Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Jaculus

Small · Dragon · CR 3 · Neutral Evil

Source. Tome of Beasts

18 (natural armor)

65 (10d6+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Dragon

Alignment Neutral Evil

XP 700

Initiative Bonus +4

Movement

Walk 20 ft (6.1 m)

Fly 10 ft (3 m)

Swim 10 ft (3 m)

Climb 20 ft (6.1 m)

Crawl 10 ft (3 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 13

Saving Throws

Strength +4 Dexterity +6 Constitution +5 Wisdom +3 Charisma +3

Skills

Acrobatics +6 Perception +3 Stealth +6

Languages

Common, Draconic

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

acid, lightning

Environments

Forest or Jungle

Traits

Spearhead

If the jaculus moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and hits that target with a jaws attack on the same turn, the jaws attack does an extra 4 (1d8) piercing damage.

Actions

Claws

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d6 slashing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Jaws

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 2d4 piercing damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Multiattack

The jaculus makes one jaws attack and one claws attack.

About Jaculus

Jaculus is a small dragon with a Challenge Rating of 3. It has a neutral evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 65 hit points (derived from 10d6+30).

Jaculus has communication capabilities including Common, Draconic. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Jaculus

2 tips available

When using Jaculus 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.

Player Guide: Facing Jaculus

2 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.

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 Jaculus?: Jaculus has a Challenge Rating of 3, making it appropriate for parties of level 3.0.
What type of creature is Jaculus?: Jaculus is a Small Dragon, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Jaculus speak?: Jaculus can communicate in Common, Draconic.