Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Merrow

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Chaotic Evil

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

13 (natural armor)

45 (6d10+12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +0

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

Languages

Abyssal, Aquan

Environments

Coast Desert Ocean Swamp or Marsh

Traits

Amphibious

The merrow can breathe air and water.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws

Cost 1

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage.

Harpoon

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage. / +6 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a Huge or smaller creature, it must succeed on a Strength contest against the merrow or be pulled up to 20 feet toward the merrow.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The merrow makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws or harpoon.

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, 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, Aquan.