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Stellar Rorqual

Gargantuan · Aberration · CR 12 · Neutral

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

14 (natural armor)

165 (10d20+60)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral

XP 8400

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Fly 80 ft (24.4 m)

Swim 40 ft (12.2 m)

Senses

Blindsight 360 ft (109.7 m)

Passive Perception 18

Saving Throws

Dexterity +2 Wisdom +6

Skills

Perception +8

Languages

understands Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 360.0 ft (109.7 m).

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold, fire, radiant

Damage Resistances

force

Traits

Mouth Compartment

The stellar rorqual’s mouth is a compartment that is 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, and 30 feet high with a single entry and exit. The rorqual can control the ambient pressure, temperature, gravity, moisture, and breathable air levels inside its mouth, allowing creatures and objects within it to exist comfortably in spite of conditions outside the rorqual. Creatures and objects within the rorqual have total cover against attacks and other effects outside the rorqual. As an action, a creature inside the rorqual can interact with the crystalline growths inside the rorqual’s mouth and sense what the rorqual senses, gaining the benefits of its blindsight.

Stellar Burst

When the stellar rorqual dies, it releases all of its stored solar energy in a massive explosion. Each creature within 120 feet of the rorqual must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) fire damage and 21 (6d6) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Void Flier

When flying between stars, the stellar rorqual magically glides on solar winds, making the immense journey through the Void in an impossibly short time.

Actions

Energy Burst

+8 to hit, range 120 ft (36.6 m). Hit: 7d6 force damage.

Ranged Spell Attack: +8 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 24 (7d6) force damage.

Head Smash

+12 to hit, reach 10 ft (3 m). Hit: 4d10+8 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d10 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Multiattack

The stellar rorqual makes two attacks: one with its head smash and one with its tail slap. Alternatively, it can use Energy Burst twice.

Planar Dive

The stellar rorqual can transport itself and any willing creature inside its mouth to the Astral, Ethereal, or Material Planes or to the Void. This works like the plane shift spell, except the stellar rorqual can transport any number of willing creatures as long as they are inside its mouth. The stellar rorqual can't use this action to banish an unwilling creature.

Tail Slap

+12 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 4d8+8 bludgeoning damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

About Stellar Rorqual

Stellar Rorqual is a gargantuan aberration with a Challenge Rating of 12. It has a neutral alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 165 hit points (derived from 10d20+60).

Stellar Rorqual has communication capabilities including understands Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 360 ft.. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Stellar Rorqual

3 tips available

When using Stellar Rorqual 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.
Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 40 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Stellar Rorqual

3 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.
Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 40 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 12.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 16 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 15,600 XP
Hard: 23,400 XP
Deadly: 31,200 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 Stellar Rorqual?: Stellar Rorqual has a Challenge Rating of 12, making it appropriate for parties of level 12.0.
What type of creature is Stellar Rorqual?: Stellar Rorqual is a Gargantuan Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Stellar Rorqual speak?: Stellar Rorqual can communicate in understands Void Speech but can't speak, telepathy 360 ft..