Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Cactid

Large · Plant · CR 3 · Unaligned

Source. Tome of Beasts

14 (natural armor)

76 (8d10+32)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

-1

CON

INT

-2

WIS

CHA

-1

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Plant

Alignment Unaligned

XP 700

Initiative Bonus -1

Movement

Walk 5 ft (1.5 m)

Swim 2 ft (0.6 m)

Climb 2 ft (0.6 m)

Crawl 2 ft (0.6 m)

Senses

Blindsight 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Languages

understands Sylvan, but can't speak

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

bludgeoning, piercing

Damage Vulnerabilities

fire

Condition Immunities

blinded, deafened

Environments

Desert

Traits

Hail of Needles (1/Day)

When reduced below 10 hp (even below 0 hp), the cactid releases a hail of needles as a reaction. All creatures within 15 feet take 21 (6d6) piercing damage, or half damage with a successful DC 14 Dexterity saving throw.

Actions

Multiattack

The cactid makes two attacks with its tendrils and uses Reel.

Reel

Each creature grappled by the cactid is pulled up to 5 feet straight toward the cactid.

Tendril

+5 to hit, reach 15 ft (4.6 m). Hit: 2d6 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) piercing damage, and a Medium or smaller target is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained. If the target is neither undead nor a construct, the cactid drains the target's body fluids; at the start of each of the target's turns, the target must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature's hit point maximum is reduced by 3 (1d6). If a creature's hit point maximum is reduced to 0 by this effect, the creature dies. This reduction lasts until the creature finishes a long rest and drinks abundant water or until it receives a greater restoration spell or comparable magic. The cactid has two tendrils, each of which can grapple one target at a time.

About Cactid

Cactid is a large plant with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 76 hit points (derived from 8d10+32).

Cactid has communication capabilities including understands Sylvan, but can't speak. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Cactid

2 tips available

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

Mid-level Encounter: Ideal for parties levels 3-8 as solo or small groups
Terrain Advantage: Use terrain to offset moderate combat abilities

Player Guide: Facing Cactid

2 strategies available

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

Moderate Threat: Prepare standard combat tactics
Tactical Advantage: Use terrain and positioning

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 3.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 5 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 1,200 XP
Hard: 1,800 XP
Deadly: 2,400 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 Cactid?: Cactid has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Cactid?: Cactid is a Large Plant, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Cactid speak?: Cactid can communicate in understands Sylvan, but can't speak.