Monster Creation Cheatsheet

by DragonLadyDM

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Silvery's Monster Statblocks I
Statblocks Cheatsheet for Building Creatures with CR 1/8-12 for Dungeon Master's and Homebrew Creators

Table Of Contents

  • [Full Caster]

  • [Half Caster]

  • [Innate Casting]

  • [Statblocks]

  • [CR:1/8-1/4]

  • [CR:1/2-1]

  • [CR:2-3]

  • [CR:4-5]

  • [CR:6-7]

  • [CR:8-9]

  • [CR:10-11]

  • [CR:12]

  • [CR:13]

  • [Bonus: List of Existing Monsters by CR]

Monster Cheatsheet

The goal of this handout is to outline creature CRs to make creature creation and encounter buildilng easier.

It's true that editing an existing monster is easier than creation your own. But what about when you really do what to make your own? And how about NPCs that actually have actions and abilities and skills?

Sections

There are just 2 sections in this preview which are:

  • Spellcasting
  • Black Monster Statblocks 0-9

This is a DRAFT and should not be shared outside of: SilveryDepths.live

Customizing Monsters

At this point you can customize the monster more and more and it becomes difficult to figure out the CR of an adjusted or brand new creature design. So because of the use of these CR templates for such creature creations. I have broken the CR8+ statblocks up into Offensive and Defensive CR scores. These can be different, and allow the reveal of which stats where altered for game enhancement. Adding weapons, items, or sheilds can also change these.

Creating Monsters, DMG or go to DMG pg 274

Average Dice
Size Ref Die Average Result
Tiny d4 2.5
Small d6 3.5
Medium d8 4.5
Large d10 5.5
Huge d12 6.5
Gargantuan d20 10.5
"Let’s talk about how Challenge is determined"

A monster’s Challenge is the average of its Defensive Challenge and its Offensive Challenge. Take the two numbers, add them together, and divide by 2. If the creature has a Defensive Challenge of 4 and an Offensive Challenge of 1, its Challenge is 3 ((4 + 1) / 2 = 2.5, round up to 3).

So, how do you determine Offensive and Defensive Challenge?

First, you open your DMG to page 274. You start by finding the creature’s hit points on the table. And whatever row that is, that’s the starting Defensive Challenge. Now, look at the Armor Class on that table. Is your monster’s AC above or below that? For every two points above the AC on the table, increase the Defensive Challenge to the next highest one. For every two points below the AC on the table, decrease the Defensive Challenge to next lowest one.

For example, you have a creature with an AC 17 and HP 66 (6d6+12). 66 HP puts it in the Challenge 1/2 row, right? But a Challenge 1/2 creature is expected to have an AC 13. My AC is 17, four points higher. So I have to bump up the Defensive Challenge by moving down two rows. I go from 1/2 to 1 to 2. My Defensive Challenge is 2.

What about Offensive Challenge? Well, that starts with the average damage per round. For most creatures, you can simply look at their most damaging attack. Whatever the fixed damage is, that’s the damage output. Find that on the table. Then, look at the Attack Bonus or the Save DC (depending on whether it uses an attack roll or allows a save) on the table. And just like with AC, you adjust the Offensive Challenge up or down for every two points by which the monster’s Attack Bonus or Save DC differs from the one given on the table.

For example, you have a creature that attacks with a shortbow. It has +5 Attack and does 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage. The damage makes it a Challenge 1/2 . But its Attack Bonus is two points higher than the expected +3 for a Challenge 1/2 creature. So we have to increase the Challenge once. The Offensive Challenge is 1.

What’s the final Challenge for that creature? It’s 2. We add the Offensive and Defensive Challenge, divide by two, and then round up. 1 + 2 is 3, divided by 2 is 1.5, rounded up is 2. Got it?

NPC/Monster Spellcasting Abilities

FULL SPELLCASTER

For Wizards, Clerics, Sorcerers, Druids, etc.

Spellcasting (1st level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 1st-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 4-6)

Cantrips: choose 3 (costs 2 points ea)

1st level (2-3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)


Spellcasting (2nd level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 2nd-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 13-14, +5 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 14-17)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (2-3 slots): choose 0-1 (costs 3 points ea)


Spellcasting (3rd level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 3rd-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 15, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 27-32)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (2-3slots): choose 0-1 (costs 5 points ea)


Spellcasting (4th level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 4th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 15, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 38-44)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (1-2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 6 points ea)


Spellcasting (5th level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 16, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 57-64)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (3 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 6 points ea)

5th level (1-2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)


Spellcasting (6th level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 17, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 73)

Cantrips: choose 4

1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)

5th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)

6th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)


Spellcasting (7th level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 7th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 18, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 83)

Cantrips: choose 4

1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)

5th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)

6th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)

7th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 10 points ea)


Spellcasting (8th level spellcaster, full).

This creature is a 8th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 18, +9 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 94)

Cantrips: choose 4

1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)

5th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)

6th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)

7th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 10 points ea)

8th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 11 points ea)


Spellcasting (9th level spellcaster, full). This creature is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 18, +9 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (Spell Points: 107, 114, 123, 133)

Cantrips: choose 4

1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)

4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)

5th level (3 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)

6th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)

7th level (1-2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 10 points ea)

8th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 11 points ea)

9th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 13 points ea)

HALF CASTERS

Great for Rangers, multiclassed, arcane trickster rogue, etc

Spellcasting (1st level spellcaster, half).

This creature is a 1st-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells (L 2-4, spells known 3)

Cantrips: choose 2-3

1st level (2-3 slots): choose 3


Spellcasting (2nd level spellcaster, half).

This creature is a 2nd-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 13-14, +5 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (L 5-8, spells known 5)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3

2nd level (2-3 slots): choose 2


Spellcasting (3rd level spellcaster, half).

This creature is a 3rd-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 15, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (L 9-12, spells known 7)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3

3rd level (2-3slots): choose 1


Spellcasting (4th level spellcaster, half).

This creature is a 4th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 15, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (L 13-16, spells known 9)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3

3rd level (3): choose 2

4th level (1-2 slots): choose 1


Spellcasting (5th level spellcaster, half).

This creature is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 16, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells. (L 17-20, spells known 11)

Cantrips: choose 3

1st level (4 slots): choose 3

2nd level (3 slots): choose 3

3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3

4th level (3 slots): choose 1-2

5th level (1-2 slots): choose 1

Innate Spellcasting

Innate Spellcasting your innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (or Wisdom). There are three spells listed in the description. The first is a bonus cantrip you can use starting at 1st level, the second spell listed may be used starting at 3rd level, and the last may be used starting at 5th level. The spells you learn at 3rd and 5th level may only be used once and your ability to cast them is regained after you complete a short rest.

Choose 3-7 spells, then decide if they are leveled, times a day, and per short vs long rest

Innate Spellcasting.

Example CR 4 Innate Spellcasting (Lamia)

The lamia’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components.

At will: disguise self (any humanoid form), major image

3/day each: charm person, mirror image, scrying, suggestion

1/day: geas


Example CR 21 Innate Spellcasting (Solar):

The solar’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 25). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: detect evil and good, invisibility (self only)

3/day each: blade barrier, dispel evil and good, resurrection

1/day each: commune, control weather

Reference Tables

Spell Damage Table
Spell Level Cost per Spell (points) One Target Multiple Targets
Cantrip - 1d10 1d6
1st 2 2d10 2d6
2nd 3 3d10 4d6
3rd 5 5d10 6d6
4th 6 6d10 7d6
5th 7 8d10 8d6
6th 9 10d10 11d6
7th 10 11d10 12d6
8th 11 12d10 13d6
9th 13 15d10 14d6
Spellcaster Table
Level/CR Max Spell Level T. Sp. Points
1 1st 4
2 1st 6
3 2nd 14
4 2nd 17
5 3rd 27
6 3rd 32
7 4th 38
8 4th 44
9 5th 57
10 5th 64
11 6th 73
12 6th 73
13 7th 83
14 7th 83
15 8th 94
16 8th 94
17 9th 107
18 9th 114
19 9th 123
20 9th 133
Armor Class
Type Name Class Disadvantage Stealth
Light Padded, Leather 11 + DEX Padded
Light Studded Leather 12 + DEX -
Medium Hide 12 + DEX -
Medium Chain Shirt 13 + DEX -
Medium Scale Mail, Breastplate 14 + DEX Scale Mail
Medium Half Plate 15 + DEX Half Plate
Heavy Ring Mail 14 (STG 13) YES
Heavy Chain Mail 16 (STG 15) YES
Heavy Splint 17 (STG 15) YES
Heavy Plate 18 (STG 15) YES
Shield - +2 -
Shield, Buckler - +1 -
Simple Ranged Damage/Size
Die Name
d4 Dart (finesse), Sling
d6 Shortbow (80/320)
d8 Crossbow, Light (80/320)
Martial Ranged Weapons
Die Name
2 Blowgun
d6 Crossbow, hand (30/120)
d8 Longbow (150/600)
d10 Crossbow, heavy (100/400)
Simple Melee Weapons
Die Name
d4 Club, Dagger (thrown), Sickle, Light Hammer (t)
d6 Handaxe (t), Javelin (t), Mace, Quarterstaff (Versitile), Spear (t,v)
d8 Greatclub (two-handed)
Martial Melee Weapons
Die Name
d4 Whip (f) (reach)
d6 Scimitar (f), Shortsword (f), Trident (t,v)
d8 Battleaxe (v), Flail, Longsword (v), Morningstar, Rapier (f), War Pick, Warhammer (v)
d10 **
Heavy Martial Melee Weapons
Die Name
2d6 Greatsword (2h), Maul (2h)
d10 Glaive (r, 2h), Halberd (r, 2h), Pike (r, 2h)
d12 Greataxe (2h), Lance (r)

CR 1/8 Creature

size type, alignment (example: giant rat)

  • Armor Class 13
  • Hit Points 7-35
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • DPR 2-3
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 1/8 (25 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 15)

  • Senses passive Perception 9
  • Languages --

Racial Trait. Here.

Racial Trait. OR natural weapon .

Actions

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 (+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 4 (1d4 + 2)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 (+DEX) to hit, reach 10/60 ft., one target. Hit 4 (1d4 + 2)

CR 1/4 Creature

size type, alignment (example: goblin)

  • Armor Class 13
  • Hit Points 4-5
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • DPR 2-3
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 1/8 (50 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 15)

  • Senses passive Perception 9
  • Skills One Proficient skill
  • Languages --

Racial Trait. Here.

Racial Trait. OR natural weapon .

Actions

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 (+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 5 (1d6 + 2)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 (+DEX) to hit, reach 20/100 ft., one target. Hit 5 (1d6 + 2)

CR 1/2 Creature

size type, alignment (example: orc)

  • Armor Class 13 (hide)
  • Hit Points 50-70
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • Attack Bonus +3
  • DPR 6-8
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 1/2 (100 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16)

  • Senses passive Perception 10
  • Skills One Proficient skill
  • Languages --

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait. Here .

Actions

*Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d12 + 3)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 (+DEX) to hit, reach 20/100 ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d6 + 3)

CR 1 Creature (ex: animated armor)

size type, alignment

  • Armor Class 13 (hide)
  • Hit Points 71-85
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • Attack Bonus +3
  • DPR 9-14
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 1 (200 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16)

  • Damage Immunitites
  • Condition Immunities
  • Senses passive Perception 10
  • Skills One Proficient skill
  • Languages --

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait. Here.

Actions

*Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 9 (1d12 + 3)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 (+DEX) to hit, reach 20/100 ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d6 + 3)

CR 2 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: awakend tree)

  • Armor Class 13 (hide)
  • Hit Points 86-100
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • Attack Bonus +3
  • DPR 15-20
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 2 (450 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 10
  • Skills One Proficient skill
  • Languages +1

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-2 unique traits/abilities from L4 class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

*Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 7 (1d10 + 3)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/ ft., one target. Hit 6 (1d6 + 3)

CR 3 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: ankylosaurus)

  • Armor Class 13-15 (natural)
  • Hit Points 101-115
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • Attack Bonus +4
  • DPR 21-24
  • Spell Save DC 13
  • Challenge 3 (700 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 18)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 10
  • Skills One Proficient skill
  • Languages +1

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-3 unique traits/abilities from L4 class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

*Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks. OR one attack that does double the damage (18) per hit

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d10 + 4)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 4)

CR 4 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: succubus)

  • Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 116-130
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +2
  • Attack Bonus +5
  • DPR 25-26
  • Spell Save DC 14
  • Challenge 4 (1100 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 18) ASI (2)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
  • Languages +2

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-3 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d10 + 5)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 5)

CR 4 Creatures

Banshee, Black Pudding, Bone Naga, Chuul, Couatl, Elephant, Ettin, Flameskull, Ghost, Guardian Wolf, Helmed Horror, Incubus, Lamia, Lizard King/Queen, Orc War Chief, Red Dragon Wrymling, Sea Hag, Shadow Demon, Succubus, Wereboar, Weretiger
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 5 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: succubus)

  • Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 131-145
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +3
  • Attack Bonus +6
  • DPR 27-32
  • Spell Save DC 15
  • Challenge 5 (1800 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 2, 5, 8, 10, 14, 18) +ASI (2)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
  • Languages +2

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-4 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

CR 5 Creatures

Air Elemental, Barbed Devil, Barlgura, Beholder Zombie, Bulette, Cambion, Dust Devil, Fire Elemental, Flesh Golum, Giant Crocodile, Giant Shark, Gladiator, Gorgon, Green Hag, Hill Giant, Mezzoloth, Night Hag, Otyugh, Red Slaad, Revenant, Roper, Sahuagin Baron, Salamander, Shambling Mound, Triceratops, Troll, Umber Hulk, Unicorn, Vampire Spawn, Water Elemental, Werebear, Wraith, Xorn, Young Remorhaz
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 6 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: mammoth, medusa)

  • Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 146-160
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +3
  • Attack Bonus +6
  • DPR 33-38
  • Spell Save DC 15
  • Challenge 6 (2,300 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (2)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
  • Languages +2

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (1d10 + 6)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

CR 6 Creatures

Chasme, Chimera, Cyclops, Drider, Galeb Duhr, Githizerai Zerth, Hobgoblin Warlord, Invisable Stalker, Mage, Mammoth, Medusa, Vrock, Wyvern, Young Brass Dragon, Young White Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 7 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: shield guardian)

  • Armor Class 14-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 161-175
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +3
  • Attack Bonus +6
  • DPR 45-50
  • Spell Save DC 15
  • Challenge 5 (1800 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (2)

  • Saving Throws if any
  • Damage Immunitites if any (up to 2, take away trait)
  • Condition Immunities if any (up to 2, take away multiattack)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 Proficient skill (depending on class)
  • Languages +2

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Actions

Multiattack This creature makes two melee/ranged attacks. OR has special ability/action/attack.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+STG) to hit, reach 60/120 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

CR 7 Creatures

Blue Slaad, Drow Mage, Giant Ape, Grick Alpha, Mind Flayer, Night Hag, Oni, Shield Guardian, Stone Giant, Young Black Dragon, Y Copper Dragon, Yuan-ti Abomination
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 8 Creatures

Assassin, Chain Devil, Cloaker, Drow Priestess of Lolth, Fomorian, Frost Giant, Githyanki Knight, Green Slaad, Hezrou, Hydra, Mind Flayer Arcanist, Spirit Naga, T-Rex, Y Bronze Dragon, Y Green Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 8 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: spirit naga, frost giant)

  • Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 176-190
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +3
  • Attack Bonus +7
  • DPR 51-56
  • Spell Save DC 16
  • Challenge 8 (3,900 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (4)

  • Saving Throws if any (1-3)
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X

Defensive

Defensive CR

CR 9 Creatures

Abominable Yeti, Bone Devil, Clay Golem, Cloud Giant, Fire Giant, Glabrezu, Grey Slaad, Nycaloth, Treant, Young Blue Dragon, Y Silver Dragon
Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 9 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: shield guardian)

  • Armor Class 15-16 (natural, hide, leather)
  • Hit Points 191-205
  • Speed
  • Prof. Bonus +4
  • Attack Bonus +7
  • DPR 45-50
  • Spell Save DC 16
  • Challenge 9 (5,000 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 4, 6, 8, 10/12, 14/16, 16/18) +ASI (4)

  • Saving Throws if any (1-3)
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 1-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X

Defense

Defensive CR

CR 10 Creatures

Aboleth, Death Slaad, Deva, Guardian Naga, Stone Golem, Yochlol, Young Gold Dragon, Y Red Dragon

CR 11 Creatures

Behir, Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, Gynosphinx, Horned Devil, Marid, Remorhaz

CR 10 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: aboleth)

  • Armor Class 17
  • Hit Points 206-220
  • Speed size
  • Prof. Bonus +4
  • Attack Bonus +7
  • DPR 63-68
  • Spell Save DC 16
  • Challenge 10 (5,900 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 8, 10, 14, 15, 16/18, 18/20) +ASI (4)

  • Saving Throws if any (1-3)
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Resistances if any (*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 2-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 2-3 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +(Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X

Defensive

Defensive CR

Legendary Actions

1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK

  • Cost 1: Make a skill check
  • Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
  • Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp, spell cast, command, or action

CR 11 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: Behir)

  • Armor Class 17
  • Hit Points 221-235
  • Speed size
  • Prof. Bonus +4
  • Attack Bonus +8
  • DPR 69-74
  • Spell Save DC 17
  • Challenge 11 (7.200 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 7, 11, 14, 15, 16/18, 18/20) +ASI (4)

  • Saving Throws if any (1-3)
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Resistances if any (*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 2-4 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 2 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X

Special Attack. Dealing additional, double damage such as a breath weapon or effect/condition that causes a saving throw to negate.

Defense

Defensive CR

Legendary Actions

1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK

  • Cost 1: Make a skill check
  • Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
  • Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp, spell cast, command, or action

CR 12 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: adult crystal dragon)

  • Armor Class 17
  • Hit Points 236-250
  • Speed size
  • Prof. Bonus +4
  • Attack Bonus +8
  • DPR 75-80
  • Spell Save DC 17
  • Challenge 12 (8,400 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 10/12, 12/14, 14/16, 15/17, 16/18, 18/20) +ASI (5)

  • Saving Throws 2-3
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Resistances if any (*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 3-6 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Spellcasting

Spellcasting (6th level spellcaster, full). This creature is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is INT/WIS/CHA (spell save DC 17, +8 to hit with spell attacks). He knows the following CLASS spells.
Spell Points: 73

Cantrips: choose 4
1st level (4 slots): choose 4-5 (costs 2 points ea)
2nd level (3 slots): choose 3-4 (costs 3 points ea)
3rd level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 5 points ea)
4th level (3 slots): choose 2-3 (costs 6 points ea)
5th level (2 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 7 points ea)
6th level (1 slots): choose 1-2 (costs 9 points ea)

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 3 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +(Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit X

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit X

Defensive

Defensive CR

Legendary Actions

1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK

  • Cost 1: Make a skill check
  • Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
  • Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp, spell cast, command, or action
  • Legendary Resistance (3/day) OK
CR 12 Creatures

Arcanaloth, Archmage, Erinyes,

CR 13 Creature

size type (tiny-huge), alignment (ex: Behir)

  • Armor Class 17
  • Hit Points 221-235
  • Speed size
  • Prof. Bonus +4
  • Attack Bonus +8
  • DPR 69-74
  • Spell Save DC 17
  • Challenge 11 (7.200 xp)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)

(Bucket: 10/12, 12/14, 14/16, 15/17, 16/18, 18/20) +ASI (5)

  • Saving Throws 2-3
  • Damage Immunitites if any (more than 2, up the CR by 1 per 2 additions*)
  • Resistances if any (*)
  • Condition Immunities if any (*)
  • Senses passive Perception 12
  • Skills 3-6 proficient skills (depending on class) (*)
  • Languages +2 (*)

Racial Trait. Here.

Class Trait/s. 1-5 unique traits/abilities from class such as Spellcasting or Reactions

Offense

Offensive CR:

Multiattack This creature makes 2 melee/ranged attacks.

Melee Attack. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ STG/DEX) to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d10 + 6)

Ranged Attack. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 (Prof+ DEX) to hit, reach 120/240 ft., one target. Hit 10 (2d6 + 6)

Special Attack. Dealing additional, double damage such as a breath weapon or effect/condition that causes a saving throw to negate.

Defense

Defensive CR

Legendary Actions

1-3 Legendary/Villianous/Liar/Envirnomental OK

  • Cost 1: Make a skill check
  • Cost 1: Make a single attack (melee usually)
  • Cost 2: Special attack such as breath weapon, stomp, spell cast, command, or action
  • Legendary Resistance (3/day) OK
CR 13 Creatures

Adult Brass Dragon, A White Dragon, Beholder, Nalfeshnee, Rakshasa, Storm Giant, Ultroloth, Vampire, Young Red Shadow Dragon

Bonus! Creature CR List

Lists from: MM, DMG, PH

CR 4 Creatures

Banshee, Black Pudding, Bone Naga, Chuul, Couatl, Elephant, Ettin, Flameskull, Ghost, Guardian Wolf, Helmed Horror, Incubus, Lamia, Lizard King/Queen, Orc War Chief, Red Dragon Wrymling, Sea Hag, Shadow Demon, Succubus, Wereboar, Weretiger

CR 5 Creatures

Air Elemental, Barbed Devil, Barlgura, Beholder Zombie, Bulette, Cambion, Dust Devil, Fire Elemental, Flesh Golum, Giant Crocodile, Giant Shark, Gladiator, Gorgon, Green Hag, Hill Giant, Mezzoloth, Night Hag, Otyugh, Red Slaad, Revenant, Roper, Sahuagin Baron, Salamander, Shambling Mound, Triceratops, Troll, Umber Hulk, Unicorn, Vampire Spawn, Water Elemental, Werebear, Wraith, Xorn, Young Remorhaz

CR 6 Creatures

Chasme, Chimera, Cyclops, Drider, Galeb Duhr, Githizerai Zerth, Hobgoblin Warlord, Invisable Stalker, Mage, Mammoth, Medusa, Vrock, Wyvern, Young Brass Dragon, Young White Dragon

CR 7 Creatures

Blue Slaad, Drow Mage, Giant Ape, Grick Alpha, Mind Flayer, Night Hag, Oni, Shield Guardian, Stone Giant, Young Black Dragon, Y Copper Dragon, Yuan-ti Abomination

CR 8 Creatures

Assassin, Chain Devil, Cloaker, Drow Priestess of Lolth, Fomorian, Frost Giant, Githyanki Knight, Green Slaad, Hezrou, Hydra, Mind Flayer Arcanist, Spirit Naga, T-Rex, Y Bronze Dragon, Y Green Dragon

CR 9 Creatures

Abominable Yeti, Bone Devil, Clay Golem, Cloud Giant, Fire Giant, Glabrezu, Grey Slaad, Nycaloth, Treant, Young Blue Dragon, Y Silver Dragon

CR 10 Creatures

Aboleth, Death Slaad, Deva, Guardian Naga, Stone Golem, Yochlol, Young Gold Dragon, Y Red Dragon

CR 11 Creatures

Behir, Dao, Djinni, Efreeti, Gynosphinx, Horned Devil, Marid, Remorhaz

CR 12 Creatures

Arcanaloth, Archmage, Erinyes,

CR 13 Creatures

Adult Brass Dragon, A White Dragon, Beholder, Nalfeshnee, Rakshasa, Storm Giant, Ultroloth, Vampire, Young Red Shadow Dragon

CR 14 Creatures

Adult Black Dragon, A Copper Dragon, Death Tyrant, Ice Devil

CR 15 Creatures

Adult Bronze Dragon, A Green Dragon, Mummy Lord, Purple Worm, Vampire Spellcaster, Vampire Warrior

CR 16 Creatures

Adult Blue Dragon, A Silver Dragon, Iron Golem, Marilith, Planetar

CR 17 Creatures

Adult Blue Dracolich, A Gold Dragon, A Red Dracolich, Androsphinx, Death Knight, Dragon Turtle, Goristro

CR 18 Creatures

Demilich

CR 19 Creatures

Bahor

CR 20 Creatures

Ancient Brass Dragon, Anc. White Dragon, Pit Fiend

Making Sense

of Creating Monsters

This ebook is meant to help you build new monsters by exploring existing CR monsters. This book contains Challenge Rating 1/8-12 monster statblocks, that you can customize to your own design while remaining balanced with other monsters of that rating.

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