Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Jackal

Small · Beast · CR 0 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

3 (1d6)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 0

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +3

Environments

Desert Grassland or Plains Ruins Shadowfell

Traits

Keen Hearing and Smell

The jackal has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Pack Tactics

The jackal has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the jackal's allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 (1d4 - 1) piercing damage.

About Jackal

Jackal is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 0. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 3 hit points (derived from 1d6).

GM Tips: Using Jackal

1 tips available

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

Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Jackal

1 strategies available

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

Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

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: 50 XP
Hard: 75 XP
Deadly: 100 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 Jackal?: Jackal has a Challenge Rating of 0, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.
What type of creature is Jackal?: Jackal is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.