Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Hraesvelgr

Huge · Giant · CR 19 · Titan)

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

19 (natural armor)

241 (21d12 + 105)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Giant

Alignment Titan)

XP 22000

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 120 ft (36.6 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 60 ft (18.3 m)

Climb 60 ft (18.3 m)

Crawl 60 ft (18.3 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 19

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Intelligence +9 Wisdom +9 Charisma +11

Skills

Athletics +13 Perception +9 Survival +9

Languages

Auran, Common, Giant (can't speak in roc form)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Resistances

lightning, thunder

Condition Immunities

exhaustion

Traits

Influence Weather

Nearby weather responds to Hraesvelgr’s desires. At the start of each minute, Hraesvelgr can choose to change the precipitation and wind within 3 miles of him by one stage, up or down (no action required). This effect works like the changing weather conditions aspect of the control weather spell, except Hraesvelgr can’t change the temperature and the conditions change immediately.

Keen Sight (Roc Form Only)

Hraesvelgr has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

If Hraesvelgr fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Beak

+13 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 4d8+7 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) piercing damage.

Fist

+13 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d8+7 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

Gale Blast

+11 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 2d8+5 plus 2d6 cold damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage.

Multiattack

Hraesvelgr makes one Beak attack and two Talon attacks, or he makes three Fist attacks. Alternatively, he can make three Gale Blast attacks. If two Fist attacks hit one creature, the target must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

Sudden Gust

Recharge 5–6

Hraesvelgr unleashes a powerful gust of wind in a 60-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a DC 19 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 63 (18d6) bludgeoning damage and is pushed up to 15 feet away from Hraesvelgr. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't pushed.

Swallow

Hraesvelgr makes one Beak attack against a Large or smaller creature he is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is also swallowed, and the grapple ends. While swallowed, the creature is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside Hraesvelgr, and it takes 17 (5d6) acid damage at the start of each of Hraesvelgr's turns. Hraesvelgr can have only one creature swallowed at a time.

Talons

+13 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+7 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (3d6 + 7) slashing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 17). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained. Hraesvelgr has two talons, each of which can grapple only one target.

Bonus Actions

Attack

Hraesvelgr makes a Fist or Talons attack.

Change Shape

Hraesvelgr transforms into a roc or back into his true form, which is a Giant. His statistics, other than his speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment he is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. He reverts to his true form if he dies.

Ear-Splitting Screech

Cost 2

Hraesvelgr lets out an ear-splitting screech. Each creature within 30 feet of Hraesvelgr must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or take 14 (4d6) thunder damage and be deafened until the end of its next turn.

Move

Hraesvelgr moves up to his speed, or flies up to half his flying speed if in roc form, without provoking opportunity attacks.

Legendary Actions

Attack

Cost 1

Hraesvelgr makes a Fist or Talons attack.

Ear-Splitting Screech

Cost 2

Move

Cost 1

Hraesvelgr moves up to his speed, or flies up to half his flying speed if in roc form, without provoking opportunity attacks.

About Hraesvelgr

Hraesvelgr is a huge giant with a Challenge Rating of 19. It has a titan) alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 241 hit points (derived from 21d12 + 105).

Hraesvelgr has communication capabilities including Auran, Common, Giant (can't speak in roc form). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Hraesvelgr

2 tips available

When using Hraesvelgr 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.
Cold Damage Strategy: Cold-based attacks can slow or freeze. Prepare 'Heat Metal' or fire spells as countermeasures. Ice terrain can be used to create difficult terrain for melee characters.

Player Guide: Facing Hraesvelgr

2 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.
Cold Damage Protection: This creature deals cold damage! Get cold resistance or use fire spells. Avoid water surfaces - they can freeze and create difficult terrain. 'Heat Metal' can counter cold.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 19.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 38,000 XP
Hard: 57,000 XP
Deadly: 76,000 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 Hraesvelgr?: Hraesvelgr has a Challenge Rating of 19, making it appropriate for parties of level 19.0.
What type of creature is Hraesvelgr?: Hraesvelgr is a Huge Giant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Hraesvelgr speak?: Hraesvelgr can communicate in Auran, Common, Giant (can't speak in roc form).