Monster Monday round 2! This time we are focusing on Behirs. Clearly, I only post monsters that start with the letter “B”, maybe I will continue the streak next week. Have an idea for the next monster? Post a comment below!
Just as I said last week, we want to focus on what is in the Monster Manual, so if information on Behirs is contained elsewhere, I try not to focus on it.
Behir Basics:
Behirs were created (yes, created) long ago by Storm Giants to fight against the dragons of old. And looking at their stats, they match up well against them. They are huge, quick, stealthy, and full of hit points. A Behir rarely will set up its lair near a dragon. If one moves in close, the Behir will either drive it off or leave itself. Behirs are highly territorial, and rarely will live close to another of its type, let alone let travelers pass through. Behirs typically set up their lair in large caverns or deep pits. They have a very good climbing speed and while not climbing, can fold in their arms and slither like a snake to move faster.
A Behir has better darkvision than your typical player, as well as high passive perception. Therefore, the Behir will rarely let anything sneak up on it. The Behir has a high enough intelligence to at least corner themselves in the lair to not allow anything to literally stab it in the back. More likely, the Behir is going to try to strike first. The Behir knows Draconic, but with its intelligence, it likely doesn’t care for what intruders have to say.
Behir Attack & Strategy:
Behirs have a large array of attacks that it can use. Like I said before, the Behir will attempt to go first, ideally up on a wall or ceiling, and it will always always ALWAYS use its lightning breath first. It guarantees damage and is its strongest attack, while also requiring a recharge. Typically recharge attacks will be used first so that they have more chances to recharge. IF SOMEHOW the Behir is snuck up on and has two or fewer creatures within melee range at the start of it’s turn, it will use its Multiattack instead.
The Behir will use its Multiattack whenever it does not have its Lightning Breath. It always starts with its Constrict attack, so that if it hits with both the creature is also swallowed. The Behir will use this as intimidation as needed.
The Behir will also always move on its turn, and when possible (almost always possible in its lair), climb up the walls. This helps keep it out of melee range, while also keeping it’s attacks possible.
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Adventures of an Average DM 