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Hulking Whelp

Small · Fey · CR 5 · Chaotic Neutral

Armor Class
15 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
94 (9d12 + 36)
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
21
+5
DEX
10
+0
CON
18
+4
INT
7
-2
WIS
14
+2
CHA
9
-1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Small
Type Fey
Alignment Chaotic Neutral
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)
Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)
Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)
Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 12

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Traits

Frightened Anger (Hulking Form Only)

The hulking whelp has disadvantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects that reduce strong emotions, such as the calm emotions spell.

Pacify (Hulking Form Only)

A friendly creature that has interacted peacefully with the hulking whelp in its whelp form can try to calm it by speaking firmly and persuasively. The hulking whelp must be able to hear the creature, who must take an action to make a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If the check succeeds, the hulking whelp transforms back into its whelp form on its next turn and stops attacking. If the hulking whelp takes damage before then, it remains in its hulking form and continues attacking.

Unleashed Emotion (Hulking Form Only)

On each of the hulking whelp’s turns, it attacks the nearest creature it can see. If no creature is near enough to move to and attack, the hulking whelp attacks an object, with preference for an object smaller than itself. If no creature is near enough to move to and attack for two turns in a row, the hulking whelp uses Change Shape to return to its whelp form and stops attacking.

Actions

Multiattack

The hulking whelp makes two Slam attacks.

Slam

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 3d8+5 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Bonus Actions

Change Shape

The hulking whelp transforms into a Huge, hulking canine or back into its true whelp form, which is Fey. Its statistics, other than its size and creature type, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Reactions

Defensive Transformation

When the hulking whelp is hit with an attack or when a creature it can see or hear within 30 feet of it threatens to harm it, it must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or transform into its hulking canine form (see the Change Shape bonus action).

About Hulking Whelp

Hulking Whelp is a small fey with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 94 hit points (derived from 9d12 + 36).

GM Tips: Using Hulking Whelp

2 tips available

When using Hulking Whelp 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 Hulking Whelp

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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 3,000 XP
  • Hard: 4,500 XP
  • Deadly: 6,000 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 Hulking Whelp?
Hulking Whelp has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Hulking Whelp?
Hulking Whelp is a Small Fey, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

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