Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Marilith

Large · Fiend · CR 16 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

16 (natural armor)

220 (21d10 + 105)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Fiend

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 15000

Initiative Bonus +10

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Dexterity +5 Constitution +10 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +8 Charisma +10

Skills

Perception +8

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

Reactive

The marilith can take one Reaction on every turn of combat.

Actions

Constrict

Cost 1

Strength Saving Throw: DC 17, one Medium or smaller creature the marilith can see within 5 feet. Failure: 15 (2d10 + 4) Bludgeoning damage. The target has the Grappled condition (escape DC 14), and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The marilith makes six Pact Blade attacks and uses Constrict.

Pact Blade

Cost 1

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d10+5 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 5 ft. 10 (1d10 + 5) Slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) Necrotic damage.

Bonus Actions

Teleport

The marilith teleports up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

Reactions

Parry

Trigger: The marilith is hit by a melee attack roll while holding a weapon. Response: The marilith adds 5 to its AC against that attack, possibly causing it to miss.

About Marilith

Marilith is a large fiend with a Challenge Rating of 16. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 220 hit points (derived from 21d10 + 105).

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

GM Tips: Using Marilith

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
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 Marilith

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
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 16.

Solo Encounter:

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

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 27,200 XP
Hard: 40,800 XP
Deadly: 54,400 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 Marilith?: Marilith has a Challenge Rating of 16, making it appropriate for parties of level 16.0.
What type of creature is Marilith?: Marilith is a Large Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Marilith speak?: Marilith can communicate in Abyssal; telepathy 120 ft..