Giant Lizard
Large Beast, unaligned
50 XP
Special Abilities
Variant: Hold Breath
The lizard can hold its breath for 15 minutes. (A lizard that has this trait also has a swimming speed of 30 feet.)
Variant: Spider Climb
The lizard can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Actions
Bite
Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Quick Reference
Running This Encounter
Giant Lizards are relatively straightforward combat encounters best used as environmental hazards or minor threats. Have them use their natural camouflage in rocky or sandy terrain, potentially surprising the party with an ambush. They can serve as guardians of a location, treasure, or NPC. Consider using multiple lizards to create a more challenging encounter.
Combat Tactics
Giant Lizards rely on their bite attack and will pursue prey relentlessly once engaged. They lack sophisticated tactics and will simply charge at the nearest opponent, making them predictable but dangerous in groups.
Environment & Setting
Giant Lizards thrive in arid regions, rocky outcrops, desert ruins, or warm underground caverns. They are most memorable when encountered in their natural habitat where terrain provides cover and climbing opportunities.