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Merfolk Skirmisher

Medium · Elemental · CR 1/8 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

11 (natural armor)

11 (2d8 + 2)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Elemental

Alignment Neutral

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 12

Saving Throws

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

Languages

Common, Primordial (Aquan)

Traits

Amphibious

The merfolk can breathe air and water.

Actions

Ocean Spear

Cost 1

+2 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +2, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. 3 (1d6) Piercing damage plus 2 (1d4) Cold damage. If the target is a creature, its Speed decreases by 10 feet until the end of its next turn. HitomThe spear magically returns to the merfolk's hand immediately after a ranged attack.

About Merfolk Skirmisher

Merfolk Skirmisher is a medium elemental with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 11 and possesses 11 hit points (derived from 2d8 + 2).

Merfolk Skirmisher has communication capabilities including Common, Primordial (Aquan). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Merfolk Skirmisher

2 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Merfolk Skirmisher

2 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

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

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 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 Merfolk Skirmisher?: Merfolk Skirmisher has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Merfolk Skirmisher?: Merfolk Skirmisher is a Medium Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Merfolk Skirmisher speak?: Merfolk Skirmisher can communicate in Common, Primordial (Aquan).