Rules Glossary — page 189

CR. Challenge Rating summarizes the threat a monster poses and is detailed in "Monsters." The Experience Points characters receive for defeating a monster and its Proficiency Bonus follow. Some creatures that are created by magic have no CR. See also "Challenge Rating" and "Experience Points."

Traits. The monster's traits, if any, are features that are active at all times or in certain situations.

Actions. The monster can take these actions in addition to those detailed in this glossary. See also "Playing the Game" ("Actions").

Bonus Actions. If the monster has Bonus Action options, they are listed in this section.

Reactions. If the monster can take special Reactions, those are listed in this section.

Attack Notation. The entry for a monster's attack starts by identifying whether the attack is a melee or a ranged attack and then provides the attack roll's bonus, its reach or range, and what happens on a hit. An attack is against one target unless its entry says otherwise.

Saving Throw Effect Notation. If an effect forces a saving throw, the effect's entry starts by identifying the kind of saving throw required and then provides the save's DC, a description of which creatures must make the save, and what happens on a failed or a successful save.

Damage Notation. A stat block usually provides both a static number and a die expression for each instance of damage. For example, an attack might deal 4 (1d4 + 2) damage on a hit. The GM determines whether you use the static number or the die expression in parentheses; you don't use both. Study [Action] When you take the Study action, you make an Intelligence check to study your memory, a book, a clue, or another source of knowledge and call to mind an important piece of information about it.

The Areas of Knowledge table suggests which skills are applicable to various areas of knowledge.

Areas of Knowledge Skill Areas Arcana Spells, magic items, eldritch symbols, magical traditions, planes of existence, and certain creatures (Aberrations, Constructs, Elementals, Fey, and Monstrosities) History Historic events and people, ancient civilizations, wars, and certain creatures (Giants and Humanoids) Investigation Traps, ciphers, riddles, and gadgetry Nature Terrain, flora, weather, and certain creatures (Beasts, Dragons, Oozes, and Plants) Religion Deities, religious hierarchies and rites, holy symbols, cults, and certain creatures (Celestials, Fiends, and Undead) Stunned [Condition] While you have the Stunned condition, you experience the following effects.

Incapacitated. You have the Incapacitated condition.

Saving Throws Affected. You automatically fail

Strength and Dexterity saving throws.

Attacks Affected. Attack rolls against you have Advantage. Suffocation [Hazard] A creature can hold its breath for a number of minutes equal to 1 plus its Constitution modifier (minimum of 30 seconds) before suffocation begins. When a creature runs out of breath or is choking, it gains 1 Exhaustion level at the end of each of its turns. When a creature can breathe again, it removes all levels of Exhaustion it gained from suffocating. Surprise If a creature is caught unawares by the start of combat, that creature is surprised, which causes it to have Disadvantage on its Initiative roll. See also "Playing the Game" ("Combat").

Swimming While you're swimming, each foot of movement costs 1 extra foot (2 extra feet in Difficult Terrain). You ignore this extra cost if you have a Swim Speed and use it to swim. At the GM's option, moving any distance in rough water might require a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check. Swim Speed A Swim Speed can be used to swim without expending the extra movement normally associated with swimming. See also "Swimming" and "Speed."