D&D 5E 5e Updates: Monstrous Compendium

[dave2008]

I just finished re-watching Ragnarok on Netflix and feel like making some Norse Mythology inspired creatures. I realize these are a D&D version of Norse Mythology, but I was thinking of making some Linnorms / Scourge dragons. Is that something people would like to see? Any other Norse monsters you are interested in?

 

[Stalker0]

Desert Leviathan

Challenge 30 (155,000 XP)

Hot damn! I didn't think that such a dumb, brutish creature could ever make a good high CR creature but this guy is pretty darn boss!

• Limited Magic Ability: So how about spells that deal damage but also have condition riders. Is the intention that the damage applies but the condition does not, or those spells work fully? For example: Its clear banishment doesn't work, but how about synaptic static (and ignore the psychic immunity its just an example)?
• Dune Tremors is a really cool ability. Its not only effective but it really highlights this as a world altering creature. However, I do think a DM having to roll for those fissures every time it moves can get clunky, and its a little unclear how this works as there is no speed but just the consuming maw. I would just give this a more stated, exact ability....and probably also consider how you want the ability to work if the creature is deep underground. So a little cleanup and clarification.
• I think the key to this creature is the limited magic ability (which I assume blocks all conditions) plus the full 10 damage reduction. That makes the swallow very hard to get out of through mundane means, and ensures nothing can really stop this creature or hurt it quickly. I think that is what ultimately makes this thing such an epic threat.
• Acidic Vomit: If you want to be mean (and its CR 30 so why not!), I would state that the undissolved matter also takes the damage.
• You might consider the Maw damage to be half bludgeoning / half acid. That way its not so easy for a high level character to just have acid immunity and ignore the creature's stomach entirely. With two damage types, it has to put in a bit more effort.

 

[Dax Doomslayer]

The Draugr would be cool. Jormungandr and Fenris are obvious ones. I'm not sure the trolls and giants/Jotunn would be much different than D&D versions. That's pretty much all I have for Norse stuff - lol...

 

[dave2008]

Hot damn! I didn't think that such a dumb, brutish creature could ever make a good high CR creature but this guy is pretty darn boss!

• Limited Magic Ability: So how about spells that deal damage but also have condition riders. Is the intention that the damage applies but the condition does not, or those spells work fully? For example: Its clear banishment doesn't work, but how about synaptic static (and ignore the psychic immunity its just an example)?

The intent would be the damage portion of a spell still inflicts damage. Do you think there is a simple way to make that more clear.

• Dune Tremors is a really cool ability. Its not only effective but it really highlights this as a world altering creature. However, I do think a DM having to roll for those fissures every time it moves can get clunky, and its a little unclear how this works as there is no speed but just the consuming maw. I would just give this a more stated, exact ability....and probably also consider how you want the ability to work if the creature is deep underground. So a little cleanup and clarification.

I think that is a good idea. Also, since this is in a desert, fissures probably don't make a lot of sense. I will revise it.

• I think the key to this creature is the limited magic ability (which I assume blocks all conditions) plus the full 10 damage reduction. That makes the swallow very hard to get out of through mundane means, and ensures nothing can really stop this creature or hurt it quickly. I think that is what ultimately makes this thing such an epic threat.

Yep. Simple, but effective.

• Acidic Vomit: If you want to be mean (and its CR 30 so why not!), I would state that the undissolved matter also takes the damage.

Do you mean the items/creatures that are regurgitated?

• You might consider the Maw damage to be half bludgeoning / half acid. That way its not so easy for a high level character to just have acid immunity and ignore the creature's stomach entirely. With two damage types, it has to put in a bit more effort.

Not a bad idea. I will think about it.

 

[dave2008]

The Draugr would be cool. Jormungandr and Fenris are obvious ones. I'm not sure the trolls and giants/Jotunn would be much different than D&D versions. That's pretty much all I have for Norse stuff - lol...

I was planning to save Jormungandr, Fenris & Garm for Ascension: Friends and Foes thread, but I am having some doubts I can combine the two different stat blocks like I thought. I might bring them back to this thread.

I think Fafnir and Valkyries could definitely find a place in this thread. I think Norse trolls are definitely different from D&D trolls, but they are similar to D&D ogres and pretty similar to my Mountain Troll. Draugr are a good idea, but I don't know a lot about them - I will have to do some research!

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

Linnorms sounds cool. I know DiceFreaks-guy linked to earlier did some of the Pathfinder linnorms. I'd love to see your take on those!

 

[Dax Doomslayer]

Ahh yes the Linnorms, that would definitely be cool. Wargs could be a little different as the Frost Giants road them...

 

[dave2008]

Linnorms sounds cool. I know DiceFreaks-guy linked to earlier did some of the Pathfinder linnorms. I'd love to see your take on those!

I didn't realize DiceFreaks had made a version. I will check them out.

 

[Matrix Sorcica]

I didn't realize DiceFreaks had made a version. I will check them out.

Kain Darkwind, linky

 

[dave2008]

Kain Darkwind, linky

I already have it book marked. I just haven't visited there in a while. Thank you for the reminder!