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Clockwork Beetle

Tiny · Construct · CR 1/2 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

20 (8d4)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Construct

Alignment Unaligned

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Dexterity +5

Skills

Stealth +5

Languages

understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Construct Nature

The clockwork beetle doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Immutable Form

The clockwork beetle is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.

Limited Telepathy

The clockwork beetle can magically transmit simple messages and images to its owner, provided the owner is within 100 feet of it.

Magic Resistance

The clockwork beetle has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Bite

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw, taking 5 (2d4) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Clockwork Beetle

Clockwork Beetle is a tiny construct with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 20 hit points (derived from 8d4).

Clockwork Beetle has communication capabilities including understands the languages of its creator but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Clockwork Beetle

1 tips available

When using Clockwork Beetle 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.

Player Guide: Facing Clockwork Beetle

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 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 Clockwork Beetle?: Clockwork Beetle has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Clockwork Beetle?: Clockwork Beetle is a Tiny Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Clockwork Beetle speak?: Clockwork Beetle can communicate in understands the languages of its creator but can't speak.