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Gnarljak

Small · Construct · CR 6 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

16 (natural armor)

88 (16d6 + 32)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-5

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Construct

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +5

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 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Strength +4

Skills

Perception +5 Stealth +8

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Construct Nature

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

False Appearance

While the gnarljak remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal bear trap.

Actions

Chain Tail

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+5 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Gnawing Bite

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+5 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage, and the gnarljak attaches to the target. While attached, the gnarljak can't make Gnawing Bite attacks, and at the start of each of the gnarljak's turns, the target takes 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The gnarljak makes one Gnawing Bite attack and two Chain Tail attacks, or it makes three Chain Tail attacks.

Bonus Actions

Secure Tail

When within 10 feet of the ground, structure, wall, or other solid surface, the gnarljak can secure its tail spike on a point in the surface within 10 feet of it. While secured, the gnarljak can't be knocked prone, it can't move more than 10 feet from that point, and its Chain Tail attack's reach is reduced to 5 feet. If the gnarljak is attached to a creature while its tail is secured, the creature is restrained until the gnarljak is no longer attached to it.

About Gnarljak

Gnarljak is a small construct with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a unaligned alignment.

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

GM Tips: Using Gnarljak

2 tips available

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

Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Gnarljak

2 strategies available

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

Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Gnarljak?: Gnarljak has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Gnarljak?: Gnarljak is a Small Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.