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Ortifex

Medium · Undead · CR 4 · Neutral Evil

Armor Class
12 (natural armor)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
78 (12d8+24)
Challenge Rating CR
4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
17
+3
DEX
10
+0
CON
15
+2
INT
8
-1
WIS
13
+1
CHA
12
+1

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Undead
Alignment Neutral Evil
XP 1100
Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)
Hover Yes

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)
Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Constitution +4 Wisdom +3

Languages

understands the languages of its creator but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities
poison
Condition Immunities
blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, poisoned, prone

Traits

Blood Bearer

A creature that subsists on blood, such as a vampire, can use its action while within 5 feet of the ortifex to drain blood from it. The creature can drain up to the ortifex’s current temporary hp, regaining hp equal to that amount. The ortifex then loses temporary hp equal to that amount.

Blood Sense

The ortifex can pinpoint the location of creatures that aren’t constructs or undead within 60 feet of it and can sense the general direction of such creatures within 1 mile of it.

Hypnotic Heartbeat

A creature that can hear the ortifex’s heartbeat and starts its turn within 60 feet of the ortifex must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the start of its next turn. While charmed, it is incapacitated and must move toward the ortifex by the most direct route on its turn, trying to get within 5 feet of the ortifex. It doesn’t avoid opportunity attacks, but before moving into damaging terrain, such as lava or a pit, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on a success.

Unless surprised, a creature can plug its ears to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it is deafened until it unplugs its ears. If the creature unplugs its ears while still within range of the ortifex’s heartbeat, it must immediately make the saving throw.

Actions

Blood Siphon

Recharge 6

The ortifex drains blood from nearby creatures. Each creature within 20 feet of the ortifex must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The ortifex gains temporary hp equal to the single highest amount of necrotic damage dealt. If it gains temporary hp from this action while it still has temporary hp from a previous use of this action, the temporary hp add together. The ortifex's temporary hp can't exceed half its hp maximum. A creature that doesn't have blood is immune to Blood Siphon.

Slam

+5 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d8+3 plus 2d6 necrotic damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.

About Ortifex

Ortifex is a medium undead with a Challenge Rating of 4. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 78 hit points (derived from 12d8+24).

Ortifex has communication capabilities including understands the languages of its creator but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Ortifex

1 tips available

When using Ortifex 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.

Player Guide: Facing Ortifex

1 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.

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 Ortifex?
Ortifex has a Challenge Rating of 4, making it appropriate for parties of level 4.0.
What type of creature is Ortifex?
Ortifex is a Medium Undead, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Ortifex speak?
Ortifex can communicate in understands the languages of its creator but can't speak.

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