Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Merfolk

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/8 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

11 (2d8+2)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

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

Skills

Perception +2

Languages

Aquan, Common

Environments

Coast Desert Ocean

Traits

Amphibious

The merfolk can breathe air and water.

Actions

Spear

Cost 1

+2 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). / +2 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m).

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) piercing damage, or 4 (1d8) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.

About Merfolk

Merfolk is a medium humanoid 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 has communication capabilities including Aquan, Common. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Merfolk

1 tips available

When using Merfolk 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 Merfolk

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 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?: Merfolk has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Merfolk?: Merfolk is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Merfolk speak?: Merfolk can communicate in Aquan, Common.