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Blood Barnacle

Tiny · Beast · CR 1/4 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

13 (natural armor)

25 (10d4)

1/4

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-4

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Tiny

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 50

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 5 ft (1.5 m)

Crawl 5 ft (1.5 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Constitution +2

Skills

Perception +1

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

necrotic

Damage Vulnerabilities

fire

Traits

Barnacle Shivers

Characterized by inescapable cold and shiveringthat slowly pervades victim’s body this is a disease that infects creatures attacked by blood barnacles. Until disease is cured infected creature can’t regain hp except magically and its hp max decreases by 3 (1d6) for every 24 hrs that elapse. Reduction lasts until disease is cured. Creature dies if disease reduces its hp max to 0. A Humanoid or Beast slain by this disease rises 24 hrs later as a zombie. Zombie isn’t under barnacle’s control but it views barnacle as an ally.

Blood Sense

Can pinpoint by scent location of creatures that aren’t Constructs or Undead and that don’t have all of their hp within 60' of it and can sense general direction of such creatures within 1 mile of it.

False Appearance

While motionless indistinguishable from normal barnacle.

Reactions

Host Defense

When a creature damages an attached blood barnacle with anything other than fire creature hosting barnacle must make DC 12 Wis save or use its reaction to protect the barnacle. Barnacle takes half the damage dealt to it and host takes the other half.

About Blood Barnacle

Blood Barnacle is a tiny beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/4. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 25 hit points (derived from 10d4).

GM Tips: Using Blood Barnacle

2 tips available

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

Aquatic Combat: This creature can swim at 30 ft. It has advantage in water environments. Consider fighting on land or using water-based spells against it.
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 Blood Barnacle

2 strategies available

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

Aquatic Combat Defense: This creature can swim at 30 ft! It has advantage in water. Fight on land if possible. Use 'Control Water' or drain water sources to limit its mobility.
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 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 31 XP
Hard: 46 XP
Deadly: 62 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 Blood Barnacle?: Blood Barnacle has a Challenge Rating of 1/4, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.25.
What type of creature is Blood Barnacle?: Blood Barnacle is a Tiny Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.