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Ala

Medium · Fey · CR 8 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

17 (natural armor)

127 (15d8 + 60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Fey

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 19

Skills

Athletics +8 Perception +9 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, poison, thunder

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Flyby

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

Poisonous Flesh

The ala’s poison infuses its flesh. A creature that touches the ala or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Storm’s Strength

If the ala is outside and an electrical storm is within 1 mile of it, creatures have disadvantage on their saving throws against the ala’s Lightning’s Kiss.

Actions

Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+5 plus 2d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Claw

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+5 plus 2d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.

Lightning's Kiss

Recharge 5–6

The ala launches a bolt of lightning at up to three targets it can see within 30 feet of it. Each target must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

The ala makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

About Ala

Ala is a medium fey with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 15d8 + 60).

Ala has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ala

2 tips available

When using Ala 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 Ala

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 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 7,200 XP
Hard: 10,800 XP
Deadly: 14,400 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 Ala?: Ala has a Challenge Rating of 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
What type of creature is Ala?: Ala is a Medium Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ala speak?: Ala can communicate in Common, Draconic.