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Nian

Large Monstrosity · Chaotic Neutral · CR 4

  • Monstrosity
  • Large
  • Tier 1
  • Neutral

Nian is a large monstrosity of chaotic neutral alignment, CR 4. Found in mountain. Sourced from Creature Codex.

Stat Block

Challenge Rating
4
Type
Monstrosity
Size
Large
Alignment
Chaotic Neutral
Speed
50, climb 30, swim 30
Habitats
Mountain
Sources
Creature Codex

Ecology

Nian is a magical creature outside the normal ecological taxonomy — too constructed to be a beast, too natural to be an aberration. It is most often found in mountain regions. It is large-sized, which shapes how it hunts, hides, or fights.

Behaviour

Nian is territorial and aggressive; rarely capable of negotiation in any meaningful way. Its Chaotic Neutral alignment shapes how it engages with the world — predictable in tendency, even when unpredictable in detail. It is largely instinct-driven; complex strategy is the work of whoever (or whatever) commands it.

Origin

Nian is introduced in Kobold Press's Creature Codex (2018). Within a campaign, its existence anchors a region with the kind of weight only an old, named species carries.

CR 4 monstersAll MonstrositysMountain

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Frequently Asked Questions about Nian

What is the challenge rating of Nian?
Listed CR for Nian: 4. Match it to a party that fits parties at the start of their adventuring careers.
What type of creature is Nian?
Nian is classified as a monstrosity in D&D 5e, large size, chaotic neutral alignment.
Where does Nian live?
You'll find Nian in Mountain according to the bestiary entry.
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QR code linking to Nian — https://www.doungim.com/dnd/monsters/nian Scannable QR code encoding the URL https://www.doungim.com/dnd/monsters/nian. Point a phone camera at this code to open the Nian page on your mobile device — useful at the table when a DM's laptop or a printed sheet is showing the page.
Scannable QR code encoding the URL https://www.doungim.com/dnd/monsters/nian. Point a phone camera at this code to open the Nian page on your mobile device — useful at the table when a DM's laptop or a printed sheet is showing the page.