Lizard, Common
“Discover the incredible secrets of lizards—nature’s ultimate masters of survival!”

Lizards are diverse reptiles with a wide range of appearances, from small, colorful geckos to large, formidable monitor lizards. Their bodies are typically covered in dry, scaly skin, which helps conserve moisture, and many species feature sharp claws, long tails, and vibrant patterns or hues for camouflage or mating displays. Some, like the chameleon, can change color to blend into their surroundings.
In terms of behavior, lizards are mostly solitary creatures, though some can be territorial or engage in social hierarchies during breeding seasons. They are opportunistic hunters, with a diet that ranges from insects and small animals to plants, depending on the species. Their hunting techniques vary from quick ambushes to stealthy stalking, and some lizards, like the basilisk, are known for running across water to escape predators.
Lizards inhabit a wide array of environments, from deserts and rainforests to rocky cliffs and grasslands. Many species are adaptable, living in both tropical and arid conditions, and some even take refuge in human-made structures. Their habitat choice often depends on temperature regulation, as cold-blooded creatures, they require external heat sources to maintain body warmth.
Their modus operandi focuses on quick reactions—darting into burrows or scaling trees to avoid threats. Some species, like the horned lizard, may puff up or spray blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism. Lizards are also known for their tail regeneration, which helps them escape predators.
Motivated by survival and reproduction, lizards exhibit a wide range of behaviors driven by instinct. Their primary goals are to find food, avoid predators, and reproduce, often displaying unique courtship rituals or territorial displays to attract mates. Their adaptability and resilience make them one of the most successful reptile groups in the world.
Lizard 5e
Lizard Pathfinder
TINY LIZARD

Tiny beast, unaligned
Armor Class: 13 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points: 2 (1d4)
Speed: 20 ft., Climb 20 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 (-4) | 15 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 2 (-4) | 12 (+1) | 6 (-2) |
Skills: Stealth +6, Acrobatics +4, Perception +3
Senses: Darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages: Understands Draconic but can’t speak
TRAITS
- Keen Smell. The tiny lizard has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
- Camouflage. The lizard can attempt to hide when it is lightly obscured by natural terrain, such as foliage, rocks, or shadows. It has advantage on Stealth checks when in natural environments (e.g., jungles, forests, caves).
- Climber. The lizard can climb at its full movement speed (20 ft.), making it difficult to trap in small spaces.
- Hold Breath. The lizard can hold its breath for up to 30 minutes.
ACTIONS
- Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 3 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. - Scurry (Recharge 5-6). The tiny lizard can dash up to twice its movement speed as a bonus action, attempting to escape an enemy or reposition to an advantageous location.
REACTIONS
- Dodge and Weave. The lizard can use its reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll made against it by a creature within 5 feet, provided the lizard can see the attacker. The lizard must take a bonus action to move away at least 5 feet before using this reaction.
TACTICS
- Avoidance. The lizard relies on stealth and its natural agility to evade capture. It will usually attempt to hide in nearby shadows or underbrush, using its Camouflage and Climber abilities to remain out of sight.
- Hit and Run. If threatened, the lizard will dart around the battlefield, attempting to bite its opponent and then use Scurry to flee to a safer position, out of range from retaliation.
- Escape. The lizard is most effective when left alone or when given the chance to escape. It will try to avoid direct confrontation and rely on its mobility to outpace any pursuers.
DESCRIPTION
The Tiny Lizard is a small, agile creature with bright scales, often ranging in color from shades of green to brown. Its body is covered in smooth, iridescent scales that help it blend into the environment. It is an opportunistic forager, quick to scurry away from danger and adept at navigating tight spaces. The lizard uses its keen sense of smell to detect food and threats alike and can move with surprising speed when necessary.
CHALLENGE RATING: 1/8 (25 XP)
TINY LIZARD LORE:
- Alignment: Unaligned
- Behavior: Solitary and cautious, the tiny lizard is naturally skittish, fleeing from larger creatures at the slightest disturbance. It may be encountered in forests, jungles, caves, or even as a small companion to an adventurer.
- Tactics: The lizard is excellent at avoiding harm. It will dart into hiding, climb high places, and scurry away when threatened, relying on its Scurry ability to put distance between itself and any threats. If it must engage, it will strike with its Bite and then retreat quickly to avoid retaliation.
Lizard CR 1/6

XP 65
N Tiny animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision; Perception +1
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 size)
hp 3 (1d8–1)
Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
Melee bite +4 (1d4–4)
Space 2-1/2 ft.; Reach 0 ft.
STATISTICS
Str 3, Dex 15, Con 8, Int 1, Wis 12, Cha 2
Base Atk +0; CMB +0; CMD 6 (10 vs. trip)
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +10, Climb +10, Stealth +14; Racial Modifiers +8 Acrobatics
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Familiar
The master of a lizard familiar gains a +3 bonus on Climb checks.
ECOLOGY
Environment any temperate or warm
Organization solitary, pair, or nest (3–8)
Treasure none
Lizards can be found in any temperate or tropical climate. When confronted with predators, a lizard flees and hides.