Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ash Phoenix

Large · Undead · CR 9 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

105 (14d10+28)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Undead

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Fly 90 ft (27.4 m)

Hover Yes

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Wisdom +5

Skills

Perception +5 Stealth +8

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

necrotic, poison

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks

Damage Vulnerabilities

radiant

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone

Traits

False Appearance

While the ash phoenix hovers and remains motionless, except for drifting on air currents, it is indistinguishable from a normal cloud of ash and smoke.

Rejuvenation

If the ash phoenix’s birth site hasn’t been purified by holy rites, a destroyed ash phoenix gains a new body in 1d10 days, regaining all its hp and becoming active again. The new body appears within 5 feet of its birth site.

Shadow Stealth

While in dim light or darkness, the ash phoenix can take the Hide action as a bonus action.

Wind Weakness

While in an area of strong wind (at least 20 miles per hour), the ash phoenix has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Actions

Ash Storm

Recharge 5–6

The ash phoenix furiously beats its wings, throwing clinging ash into a 30-foot cone. Each creature in the area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 28 (8d6) necrotic damage and is blinded until the end of its next turn. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't blinded.

Ash Talons

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+5 plus 2d6 fire damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.

Multiattack

The ash phoenix makes two ash talon attacks. If both attacks hit the same target, the phoenix plunges its beak into the target, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or take 7 (2d6) necrotic damage. The ash phoenix regains hp equal to half the necrotic damage dealt.

About Ash Phoenix

Ash Phoenix is a large undead with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 105 hit points (derived from 14d10+28).

GM Tips: Using Ash Phoenix

2 tips available

When using Ash Phoenix 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 Ash Phoenix

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 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 Ash Phoenix?: Ash Phoenix has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Ash Phoenix?: Ash Phoenix is a Large Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.