Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Waverider

Medium · Humanoid · CR 4 · Neutral Good

Armor Class
14 (hide armor of cold resistance)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
77 (14d8+14)
Challenge Rating CR
4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
15
+2
DEX
14
+2
CON
12
+1
INT
10
+0
WIS
16
+3
CHA
13
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Neutral Good
XP 1100
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

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Constitution +4 Wisdom +6

Languages

Common, Druidic, Primordial (Aquan)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
cold

Traits

Fishform

As a bonus action, the waverider can transform into a hunter shark or giant octopus. While in this form, the waverider cannot cast spells, but can expend a spell slot as a bonus action to regain 1d8 hit points per level of the spell slot expended. When the waverider is reduced to 0 hit points, falls unconscious, or dies in this form, it reverts to its humanoid form. It can remain in fishform for up to 3 hours, and can enter fishform twice, regaining expended uses after completing a short or long rest.

Healing Tides

Whenever the waverider casts a spell of 1st level or higher that affects a nonhostile creature, that creature regains 3 hit points (in addition to any healing the spell may provide).

Marine Empathy

The waverider can speak with and understand aquatic plants and animals.

Spellcasting

The waverider is a 7th-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): druidcraft, poison spray, resistance
  • 1st Level (4 slots): cure wounds, create or destroy water, healing word
  • 2nd Level (3 slots): animal messenger, enhance ability, lesser restoration
  • 3rd Level (3 slots): conjure animals (aquatic beasts only), water walk, water breathing
  • 4th Level (1 slots): control water

Actions

Harpoon

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. Attacks with this weapon while underwater are not made with disadvantage.

About Waverider

Waverider is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 77 hit points (derived from 14d8+14).

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

GM Tips: Using Waverider

2 tips available

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

  • Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
  • Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Waverider

2 strategies available

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

  • Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
  • Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

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

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 2,000 XP
  • Hard: 3,000 XP
  • Deadly: 4,000 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 Waverider?
Waverider has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Waverider?
Waverider is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Waverider speak?
Waverider can communicate in Common, Druidic, Primordial (Aquan).

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures