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Firebird

Small · Celestial · CR 4 · Neutral Good

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (natural armor)

88 (16d6 + 32)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Celestial

Alignment Neutral Good

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Truesight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 16

Saving Throws

Wisdom +4 Charisma +7

Skills

Insight +4 Medicine +4 Perception +6

Languages

Celestial, Common, Primordial, telepathy 60.0 ft (18.3 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened, poisoned

Traits

Enforce Good Deeds

A creature that has received assistance, such as healing or a glowing feather, from the firebird must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the geas spell for 30 days. While under the geas, the affected creature must assist nonhostile creatures suffering from starvation or thirst by alleviating the starvation or thirst.

Fiery Weapons

The firebird’s weapon attacks are magical. When the firebird hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 2d6 fire damage (included in the attack).

Glowing Feathers

The firebird sheds bright light in a 5- to 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional number of feet equal to the chosen radius. The firebird can alter the radius as a bonus action. If the firebird willingly gifts a feather to a creature, the feather sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet indefinitely.

Magic Resistance

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

Warming Presence

The firebird and each creature within 5 feet of it are immune to the effects of cold environments, provided the cold is caused by naturally occurring weather and climate. When the firebird is inside a structure, it can choose for this trait to affect all creatures within the structure (no action required), regardless of how close they are to it.

Actions

Beak

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 plus 2d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.

Blinding Ray

Recharge 5–6

The firebird fires a burning ray of light from its tail feathers in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 17 (5d6) fire damage and is blinded until the end of its next turn. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't blinded.

Healing Feathers

3/day

The firebird touches another creature, brushing its wings against the creature. The target magically regains 10 (3d6) hp and is freed from any disease, poison, blindness, or deafness.

Multiattack

The firebird makes one Beak attack and one Talon attack.

Talon

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+4 plus 2d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.

About Firebird

Firebird is a small celestial with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 88 hit points (derived from 16d6 + 32).

Firebird has communication capabilities including Celestial, Common, Primordial, telepathy 60 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Firebird

3 tips available

When using Firebird 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.
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.
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.

Player Guide: Facing Firebird

3 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.
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.
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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

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

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Firebird?: Firebird has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Firebird?: Firebird is a Small Celestial, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Firebird speak?: Firebird can communicate in Celestial, Common, Primordial, telepathy 60 ft..