D&D (2024) D&D Marilith Is Far More Bestial In 2025

The new 2025 Monster Manual has all-new art, and one major change is the depiction of the marilith. Up until now, the marilith has been depicted as a six-armed humanish female from the waist up; while in the 2025 book, the picture is far more bestial in nature.

Not only is the imagery more demonic, it also features the creature in action, simultaneously beheading, stabbing, and entwining its foes with its six arms and snake-like tail.

Left 2025 Marilith / Right 2014 Marilith​

 

[dave2008]

Agreed. You want monsters to look that different? Make different monsters.

I think that only holds true to a point, at least for me. In particular I think demons make sense to have multiple version of a type. Also, i don't think it is that different, the only real difference is a lack of breasts and smooth skin. Otherwise it is the same.

Look at medusae: there is the mythological monstrous version, then the humanoid version (some very human like and some monstrous), or the half woman / half serpent version. But we can all understand they are medusae because of the snakes for hair. Or just look at RL people! Variety is the spice of life / fantasy RPGs!

 

[cbwjm]

I don't hate it, but I still prefer the older versions.

 

[dave2008]

Agreed. You want monsters to look that different? Make different monsters.

May I remind you that this is a planescape Glabrezu. This seems at least similar in difference from the source material as this 2024 marilith. I would say it is more different, but that is just a feel really.

 

[Bae'zel]

I also vehemently disagree with the concept that Chaos = Random = Disordered = Whatever.

The Law and Chaos breakdown is more along the lines of structure vs personal freedom and desire.

Depends from which Fantasy source you're referencing "Chaos" from.

Going back to Michael Moorcock? Warhammer Fantasy?

Chaos being quite literally randomness and anti-law or anti-stability in some settings.

In D&D though, I agree it's a bit different. Not so much "random tentacled horrors" and more 'selfish free spirit" or whatever.

Although I admit that Warhammer's Chaos Daemons, and Moorcock's Chaos Princes have always been far more fascinating to me that what D&D has ever offered, but that's personal taste.

 

[Scribe]

Depends from which Fantasy source you're referencing "Chaos" from.

Going back to Michael Moorcock? Warhammer Fantasy?

Chaos being quite literally randomness and anti-law or anti-stability in some settings.

In D&D though, I agree it's a bit different. Not so much "random tentacled horrors" and more 'selfish free spirit" or whatever.

Although I admit that Warhammer's Chaos Daemons, and Moorcock's Chaos Princes have always been far more fascinating to me that what D&D has ever offered, but that's personal taste.

Even depending on the source, its going to depend on the age of that source.

The Chaos of Moorcock, is not the Chaos of 8th Edition Warhammer, or Age of Sigmar, or 40K.

There is a line there of course, but the "lol its Chaos its random" memes just dont work out.

 

[God]

Feels good not giving Hasbro any money.

 

[W'rkncacnter]

Well, here's another good Marilith.
View attachment 397822

Would. Next.
...wait, what's this thread about again?

 

[dave2008]

Feels good not giving Hasbro any money.

Not sure what that has to do with art, or what it adds to the discussion, but you do you!

 

[Corinnguard]

The Law and Chaos breakdown is more along the lines of structure vs personal freedom and desire

I remember something along the lines of this from an earlier edition. To be lawful meant putting the needs of the community over your own personal needs while to be chaotic meant just the opposite. A neutral individual was someone who respected the needs of the community and the needs of the individual but wasn't beholden to either.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Depends from which Fantasy source you're referencing "Chaos" from.

Going back to Michael Moorcock? Warhammer Fantasy?

Chaos being quite literally randomness and anti-law or anti-stability in some settings.

In D&D though, I agree it's a bit different. Not so much "random tentacled horrors" and more 'selfish free spirit" or whatever.

Although I admit that Warhammer's Chaos Daemons, and Moorcock's Chaos Princes have always been far more fascinating to me that what D&D has ever offered, but that's personal taste.

In D&D law has often been stasis, conformity and a lack of emotions, to the degree that the most lawful beings are like robots. While chaos is about change, emotions and individuality, even though some beings like the Slaad in D&D fall short of some of those things.