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Eater of Dust

Medium · Aberration · CR 9 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

17 (natural armor)

114 (12d8 + 60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 5000

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

Blindsight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

Strength +9 Constitution +9 Charisma +7

Skills

Athletics +9 Intimidation +7 Perception +6

Languages

understands Abyssal, Common, Infernal, and Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120.0 ft (36.6 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning, poison

Damage Resistances

acid, cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

blinded, poisoned

Traits

Magic Maw

The eater of dust’s Maw-Arm attacks are magical. When the eater hits with its Maw-Arm, the weapon deals an extra 3d8 necrotic damage (included in the attack).

Regeneration

The eater of dust regains 5 hp at the start of its turn. If it takes fire damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of eater’s next turn. The eater dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hp and doesn’t regenerate.

Actions

Maw-Arm

+9 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+5 plus 3d8 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or its hp maximum is reduced by amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the eater regains hp equal to that amount. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0.

Multiattack

The eater of dust makes one Maw-Arm attack and two Necrotic Blast attacks, or it makes three Necrotic Blast attacks.

Necrotic Burst

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d8+3 necrotic damage.

Melee or Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d8 + 3) necrotic damage.

Bonus Actions

Hungry Step

The eater of dust magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space within 10 feet of a creature that isn't a Construct or Undead.

About Eater of Dust

Eater of Dust is a medium aberration with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d8 + 60).

Eater of Dust has communication capabilities including understands Abyssal, Common, Infernal, and Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Eater of Dust

2 tips available

When using Eater of Dust in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.
Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Eater of Dust

2 strategies available

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

Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.
Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Eater of Dust?: Eater of Dust has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Eater of Dust?: Eater of Dust is a Medium Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Eater of Dust speak?: Eater of Dust can communicate in understands Abyssal, Common, Infernal, and Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 120 ft..