Introduction

Greetings, reader. My name is Orana, and
this book contains a fraction of my research over the past few years. I would have happily left it there, but Myria has reminded me that some people actually read this part, so please forgive me if I indulge my wife a little and continue. While my journeys have lead me to many discoveries, this book contains perhaps some of the more frightening ones. I say this not to scare you, but to prepare you. The following pages are full of examples of why I should retire, but also why I don't.

Of the monsters I've run into, many of them I had already studied in great detail. Any competent librarian can tell you of dragons and giants, but there are creatures of all kinds out there. Even the familiar ones can defy expectations if you look long enough. It's those encounters I wish to speak of in here. I've seen primordial chimera created by druids to protect nature at all costs, dined in the court of a goblin king, and ridden enormous birds that light the skies with the wonder of all the elements. All this and more. Ahead you'll find accounts of dozens of interesting individuals and species, along with a breakdown of how I encountered many of them in my adventures. And here now we arrive at what I must insist is the end of the introduction. I can only hope this, and the contents of the book itself, provide some use to you.

Juggernaut Armor

Medium Construct, Unaligned

---

• Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
• Speed 25 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
19 (+4)	11 (+0)	14 (+2)	1 (-5)	3 (-4)	1 (-5)

---

• Damage Immunities fire, poison, psychic
• Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
• Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 6
• Languages —
• Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Antimagic Susceptibility. The armor is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the armor must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.

False Appearance. While the armor remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal suit of armor.

Juggernaut. The armor's movement is unaffected by difficult terrain or by dragging a creature it is grappling. While grappled by a creature of Large size or smaller, the armor can move normally, dragging the creature with it unless it ends the grapple.

Scalding. A creature that touches the armor or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Actions

Multiattack. The armor makes two melee attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Unstoppable Charge (Recharge 5–6). The armor moves up to its speed in a straight line and can move through the space of any creature smaller than Large. The first time it enters a creature's space during this move, it makes a slam attack against that creature. On a hit, the creature must also succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The armor ignites the ground in the space it moves through, leaving a trail of fire until the start of its next turn. Creatures that start their turn in this fire or enter it for the first time on a turn take 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Azer Bruiser

Medium Elemental, Typically Lawful Neutral

---

• Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield)
• Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	13 (+1)	17 (+3)	12 (+1)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

---

• Saving Throws Con +5
• Damage Immunities fire, poison
• Condition Immunities poisoned
• Senses passive Perception 11
• Languages Ignan
• Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Heated Body. A creature that touches the azer or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) fire damage.

Heated Weapon. When the azer hits with a metal melee weapon, it deals an extra 3 (1d6) fire damage (included in the attack).

Illumination. The azer sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.

Actions

Multiattack. The azer makes two attacks, only one of which can be a Shield Bash attack.

Battleaxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack, plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Azer Howler

Medium Elemental, Typically Lawful Neutral

---

• Armor Class 16 (scale mail)
• Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
• Speed 40 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +5
• Damage Immunities fire, poison
• Condition Immunities poisoned
• Senses passive Perception 12
• Languages Ignan
• Challenge 3 (700 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Heated Body. A creature that touches the azer or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) fire damage.

Heated Weapon. When the azer hits with a metal melee weapon, it deals an extra 3 (1d6) fire damage (included in the attack).

Illumination. The azer sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.

Actions

Multiattack. The azer makes three Spiked Gauntlet attacks.

Spiked Gauntlets. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.

Battle Howl (Recharges 6). The azer unleashes a mighty shout. All creatures other than azers within 20 feet of the azer must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 14 (4d6) thunder damage and is stunned and deafened until the end of the azer's next turn. On a success, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't stunned or deafened.

Bandit Deadeye

Scouts and long-range assailants, bandit deadeyes provide their crew with valuable information and a significant threat from a distance. In bandit groups, deadeyes provide the information necessary for their allies to almost always catch their prey.

Bandit Dervish

Fast, furious, and unforgiving, a bandit dervish is a
sprinting blur of blades that demands attention from
those around it.

Bandit Packleader

A bandit packleader raises wolves and mastiffs to gain the upper hand and track their targets. The more talented and dangerous a packleader is, the more animals it has in its pack. Bandit packleaders usually carry significant respect, often acting as leaders of an entire crew due to their wisdom and foresight.

Bandit Stinger

Masters of poison, bandit stingers deliver the creeping agony of toxins into your veins. With the use of non-lethal bolts from their crossbows, they can take down their prey without harming them, delivering toxins that leave the target unconscious and weakened by poison.

Basilisk Variants

Known and feared by most, basilisks can force even the strongest adventurers to fall victim to their petrifying gaze. But often, as soon as a basilisk’s presence is known, it is hunted down and culled to protect potential victims from wandering into its lair. As a result, few know that a basilisk will undergo a change and become a creature of legendary strength if it lives long enough.

Elder Basilisk

Large Monstrosity, Unaligned

---

• Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 231 (22d10 + 110)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
23 (+6)	12 (+1)	20 (+5)	6 (-2)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

---

• Saving Throws Str +12, Con +11
• Skills Athletics +12, Perception +7, Stealth +7
• Damage Resistances poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities frightened, petrified, poisoned
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
• Languages —
• Challenge 20 (25,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +6

---

Keen Smell. The basilisk has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the basilisk fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Weapons. The basilisk's weapon attacks are magical.

Petrifying Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn't incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic. If both saving throws fail by 5 or more, the creature is petrified and can only be freed by a wish spell.

  A creature that isn't surprised can avert its
eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start
of its turn. If it does so, it can't see the
basilisk until the start of its next turn,
when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks
at the basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.

Venomous Wake. When the basilisk moves, it leaves behind a trail of venom on the ground below it. The trail remains until the start of the basilisk's next turn, and any creature that starts its turn within the trail or enters it for the first time on a turn takes 4 (1d8) poison damage.

Actions

Multiattack. The basilisk makes four attacks: one with its Bite and three with its Claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Legendary Actions

The basilisk can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The basilisk regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Slice. The basilisk moves up to half its speed and makes a Claw attack.

Bite. The basilisk makes a Bite attack.

Venom Spit (Costs 2 Actions). The basilisk spits a spray of powerful venom in a 15-foot cone. Each creature within the area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) poison damage and becoming poisoned on a failed save, or taking half as much damage and not becoming poisoned on a successful one.

Elder Basilisk Zombie

Large Undead, Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 276 (24d10 + 144)
• Speed 25 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
25 (+7)	10 (+0)	23 (+6)	4 (-3)	10 (+0)	8 (-1)

---

• Saving Throws Str +14, Con +13
• Skills Athletics +14, Perception +7, Stealth +7
• Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities frightened, petrified, poisoned
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
• Languages —
• Challenge 22 (41,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +7

---

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the basilisk fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. The basilisk has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. The basilisk's weapon attacks are magical.

Petrifying Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the basilisk and the two of them can see each other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC 21 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn't incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic. If both saving throws fail by 5 or more, the creature is petrified and can only be freed by a wish spell.
  A creature that isn't surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does so, it can't see the basilisk until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the save.

Undead Legendary Fortitude. If damage reduces the basilisk to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + half the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit, in which case the DC is 5 + the damage taken. On a success, the basilisk drops to 1 hit point instead.

Venomous Wake. When the basilisk moves, it leaves behind a trail of venom on the ground below it. The trail remains until the start of the basilisk's next turn, and any creature that starts its turn within the trail or enters it for the first time on a turn takes 4 (1d8) poison damage plus 4 (1d8) necrotic damage.

Actions

Multiattack. The basilisk makes four attacks: one with its Bite and three with its Claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) poison damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 21 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.

Legendary Actions

The basilisk can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The basilisk regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Slice. The basilisk moves up to half its speed and makes a Claw attack.

Bite. The basilisk makes a Bite attack.

Venom Spit (Costs 2 Actions). The basilisk spits a spray of powerful venom in a 15 foot cone. Each creature within the area must make a DC 21 Constitution saving throw, taking 18 (4d8) poison damage plus 18 (4d8) necrotic damage and becoming poisoned on a failed save, or taking half as much damage and not becoming poisoned on a successful one.

Chimera Variant: Primordial Chimera

Unlike the monstrous siblings they share their names with, primordial chimeras were not made as the result of fiendish influence. Instead, desperate druids of ages past sought to create allies with which to defend nature from incursions of those who dwell below. This union—though rooted in the divinity of nature—was merely the birth of another monster, like the lesser chimeras that inspired their design.

Protectors of Paradise. In times of crisis, druids call on animals and plants to defend the natural order of things. It is a testament to their desperation that the druids who made the primordial chimeras would choose to break the natural order as the only way to defend it. Unnatural guardians filled with druidic magic, these chimeras were given a mandate: destroy any evil that would rise from the darkest depths of the world below. Fiends, the drow, and many other strange monsters and aberrations escaped the depths and made attempts to encroach upon their domains. Individually, or working together, the chimeras would roam ceaselessly, destroying their enemies before they could soil the ground they walked on with a single step.

Ancient Minds. Though monsters they may be, primordial chimeras possess minds of their own. As the years have passed, they have become no longer as beholden to the druids they served. A primordial chimera still defends nature, but many only preside over an area they have taken as their home, no longer the nomadic entities they once were. Insightful and perceptive, primordial chimeras can speak via their mind, or commune in the Druidic tongue. They enjoy conversing with those who respect the wild, and will offer safe passage for those who do them favors or show reverence. Surprisingly, or perhaps not given their history, they have a strong distrust of druids. They hold the belief that mortals are too mercurial and weak of will to hold that title.

Primordial Chimera

Huge Monstrosity, Typically Neutral Good

---

• Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 230 (20d12 + 100)
• Speed 50 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
23 (+6)	11 (+0)	21 (+5)	10 (+0)	17 (+3)	13 (+1)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +8, Cha +6
• Skills Insight +8, Perception +8
• Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 18
• Languages Druidic, telepathy 60 ft.
• Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +5

---

Charging Pounce. If the chimera moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a Claws or Horns attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and must succeed on a DC 19 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the chimera can make one Bite attack against it as a bonus action.

Three Heads. The chimera has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious.

Actions

Multiattack. The chimera makes three attacks: one with its Bite, one with its Horns, and one with its Claws.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (4d6 + 6) piercing damage.

Horns. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d12 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Primordial Word (Recharge 6). The chimera speaks a word thrumming with ancient power. Each other creature within 60 feet of the chimera that can hear it must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 36 (8d8) psychic damage and is stunned for 1 minute. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't stunned. While stunned in this way, a creature is also blinded and deafened. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Legendary Actions

The chimera 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 chimera regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Bleat. The chimera's goat head bleats a warbling cry, forcing one creature of the chimera's choice within 30 feet that can hear it to make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 10 (3d6) thunder damage.

Howl (2 Actions). The chimera's wolf head releases a piercing howl, forcing one creature of the chimera's choice within 30 feet that can hear it to make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage and is frightened of the chimera until the end of its next turn.

Roar (3 Actions). The chimera's lion head unleashes an overwhelming roar, forcing each creature within 30 feet that can hear it to make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 10 (3d6) psychic damage and must immediately use its reaction to move as far as its speed allows away from the chimera.

Cultist Crusader

Some of the most powerful and ardent devotees, cultist crusaders swear an oath to their cults, becoming paladins of the cause. For them, there is nothing more sacred than the cult's aims and no challenge too dangerous to defeat. A cultist crusader surrounds itself with other cultists, allowing it to better utilize its natural leadership abilities and to remind fellow devotees of the cause's importance.

Cultist Defender

As a cult's mission brings it closer to open conflict with the hegemony, certain cultists will recognize that subterfuge will only get the cult so far. There will come a time when the cult may need to defend itself against open aggressors, and in these circumstances, cultist defenders arm themselves with sword and shield. They stand in front of their fellow cultists and prepare to defend the cause.

Cultist Flagellater

Even in cults, there will be those who take the cause further than is comfortable for others. Many of these become cultist flagellaters. Flagellaters believe that only pain will bring them closer to the cult's goal, or that the goal itself isn't dangerous or serious enough. These cultists carry whips and routinely cut themselves to build up their bodies against weapons that would draw their blood. They unsettle many of their foes and teach them the glories of pain.

Cultist Sworn

In those cults that worship a particular entity, there are those who will form a pact with that being. These cultists choose to trade their lives for the being's cause, and they accept that upon their death, the cause will bring them back as undead soldiers for the cause. Such cultists are some of the most keenly aware of their survival, knowing that death will bring only oblivion.

Returned Cultist

When a cultist sworn dies for the cause, it comes back as an Undead soldier of the cause. These Undead remember nothing of their former lives, though they recognize other cultists as their allies. Many cults will keep pens of returned cultists to be unleashed in times of threat or desperation, leading to entire hordes of undead cultists.

    Cultist Defender

      Medium Humanoid, Any Alignment

---

• Armor Class 16 (ring mail, shield)
• Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	10 (+0)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)

---

• Skills Athletics +4
• Senses passive Perception 10
• Languages any one language (usually Common)
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Emphatic Devotion. The cultist has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Actions

Multiattack. The cultist makes two melee attacks, one with its Longsword and one with its Shield Bash.

Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

Defend the Cause. When a creature within 5 feet of the cultist is hit by an attack, the cultist increases the creature's AC by 2 for that attack, possibly changing the outcome of the attack.

Cultist Sworn

Medium Humanoid (Warlock), Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 13 (studded leather armor)
• Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
11 (+0)	12 (+1)	12 (+1)	10 (0)	13 (+1)	15 (+2)

---

• Skills Deception +4, Religion +2
• Senses passive Perception 11
• Languages any two languages (usually Common and Draconic)
• Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Devil's Sight. Magical darkness doesn't impede the cultist's vision.

Emphatic Devotion. The cultist has advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.

Eldritch Blast (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack. +4 to hit, range 120 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d10) force damage.

Spellcasting. The cultist casts one of the following spells, using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 12):

At will: minor illusion

1/day each: charm person

Reactions

Hellish Rebuke (1st-Level Spell; 2/Day). When the cultist takes damage from a creature within 60 feet of it that it can see, it momentarily surrounds it in hellish flames. The creature must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw. It takes 11 (2d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Returned Cultist

Medium Undead (Warlock), Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 11 (studded leather armor)
• Hit Points 52 (7d8 + 21)
• Speed 25 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	8 (-1)	16 (+3)	6 (-3)	6 (-2)	17 (+3)

---

• Damage Resistances necrotic
• Damage Immunities poison
• Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 8
• Languages the languages it knew in life (usually Common)
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Death Returned Fury. The cultist adds its Charisma modifier to the damage rolls of attacks its makes with eldritch blast (included in the attack).

Devil's Sight. Magical darkness doesn't impede the cultist's vision.

Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the cultist to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the cultist drops to 1 hit point instead.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.

Eldritch Blast (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack. +5 to hit, range 120 ft., two creatures, or the same creature twice. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) force damage.

Spellcasting. The cultist casts one of the following spells, using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks):

At will: chill touch, minor illusion

1/day each: charm person, darkness, fear, spider climb, vampiric touch

Reactions

Hellish Rebuke (2nd-Level Spell; 2/Day). When the cultist takes damage from a creature within 60 feet of it that it can see, it momentarily surrounds it in hellish flames. The creature must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. It takes 16 (3d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Elemental Variants

Elementals are incarnations of the elements that make up the universe: air, earth, fire, and water. They exist as living forces that need not breathe, eat, drink, or sleep. They can be conjured by magic from the Inner Planes or found there on their native plane like the beasts of the Material Plane.

In addition to the base elements, there exists a collection of elementals that exist within the borders of the elemental planes and all throughout the Elemental Chaos. Like their mephit cousins, these dual-elementals combine two elements to yield a force of pure elemental power.

Blizzard Elemental

Large Elemental, Typically Neutral

---

• Armor Class 15
• Hit Points 102 (12d10 + 36)
• Speed 0 ft., fly 90 ft. (hover), swim 90 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	21 (+5)	16 (+3)	5 (-3)	10 (+0)	8 (-1)

---

• Damage Resistances cold, lightning, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Damage Immunities poison
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained, unconscious
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages Aquan, Auran
• Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

False Appearance. While the elemental remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a storm cloud.

Flurry Form. The elemental can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing. A creature that touches the elemental or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) cold damage. In addition, the elemental can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. The first time it enters a creature's space on a turn, that creature takes 5 (1d10) cold damage.

Snow Blind. The elemental's space is considered lightly obscured.

Actions

Multiattack. The elemental makes two Slam attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage plus 5 (1d10) cold damage.

Frost Blast (Recharge 6). Each creature within 15 feet of the elemental must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 27 (5d10) cold damage and is blinded until the end of the elemental's next turn. On a success, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't blinded.

Lightning Elemental

Large Elemental, Typically Neutral

---

• Armor Class 15
• Hit Points 95 (10d10 + 40)
• Speed 0 ft., fly 90 ft. (hover)

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	21 (+5)	18 (+4)	5 (-3)	10 (+0)	6 (-2)

---

• Damage Resistances fire, thunder; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Damage Immunities lightning, poison
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained, unconscious
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages Auran, Ignan
• Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

Plasmatic Form. The elemental can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing. A creature that touches the elemental or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) lightning damage. In addition, the elemental can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. The first time it enters a creature's space on a turn, that creature takes 5 (1d10) lightning damage.

Delayed Thunderclap. If the elemental moves at least 50 feet in a straight line, each creatures within 5 feet of the elemental's starting space must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, a creature takes 9 (2d8) thunder damage and is pushed back 5 feet. On a success, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't pushed back.

Flyby. The elemental doesn’t provoke an opportunity attack when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.

Actions

Multiattack. The elemental makes two Touch attacks or two Charge Shot attacks.

Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) lightning damage and if the target is a creature it must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of the elemental's next turn.

Charge Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, 30 ft./60 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) lightning and 9 (2d8) thunder damage.

Molten Elemental

Large Elemental, Typically Neutral

---

• Armor Class 15
• Hit Points 104 (11d10 + 44)
• Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	21 (+5)	18 (+4)	5 (-3)	10 (+0)	6 (-2)

---

• Saving Throws Str +3
• Skills Athletics +3
• Damage Resistances acid; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Damage Immunities fire, poison
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained, unconscious
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages Aquan, Ignan
• Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

Illumination. The elemental sheds bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light in an additional 30 feet.

Molten Form. The elemental can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing. A creature that touches the elemental or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) fire damage. In addition, the elemental can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. The first time it enters a creature's space on a turn, that creature takes 5 (1d10) fire damage and catches fire; until someone takes an action to douse the fire, the creature takes 5 (1d10) fire damage at the start of each of its turns.

Solidify. If the elemental takes cold damage, it partially solidifies; its speed is reduced by 20 feet until the end of its next turn.

Sand Elemental

Large Elemental, Typically Neutral

---

• Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 93 (11d10 + 33)
• Speed 0 ft., burrow 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
17 (+3)	19 (+4)	16 (+3)	5 (-3)	12 (+1)	8 (-1)

---

• Skills Stealth +7
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Damage Immunities poison
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained, unconscious
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 11
• Languages Auran, Terran
• Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

False Appearance. While the elemental remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from sand.

Sand Form. The elemental can enter a hostile creature's space and stop there. It can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Actions

Multiattack. The elemental makes three Slashing Slam attacks.

Slashing Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 5 (2d4) slashing damage.

Sand Cyclone (Recharge 5–6). Each creature in the elemental's space must make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failure, a target takes 22 (4d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (4d4) slashing damage and is flung up 20 feet away from the elemental in a random direction and knocked prone. If a thrown target strikes an object, such as a wall or floor, the target takes 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage for every 10 feet it was thrown. If the target is thrown at another creature, that creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take the same damage and be knocked prone.
  If the saving throw is successful, the target takes half the bludgeoning damage and isn't flung away or knocked prone.

Genie Variants

In the rarest and largest palaces among the many that cover the Elemental Planes, there exist four genies so powerful and old, they are considered Noble. They may grant wishes or end lineages, gather the energy of an Elemental Plane with a thought or tear down a city on a whim. Their powers are unmatched on the planes they rule and only two forces keep them at bay: the Gods and each other.

Arrogance Unbounded. As some of the most powerful creatures in the multiverse, the Noble Genies barely consider themselves to be a creature of the elements as much as the origin of those elements. Even more than genies, they see lesser creatures as ants unworthy of their attention and don't even bother to interact with their own slaves, instead holding their highest slaves to impossible standards and killing them when they fail to meet those standards.

They see themselves as the peers of the Gods, wielding the powers of creation at their fingertips in the form of wishes, and only out of rare humor would they allow a being to blaspheme their greatness and draw another breath afterward. While lesser genies may call themselves monarchs, sultans, and the like, they do so only because the Noble Genie of their plane allows them to. At any moment, the Noble could choose to sweep in and smash the lording genie like an insect, and it is because lesser genies know this that Noble Genies rarely have to.

Soul of Elements. Little is know about the origin of a Noble Genie. Ancient tales speak of the Nobles not as individuals but as forces that are timeless. While a Noble may possess a name at any given time, it is unclear if it is the same being as that which held a different name, adopting a new name on a whim, or if a genie has risen to the rank of Noble and deposed the last.

What is known is that Noble Genies bear the very soul of their plane in their hearts, where a lesser genie bears the soul of a living creature. They sustain the planes and keep them from devolving into chaos, binding them together with a magical force more primordial than arcane or divine.

Noble Dao

Large Elemental, Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 562 (45d10 + 315)
• Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft., fly 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
23 (+6)	12 (+1)	24 (+7)	12 (+1)	13 (+1)	23 (+6)

---

• Saving Throws Str +15, Dex +10, Con +16, Int +10, Wis +10, Cha +15
• Skills Intimidation +24
• Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned, prone
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 11
• Languages Primordial, Terran
• Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +9

---

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dao fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Earth Glide. The dao can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone. While doing so, the dao doesn’t disturb the material it moves through.

Elemental Demise. If the dao dies, its body disintegrates into crystalline powder, leaving behind only equipment the dao was wearing or carrying.

Magic Resistance. The dao has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. The dao's weapon attacks are magical.

Actions

Multiattack. The dao makes two Fist attacks or two Maul attacks.

Fist. Melee Weapon Attack +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 51 (10d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Maul. Melee Weapon Attack +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 60 (12d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Huge or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 23 Strength check or be knocked prone.

Animate Earth. The dao chooses an area of earth that fills a 10-foot cube within 120 feet of it. An earth elemental appears in an unoccupied space within 10 feet of it, which obeys the dao's commands. The earth elemental vanishes after 1 hour.

Enslave (1/Day). The dao speaks a primordial word of enslavement. Any creature that can hear the dao within 120 feet of it must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw or be enslaved for 24 hours as if by the dominate monster spell, without requiring concentration. Each time an enslaved creature takes damage, it can repeat the saving throw, freeing itself on a success.

Spellcasting. The dao casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 23):

At will: detect evil and good, detect magic, gaseous form, invisibility, move earth, passwall, phantasmal killer, plane shift, stone shape, tongues, wall of stone

3/day each: wish

Legendary Actions

The dao can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The dao regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Maul. The dao makes a Maul attack.

Cast a Spell (Costs 2 Actions). The dao casts a spell that it can cast at will.

Sandstorm Vortex (Costs 3 Actions). The dao creates a cyclone of stone and sand in a 20-foot-radius, 100-foot-high cylinder centered on a point within 60 feet that lasts for 1 minute. Any creature that starts its turn in the cyclone must make a DC 23 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creature takes 36 (8d8) bludgeoning damage plus 36 (8d8) slashing damage and is blinded and deafened until the start of its next turn. On a success, it takes half as much damage and isn't blinded or deafened.

Noble Efreeti

Large Elemental, Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 562 (45d10 + 315)
• Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
22 (+6)	12 (+1)	24 (+7)	16 (+3)	15 (+2)	23 (+6)

---

• Saving Throws Str +15, Dex +10, Con +16, Int +12, Wis +11, Cha +15
• Skills Intimidation +24
• Damage Immunities fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned, prone
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 12
• Languages Primordial, Ignan
• Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +9

---

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the efreeti fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Elemental Demise. If the efreeti dies, its body disintegrates in a flash of fire and puff of smoke, leaving behind only equipment the efreeti was wearing or carrying.

Magic Resistance. The efreeti has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. The efreeti's weapon attacks are magical. When it hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 35 (10d6) fire damage (included in the attack).

Actions

Multiattack. The efreeti makes two Scimitar attacks or uses its Hurl Flame twice.

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage plus 35 (10d6) fire damage.

Hurl Flame. Ranged Spell Attack +15 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 42 (12d6) fire damage.

Animate Fire. The efreeti chooses an area of fire that fills a 10-foot cube within 120 feet of it. A fire elemental appears in an unoccupied space within 10 feet of it, which obeys the efreeti's commands. The fire elemental vanishes after 1 hour.

Enslave (1/Day). The efreeti speaks a primordial word of enslavement. Any creature that can hear the efreeti within 120 feet of it must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw or be enslaved for 24 hours as if by the dominate monster spell, without requiring concentration. Each time an enslaved creature takes damage, it can repeat the saving throw, freeing itself on a success.

Spellcasting. The efreeti casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 23):

At will: detect magic, enlarge/reduce, gaseous form, invisibility, major image, plane shift, tongues, wall of fire

3/day each: wish

Legendary Actions

The efreeti can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The efreeti regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Scimitar. The efreeti makes a Scimitar attack.

Cast a Spell (Costs 2 Actions). The efreeti casts a spell that it can cast at will.

Fire Storm (Costs 3 Actions). A cloud of smoke and ash appears in the area within 60 feet of the efreeti. Any creature that starts its turn within the cloud must make a DC 23 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the creatures takes 98 (28d6) fire damage and is blinded until the start of its next turn. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't blinded. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the target gains a level of exhaustion. The cloud disappears after 1 minute.

Noble Marid

Large Elemental, Typically Chaotic Neutral

---

• Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 459 (34d10 + 272)
• Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft., swim 90 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
22 (+6)	12 (+1)	26 (+8)	18 (+4)	17 (+3)	23 (+6)

---

• Saving Throws Str +15, Dex +10, Con +17, Int +13, Wis +12, Cha +15
• Skills Deception +15, Insight +12, Intimidation +24
• Damage Immunities acid, cold, lightning, poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks
• Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned, prone
• Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 13
• Languages Aquan, Primordial
• Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +9

---

Amphibious. The marid can breathe air and water.

Elemental Demise. If the marid dies, its body disintegrates into a burst of water and foam, leaving behind only equipment the marid was wearing or carrying.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the marid fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. The marid has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. The marid's weapon attacks are magical. When it hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 31 (7d8) cold damage (included in the attack).

Actions

Multiattack. The marid makes two Trident attacks. It can use its Water Jet in place of one of these attacks.

Trident. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) piercing damage, or 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack, plus 31 (7d8) cold damage.

Animate Water. The marid chooses an area of water that fills a 10-foot cube within 120 feet of it. A water elemental appears in an unoccupied space within 10 feet of it, which obeys the efreeti's commands. The water elemental vanishes after 1 hour.

Enslave (1/Day). The marid speaks a primordial word of enslavement. Any creature that can hear the marid within 120 feet of it must make a DC 23 Wisdom saving throw or be enslaved for 24 hours as if by the dominate monster spell, without requiring concentration. Each time an enslaved creature takes damage, it can repeat the saving throw, freeing itself on a success.

Water Jet. The marid magically shoots water in a 120-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, a target takes 56 (16d6) bludgeoning damage and, if it is Huge or smaller, is pushed up to 60 feet away from the marid and knocked prone. On a success, a target takes half the bludgeoning damage, but is neither pushed nor knocked prone.

Spellcasting. The marid casts one of the following spells, requiring no material components and using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 23):

At will: control water, create or destroy water, detect evil and good, detect magic, fog cloud, gaseous form, invisibility, plane shift, purify food and drink, tongues, water breathing, water walk

3/day each: wish

Legendary Actions

The marid can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The marid regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Trident. The marid makes one attack with its Trident.

Cast a Spell (2 Actions). The marid casts a spell that it can cast at will.

Crushing Depths (3 Actions). The marid chooses up to three creatures it can see within 120 feet of it that are underwater and forces them to make a DC 23 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 36 (8d8) bludgeoning damage, loses its breath, and is restrained. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage, doesn't lose its breath, and isn't restrained. The effect ends after 1 minute, if the creature is no longer underwater, or if it uses its action on its turn to repeat the saving throw and succeeds. A restrained creature sinks up to 30 feet at the start of each of its turns.

Goblin Variants

Nasty little humanoids, goblins rely on group tactics and cunning to overwhelm those they can isolate.

Goblin Chainwhirler

Small Humanoid (Goblinoid), Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 15 (chain shirt)
• Hit Points 21 (6d6)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	8 (-1)	10 (+0)

---

• Skills Acrobatics +6
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
• Languages Common, Goblin
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Get Over Here. If the goblin hits a creature with an opportunity attack using its chainwhip, it can choose to pull that creature up to 10 feet towards it.

Actions

Multiattack. The goblin makes two attacks with its chainwhip. The second attack roll is made with disadvantage.

Chainwhip. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 10). The goblin can have up to three creatures grappled in this way at a time.

Whirl (Recharge 5–6). The goblin makes a chainwhip attack against each creature within 10 feet of it.

Bonus Actions

Nimble Escape. The goblin takes the Disengage or Hide action.

Goblin King

Medium Humanoid (Goblinoid), Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
• Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
17 (+3)	14 (+2)	15 (+2)	12 (+1)	9 (-1)	14 (+2)

---

• Saving Throws Wis +2
• Skills Intimidation +5, Persuasion +5
• Condition Immunities frightened
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
• Languages Common, Goblin
• Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

Sacrifice. The king can take the Use Fodder reaction once on every turn in combat.

Actions

Multiattack. The king makes three melee attacks. Alternatively, it can make two ranged attacks with its Javelins.

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Bonus Actions

Nimble Escape. The goblin takes the Disengage or Hide action.

Reactions

Use Fodder. When a creature the king can see targets it with an attack, the king chooses another goblin within 5 feet of itself. The king swaps places with the chosen goblin, and the chosen goblin becomes the target instead.

Legendary Actions

The king can take 2 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 king regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Slash. The king makes one Scimitar attack.

Command. The king commands a goblin ally that it can see within 30 feet of it. That creature can use its reaction to make one attack or move up to 15 feet without provoking opportunity attacks.

Grimlock Variants

In the depths of the underground world, grimlocks prowl, always searching for their next meal. A people corrupted by aberrant empires of old, the grimlock are blind cannibals whose other senses have grown. Grimlocks are bound in the endless struggle of survival, and they are often forced to commit evil acts because they have no other options—not that they feel regret for their actions.

Grimlocks have great mistrust for everyone because of their creation and because they are commonly captured as slaves by other denizens of the deeps, even today. Other creatures also tend to mistrust grimlocks because grimlocks will almost certainly just want to eat them.

Grimlock Plague Carrier

If fresh meat is not to be found, grimlocks are known
to eat any flesh that they can, even scavenging from
older corpses. When this happens, it is not uncommon
for diseases to ravage populations of grimlocks, and those who survive are often weakened by the experience. But sometimes a grimlock will mutate with the disease, becoming resistant to its effects, though never fully immune, and becoming a walking mass of pestilent flesh oozing
with pus.

Medusae-Blessed Grimlock

Medium Humanoid (Grimlock), Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	9 (-1)	10 (+0)	7 (-2)

---

• Skills Athletics +5, Perception +4, Stealth +4
• Condition Immunities blinded, petrified
• Senses blindsight 60 ft. or 20 ft. while deafened (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 14
• Languages Undercommon
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Blind Senses. The grimlock can't use its blindsight while deafened and unable to smell.

Keen Hearing and Smell. The grimlock has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Stone Camouflage. The grimlock has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain.

Actions

Multiattack. The grimlock makes two Spiked Bone Club attacks.

Spiked Bone Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 2 (1d4) piercing damage.

Unseeing Eyes (Recharge 6). The grimlock forces a creature it can see within 30 feet of it to look into the pure white eyes it was blessed with. That creature must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or have their movement be stiffened and be under the effects of the slow spell for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Hobgoblin Variants

Strategic thinkers and master warriors, hobgoblins dominate battlefields across the Material Plane. While their armies are often supplemented with goblins, bugbears, orcs, evil humans, ogres, and giants, their battles are ultimately won by their expert hogoblin soldiers. Even in small skirmishes, a hogoblin warband is not to be feared, as their fearsome riders and tamed beasts can and will tear apart any who stand in their way.

Hobgoblin Lancer

Medium Humanoid (Goblinoid), Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield)
• Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	12 (+1)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	10 (+0)	9 (-1)

---

• Skills Animal Handling +2
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• Languages Common, Goblin
• Challenge 1 (200 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Martial Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can deal an extra 10 (3d6) damage to a creature it hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally of the hobgoblin that isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Lance. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d12 + 2) piercing damage.

Weighted Net. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 5/15 ft., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: The target is restrained. A creature can use its action to make a DC 12 Strength check, freeing itself or another creature within its reach on a success. Dealing 10 slashing damage to the net (AC 12) also frees the creature without harming it, ending the effect and destroying the net.

Lich Variant: Elder Lich

Achieving lichdom is a significant feat for a creature, one that comes with a host of benefits and unnatural abilities. For some liches, however, this achievement is insufficient. Those who seek to push the boundaries of their capabilities even further might attempt to become an elder lich, a spellcaster of reality bending power said to be only a few steps behind godhood. Such a task requires grueling dedication and utter remorselessness.

Devourers of Souls. The process to become a mere lich is an infamous dark ritual, the specifics of which are obscured and hidden. The means by which a lich progresses to elder lichdom is even more so, barely a whisper of a rumor, one that those who achieve lichdom may ignore as a flight of fancy from other immortals who seek to amplify their power.

It is common knowledge amongst liches that a phylactery can only hold a single soul at a time, but this is a half-truth. The reality of the matter is that while a phylactery can only hold a single soul, it can be forced to consume additional souls via an arduous magical process known only to a few select individuals. The souls appear to be destroyed without effect, but over time—and with hundreds and thousands of souls force fed to the phylactery—the lich's soul grows stronger and stronger. This on its own is not enough, as the culmination of these efforts requires a final ritual: the sacrifice of another lich whose phylactery is destroyed as its soul is consumed. Only then is an elder lich born.

An elder lich must continue to feed souls to its phylactery, lest it lose enough of its power to revert back to normal lichdom.

Undead Nature. An elder lich doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Minotaur Variants

Made by the touch of a demon, minotaurs are creatures of famous evil and legend. Occasionally, a minotaur will return to its creator or be sought by its creator and granted additional ability to create havoc and death.

Lord of Horns

Large Monstrosity, Typically Chaotic Evil

---

• Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
• Speed 40 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
21 (+5)	11 (+0)	19 (+4)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	13 (+1)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +7, Wis +6
• Skills Athletics +11, Perception +9
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvison 60 ft., passive Perception 19
• Languages Abyssal
• Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

Charge. If the lord moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 13 (3d8) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 15 feet away and knocked prone.

Labyrinthine Recall. The lord can perfectly recall any path it has traveled.

Reckless. At the start of its turn, the lord can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls it makes during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.

Unstoppable. The lord's movement is unaffected by difficult terrain, and it has advantage on saving throws against being incapacitated, restrained, or having its speed reduced.

Actions

Multiattack. The lord can use its Stampede if available. It then makes two attacks with its Greataxe. It can use its Gore in place of one attack.

Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d12 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.

Stampede (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The lord moves up to its speed while yelling a call to arms. Any allied minotaur within 60 feet of the lord that can hear it can immediately use their reaction to move up to their speed and make one gore attack.

Minotaur Hurler

Large Monstrosity, Typically Chaotic Evil

---

• Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 102 (12d10 + 36)
• Speed 40 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
21 (+5)	11 (+0)	16 (+3)	6 (-2)	16 (+3)	9 (-1)

---

• Skills Perception +7
• Senses darkvison 60 ft., passive Perception 17
• Languages Abyssal
• Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +2

---

Charge. If the minotaur moves at least 10 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a gore or rock attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.

Labyrinthine Recall. The minotaur can perfectly recall any path it has traveled.

Reckless. At the start of its turn, the minotaur can gain advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls it makes during that turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.

Actions

Multiattack. The minotaur makes two Fist attacks. It can replace one of these attacks with its Hurl.

Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.

Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Hurl (Recharge 4–6). The minotaur forces one Medium or smaller creature within 5 feet of it to make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is thrown up to 60 feet away from the minotaur in any direction and knocked prone. If a target strikes a solid surface after being thrown at least 10 feet, it takes 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is thrown at another creature, that creature must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take the same damage and be knocked prone.

Beryl Preserve

Purported as one of the few oozes not spawned by demons, instead the errant dallying of a marid, the beryl preserve resembles a mound of translucent sea-blue jam with blunted spikes. It moves by launching parts of itself through the air, bouncing rather than sliding across the ground. Because they are known to have cannibalistic instincts, tinkerers and smiths alike take great interest in these innocuous oozes.

Iridescent Mousse

An iridescent mousse is an amalgamate being, even among the amorphous oozes. They are created when Elemental Air essence, whether via direct contact with an elemental or channeled by a spellcaster through magic, blows apart several oozes in a rather spectacular fashion, creating bubbles. Only when many types of ooze are subjected to this colorful end will their remains coalesce into a slimy yet almost coral-like solid capable of rolling about land and even straight up walls.

Lavender Mortar

Thought to be a hybrid of ochre jelly and gray ooze, this many-appendaged, web-like ooze has developed a method of extracting nourishment from the respiration of other living beings, hiding within the walls of a room often completely unnoticed. Believed to be a mad experiment inspired by the most insidious of wizards, this amorphous predator can lie in wait for millennia without requiring sustenance, uncharacteristic of their kind. The rooms they inhabit are invariably stone or brick, the walls and floor of which are impeccably clean and free from marks or gashes, albeit possibly littered with the dropped items and weapons of its previous victims.

Purple Worm Variant: Albino Worm

A purple worm is a terrible creature in its own right, an undulating mass of muscle, chitinous plates, and raw fury. Lesser known is the rare mutation of purple worms: the albino worm. A purple worm that hatches close to the planet's core—born in utter darkness—and never sees light until it is fully grown, may shed its exoskeleton one final, brutal time. The ripping agony of the process is enough to kill most would-be albino worms, but if it does so successfully, it emerges as a predator of unmatched ferocity.

Dark Hearts. Albino worms hate light above all things, to such a degree that they can sense its presence with a supernatural accuracy. The worm will typically avoid light as best it can, only risking its burning touch if prey is scarce. If a creature uses light as a weapon to harm it, the worm is instantly driven into a single minded rage directed upon it.

Ivory Ichor. The blood of an albino worm matches its ivory hide, the purest white. The fluid ignites harmlessly with contact with light, but can be an extremely potent alchemical component or ingredient for explosives. Handled with care—and correctly processed—albino worm blood is worth one hundred times its weight in gold.

Roc Variants

When the father of giants made his children, Annam also made the rocs. He did so with the intent that they would challenge the dragons for control of the air, but Annam also considered them as companions for his children. Before he perfected the rocs most are familiar with, Annam experimented with creatures made to compliment his children, such as rocs made of pure lightning for storm giants to ride or strange undead rocs that could raise slain frost giants from the snow.

As a group, they were unstable and difficult to control. Those that survived his experimentation fled out into the world, sometimes even into other planes. Where they still exist, they act as powerful hunters and will take down any prey they deem entertaining or potentially tasty.

Cryoc

When Annam considered the frost giants, he acknowledged that their raiding parties were unlikely to take the time to break a mount. Running into the snows and dying was their way. Inspired by vultures and other carrion birds, Annam conceived the cryoc as birds that could raise fallen frost giants from death and sustain them long enough to complete their raids against the dragons.

Fell Snows. Cryoc make their homes in any regions that suit their icy bodies, but they prefer sites that have strong relationships with death. For some, this is atop an icy mountain that overlooks a frosty battlefield, but for others, this means sites of negative energy, where the lower planes overlap with the coldest regions of the Material Plane.

Embroc

Busy in their volcanic citadels, the fire giants can lose
sight of that which happens in the outside world. Annam was concerned that his most organized warriors would miss the battle with the dragons completely, so he conceived the embroc as scouts and outriders for the fire giant armies, alerting them to the need to raise arms.

Volcanoclast. The embroc proved more volatile than Annam desired. They had strong personalities that made them difficult to keep within the fire giant's regimented military structure and so the pairing fell apart. Now, the embroc make their homes in the volcanoes of their fire giant brethren, but the two rarely interact without hostility.

Historoc

Hill giants are unilaterally considered the most primitive of the giants. As such, Annam looked to more historic options for their mounts. Inspired by pterodactyls, the historoc are unintelligent creatures driven by an urge to feed. He hoped that their like-minded desires for sustenance would lead to a symbiotic relationship where the bird might regurgitate food for the hill giants to consume, which would allow them to focus on other tasks for the war, but they ended up eating each other instead. Today, historoc legs are a delicacy among hill giants as a result.

Treant Variants

Awakened by natural magic, treants are the wise guardians of the woodlands. In peaceful times, many treants prefer to rest and meditate, giving them the appearance of a normal tree. When the need arises, however, they are ready in an instant to defend their homes and all nature itself.

A treant senses the state of nature for several miles around it, based on subtle changes in the air and earth. To protect a woodland, all it takes is a few treants, and those who seek to needlessly fell trees or hunt more than they need should be careful about attracting a treant’s attention. Those who burn trees and poison the woodland risk incurring even greater wrath.

Deadwood Treant

Large Plant, Typically Neutral Evil

---

• Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 115 (10d10 + 60)
• Speed 20 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
22 (+6)	6 (-2)	23 (+6)	5 (-3)	12 (+1)	8 (-1)

---

• Saving Throws Wis +4
• Damage Vulnerabilities fire
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing
• Damage Immunities poison
• Condition Immunities poisoned
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
• Languages understands Common, Druidic, Elvish, and Sylvan but can't speak
• Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +3

---

Deadwood Fortitude. If damage reduces the treant to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is fire or from a critical hit. On a success, the treant drops to 1 hit point instead.

False Appearance. While the treant remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a dead tree.

Siege Monster. The treant deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Multiattack. The treant makes two Slam attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Petrified Growth (Recharge 5–6). The treant stabs at a creature it can see within 10 feet of it with several dying branches. The creature must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 13 (2d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 18 (4d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Infested Treant

Huge Plant, Typically Chaotic Neutral

---

• Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 126 (12d12 + 48)
• Speed 25 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	7 (-2)	19 (+4)	12 (+1)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)

---

• Saving Throws Con +8
• Damage Vulnerabilities fire
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, poison
• Condition Immunities poisoned
• Senses passive Perception 11
• Languages Common, Druidic, Elvish , Sylvan
• Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +4

---

False Appearance. While the treant remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an insect infested tree.

Infested Body. A creature that touches the treant or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) poison damage.

Infested Weapons. When the treant hits with a weapon attack, it deals an extra 5 (1d10) piercing damage plus 5 (1d10) poison damage (included in the attack).

Siege Monster. The treant deals double damage to objects and structures.

Swarm Burst. When the treant dies, 1d4 + 1 swarms of insects appear in its space, taking its place in the initiative order.

Actions

Multiattack. The treant makes two Slam attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage, plus 5 (1d10) piercing damage damage plus 5 (1d10) poison damage.

Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (4d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage, plus 5 (1d10) piercing damage damage plus 5 (1d10) poison damage.

Infest Tree (1/Day). The treant magically infests and animates one or two trees it can see within 60 feet of it. These trees have the same statistics as an infested treant, except they have Intelligence and Charisma scores of 1, they can't speak, and they have only the Slam action option. An animated tree acts as an ally of the treant. The tree remains animate for 1 day or until it dies; until the treant dies or is more than 120 feet from the tree; or until the treant takes a bonus action to turn it back into an inanimate tree. The tree then takes root if possible.

Treant Grove Keeper

Gargantuan Plant (Druid), Typically Neutral Good

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• Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 245 (14d20 + 98)
• Speed 40 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
26 (+8)	10 (+0)	24 (+7)	17 (+3)	25 (+7)	15 (+2)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +7
• Skills Nature +10, Survival +14
• Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing
• Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses passive Perception 17
• Languages Common, Druidic, Elvish, Sylvan
• Challenge 22 (41,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +7

---

False Appearance. While the treant remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal tree.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the treant fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Weapons. The treant's weapon attacks are magical.

Siege Monster. The treant deals double damage to objects and structures.

Actions

Multiattack. The treant makes two Slam attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 26 (4d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target. Hit: 47 (6d12 + 8) bludgeoning damage.

Animate Grove (1/Day). The treant magically animates up to six trees it can see within 60 feet of it. These trees have the same statistics as a treant, except they have Intelligence and Charisma scores of 1, they can't speak, and they have only the Slam action option . An animated tree acts as an ally of the treant. The tree remains animate for 1 day or until it dies; until the treant dies or is more than 120 feet from the tree; or until the treant takes a bonus action to turn it back into an inanimate tree. The tree then takes root if possible.

Wall of Thorns (6th-Level Spell; 1/Day). The treant creates a wall of tough, pliable, tangled brush bristled with needle-sharp thorns. The wall appears within 120 feet of the treant on a solid surface and lasts for the duration. The wall can be up to 60 feet long, 10 feet high, and 5 feet thick or a circle that has a 20-foot diameter and is up to 20 feet high and 5 feet thick. The wall blocks line of sight.
 When the wall appears, each creature within its area must make a DC 22 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 31 (7d8) piercing damage, or half as much damage on a successful save.
 A creature can move through the wall, albeit slowly and painfully. For every 1 foot a creature moves through the wall, it must spend 4 feet of movement. Furthermore, the first time a creature enters the wall on a turn or ends its turn there, the creature must make a Dexterity saving throw. It takes 31 (7d8) slashing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Spellcasting. The treant casts one of the following spells, using Wisdom as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 22):

At will: druidcraft, guidance, resistance

3/day each: entangle, fog cloud, goodberry, lesser restoration, pass without trace, spike growth

2/day each: conjure woodland beings, freedom of movement, plant growth, speak with plants

1/day each: greater restoration, tree stride

Legendary Actions

The treant can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The treant regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Charge. The treant moves up to half its speed and makes one Slam attack.

Armor of Vines (Costs 2 Actions). Thick vines grow over the treant or another plant creature it can see within 60 feet of it. The target gains a +2 bonus to AC until the end of the treant's next turn.

Cast a Spell (Costs 3 Actions). The treant casts a spell from its list of spells, expending a daily use as normal.

Corrupted Unicorn

A corrupted unicorn typically does not try to do evil or to commit evil by force, but the dark powers that possess it may stop it from understanding its own actions. It may lash out at creatures that are not native to its forest, or hunt intruders directly, seeing them only as a threat.

Fallen Unicorn

A fallen unicorn, on the other hand, knows exactly what it is doing, and now only exists to destroy and corrupt. Anything that once prospered in its forest now only suffers and dies, and any who enter may find the same fate.

Fallen Unicorn

Large Fiend (Devil), Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 13
• Hit Points 209 (22d10 + 88)
• Speed 50 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
22 (+6)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)	11 (0)	17 (+3)	18 (+4)

---

• Damage Resistance cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren't silvered
• Damage Immunities fire, poison
• Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned
• Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
• Languages Celestial, Elvish, Infernal, Sylvan, telepathy 60 ft.
• Challenge 10 (2,300 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +4

---

Charge. If the unicorn moves at least 20 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a horn attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage as well as an additional 9 (2d8) fire damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Devil's Sight. Magical darkness doesn't impede the unicorn's darkvision.

Magic Resistance. The unicorn has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. The unicorn's weapon attacks are magical.

Actions

Multiattack. The unicorn makes three attacks: two with its Hooves and one with its Horn.

Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.

Horn. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage.

Hellish Touch (3/Day). The unicorn touches another creature with its horn, forcing it to make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the target takes 11 (2d8 + 2) necrotic damage and is cursed by infernal magic. Until the curse ends, the creature takes an additional 4 (1d8) necrotic damage from any attacks made by Fiends, as well as the damage of spells they cast. If a creature is reduced to 0 hit points while cursed in this way, it dies and instantly transforms into a lemure. The transformation of the body can be undone only by a wish spell, and the curse lasts until removed by the remove curse spell or similar magic.

Teleport (1/Day). The unicorn magically teleports itself and up to three willing creatures it can see within 5 feet of it, along with any equipment they are wearing or carrying, to a location the unicorn is familiar with, up to 1 mile away.

Spellcasting. The unicorn casts one of the following spells, requiring no components and using Charisma as its spellcasting modifier (spell save DC 16):

At will: detect evil and good, pass without trace, fire bolt

1/day each: darkness, dominate person, inflict wounds

Legendary Actions

The unicorn can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The unicorn regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Hooves. The unicorn makes one attack with its hooves.

Fiery Shield (Costs 2 Actions). The unicorn creates a flaming, magical field around itself or another creature it can see within 60 feet of it. The target gains a +2 bonus to AC until the end of the unicorn's next turn.

Heal Self (Costs 3 Actions). The unicorn magically regains 22 (4d8 + 4) hit points.

Vampire Variants

Beautiful and horrifying in equal measure, vampires are some of the most troublesome undead to plague the
mortal world. With their penchant for charming their
victims—and an array of unnatural abilities that afford
them superiority over most would-be vampire slayers—vampires are nigh invulnerable once the sun goes down.

Vampire Sanguinarch

Medium Undead, Typically Lawful Evil

---

• Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
• Hit Points 161 (17d8 + 85)
• Speed 30 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	17 (+3)	15 (+2)	18 (+4)

---

• Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +10, Wis +7, Cha +9
• Skills Perception +7, Stealth +9
• Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
• Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
• Languages the languages it knew in life
• Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
  Proficiency Bonus +5

---

Bloodied Defense. When the vampire has half of its hit points or fewer, a creature that touches the vampire or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 4 (1d8) piercing damage and is poisoned for 1 hour by the vampire's blood. At the end of each of its turns, the poisoned target can make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Blood Sense. The vampire is aware of the presence of creatures within 120 feet of it that have blood or have been poisoned by the vampire's blood. It knows the distance and direction to each creature, but can't sense anything else about it.

Legendary Resistances (3/Day). If the vampire fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Misty Escape. When it drops to 0 hit points outside its resting place, the vampire transforms into a cloud of blood mist (as in the Blood Mist action) instead of falling unconscious, provided that it isn't in sunlight or running water. If it can't transform, it is destroyed.
 While it has 0 hit points in mist form, it can't revert to its vampire form, it can't deal damage to a creature that starts its turn in the same space (as in the Blood Mist action), and it must reach its resting place within 2 hours or be destroyed. Once in its resting place, it reverts to its vampire form. It is then paralyzed until it regains at least 1 hit point. After spending 1 hour in its resting place with 0 hit points, it regains 1 hit point.

Regeneration. The vampire regains 20 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point and isn't in sunlight or running water. If the vampire takes radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait doesn't function at the start of the vampire's next turn.

Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Vampire Weaknesses. The vampire has the following flaws:
    Forbiddance. The vampire can't enter a residence without an invitation from one of the occupants.
    Harmed by Running Water. The vampire takes 20 acid damage if it ends its turn in running water.
    Stake to the Heart. If a piercing weapon made of wood is driven into the vampire's heart while the vampire is incapacitated in its resting place, the vampire is paralyzed until the stake is removed.
    Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The vampire takes 20 radiant damage when it starts its turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Additional Creatures

The encounters listed below often reference creatures with stat blocks not printed in this book, typically those that inspired the variants within Orana's Notable Encounters. Here you can find a list of those creatures, which can be found elsewhere in the 5th Edition System Reference Document.

Animated Armor Encounters

Most typically utilized by wizards and other spellcasters to protect their homes, animated armors are simple but effective. They are almost always guarding something or somewhere, and are enchanted to fulfill their commands until they die. It's rare an animated armor is alone, a pair is the most common approach.

Azer Encounters

Azer can be found in the elemental plane of fire and in the elemental chaos, found in their cities of bronze as often as out in openness of the plane. If encountered within their cities, they will most likely avoid starting a fight unless they are treated hostilely. It is encountering a fighting force out in the plane that is more likely to lead to combat, though it is still not a certainty and can be avoided.

Bandit Encounters

As social parasites, bandits rely on the presence of civilization and travelers to survive. You can generally expect to find bandits along major roads and trade routes, particularly if they are too large to be properly patrolled by militias and guards of the towns and cities that link them. Bandits attack those they think weak, ambush the ill prepared, and make their hideouts in forests, caves, and other areas of wilderness that provide cover.

The Lair of the Chimera

Hired by a local town to solve the problem of a newly moved in primordial chimera, the party has managed to locate it in its lair. If attempts at diplomacy have failed or been ignored, the chimera and its allies respond with swift violence. The primordial chimera calls upon the help of the four awakened trees hidden in its domain. The awakened trees attack the nearest creature to them, while the primordial chimera uses its charging pounce to focus what it considers the most pressing threat. Its heads bleat, howl, and roar to scatter and destroy its foes from a distance.

Central Chamber Rite Interruption

In the central chamber of a cultist lair, a cultist crusader commands five cultists and four cultist sworn, all of which react with immediate hostility to the party's presence. The crusader typically starts its first turn in combat by using its Empower Believers trait, following up with its multiattack action to attack with its glaive from 10 feet away, making the first attack with advantage and staying out of the reach of the party's melee weapons, if possible. On their turns in combat, the cultists and cultist sworn will take advantage of the benefits of Empower Believers, and will usually defend the Crusader by forming a protective bubble around it so it maintains its reach.

Chaos in the Chaos

The tides of the Chaos are unpredictable and its forces extreme, but occasionally patterns emerge. One such pattern is the partnership of three meteor elementals and three sand elementals, which ambush the party.

Once combat begins, the meteor elementals use as much movement as possible to close the distance with their targets and immediately make a slam attack against any them, using their Meteoric Impact trait to knock them prone. From there, they use their Crater Crash to affect grounded and prone creatures. Meanwhile, the sand elementals use their Sand Cyclone ability to fling adventurers away from the meteor elementals, allowing them to move toward them and use their Meteoric Impacts again, beginning the cycle anew.

Storm Winds

In the areas of the Plane of Air closest to that of the Plane of Fire, it is common to come across a storm front: a pair of air elementals and a lightning elemental. Having encountered such a group, the party is forced to defend itself. In battle, the air elementals pincer forward to flank the attackers in melee while the lightning elemental flies through the fray, avoiding opportunity attacks with its Flyby trait while simultaneously using its Delayed Thunderclap ability and firing off Charge Shots.

Trouble in the Reef

While they are not as aggressive as other elementals, four coral elementals will fiercely defend their reefs when pushed. The party having been forced to invade their territory on their way to some other objective, the coral elementals form a square, granting one another AC increases with their Reef Structure ability. Their formation complete, the coral elementals use their Polyp Spray cones to attack creatures that come near them. If the party demonstrates an ability to hit them from range, the elementals split off from one another and try to box the party in with their Polyp Spray cones.

Goblinoid Encounters

From simple goblin villages to the arrayed might of hobgoblin legions, organized goblinoids can be a fearsome foe indeed. While weaker goblinoids might have a tendency to rely on overwhelming numbers rather than the application of battle tactics, the strategic genius of a hobgoblin warlord or the rallying presence of a goblin king is more than sufficient to overcome stacked odds. Many adventurers have found themselves on the receiving end of goblinoid cunning and ruthlessness, and not lived to tell the tale.

Hunting Pack

When grimlocks are on the hunt for food, they typically find a good spot to wait and lay hidden, attempting to ambush any creature that strays too close. One such hunting party tries to get the drop on the party, leaping from their hiding spots once they get close enough. The hunting party consists of a grimlock huntmaster and its subordinates in the form of five grimlocks. If they manage to gain surprise, they focus their attacks on the closest targets. If the surprise attack fails, the grimlock huntmaster will likely attack recklessly to make up for the lack of advantage against their prey.

Medusae’s Lair

A medusa often uses grimlocks that worship it as a god as servants, enlisting them to protect its lair and blessing them with the power to do so. The party, having stumbled into a medusa's lair intentionally or accidentally, find waiting for them a medusa and four medusae-blessed grimlocks. The medusa has her servants get close to those who trespass in its lair, using them as an obstacle between the party and herself. During her turns, the medusa stands back to shoot arrows, while making sure to be close enough to use her Petrifying Gaze ability on the intruders.

Deathmarked Minions

A student of the dark arts—whose machinations are of a cult-like persuasion—seeks to abuse their newfound power, granted via a demonic entity. The party, assaulting this vile magician in their lair, finds them defended by necromantic abominations. The mage is protected at all times by two deathmarked minotaurs and two minotaur skeletons. The skeletons follow simple orders with an unearthly determination, while the deathmarked minotaurs have enough of their wits about them to fight with a semblance of tactics. The mage attempts to keep its distance from the party at all times, trying to keep any of its minions between it and its foes.

Minotaur Raiding Party

Near an unsuspecting village or hamlet, the party might catch rumors of a minotaur legion in the area. If allowed to assault their target, the village will be thoroughly destroyed. If the party intercepts them, they find six minotaurs and a lord of horns headed straight for the village. The lord of horns prioritizes any spellcaster or ranged threat it sees, commanding the other minotaurs to distract its remaining foes. Beyond the commands of their leader, the minotaurs are single minded brutes driven by bloodlust.

Hungry Horde

Occasionally, an oytughast will learn of a war and its killing fields. In such instances, the otyughast might be so tempted by the amount of food present that it will summon its minions and leave the lair. Traveling through such a battlefield, the party finds its path blocked by an otyughast, three ghasts, and five ghouls. Combat breaks out immediately, and the oytughast commands the ghouls and ghasts to harry the adventurers while it uses its tentacles from reach to paralyze them, granting its minions advantage, and pulling prey in to swallow them.

Feeding Time

As the party journeys over rolling hills, they might hear guttural, incomprehensible shouting and high-pitched squawking nearby. Upon investigating, the party finds two hill giants engaged in combat with a historoc, both sides trying to kill and eat the other. If the party intervenes without speaking to the hill giants, a three-way brawl takes place, the historoc using its acidic belch to target the party and the hill giants if it can.

If one or more members of the party speaks Giant and is able to convince the hill giants that they are on their side with a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) or Strength (Persuasion) check, the giants accept the party's help in killing the historoc. A player with a passive Insight greater than 8 recognizes that the giants will not share the spoils of the battle and will react hostilely to any attempt to claim the monster's remains.

Stone Giants: To War!

Stone giants are typically found deep within the world, where darkness and cold keep them from the dreams of the surface, but every so often, giants are called to the surface to engage in war or to meet with the other giants. In one such occasion, two bedrocs with two swallowed stone giants each (see the bedroc Hollow Stomach trait) journey to their destination as a pair. If the party try to intercept the bedrocs or threaten them, they land swiftly and use their bonus action on the first turn of combat to regurgitate one stone giant, before attacking with their multiattack. They repeat the process on their second turn, regurgitating the second giant, and then provide aerial support while the stone giants attack.

Grove’s Defense

A large and healthy woodland under the protection of a full host of treants is forced to defend itself against a party seeking something nearby that threatens its safety. Leading the defense of the woodland is a treant grove keeper, who is joined by two treants and four druids. The treant grove keeper and its treants begin their defense by creating more allies by using their Animate Trees and Animate Grove actions. All members of this defensive force fight cautiously at first, as not to damage the forest unnecessarily, but if those they are fighting continue to damage the forest, they fight wholeheartedly.

Infested Forest

The party comes across a blighted forest, infested with insects and pestilence by some dark magic. Also infested and driven to near madness by the ordeal, two infested treants and eight swarms of insects attack the party without warning. The infested treants fight irrationally, not following any strategy or reason as the constant biting of insects renders them unable to think clearly. Meanwhile, the insects swarm around and attack the nearest creatures.