Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Death Worm

Small · Monstrosity · CR 1 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

13 (natural armor)

44 (8d6+16)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-1

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-4

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 200

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 10 ft (3 m)

Burrow 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Skills

Perception +0

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

lightning

Traits

Detect Life

Can sense the general direction of creatures that aren’t Constructs or Undead within 1 mile of it.

Discharge

When a creature ends its turn within 5 ft. of a death worm the creature takes 2 (1d4) lightning.

Dreaming Venom

iIEvery 24 hrs that elapse it must re-save reducing its hp max by 2 (1d4) on a failure. The poison is neutralized on a success. Target dies if dreaming venom reduces its hp max to 0. This reduction lasts until the poison is neutralized.

Lightning Arc

When a creature starts its turn within 15 ft. of at least two death worms the creature must make DC 14 Dex save or take 5 (2d4) lightning. The creature has disadvantage on the save if it is within 15 ft. of three or more death worms.

Regeneration

Regains 3 hp at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hp.

About Death Worm

Death Worm is a small monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 1. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 13 and possesses 44 hit points (derived from 8d6+16).

GM Tips: Using Death Worm

2 tips available

When using Death Worm 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.
Regeneration Counterplay: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Players must deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Certain damage types (acid, fire) may suppress regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

Player Guide: Facing Death Worm

2 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.
Counter Regeneration: This creature regenerates HP each turn! Deal enough damage to overcome regeneration. Use acid or fire damage if it suppresses regeneration. Plan sustained damage output.

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 3 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 200 XP
Hard: 300 XP
Deadly: 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 Death Worm?: Death Worm has a Challenge Rating of 1, making it appropriate for parties of level 1.0.
What type of creature is Death Worm?: Death Worm is a Small Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.