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Aniwye

Large · Monstrosity · CR 5 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

15 (natural armor)

102 (12d10+36)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1800

Initiative Bonus +2

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 16

Skills

Perception +6 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Giant

Traits

Shapechanger

The aniwye can use its action to polymorph into a Large ogre or Huge hill giant, or back into its true form, which is a skunk-like monstrosity. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form, with the exception that only the aniwye’s skunk form retains its burrowing and climbing speeds. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Unstable Form

If the aniwye takes 30 or more points of damage on a single turn while in ogre or giant form, it can immediately shift to its skunk form.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Claw

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 slashing damage.

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

Deadly Musk

Recharge 5–6

(Skunk Form Only) The aniwye releases a cloud of highly poisonous musk from its tail in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 24 (7d6) poison damage and is stunned until the end of its next turn. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't stunned.

Multiattack

In ogre or giant form, the aniwye makes two slam attacks. In skunk form, it makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Rock

+7 to hit, range 60/240 ft (18.3/73.2 m). Hit: 3d10+4 bludgeoning damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Slam

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

About Aniwye

Aniwye is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 102 hit points (derived from 12d10+36).

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

GM Tips: Using Aniwye

2 tips available

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

Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Aniwye

2 strategies available

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

Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 3,000 XP
Hard: 4,500 XP
Deadly: 6,000 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 Aniwye?: Aniwye has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Aniwye?: Aniwye is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Aniwye speak?: Aniwye can communicate in Common, Giant.