The Bone Naga is an undead serpent-like creature from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, typically found in tombs, crypts, and cursed ruins. This overview presents the official stat block, explains each trait and action, and outlines how it fits into encounter design. Use this as a durable reference for players and Dungeon Masters who want a fact-first breakdown of the Bone Naga’s capabilities, resistances, and tactical behavior.
Quick Reference: Bone Naga Core Stats
Below are the essential numbers and traits at a glance, followed by a full breakdown.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge Rating | 4 (1,100 XP) | Monster Manual |
| Size | Medium | Physical description |
| Type | Undead | Creature type line |
| Armor Class | 16 (Natural Armor) | Best defense value |
| Hit Points | 97 (13d8 + 40) | Average of 108 |
| Speed | 30 ft., climb 30 ft. | Land and climb |
| Damage Resistances | Cold, Necrotic, Poison | Undead traits |
| Damage Immunities | Poison | Type immunity |
| Condition Immunities | Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone | Undead traits |
| Senses | Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 | Base sensory profile |
| Languages | Understands Common and Abyssal but can’t speak | Linguistic trait |
| Ability Scores | Str 16 (+3), Dex 14 (+2), Con —, Int 10 (+0), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 6 (-2) | Score array |
Full Stat Block (Monster Manual)
Use this section as the single source of truth for the official numbers and text.
Traits
- Undead Fortitude: If damage reduces the Bone Naga to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 8) or be destroyed. On a success, it drops to 1 hit point instead.
- Immutable Form: The Bone Naga is immune to any spell or effect that would alter its form.
- Magic Resistance: The Bone Naga has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
- Spider Climb: The Bone Naga can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
- Innate Spellcasting: Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). At will: detect magic, at will: spider climb.
Actions
- Multiattack: The Bone Naga makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its tail.
- Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
- Tail: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
- Frightful Presence (Recharge 5–6): Each creature of the Bone Naga’s choice that is within 120 feet and aware of it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns.
Legendary Actions
The Bone Naga can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The Bone Naga regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Detect: The Bone Naga makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
- Tail Attack: The Bone Naga makes a tail attack.
- Create Spawn (Costs 2 Actions): The Bone Naga magically animates a corpse within 10 feet of it, creating a skeleton with its own stat block.
Ability Highlights and Interpretations
Several traits make the Bone Naga particularly durable and flexible in combat. Its immunities neutralize common control and damage effects, while resistances reduce incoming harm from multiple damage types. Spider Climb and Frightful Presence give it strong battlefield positioning and area control. The Create Spawn legendary action rewards tactical play by giving the DM tools to adjust encounter difficulty on the fly.
Tactical Considerations for DMs
Position the Bone Naga in environments that reward verticality—ruined stairwells, crypt galleries, or temple rafters. Use Frightful Presence to split the party and force concentration checks on key casters. Leverage its immunities to negate spells like Hold Person or poison-based attacks. Treat its legendary actions as budget-friendly reactions that can prolong fights without overwhelming the party.
Tips for Players
When facing a Bone Naga, prioritize spells or effects that ignore resistances, such as radiant damage, and avoid relying solely on fear or charm effects. Ranged characters can exploit its climb speed by attacking from difficult positions. In social encounters, a successful check against its passive Wisdom (Perception) can reveal unease even though it cannot speak.
Summary
The Bone Naga stat block delivers a resilient undead monster with climbing, spellcasting, and battlefield control options. Understanding its resistances, immunities, and legendary reactions helps both DMs integrate it into campaigns and players plan effective responses. Treat it as a durable encounter tool that rewards tactical positioning and creative use of action economy.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Magic Resistance affect counterspelling?
Yes. Advantage on saving throws extends to spellcasting attempts targeting the Bone Naga, making counterspelling with a contested check more difficult.
Can Undead Fortitude trigger when the creature is disintegrated?
No. Disintegration is a instantaneous kill effect not subject to saving throws, so Undead Fortitude does not apply.
Are the immunities cumulative with resistances?
Immunities and resistances are separate mechanics: immunity means no damage at all from that type; resistance halves damage from that type if it would otherwise apply.
How often can Frightful Presence be used?
Frightful Presence recharges on a 5–6, meaning it can appear roughly once every two to three long rests on average.
What qualifies as a corpse for Create Spawn?
The DM’s discretion applies, but as a baseline the corpse must be Medium size or smaller and not include magical enhancements like attuned armor or sentient constructs.