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Shadhavar

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural)

82 (11d10 + 22)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 25 ft (7.6 m)

Climb 25 ft (7.6 m)

Crawl 25 ft (7.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Stealth +4

Languages

understands Elvish and Umbral but can't speak

Traits

Magic Horn

The shadhavar’s Gore attacks are magical.

Shadesight

Magical darkness doesn’t impede the shadhavar’s darkvision.

Actions

Darkness Aura

1/day

A 15-foot radius of magical darkness extends out from the shadhavar, moves with it, and spreads around corners. The darkness lasts as long as the shadhavar maintains concentration, up to 10 minutes (as if concentrating on a spell). Darkvision can't penetrate this darkness, and no natural light can illuminate it. If any of the darkness overlaps with an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell creating the light is dispelled.

Gore

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Hooves

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+2 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The shadhavar makes one Gore attack and one Hooves attack.

Bonus Actions

Plaintive Melody

3/day

The shadhavar plays a captivating melody through its hollow horn. Each creature within 60 feet of the shadhavar that can hear it must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the start of the shadhavar's next turn. While charmed, a creature is incapacitated, its speed is reduced to 0, and the shadhavar has advantage on attack rolls against it.

About Shadhavar

Shadhavar is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 82 hit points (derived from 11d10 + 22).

Shadhavar has communication capabilities including understands Elvish and Umbral but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Shadhavar

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Shadhavar

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 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 Shadhavar?: Shadhavar has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Shadhavar?: Shadhavar is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Shadhavar speak?: Shadhavar can communicate in understands Elvish and Umbral but can't speak.