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Star-Nosed Diopsid

Large · Aberration · CR 9 · Lawful Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts 3

16 (natural)

153 (18d10+54)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Aberration

Alignment Lawful Evil

XP 5000

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Fly 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Constitution +7 Intelligence +7 Wisdom +7

Skills

Perception +3

Languages

Deep Speech, Undercommon, telepathy 100' (300' w/its own kind)

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

nonmagic B/P/S attacks

Traits

Mutagenic Venom

Produces potent poison that envenoms Humanoid victim and slowly transforms it into new diopsid. While envenomed treats all diopsid as if charmed by them. Every 24 hrs that elapse victim : DC 16 Con save reducing hp max by 5 (2d4) on failure. Reduction lasts until creature finishes long rest after venom removed. Creature dies if this reduces hp max to 0. Humanoid that dies from this horrifically transformed becoming new diopsid and losing all memory of its former life. Poison remains within creature’s body until removed by greater restoration or similar.

About Star-Nosed Diopsid

Star-Nosed Diopsid is a large aberration with a Challenge Rating of 9. It has a lawful evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 153 hit points (derived from 18d10+54).

Star-Nosed Diopsid has communication capabilities including Deep Speech, Undercommon, telepathy 100' (300' w/its own kind). This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Star-Nosed Diopsid

3 tips available

When using Star-Nosed Diopsid 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.
Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 15 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.
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 Star-Nosed Diopsid

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.
Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 15 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.
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 9.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 12 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 9,000 XP
Hard: 13,500 XP
Deadly: 18,000 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 Star-Nosed Diopsid?: Star-Nosed Diopsid has a Challenge Rating of 9, making it appropriate for parties of level 9.0.
What type of creature is Star-Nosed Diopsid?: Star-Nosed Diopsid is a Large Aberration, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Star-Nosed Diopsid speak?: Star-Nosed Diopsid can communicate in Deep Speech, Undercommon, telepathy 100' (300' w/its own kind).