Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Monolith Footman

Large · Construct · CR 3 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

60 (8d10 + 16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Construct

Alignment Neutral

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +1

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

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

Elvish, Umbral

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison, psychic

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks not made with adamantine weapons

Condition Immunities

charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Coldfire Weapons

The monolith footman’s weapon attacks are imbued with blue fey fire and magical. When the footman hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 1d8 cold damage or fire damage (included in the attack), the champion’s choice.

Construct Nature

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

Simple Construction

A critical hit against the footman causes it to burst into pieces and be destroyed. Each creature within 5 feet of the footman must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage.

Actions

Multiattack

The footman makes two Shortsword attacks.

Shortsword

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+2 plus 1d8 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) cold damage or fire damage (the footman's choice). If the target is within a fey court or castle, the target must succeed on a DC 12 Charisma saving throw or become invisible, silent, and paralyzed for 1 minute, while an illusory version of the target under the footman's control remains visible and audible. The illusion shouts to the target's allies for a retreat or similar action. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself and destroying the illusory double on a success.

About Monolith Footman

Monolith Footman is a large construct with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 60 hit points (derived from 8d10 + 16).

Monolith Footman has communication capabilities including Elvish, Umbral. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Monolith Footman

2 tips available

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

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.
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 Monolith Footman

2 strategies available

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

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.
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 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 Monolith Footman?: Monolith Footman has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Monolith Footman?: Monolith Footman is a Large Construct, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Monolith Footman speak?: Monolith Footman can communicate in Elvish, Umbral.