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Dread Examiner

Large · Aberration · CR 21 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

19 (natural armor)

322 (28d10+168)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Aberration

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 33000

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 30 ft (9.1 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Truesight 120 ft (36.6 m)

Passive Perception 23

Saving Throws

Constitution +1 Intelligence +1 Wisdom +1 Charisma +1

Skills

Perception +6

Languages

all, telepathy 120'

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Immunities

poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks

Damage Resistances

acid, cold, fire

Condition Immunities

exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained

Traits

Legendary Resistance (3/Day)

Choose to succeed failed save.

Magic Resistance

Advantage: spell/magic effect saves.

Otherworldly Form

Its form is tentative in its cohesion as well as its adherence to physical laws. Immune to effects that cause the loss of limbs such as the effects of a sword of sharpness or vorpal sword. Immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form and it can move through a space as narrow as 1 foot wide with o squeezing.

Psychic Awareness

If it is being directly observed at the start of its turn it can immediately make a Wis (Perception) check to notice the observer. Once it has noticed the observer it always knows observer’s exact location regardless of cover obscurement or invisibility as long as observer is within 120' of examiner.

Sense Magic

The dread examiner senses magic within 120' of it at will. This trait otherwise works like the detect magic spell but isn’t itself magical.

Legendary Actions

Psychic Surge

Cost 3

The dread examiner releases a wave of psychic energy. Each creature within 20' of it: 21 (6d6) psychic can't use reactions and has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of its next turn. (DC 20 Wis half damage and ignores the other effects.)

Reform

Cost 2

The dread examiner rearranges its disjointed parts and regains 36 (8d8) hp.

Teleport

Cost 1

Magically teleports along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying up to 120' to an unoccupied spot it sees.

About Dread Examiner

Dread Examiner is a large aberration with a Challenge Rating of 21. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 19 and possesses 322 hit points (derived from 28d10+168).

Dread Examiner has communication capabilities including all, telepathy 120'. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Dread Examiner

3 tips available

When using Dread Examiner 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.
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.
Telepathic Communication: This creature can communicate telepathically, making it excellent for coordination with allies. Silence spells won't stop its communication. Consider 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy.

Player Guide: Facing Dread Examiner

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.
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.
Telepathy Awareness: This creature communicates telepathically! It can coordinate with allies silently. Silence won't stop it. Use 'Mind Blank' or abilities that block telepathy. Be cautious of mental attacks.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 21.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 3.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 46,200 XP
Hard: 69,300 XP
Deadly: 92,400 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 Dread Examiner?: Dread Examiner has a Challenge Rating of 21, making it appropriate for parties of level 21.0.
What type of creature is Dread Examiner?: Dread Examiner is a Large Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Dread Examiner speak?: Dread Examiner can communicate in all, telepathy 120'.