Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Gray Orc

Medium · Humanoid · CR 1/4 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

15 (2d8+6)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-1

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 40 ft (12.2 m)

Swim 20 ft (6.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 20 ft (6.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 30 ft (9.1 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Acrobatics +5 Athletics +4 Perception +2 Stealth +7

Languages

Orc

Traits

Aggressive

As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature it can see.

Magic Absorption

When the gray orc is hit by a spell or is in the area of a spell, it regains hp equal to the spell’s level. This trait doesn’t counter the spell or negate its damage or effects. The orc regains the hp after the spell is resolved.

Pack Tactics

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

Silent Hunters

Adept at surviving in a dark and quiet world below the ground, gray orcs instinctively know how to move, hunt, and kill without making the slightest sound. When they hunt, gray orcs paint their pale skin with swirls of a mushroom-based black resin. They often form the resin into runes or symbols of their gods as a way of honoring the gods and asking for success on the hunt.

Sunlight Sensitivity

While in sunlight, the gray orc has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Claws

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage.

About Gray Orc

Gray Orc is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 15 hit points (derived from 2d8+6).

Gray Orc has communication capabilities including Orc. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Gray Orc

3 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 20 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.
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.
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 Gray Orc

3 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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.
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: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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 Gray Orc?: Gray Orc has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Gray Orc?: Gray Orc is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Gray Orc speak?: Gray Orc can communicate in Orc.