Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Jaculus

Small · Dragon · CR 3 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (natural armor)

65 (10d6 + 30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Fly 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 5 ft (1.5 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6

Skills

Acrobatics +6 Perception +3 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

acid, lightning

Traits

Spearhead

If the jaculus moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a Bite attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 4 (1d8) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Standing Leap

The jaculus’s long jump is up to 20 feet and its high jump is up to 10 feet, with or without a running start.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Claws

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

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

Multiattack

The jaculus makes one Bite attack and two Claw attacks.

About Jaculus

Jaculus is a small dragon with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 65 hit points (derived from 10d6 + 30).

Jaculus has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Jaculus

1 tips available

When using Jaculus 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.

Player Guide: Facing Jaculus

1 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.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Jaculus?: Jaculus has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Jaculus?: Jaculus is a Small Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Jaculus speak?: Jaculus can communicate in Common, Draconic.