Tally-Gnaw

small undead, neutral evil

D&D 5.5 / SRD 5.2

Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Available with DM subscription
STR
12 (+1)
DEX
15 (+2)
CON
12 (+1)
INT
6 (-2)
WIS
12 (+1)
CHA
7 (-2)

Defense

Armor Class
12 (natural armor)
Hit Points
22 (4d8+4 +1)
Speed
30 ft., climb 20 ft.

Treasure & Loot Common

No significant treasure

Proficiencies & Senses

Saving Throws dexterity
Skills
Stealth +4, Survival +3
Senses
darkvision 60 ft.
Grave-Sense (The Tally-Gnaw can smell buried metal and bone within 60 feet.)
passive Perception 11

Characteristics

Damage Vulnerabilities
—
Damage Resistances
—
Damage Immunities
poison
Condition Immunities
charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Languages —

Traits and Actions

Sunlight Sensitivity

Trait
Sunlight Sensitivity Custom
While in direct sunlight, the Tally-Gnaw has disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks.

Name-Eater

Trait
Wisdom Saving Throw Rule
Name-Eater Custom
When the Tally-Gnaw damages a creature with its Bite, that creature must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw or forget one name chosen by the GM (its own, an ally's, or a place it has visited) for 1 hour. During this time, the creature cannot speak or write that name.

Barrow Swarm Instinct

Trait
Advantage Custom
If three or more Tally-Gnaws are within 5 feet of each other, they gain advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks while hiding among graves or ruins.

Bite

Action
Melee Weapon Attack Custom
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6+2 piercing damage plus 1d6 necrotic damage.

Running the encounter

Combat Behavior

Tactics

  • Skirmishers targeting readers of grave-brass records.
  • Flee from open flame or lit lanterns.
  • Use climb speed to ambush from walls and ceiling.

Combat Style

Ambush and harass; avoid direct confrontation if possible.

Appearance & presence

Monster Description

Ready to Unleash Your Dungeon Master Potential?

Join thousands of DMs and turbocharge your campaign preparation with Fable Fiesta!

Register, and get access to monster abilities, combat behaviour and lore!

Sign Up Now - It's Free!

No credit card required. Start writing in minutes!