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Herald of Slaughter

Large · Fiend · CR 11 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
15 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
133 (14d10+56)
Challenge Rating CR
11

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
18
+4
DEX
10
+0
CON
19
+4
INT
12
+1
WIS
12
+1
CHA
18
+4

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Fiend
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 7200
Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

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

Senses

Darkvision 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 15

Saving Throws

Strength +8 Dexterity +4 Wisdom +5 Charisma +8

Skills

Athletics +8 Deception +8 Perception +5 Persuasion +8

Languages

Abyssal, Common, Infernal

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
necrotic, poison, psychic
Damage Resistances
cold, fire, lightning, slashing
Condition Immunities
charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned

Traits

Corrupting Aura

The calm emotions spell instantly fails when cast within 60 feet of the herald. In addition, any creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of the herald must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or grow hostile. On its turn, a hostile creature must move to and make one attack against the nearest creature other than the herald. If no other creature is near enough to move to and attack, the hostile creature stalks off in a random direction, seeking a target for its hostility. At the start of each of the herald’s turn, it chooses whether this aura is active.

Innate Spellcasting

The herald’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: detect thoughts
3/day: charm person, fear, suggestion
1/day: modify memory, seeming

Magic Weapons

The herald’s weapon attacks are magical.

Shapechanger

The herald can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid it has seen, or back into its true form. Its statistics, other than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

Actions

Cleaver

+8 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d10+4 plus 2d8 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage.

Enkindle Hate

+8 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 4d8 fire damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (4d8) fire damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn.

Gore

+8 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 2d10+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Multiattack

The herald of slaughter makes three attacks: one with its gore and two with its cleaver. Alternatively, it can use Enkindle Hate twice. If it hits one target with Enkindle Hate twice using this action, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Charisma saving throw or use its reaction to immediately move up to half its speed and make one melee attack against a random target within range.

About Herald of Slaughter

Herald of Slaughter is a large fiend with a Challenge Rating of 11. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 133 hit points (derived from 14d10+56).

Herald of Slaughter has communication capabilities including Abyssal, Common, Infernal. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Herald of Slaughter

2 tips available

When using Herald of Slaughter in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • 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.
  • Shapechanging Tactics: This creature can change form, potentially gaining new abilities or escaping. Use 'True Seeing' or abilities that reveal true form. Consider finishing blows before it transforms.

Player Guide: Facing Herald of Slaughter

2 strategies available

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

  • 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.
  • Counter Shapechanging: This creature can change form! Use 'True Seeing' to see its true form. Finish it quickly before it transforms. 'Dispel Magic' might prevent transformation.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 11.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 15 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 13,200 XP
  • Hard: 19,800 XP
  • Deadly: 26,400 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 Herald of Slaughter?
Herald of Slaughter has a Challenge Rating of 11, making it appropriate for parties of level 11.0.
What type of creature is Herald of Slaughter?
Herald of Slaughter is a Large Fiend, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Herald of Slaughter speak?
Herald of Slaughter can communicate in Abyssal, Common, Infernal.

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