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Cactid

Large · Plant · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

76 (8d10 + 32)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Plant

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 15 ft (4.6 m)

Swim 7 ft (2.1 m)

Climb 7 ft (2.1 m)

Crawl 7 ft (2.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

understands Sylvan but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing

Damage Vulnerabilities

fire

Condition Immunities

blinded, deafened

Actions

Multiattack

The cactid makes two Tendril attacks and uses Reel.

Reel

The cactid pulls each creature grappled by it up to 10 feet straight toward it.

Tendril

+5 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d6+3 plus 1d6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 13) if it is a Medium or smaller creature. Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and if it isn't a Construct or Undead, the cactid begins draining fluid from the target's body. At the start of each of the grappled creature's turns, the creature must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, its hp maximum is reduced by 3 (1d6). This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest after drinking at least one gallon of water. The grappled creature dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0. The cactid has two tendrils, each of which can grapple only one target.

Reactions

Hail of Needles

1/day

When reduced to below half its hp maximum, the cactid releases a hail of needles. Each creature within 15 feet of the cactid must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Cactid

Cactid is a large plant with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 76 hit points (derived from 8d10 + 32).

Cactid has communication capabilities including understands Sylvan but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Cactid

2 tips available

When using Cactid 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 Cactid

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 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Cactid?: Cactid has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Cactid?: Cactid is a Large Plant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Cactid speak?: Cactid can communicate in understands Sylvan but can't speak.