Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Salamander

Large · Elemental · CR 5 · Neutral Evil

Source. 5e 2014 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 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

Ignan

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Vulnerabilities

cold

Environments

Caves Plane of Fire Underworld

Traits

Heated Body

A creature that touches the salamander or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 ft. of it takes 7 (2d6) fire damage.

Heated Weapons

Any metal melee weapon the salamander wields deals an extra 3 (1d6) fire damage on a hit (included in the attack).

Actions

Multiattack

Cost 1

The salamander makes two attacks: one with its spear and one with its tail.

Spear

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage. / +7 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack, plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Tail

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 14). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, the salamander can automatically hit the target with its tail, and the salamander can't make tail attacks against other targets.

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 Ignan. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Salamander

1 tips available

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

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

1 strategies available

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

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 Ignan.