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Forest Emperor

Huge · Aberration · CR 15 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

18 (natural armor)

161 (14d12+70)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 13000

Initiative Bonus +1

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 20

Saving Throws

Constitution +10 Wisdom +10

Skills

Nature +6 Perception +10 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Giant

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

acid, cold; bludgeoning from nonmagical attacks

Traits

Forest Camouflage

The forest emperor has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in forest terrain.

Keen Smell

The forest emperor has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Rattle

The forest emperor constantly rattles its tail when in combat. Each creature that starts its turn within 60 feet of the forest emperor and that can hear it must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the start of its next turn. A creature that succeeds on two saving throws is unaffected by the forest emperor’s rattle for the next 24 hours.

Actions

Acidic Claw

+11 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 3d6+6 plus 2d6 acid damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) acid damage.

Multiattack

The forest emperor makes two claw attacks and one tail attack. If both claws hit the same target, the target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or its hp maximum is reduced by 7 (2d6) and the forest emperor regains hp equal to this amount. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0.

Tail

+11 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d10+6 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Toxic Nectar Spray

Recharge 5–6

The forest emperor sprays a 60-foot cone of acid from its flower-ringed eye pits. Creatures in the path of this cone must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Forest Emperor

Forest Emperor is a huge aberration with a Challenge Rating of 15. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 161 hit points (derived from 14d12+70).

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

GM Tips: Using Forest Emperor

2 tips available

When using Forest Emperor 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.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 30 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.

Player Guide: Facing Forest Emperor

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.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 30 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells 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 15.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 19 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 24,000 XP
Hard: 36,000 XP
Deadly: 48,000 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 Forest Emperor?: Forest Emperor has a Challenge Rating of 15, making it appropriate for parties of level 15.0.
What type of creature is Forest Emperor?: Forest Emperor is a Huge Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Forest Emperor speak?: Forest Emperor can communicate in Common, Giant.