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Deathweaver

Huge · Monstrosity · CR 5 · Neutral Evil

Armor Class
16 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
95 (10d12+30)
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
16
+3
DEX
14
+2
CON
17
+3
INT
7
-2
WIS
12
+1
CHA
15
+2

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Huge
Type Monstrosity
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)
Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)
Climb 40 ft (12.2 m)
Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Blindsight 20 ft (6.1 m)
Passive Perception 14

Skills

Perception +4 Stealth +5

Languages

Deep Speech

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
necrotic

Traits

Innate Spellcasting

The deathweaver’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: chill touch
3/day each: darkness, ray of enfeeblement
1/day: vampiric touch

Spider Climb

The deathweaver can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Web Sense

While in contact with a web, the deathweaver knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker

The deathweaver ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Bite

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+3 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the necrotic damage reduces the target to 0 hp, the target is stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hp, and is paralyzed while poisoned this way.

Multiattack

The deathweaver makes two bite attacks.

Web

Recharge 5–6

+5 to hit, range 40/80 ft (12.2/24.4 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 40/80 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is restrained by webbing and takes 3 (1d6) necrotic damage each round. As an action, the restrained target can make a DC 14 Strength check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, necrotic, poison, and psychic damage). A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a web zombie under the deathweaver's control, unless the humanoid is restored to life or its body is destroyed. The deathweaver can have no more than twelve web zombies under its control at one time.

About Deathweaver

Deathweaver is a huge monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 95 hit points (derived from 10d12+30).

Deathweaver has communication capabilities including Deep Speech. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Deathweaver

2 tips available

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

  • Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 40 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
  • 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 Deathweaver

2 strategies available

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

  • Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 40 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
  • 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 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 Deathweaver?
Deathweaver has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Deathweaver?
Deathweaver is a Huge Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Deathweaver speak?
Deathweaver can communicate in Deep Speech.

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