Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Chieftain

Small · Humanoid · CR 5 · Lawful Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (studded leather, shield)

110 (20d6 + 40)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 1800

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

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5 Charisma +5

Skills

Intimidation +6 Stealth +4

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened

Traits

Brute

A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when the chieftain hits with it (included in the attack).

Chieftain’s Presence

Dragons and kobolds within 30 feet of the chieftain can’t be charmed or frightened.

Pack Tactics

The kobold chieftain has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the chieftain’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the kobold chieftain has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Inspiring Shriek

The kobold chieftain shrieks a draconic battle cry. Each creature that isn't a dragonborn or kobold within 30 feet of the chieftain must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. A frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Multiattack

The kobold makes three Spear or Shortbow attacks.

Shortbow

+4 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d6+2 plus 2d6 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Spear

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.

Reactions

Springspike Shield

When the kobold chieftain is wielding its shield and is hit by a melee attack within 5 feet of it, the chieftain can fire one of its shield spikes at the attacker. The attacker takes 5 (2d4) piercing damage.

About Chieftain

Chieftain is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 110 hit points (derived from 20d6 + 40).

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

GM Tips: Using Chieftain

2 tips available

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

Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Chieftain

2 strategies available

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

Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

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 Chieftain?: Chieftain has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Chieftain?: Chieftain is a Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Chieftain speak?: Chieftain can communicate in Common, Draconic.