Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Chimera

Large · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

14 (natural armor)

114 (12d10+48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 18

Skills

Perception +8

Languages

understands Draconic but can't speak

Environments

Arctic or Tundra Desert Forest or Jungle Grassland or Plains Hills Mountain Ocean Sewer Feywild Swamp or Marsh Underworld

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Fire Breath

Recharge 5–6

The dragon head exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 31 (7d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Horns

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d12 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The chimera makes three attacks: one with its bite, one with its horns, and one with its claws. When its fire breath is available, it can use the breath in place of its bite or horns.

About Chimera

Chimera is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d10+48).

Chimera has communication capabilities including understands Draconic but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Chimera

2 tips available

When using Chimera 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.
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 Chimera

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.
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 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Chimera?: Chimera has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Chimera?: Chimera is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Chimera speak?: Chimera can communicate in understands Draconic but can't speak.