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Manggus

Large · Giant · CR 5 · Chaotic Evil

Armor Class
14 (hide armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
127 (15d10+45)
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
18
+4
DEX
14
+2
CON
16
+3
INT
8
-1
WIS
7
-2
CHA
9
-1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Large
Type Giant
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 8

Saving Throws

Constitution +6

Skills

Intimidation +5

Languages

Common, Giant

Resistances & Immunities

Condition Immunities
frightened

Traits

Roaring Transformation

When the manggus changes from its true form into its hydra form, it unleashes a mighty roar. Each creature within 30 feet of it and that can hear the roar must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of its next turn. If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is also paralyzed until the end of its next turn. If a creature’s saving throw is successful, it is immune to the Roaring Transformation of all manggus for the next 24 hours.

Shapechanger

The manggus can use its action to polymorph into a Large, three-headed hydra, 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. The manggus reverts to its true form if it dies.

Three-Headed (Hydra Form Only)

The manggus has three heads. While it has more than one head, the manggus has advantage on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious.

Whenever the manggus takes 15 or more damage in a single turn, one of its heads dies. If all its heads die and the manggus still lives, the manggus immediately reverts to its true form and can’t change into its hydra form again until it finishes a long rest.

At the end of its turn, the manggus regrows two heads for each of its heads that died since its last turn, unless it has taken fire damage since its last turn. The manggus regains 5 hp for each head regrown in this way.

Actions

Bite

+7 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 1d10+4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.

Greataxe

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d12+4 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage.

Multiattack

In hydra form, the manggus makes as many bite attacks as it has heads. In giant form, it makes two greataxe attacks.

About Manggus

Manggus is a large giant with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 127 hit points (derived from 15d10+45).

Manggus has communication capabilities including Common, Giant. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Manggus

1 tips available

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

  • 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 Manggus

1 strategies available

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

  • 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 5.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 3,000 XP
  • Hard: 4,500 XP
  • Deadly: 6,000 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 Manggus?
Manggus has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
What type of creature is Manggus?
Manggus is a Large Giant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Manggus speak?
Manggus can communicate in Common, Giant.

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