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Shield Guardian

Large · Construct · CR 7 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

17 (natural armor)

142 (15d10+60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Construct

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus -1

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)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

understands commands given in any language but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned

Environments

Laboratory Ruins Temple Tomb Urban

Traits

Bound

The shield guardian is magically bound to an amulet. As long as the guardian and its amulet are on the same plane of existence, the amulet's wearer can telepathically call the guardian to travel to it, and the guardian knows the distance and direction to the amulet. If the guardian is within 60 feet of the amulet's wearer, half of any damage the wearer takes (rounded up) is transferred to the guardian.

Regeneration

The shield guardian regains 10 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit. point.

Spell Storing

A spellcaster who wears the shield guardian's amulet can cause the guardian to store one spell of 4th level or lower. To do so, the wearer must cast the spell on the guardian. The spell has no effect but is stored within the guardian. When commanded to do so by the wearer or when a situation arises that was predefined by the spellcaster, the guardian casts the stored spell with any parameters set by the original caster, requiring no components. When the spell is cast or a new spell is stored, any previously stored spell is lost.

Actions

Fist

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The guardian makes two fist attacks.

Reactions

Shield

When a creature makes an attack against the wearer of the guardian's amulet, the guardian grants a +2 bonus to the wearer's AC if the guardian is within 5 feet of the wearer.

About Shield Guardian

Shield Guardian is a large construct with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 142 hit points (derived from 15d10+60).

Shield Guardian has communication capabilities including understands commands given in any language but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shield Guardian

1 tips available

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

Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Shield Guardian

1 strategies available

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

Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 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 Shield Guardian?: Shield Guardian has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Shield Guardian?: Shield Guardian is a Large Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shield Guardian speak?: Shield Guardian can communicate in understands commands given in any language but can't speak.