Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Greater Lunarchidna

Medium · Aberration · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

16 (natural armor)

58 (9d8+18)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 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)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Constitution +4 Wisdom +3

Skills

Perception +3 Stealth +7

Languages

Deep Speech, Elvish

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison

Condition Immunities

poisoned, restrained

Traits

Spellcasting

The lunarchidna is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with spell attacks). The lunarchidna has the following wizard spells prepared:

Cantrips (At Will): minor illusion, mage hand, poison spray, ray of frost
1st Level (4 slots): detect magic, magic missile, shield
2nd Level (3 slots): alter self, suggestion

Spider Climb

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

Sunlight Sensitivity

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

Web Walker

The lunarchidna ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Bite

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

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hp maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hp maximum to 0.

Claw

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4+3 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The lunarchidna makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws. If the lunarchidna hits a Medium or smaller target with both attacks on the same turn, the target is restrained by webbing and the lunarchidna uses Wrap Up.

Web

Recharge 5–6

Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 30/60 ft., one creature. Hit: The target is restrained by webbing. As an action the restrained target can make a DC 13 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, poison, and psychic damage).

Wrap Up

The lunarchidna wraps up a Medium or smaller creature restrained by webbing. The wrapped target is blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe, and it must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of the lunarchidna's turns or take 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage. The webbing can be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 15; vulnerability to fire damage; immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage). The lunarchidna can have only one creature wrapped at a time.

About Greater Lunarchidna

Greater Lunarchidna is a medium aberration with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 58 hit points (derived from 9d8+18).

Greater Lunarchidna has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, Elvish. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Greater Lunarchidna

2 tips available

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

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.
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 Greater Lunarchidna

2 strategies available

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

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.
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 4.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 6 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 2,000 XP
Hard: 3,000 XP
Deadly: 4,000 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 Greater Lunarchidna?: Greater Lunarchidna has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Greater Lunarchidna?: Greater Lunarchidna is a Medium Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Greater Lunarchidna speak?: Greater Lunarchidna can communicate in Deep Speech, Elvish.