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Rime Worm

Large · Elemental · CR 6 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

15 (natural armor)

114 (12d10 + 48)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Elemental

Alignment Unaligned

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Stealth +5

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold

Traits

Amphibious

The rime worm can breathe air and water.

Icy Body

A creature that touches the rime worm or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 4 (1d8) cold damage.

Snow Camouflage

The rime worm has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in snowy terrain.

Snow Stride

The rime worm can burrow through nonmagical snow and ice in addition to sand, earth, and mud. In addition, difficult terrain composed of snow or ice doesn’t cost it extra movement.

Actions

Black Ice Spray

Recharge 5–6

The rime worm sprays slivers of ice in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The area then becomes icy, difficult terrain for 1 minute.

Freeze Prey

One creature grappled by the rime worm must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be petrified in ice for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. A petrified creature that takes fire damage has advantage on the saving throw.

Multiattack

The rime worm makes two Rime Tendril attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Freeze Prey.

Rime Tendril

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d6+5 plus 2d8 cold damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage plus 9 (2d8) cold damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 15) if it is a Medium or smaller creature and the rime worm doesn't have another creature grappled.

About Rime Worm

Rime Worm is a large elemental with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d10 + 48).

GM Tips: Using Rime Worm

3 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 30 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.
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 Rime Worm

3 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 30 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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 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 Rime Worm?: Rime Worm has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Rime Worm?: Rime Worm is a Large Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.