Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Brumalek

Small · Beast · CR 1/2 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

40 (9d6+9)

1/2

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-3

DEX

CON

INT

-3

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 100

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Skills

Perception +1

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

thunder

Damage Resistances

cold

Condition Immunities

deafened

Traits

Pack Tactics

Advantage on attacks vs. creature if 1+ unincapacitated attacker ally is within 5 ft. of target.

Snow Stride

A brumalek can burrow through nonmagical snow and earth. While doing so it doesn’t disturb the material it moves through. In addition difficult terrain composed of snow doesn’t cost it extra movement.

Bonus Actions

Skittish

Can take the Dash or Disengage action.

About Brumalek

Brumalek is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 40 hit points (derived from 9d6+9).

GM Tips: Using Brumalek

3 tips available

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

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 20 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.
Climbing Advantage: This creature can climb at 20 ft. It can use walls and ceilings for tactical positioning. Consider using 'Spider Climb' negation or fighting in open areas without vertical surfaces.
Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Brumalek

3 strategies available

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

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 20 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
Climbing Defense: This creature can climb at 20 ft! It can use walls and ceilings for surprise attacks. Fight in open areas without vertical surfaces. 'Spider Climb' negation spells can help.
Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

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: 75 XP
Hard: 112 XP
Deadly: 150 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 Brumalek?: Brumalek has a Challenge Rating of 1/2, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.5.
What type of creature is Brumalek?: Brumalek is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.