Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Anzu

Large · Monstrosity · CR 9 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

16 (natural armor)

152 (16d10+64)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Neutral

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 90 ft (27.4 m)

Passive Perception 16

Skills

Perception +6

Languages

Common, Primordial

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

fire, lightning

Traits

Keen Sight

The anzu has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Bite

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+5 plus 2d6 lightning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) lightning damage.

Breath Weapons

Recharge 5–6

The anzu uses one of the following breath weapons:
* Fire Breath. The anzu exhales fire in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 45 (10d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
* Water Breath. The anzu exhales a wave of water in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 38 (11d6) bludgeoning damage and is pushed up to 30 feet away from the anzu and knocked prone. On a success, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed or knocked prone.

Lightning Relocation

The anzu teleports up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. When it does, it briefly transforms into a bolt of lightning, flashes upwards, then crashes down unharmed at its destination. Each creature within 5 feet of the anzu's starting location or destination must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one. A creature within 5 feet of both locations makes this saving throw only once.

Multiattack

The anzu makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its talons.

Talons

+9 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+5 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.

About Anzu

Anzu is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 152 hit points (derived from 16d10+64).

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

GM Tips: Using Anzu

3 tips available

When using Anzu 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.
Lightning Damage Awareness: Lightning attacks often have long range and high speed. Advise players to use cover and avoid metal armor/weapons. Water surfaces amplify lightning damage - avoid fighting near water.

Player Guide: Facing Anzu

3 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.
Lightning Damage Protection: This creature deals lightning damage! Avoid metal armor and weapons. Use cover and avoid water surfaces. 'Iron Skin' or 'Protection from Energy' can help.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Anzu?: Anzu has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Anzu?: Anzu is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Anzu speak?: Anzu can communicate in Common, Primordial.