Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Salamander

Large · Elemental · CR 5 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

15 (natural armor)

90 (12d10 + 24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Elemental

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

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

Languages

Primordial (Ignan)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Fire Aura

At the end of each of the salamander's turns, each creature of the salamander's choice in a 5-foot Emanation originating from the salamander takes 7 (2d6) Fire damage.

Actions

Constrict

Cost 1

Strength Saving Throw: DC 15, one Large or smaller creature the salamander can see within 10 feet. Failure: 11 (2d6 + 4) Bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) Fire damage. The target has the Grappled condition (escape DC 14), and it has the Restrained condition until the grapple ends.

Flame Spear

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft. 13 (2d8 + 4) Piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Fire damage. HitomThe spear magically returns to the salamander's hand immediately after a ranged attack.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The salamander makes two Flame Spear attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Constrict.

About Salamander

Salamander is a large elemental with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 90 hit points (derived from 12d10 + 24).

Salamander has communication capabilities including Primordial (Ignan). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Salamander

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.

Player Guide: Facing Salamander

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Salamander?: Salamander has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Salamander?: Salamander is a Large Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Salamander speak?: Salamander can communicate in Primordial (Ignan).