D&D General The D&D Monster I have never used (or faced) and probably never will.

[Pauper]

There are a number of creatures I'd likely never have used in my own adventures that I've gotten the chance to use in pre-published modules I've run -- the old Age of Worms adventure path was my first time running a grick, and probably the first time I ever actually used a shrieker the way it was designed to be used. Low-level fourth edition LFR adventures included lots of needle blights, which didn't excite me at all as a DM.

But the creature I currently can't see ever facing or putting into an encounter, which actually exists in the fifth edition Monster Manual, is the awakened shrub (p.317): a CR 0 creature that can only be created via a spell which requires a minimum 9th-level spellcaster to spend 1000 gold pieces on a material component which is consumed on casting.

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Pauper

 

[Demetrios1453]

100%. Its been awhile since I've played with people who knew the MM's that much but I've still seldom used any WotC MM's, and have opted for 5E Foes, Tome of Beast 1 & 2, Creature Codex and the Tome of Horrors in my 5E games. If nothing but to keep it interesting for myself.

I use the Monster Manual Expanded I & II from the DM's Guild. Since it's mostly variants on MM monsters, it keeps players on their toes by making them think they're facing a ho-hum regular creature - and then suddenly it has an unexpected ability or two!

 

[R_J_K75]

I use the Monster Manual Expanded I & II from the DM's Guild. Since it's mostly variants on MM monsters, it keeps players on their toes by making them think they're facing a ho-hum regular creature - and then suddenly it has an unexpected ability or two!

Nice Ive been doing that as well for quite awhile. Pretty sure there were some good articles in Dragon Mag on how to keep your players thinking by adding a new power here or there. I thought about buying the MM Expanded books print on demand but just havent yet. Maybe I'll get around to it soon.

 

[Dioltach]

Pffft. It's an accurate description of a real catoblepas. Obviously gnus don't turn people to stone.

They did in the days before gnu control.

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I still say that Michael Douglas on this cover.

hummmm....not sure about that. I think I remember him having less tentacles in the face.