Level Up (A5E) Monster preview thread!

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

I did notice one odd thing, in the encounters section it list encounters by CR. Is this something that will be explained in Level UP? It is not of encounters are described normally as far as I know. Also, how does the encounter CR relate to the difficult of an encounter (moderate, hard, deadly)?

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

One more thought about the stat block. I really like how you have moved the challenge and XP to the header. Much more help organization I think. However, I dislike the loss of the line separating the standard information from the unique monster traits. In the behir stat block it would be below languages and above spider climb. If I could suggest one change, it would be to add that line back in.

Keep up the great work!

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

And one more thing! I am not sure if you want info on formatting errors / typos or not, but I notice there is an error in the ability score format of the Aboleth. The Dex score is to close to the Str score. This doesn't occur in the other stat blocks:

 

[Uni-the-Unicorn!]

I really like the "Elite" versions too.

 

[Nebulous]

I actually think the biggest new benefit is the Serpentine movement. One of your standard dnd tactics is to go into small spaces the really big creatures can't get you, and then send fire through the tunnel to the big bad. This does not work against the LU behir, who can just move right on in, which of course sets up a line effect nicely. Players who are used to the OG behir may be in for a nasty surprise when that first happens!

That was my favorite part too. The damn thing is near unstoppable in its own lair with escape holes nearby. PCs won't expect it to spider climb up a wall at full speed and escape from sight in a single round through a crevice. It could easily hide, recharge lightning breath, move position and poke its head from another angle. That is nasty. BUT, the lightning is 20 feet. It does have a short range.

 

[dave2008]

And one more thing! I am not sure if you want info on formatting errors / typos or not, but I notice there is an error in the ability score format of the Aboleth. The Dex score is to close to the Str score. This doesn't occur in the other stat blocks:

View attachment 136700

I like that stat block header! I particularly like the inclusion of the legendary description. I do worry about space though. Will something like the Kraken fit?

KRAKEN	CHALLENGE 23
LEGENDARY GARGANTUAN MONSTROSITY (TITAN)	50,000 XP

 

[Morrus]

C is for.... Cambion!

 

[tetrasodium]

It's going to be really nice having readymade examples of carried treasure for humaniods attached to them like that. The blurb about the black iron blade is even more interesting as a nonspecific but generally specific weapon that might take some work to obtain is going to be a fun way for players to build game hunting shopping lists to look out for while having the added benefit of a "ZOMGLETSGONOW!!!11!!" effect on some players if detailed in some kinda lore check.

Can't wait to get this in my hands

 

[Faolyn]

Nice! I'm amused at the idea that the cambion was so petty as to ruin someone's picnic or kill them for being close to winning the game. It definitely gives them some fun flavor. You have checkmated me for the last time.

I feel like the Combat section (which as is, needs a period) should be a header like Actions and Bonus Actions. At any rate, I am enjoying these Combat sections. They're useful without feeling as constraining (or as condescending) as I felt the similar round-by-round combat examples were that they used to include in some 3x books.

Also, if all Ongoing Damage can be stopped by using an action to bind the wound or casting a healing spell, maybe you just need to say that somewhere once, like in the Conditions section (I assume you still have one of those) and then you can save a line or two in each statblock.

 

[Morrus]

Also, if all Ongoing Damage can be stopped by using an action to bind the wound or casting a healing spell

It can’t.