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Lava Keeper

Huge · Elemental · CR 18 · Lawful Neutral

Armor Class
18 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
276 (24d12+120)
Challenge Rating CR
18

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
24
+7
DEX
10
+0
CON
21
+5
INT
10
+0
WIS
18
+4
CHA
12
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Huge
Type Elemental
Alignment Lawful Neutral
XP 20000
Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

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

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Tremorsense 120 ft (36.6 m)
Passive Perception 20

Saving Throws

Constitution +11 Wisdom +10

Skills

History +12 Perception +10

Languages

Ignan, Terran

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
fire, poison
Damage Resistances
acid, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities
exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone

Traits

Innate Spellcasting

The lava keeper’s innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: move earth, stone shape
3/day each: wall of fire, wall of stone
1/day each: conjure elemental (earth or fire elemental only), earthquake, fire storm

Lava Dribble

Each creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of the lava keeper must make a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Actions

Fumarole

Recharge 5–6

The crater between the lava keeper's shoulders erupts in a plume of fire, rock, and toxic smoke. Each creature within 60 feet of the lava keeper must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 21 (6d6) bludgeoning damage and 21 (6d6) fire damage and becomes poisoned for 1 minute. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and isn't poisoned. A poisoned target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. The eruption surrounds the lava keeper in a 20-foot-radius sphere of smoke, considered heavily obscured until the end of its next turn. A wind of moderate or greater speed (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses the smoke.

Lava Lob

+13 to hit, range 60/240 ft (18.3/73.2 m). Hit: 6d6 fire damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (6d6) fire damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or take 10 (3d6) fire damage at the start of its next turn.

Multiattack

The lava keeper makes four slam attacks. Alternatively, it can use its Lava Lob twice.

Slam

+13 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 4d8+7 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage.

About Lava Keeper

Lava Keeper is a huge elemental with a Challenge Rating of 18. It has a lawful neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 276 hit points (derived from 24d12+120).

Lava Keeper has communication capabilities including Ignan, Terran. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Lava Keeper

2 tips available

When using Lava Keeper in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 40 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.
  • 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 Lava Keeper

2 strategies available

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

  • Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 40 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
  • 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 18.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 34,200 XP
  • Hard: 51,300 XP
  • Deadly: 68,400 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 Lava Keeper?
Lava Keeper has a Challenge Rating of 18, making it appropriate for parties of level 18.0.
What type of creature is Lava Keeper?
Lava Keeper is a Huge Elemental, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Lava Keeper speak?
Lava Keeper can communicate in Ignan, Terran.

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