Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Kezai

Medium · Monstrosity · CR 4 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

16 (natural armor)

67 (9d8+27)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 1100

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 50 ft (15.2 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

fire

Traits

Nauseous Gas

The kezai produces a faint, nauseating gas. Any creature that starts its turn within 20 feet of the kezai must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 2 (1d4) poison damage. The area within 20 feet of the kezai is lightly obscured by the thin gas.

Actions

Claw

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The kezai makes three attacks: one with its poison barb and two with its claws.

Poison Barb

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4+4 poison damage.

Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 7 (2d6) poison damage and is poisoned for 1 minute. On a success, the creature takes half the damage and isn't poisoned. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. While poisoned in this way, the creature takes 3 (1d6) poison damage at the start of each of its turns.

Searing Acid

Recharge 6

The kezai's mandibles drip a searing acid, instantly igniting the gas around it. Each creature within 20 feet of the kezai must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The kezai's Nauseous Gas trait becomes inactive for 1 minute. The kezai can't use Searing Gas unless Nauseous Gas has been active for at least 1 minute.

About Kezai

Kezai is a medium monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 67 hit points (derived from 9d8+27).

GM Tips: Using Kezai

2 tips available

When using Kezai 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.
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 Kezai

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.
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 Kezai?: Kezai has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Kezai?: Kezai is a Medium Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.