Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Dawnfly

Gargantuan · Beast · CR 19 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

21 (natural armor)

261 (18d20+72)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Gargantuan

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 22000

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 90 ft (27.4 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Blindsight 90 ft (27.4 m)

Passive Perception 12

Skills

Perception +2

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

cold, fire; nonmagic bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing attacks

Condition Immunities

charmed, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned

Traits

Flyby

Doesn't provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of reach.

Siege Monster

Double damage to objects/structures.

Unsettling Drone

Creature that starts turn within 10 ft. of dawnfly: DC 19 Con save or incapacitated until start of its next turn. Deafened creatures have advantage. Success: immune to this 24 hrs.

Bonus Actions

Winged Inferno

Rapidly beats wings igniting them until start of next turn. Shed bright light in 20' radius dim light extra 20'. Creature that touches dawnfly or hits it with melee attack while within 5 ft. of it: 7 (2d6) fire. Also when creature starts turn within 5 ft. of dawnfly creature: DC 19 Dex save or 7 (2d6) fire. Effect ends early if dawnfly stops flying.

Legendary Actions

Dust Burst

Cost 1

Its wings shed blinding dust within 10 ft. of it. Each creature in the area: DC 19 Con save or be blinded until end of its next turn.

Fiery Downburst

Cost 2

15 ft. cone hot air downdraft. All in area: 9 (2d8) bludgeoning damage and 7 (2d6) fire pushed up to 15 ft. from dawnfly in direction following cone and knocked prone (DC 19 Str half damage not pushed/prone).

Snatch and Drop

Cost 3

Flies up to half its fly speed making one Tail attack at creature within reach on the way. Hits: creature grappled carried and dropped at end of move; normal fall damage.

About Dawnfly

Dawnfly is a gargantuan beast with a Challenge Rating of 19. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 21 and possesses 261 hit points (derived from 18d20+72).

GM Tips: Using Dawnfly

3 tips available

When using Dawnfly 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.
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.
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 Dawnfly

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.
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.
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 19.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 38,000 XP
Hard: 57,000 XP
Deadly: 76,000 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 Dawnfly?: Dawnfly has a Challenge Rating of 19, making it appropriate for parties of level 19.0.
What type of creature is Dawnfly?: Dawnfly is a Gargantuan Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.