Behir

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Behir Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the ancient mountains, where the sun's rays barely penetrate and the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and mystery, lies the domain of the fearsome Behir. This serpentine creature, a monstrous blend of dragon and serpent, is a sight both majestic and terrifying. Its elongated body, covered in shimmering blue scales that reflect the faintest glimmers of light, can stretch up to forty feet in length. Along its spine, a series of jagged, lightning-shaped ridges pulse with an eerie luminescence, hinting at the stormy power that lies within.

The Behir is a solitary predator, known for its cunning and ferocity. It moves with a sinuous grace, its many legs—each tipped with razor-sharp claws—allowing it to traverse the rocky terrain with ease. When it hunts, it does so with a terrifying silence, its presence betrayed only by the faint crackle of static electricity that fills the air. The Behir's eyes, glowing with an unnatural light, are said to pierce the soul, instilling a primal fear in those who dare to meet its gaze.

Legends speak of the Behir as a creature born from the wrath of the storm gods, a living embodiment of their fury. It is said that the Behir can summon the very storms themselves, unleashing bolts of lightning from its maw to smite its foes. Many a traveler has been caught unawares by the sudden onset of a violent storm, only to find themselves face to face with this legendary beast.

The Behir makes its lair in the deepest caverns of the mountains, where it hoards the treasures of those it has slain. These lairs are often littered with the bones of its victims, a grim testament to its lethal prowess. Adventurers who seek to challenge the Behir must tread carefully, for its territory is fraught with danger, and the creature is ever watchful, ready to defend its domain with a ferocity unmatched by any other.

Behir Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +6
• Stealth +5

Senses

• Darkvision 90 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Draconic

Abilities

• Lightning Breath (Recharge 5-6): The behir exhales a line of lightning that is 20 feet long and 5 feet wide. Each creature in the line must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 66 (12d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Swallow: The behir makes one bite attack against a Medium or smaller target it is grappling. If the attack hits, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends. The swallowed target is blinded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks and other effects outside the behir, and it takes 21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the behir's turns. If the behir takes 30 damage or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the behir must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate the swallowed creature, which falls prone in a space within 10 feet of the behir. If the behir dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse using 15 feet of movement, exiting prone.

Actions

• Multiattack: The behir makes two attacks: one with its bite and one to constrict.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (3d10 + 6) piercing damage.
• Constrict: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 16) if it is a Large or smaller creature. Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the behir can't constrict another target.

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Battle Tips for Facing a Behir

The Behir is a formidable creature in any dungeon master's arsenal, known for its serpentine body, lightning breath, and ability to swallow opponents whole. Here are some strategic tips for using a Behir effectively in battle:

Using a Behir in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: The Behir's long, snake-like body allows it to hide in narrow passages or coil around pillars. Use this to your advantage by setting up ambushes where the Behir can strike unexpectedly, catching adventurers off guard.
• Lightning Breath: The Behir's lightning breath is a powerful weapon. Position the Behir to maximize the number of targets in a line, taking advantage of narrow corridors or clustered opponents to deal significant damage.
• Swallow Whole: The Behir can swallow smaller creatures, removing them from the battle temporarily. Use this ability to target key players, such as spellcasters or healers, to disrupt the party's strategy.

Coordinating Multiple Behirs

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Behirs to split the party, forcing them to fight on multiple fronts. This can be particularly effective in large, open spaces where the Behirs can maneuver freely.
• Flanking Maneuvers: Behirs can work together to flank opponents, using their speed and agility to encircle the party. This can create opportunities for devastating lightning breath attacks from multiple angles.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Behirs can use their speed to retreat and regroup. They can then launch a counterattack from a more advantageous position, using their knowledge of the terrain to their benefit.

Fleeing and Survival

• Escape Routes: Plan escape routes for the Behir in advance, using its ability to climb and squeeze through tight spaces. This can allow the Behir to escape if the battle becomes too dangerous.
• Distraction Tactics: If a Behir needs to flee, it can use its lightning breath as a distraction, creating chaos and confusion among the adventurers to cover its retreat.
• Regrouping with Allies: If multiple Behirs are involved, they can regroup at a predetermined location to heal and plan their next move, potentially setting up another ambush.

By leveraging the Behir's unique abilities and coordinating effectively, a dungeon master can create a challenging and memorable encounter for their players.