant Vulture 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 Giant Vulture

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 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 Vulture?: Giant Vulture has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Giant Vulture?: Giant Vulture is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Giant Vulture speak?: Giant Vulture can communicate in Understands Common but can't speak.