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Compsognathus

Tiny · Beast · CR 1/8 · Unaligned

Armor Class
12
Hit Points and Hit Dice
10 (3d4+3)
Challenge Rating CR
1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
6
-2
DEX
14
+2
CON
12
+1
INT
4
-3
WIS
10
+0
CHA
5
-3

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Tiny
Type Beast
Alignment Unaligned
XP 25
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +2 Stealth +6

Traits

Grasslands Camouflage

The compsognathus has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in tall grass.

Pack Tactics

The compsognathus has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at least one of the compsognathus’ allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

Actions

Bite

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+2 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

About Compsognathus

Compsognathus is a tiny beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 10 hit points (derived from 3d4+3).

GM Tips: Using Compsognathus

1 tips available

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

  • Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Compsognathus

1 strategies available

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

  • Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 14 XP
  • Hard: 21 XP
  • Deadly: 28 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 Compsognathus?
Compsognathus has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Compsognathus?
Compsognathus is a Tiny Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.

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