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Zouyu

Huge · Monstrosity · CR 6 · Chaotic Good

Source. Tome of Beasts 2

114 (12d12+36)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Huge

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Chaotic Good

XP 2300

Initiative Bonus +7

Movement

Walk 60 ft (18.3 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 30 ft (9.1 m)

Crawl 30 ft (9.1 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Dexterity +10 Wisdom +4

Skills

Perception +7 Stealth +10

Languages

understands Common but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Vulnerabilities

thunder

Traits

Distance Runner

The zouyu is capable of incredibly fast long-distance travel. When traveling at a fast pace, the zouyu can run 310 miles per day.

Keen Sight and Smell

The zouyu has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight or smell.

Pounce

If the zouyu moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the zouyu can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Actions

Alter Luck

The zouyu flicks its vibrant, multi-stranded tail and alters the luck of one creature it can see within 30 feet of it, choosing one of the following luck options. The zouyu can't target itself with Alter Luck.
* Bestow Luck. The target has advantage on the next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw (zouyu's choice) it makes before the end of its next turn.
* Steal Luck. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on the next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw (zouyu's choice) it makes before the end of its next turn. If the target fails the saving throw, the zouyu has advantage on one attack roll or saving throw it makes before the start of its next turn.

Bite

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d8+7 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) piercing damage.

Claw

+10 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6+7 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage.

Multiattack

The zouyu uses Alter Luck. It then makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

About Zouyu

Zouyu is a huge monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 6. It has a chaotic good alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 17 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from 12d12+36).

Zouyu has communication capabilities including understands Common but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Zouyu

2 tips available

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

Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Zouyu

2 strategies available

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

Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 6.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 9 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 4,200 XP
Hard: 6,300 XP
Deadly: 8,400 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 Zouyu?: Zouyu has a Challenge Rating of 6, making it appropriate for parties of level 6.0.
What type of creature is Zouyu?: Zouyu is a Huge Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Zouyu speak?: Zouyu can communicate in understands Common but can't speak.