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​

 

[Micah Sweet]

I mean look at the difference of marilith art in 2e and 3e. Neither of which was stated to be anything like a replacement or a variation. We just accept that they were variations. I don't know why we should assume anything different now.

2e:
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3.5:
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None of those look as different to me as the 5.5 art. Not anywhere as different.

 

[Voadam]

I like the PHB version better.

I like that PH wyvern portrayal more too. Not entirely sold on the Kitiara and Caramon likenesses though. Raistlin is decent.

 

[Voadam]

None of those look as different to me as the 5.5 art. Not anywhere as different.

The 3.5 MM half snake head woman was a pretty big departure. I did not care for it.

 

[Corinnguard]

This is a Wyvaran from Pathfinder 1st edition. They're thought to be a fusion of Kobolds and Wyverns. Wyvernborn?

 

[Queer Venger]

It's a marilith that's been taking draconic growth hormone.

she's on the juice, and she's loose

 

[dave2008]

None of those look as different to me as the 5.5 art. Not anywhere as different.

So it is not the difference, but a subjective degree of difference. Well, to be honest most people who don't like the change* have the same viewpoint. Personally, I seem them all as being similar enough to represent the same type of demon. As @Voadam stated, the 3.5e design is a pretty radical departure too. But I understand how boobs sell - I am not immune!

*Just to mention again, I prefer the older design too. I just support looking at changes and trying them out.

 

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

I don't like this change. I feel like the visual impact of the multiple arms disappears when they're not attached to a human torso that isn't supposed to have more than one pair of arms.

My first impression of the new illustration was that it was some kind of caterpillar monster.

 

[Incenjucar]

This is a Wyvaran from Pathfinder 1st edition. They're thought to be a fusion of Kobolds and Wyverns. Wyvernborn?

This is clearly a marilith.

 

[Corinnguard]

This is clearly a marilith.

Nope. This is what you get when you combine a kobold with a wyvern. Wyverns in PF1 have the Dragon type. So, Wyvarans are Half-Dragon Kobolds.

 

[Incenjucar]

Nope. This is what you get when you combine a kobold with a wyvern. Wyverns in PF1 have the Dragon type. So, Wyvarans are Half-Dragon Kobolds.

It has a long reptilian tail, an unusual number of limbs, a humanoid torso, looks mean like any demon, and wields weapons - classic marilith!