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Skydancer

Medium · Humanoid · CR 5 · Chaotic Neutral

Source. Tal'dorei Campaign Setting

63 (14d8)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Neutral

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

Dexterity +7

Languages

Common, Druidic, Primordial (Auran)

Traits

Evasion

If the skydancer is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the skydancer instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.

Flyby

The skydancer doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.

Skysail

The skydancer flies with a special weapon called a skysail (see pg. 45). While the skysail’s wings are extended, the skydancer can cast levitate at will, and can spend an action to cast fly on itself (no concentration required) for up to 1 minute once per day. This use of fly instantly replenishes when in an area of powerful air elemental magic.

Spellcasting

The skydancer is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). It has the following druid spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): guidance, shillelagh
1st Level (4 slots): fog cloud, entangle, jump
2nd Level (2 slots): gust of wind, skywrite

Actions

Multiattack

The skydancer makes two skysail staff attacks.

Skysail Staff

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 lightning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the skydancer makes this attack while flying, the target must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) lightning damage on a failure or half as much damage on a success.

Reactions

Slow Fall

When the skydancer takes falling damage, it may reduce the damage by half.

About Skydancer

Skydancer is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 63 hit points (derived from 14d8).

Skydancer has communication capabilities including Common, Druidic, Primordial (Auran). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Skydancer

2 tips available

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

Flight Control Strategy: Target flying creatures with spells like 'Hold Person', 'Web', or 'Grease' to ground them. Without flight restriction, they can escape melee range easily. Consider area denial spells below their flight altitude to force them into disadvantageous positions.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Skydancer

2 strategies available

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

Counter Flight Advantage: This creature can fly! Use ranged attacks, reach weapons, or spells like 'Thunderwave' to push it away. Consider 'Gust of Wind' or 'Earthbind' to ground it. Melee characters need fly speed or flight magic to engage.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

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 Skydancer?: Skydancer has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Skydancer?: Skydancer is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Skydancer speak?: Skydancer can communicate in Common, Druidic, Primordial (Auran).