D&D 5E Derro Derivatives?

[rgoodbb]

Hi Folks.

I’m designing a deep cavernous set of sessions and I quite like the look of the Derro from MToF. I do however want a tougher/different Derro option or two from the two already printed to add and mix it up a bit. I’m not great with numbers so don’t really want to design one from the DM’s guide

Are there any stat-blocks from any of the monster books that you have seen that may offer a quick and easy re-fluff/re-flavour?

I’m essentially looking for CR 1 or 2 for a tougher Derro type, and a CR 5 or 6 for something special/different

If anything springs to mind, I’d really appreciate it.

Many thanks in advance for your time, consideration and expertise.

BB.

 

[Bitbrain]

Why not just use some of the Duergar Statblocks in Mordenkainen's?

If I were ever to run a Dragonlance campaign and wanted to use the Theiwar dwarves, it's what I would do.

 

[maceo]

Since you don’t mind re-flavoring you can pick from other creatures but you want to keep the traits that derro have. They have darkvision 120 ft. and sunlight sensitivity. According to the DMG those two traits do not affect CR so you’re fine just adding those traits. Derro also have magic resistance. Without getting too much into the monster creation rules, this could have an effect on CR making the creature tougher. Derro are small size and have low Wisdom.

I think the NPCs in the back of the MM are a little easier to add these traits to. Make them small size and give them darkvision, sunlight sensitivity, and magic resistance. The CR really won’t change. If you want to fiddle around with Wisdom to make them consistent you can.

Here are some derro I worked up if you want them. Use the CR ¼ derro traits except for the following:

CR 1 Derro Brute
Armor Class 15 (leather armor + shield)
HP 27 (6d6 + 6)
STR: 14
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the derro brute can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
Actions.
Multiattack. The derro brute makes two flail attacks.
Flail. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 +2) bludgeoning damage.

CR 2 Derro Dervish
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor)
HP 36 (8d6 + 8)
DEX: 16
Actions.
Multiattack. The derro dervish makes three melee attacks: two with its scimitar and one with its dagger. Or the derro dervish makes two ranged attacks with its longbow.
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Reactions.
Parry. The derro dervish adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit. To do so, the dervish must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

For the CR 5 or 6 did you want a spellcaster or a big tough derro?
If you have VGtM you could use the Warlock of the Great Old One and just add the derro traits-CR6
There is a CR5 Gladiator in the MM that would make an effective challenge too if you want a melee opponent.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

The Tome of Beasts has both the Derro Fetal Savant and Derro Anti-Paladin, if I recall correctly.

I’ll also say that the Derro Savant, if you put a couple of them together, can really punch above their CR with their spellcasting.

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

Not wanting to sound derro-gatory, but shouldn’t they be derro-vatives?

No, no, it’s fine, I’ll see myself out, I’ve already got my coat.

 

[DM_Jeff]

I had the same issue so I created this, A Dozen Deranged Derro!

http://www.dmsguild.com/product/213428/A-Dozen-Deranged-Derro?term=derro&test_epoch=0

 

[Ancalagon]

If you want a *breathtaking* take on the derro, look up "veins of the earth".

 

[rgoodbb]

If you want a *breathtaking* take on the derro, look up "veins of the earth".

My favourite reference/inspiration book.

One of the best I have read. And read. And Read. And Read.

I posted about this beautiful book a while back but didn't get many responses. The descriptions alone are worth the cost.

 

[rgoodbb]

I had the same issue so I created this, A Dozen Deranged Derro!

http://www.dmsguild.com/product/213428/A-Dozen-Deranged-Derro?term=derro&test_epoch=0

Just got it. Thanks.

 

[rgoodbb]

Why not just use some of the Duergar Statblocks in Mordenkainen's?

If I were ever to run a Dragonlance campaign and wanted to use the Theiwar dwarves, it's what I would do.

Got those already. Just wanted to add to the mix.