Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Merrow

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules
Armor Class
13 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
45 (6d10 + 12)
Challenge Rating CR
2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
18
+4
DEX
15
+2
CON
15
+2
INT
8
-1
WIS
10
+0
CHA
9
-1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Monstrosity
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 450
Initiative Bonus +2

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

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +2 Constitution +2 Intelligence -1 Wisdom +0 Charisma -1

Languages

Abyssal, Primordial (Aquan)

Traits

Amphibious

The merrow can breathe air and water.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 6 (1d4 + 4) Piercing damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the end of the merrow's next turn.

Claw

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+4 slashing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. 9 (2d4 + 4) Slashing damage.

Harpoon

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +6, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. 11 (2d6 + 4) Piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, the merrow pulls the target up to 15 feet straight toward itself.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The merrow makes two attacks, using Bite, Claw, or Harpoon in any combination.

About Merrow

Merrow is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 6d10 + 12).

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

GM Tips: Using Merrow

1 tips available

When using Merrow 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.

Player Guide: Facing Merrow

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 600 XP
  • Hard: 900 XP
  • Deadly: 1,200 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 Merrow?
Merrow has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Merrow?
Merrow is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Merrow speak?
Merrow can communicate in Abyssal, Primordial (Aquan).

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures