Bandit Captain 5e Guide
Medium Humanoid (any race), Any non-lawful
At a Glance
CR
2
Type
Humanoid (any race)
Size
Medium
Alignment
Any non-lawful
AC
15 (studded leather)
HP
65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed30 ft.
Ability Scores
str
15
+2
dex
16
+3
con
14
+2
int
14
+2
wis
11
+0
cha
14
+2
Key Abilities
| Ability | Description |
|---|---|
| Multiattack | Three melee attacks: two with scimitar (1d6+3) and one with dagger (1d4+3). |
| Parry | The captain adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon. |
| Dagger (ranged) | Ranged weapon attack, +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., 1d4+3 piercing damage. |
How to Run This Monster
Bandit captains command groups of bandits (CR 1/8) and thugs (CR 1/2). They stay behind their minions initially, directing the fight, then engage the most dangerous-looking target with their three-attack multiattack. They use Parry to survive longer in melee and retreat if the fight goes badly — their life is more valuable than any loot.
Encounter Ideas
Bandit captains are versatile — they can be highway robbers, pirate leaders, rebel commanders, or corrupt militia officers. Give them a name and motivation. The encounter can be social (negotiate passage, pay a toll) or combat. Their bandits should use terrain: fallen logs, overturned carts, rooftops.
Loot
The captain carries 3d10 gp, a quality weapon, and a stolen item of value (50-200 gp). The bandit camp contains the group's accumulated loot: 5d20 gp in coins and stolen goods, maps, and perhaps a bounty poster for the captain.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting Parry — it's a reaction that adds +2 AC
Common Mistake
Not giving the captain bandit minions — they're leaders, not solo fighters
Common Mistake
Making every bandit encounter a fight — negotiation is more interesting
DM Tips
DM Tip
Bandit captains are perfect recurring NPCs — defeated captains seek revenge
DM Tip
Give them a cause — are they Robin Hood or a pure villain?
DM Tip
Use them at any level by adjusting the number and type of minions
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Bandit Captain — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full stat block
- Bandit Captain — D&D Beyond — Official monster reference
- Bandit Captain — Roll20 Compendium — Structured stat block