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Shambling Mound

Large · Plant · CR 5 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

15 (natural armor)

136 (16d10+48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Plant

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Stealth +2

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Damage Resistances

cold, fire

Condition Immunities

blinded, deafened, exhaustion

Environments

Forest or Jungle Feywild Swamp or Marsh

Traits

Lightning Absorption

Whenever the shambling mound is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning damage dealt.

Actions

Engulf

Cost 1

The shambling mound engulfs a Medium or smaller creature grappled by it. The engulfed target is blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe, and it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of the mound's turns or take 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the mound moves, the engulfed target moves with it. The mound can have only one creature engulfed at a time.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The shambling mound makes two slam attacks. If both attacks hit a Medium or smaller target, the target is grappled (escape DC 14), and the shambling mound uses its Engulf on it.

Slam

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

About Shambling Mound

Shambling Mound is a large plant with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 136 hit points (derived from 16d10+48).

GM Tips: Using Shambling Mound

1 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 20 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.

Player Guide: Facing Shambling Mound

1 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 20 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 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 Shambling Mound?: Shambling Mound has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Shambling Mound?: Shambling Mound is a Large Plant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.