Multiattack actions simply specify the name 'Multiattack' and the other Actions which may be used when the creature's Multiattack action is used, including the number of times each may be used (if more than once). Makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. The dragon can use its Frightful Presence. In D&D 5e the use of move actions is normally described in the Speed section near the very top of the monster stat block.Д¬ombat-viable monsters almost universally have at least one Action and the majority of Actions are some form of attack, either as a direct attack or indirectly by enabling attacks, Multiattack being the most common of these.ДЄctions appear to fall in five specific categories and these always seem to occur in the following order with in the Actions section, when present. Indeed a number of monster actions which could be considered movement are implemented using Actions and Bonus Actions, such as the Etherealness action of the Ghost. Move actions are not formally expressed actions in D&D 5e and are almost expressly not to be used for purposes other than movement. It may also include nested attack sections, which are effectively additional attacks. This section describes damage amounts, damage types, conditions and ongoing damage/conditions.

Hit/Miss section: These sections of attack actions describe what happens when the attack hits or, in some cases, when it misses.

For example 'each creature in area' or 'each creature that can see the.' Special attacks normally dovetail their action description into their target specification descriptively. Examples include 'reach 5', one target' and 'range 120/360 ft., one target'. For standardized short-form attacks this will be a range type (reach or range), a range outline in feet (including long range if applicable) and the number of targets.

Target/Range information: Attack actions normally describe targeting information.

For example '+14 to hit' or 'DC21 Dexterity save'.

Attack/Defense enumeration: Attack actions normally specify either a 'to hit' bonus or details of a saving throw that the target must make.

For example 'The dragon exhales fire in a 60-foot cone'. Special attacks instead typically describe very briefly the attack type, range and shape.

Common examples include 'Melee Weapon Attack', 'Ranged Weapon Attack' and 'Ranged Spell Attack'.

Attack Type: Most attack actions employ a standardized short form to indicate the general attack range (for example melee or ranged) and type (for example weapon or spell), along with the keyword 'attack'.

Usage: Some actions are of limited usage and this is normally noted in braces immediately after the attack name.

Name: All formally presented actions start with a short descriptive name for that action, frequently this is a single word.

The components themselves are pretty straightforward and tend to focus primarily on supporting attacks. And just like PCs monsters also have a Reaction and a Bonus Action that they may use, if they have a way of doing so.ДЇormally expressed actions use certain common elements to standardize documentation, though some actions may omit almost all of these components. Just like PCs each monster can move and take one Action on its turn. Monsters are subject to the same action economy as player characters, although some monsters are able to extend this action economy in ways that PCs cannot - most notably Legendary Creatures.

From here we consider how we Build Attack Actions so that we can complete the stat block of our Example Monster. We will start with a general Overview of the different actions - Move, Action, Reaction and Bonus Action. I originally intended to include the Attack Bonus analysis in this instalment, however I've decided to post this part on its own and continue working on Attack Bonus as its own separate article. Some of these articles seem to take on a life of their own and grow longer in the writing. Surf continues on into the final parts of the monster stat block. D&D 5e Monsters: Part 8: Construction: Actions

D&d 5e monster stat block pdf