Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Glabrezu

Large · Fiend · CR 9 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

17 (natural armor)

189 (18d10 + 90)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Fiend

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +6

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Dexterity +2 Constitution +9 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +7 Charisma +7

Skills

Deception +7 Perception +7

Languages

Abyssal; telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Damage Resistances

cold, fire, lightning

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Demonic Restoration

If the glabrezu dies outside the Abyss, its body dissolves into ichor, and it gains a new body instantly, reviving with all its Hit Points somewhere in the Abyss.

Magic Resistance

The glabrezu has Advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The glabrezu makes two Pincer attacks and uses Pummel or Spellcasting.

Pincer

Cost 1

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+5 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +9, reach 10 ft. 16 (2d10 + 5) Slashing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 15) from one of two pincers.

Pummel

Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 17, one creature Grappled by the glabrezu. Failure: 15 (3d6 + 5) Bludgeoning damage. Success: Half damage.

Spellcasting

Cost 1

The glabrezu casts one of the following spells, requiring no Material components and using Intelligence as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 16):

At Will: Darkness, Detect Magic, Dispel Magic
1/Day Each: Confusion, Fly, Power Word Stun

About Glabrezu

Glabrezu is a large fiend with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 189 hit points (derived from 18d10 + 90).

Glabrezu has communication capabilities including Abyssal; telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Glabrezu

2 tips available

When using Glabrezu 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.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Glabrezu

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.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Glabrezu?: Glabrezu has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Glabrezu?: Glabrezu is a Large Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Glabrezu speak?: Glabrezu can communicate in Abyssal; telepathy 120 ft..