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Uraeus

Tiny · Celestial · CR 2 · Lawful Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 1 (2023 Edition)

14 (natural armor)

40 (9d4 + 18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Celestial

Alignment Lawful Neutral

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Wisdom +4 Charisma +1

Skills

Perception +4

Languages

understands Celestial and Common but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire, poison

Damage Resistances

radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks

Condition Immunities

poisoned

Traits

Flyby

The uraeus doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.

Magic Resistance

The uraeus has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. While poisoned, the target takes 3 (1d6) fire damage at the start of each of its turns. A poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Searing Breath

Recharge 5–6

The uraeus exhales a 15-foot cone of fire. Each creature in the area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Spit Fire

+4 to hit, range 20/60 ft (6.1/18.3 m). Hit: 4d6+2 fire damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (4d6 + 2) fire damage.

Bonus Actions

Ward Bond

The uraeus forms a magical bond with a willing creature within 5 feet of it. While bonded, the uraeus and its ward know the distance and direction to each other and the general state of each other's health, even if the two are on different planes of existence. The bond lasts until the uraeus or its ward dies, until the uraeus ends it as a bonus action, or until the uraeus uses this bonus action to create a bond with another creature.

Reactions

Bonded Savior

When the uraeus's bonded ward takes damage, the uraeus prevents the ward from taking the damage and loses hp equal to that amount instead, regardless of the type of damage dealt.

About Uraeus

Uraeus is a tiny celestial with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 40 hit points (derived from 9d4 + 18).

Uraeus has communication capabilities including understands Celestial and Common but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Uraeus

2 tips available

When using Uraeus 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.
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.

Player Guide: Facing Uraeus

2 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.
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.

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 Uraeus?: Uraeus has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Uraeus?: Uraeus is a Tiny Celestial, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Uraeus speak?: Uraeus can communicate in understands Celestial and Common but can't speak.