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​

 

[Bae'zel]

I’ve noticed some crowds using “progressive” talking points to further an argument that doesn’t come across as progressive. What started as “I think Mariliths should have attractive female traits” became “this is about female traits; this new design erases female traits”. I find that very interesting and kind of revealing.

Never “I wish they added in attractive male Mariliths” nope, it’s “we must keep our female only monsters”. Hags get thrown into the mix to dilute the whole “it’s not about sexuality”, but these arguments tend to be against the idea of male hags.

No ugly female versions of ugly male monsters, no attractive male versions of attractive female monsters, no ugly versions of traditionally attractive female monsters.

I see where this is going, and I’ll step out of this conversation now because, like a lot of recent discourse in the world, I feel like we’ve gone back in time by 20 years.

 

[Iry]

Tactics, when done correctly(by say a tactical genius) are crisp and orderly, and timed with precision. They require planning and forethought. All things of the lawful alignment. What they are not is scattered, random and unpredictable, which is what chaotic is.

A demonic tactical genius is one that takes time to actually yell charge before running forward.

I don't think anyone is imagining a bunch of dretch walking in lockstep and executing a Roman shield wall. But it's well within the capacity of an intelligent demon to plot "We'll bog them down in a tar pit while we set up the demonic artillery, then drop fear-laced toxin bombs into their midst and cackle as their ranks crumble! Grixtik will send up the flare, and the the vrocks will wreak havoc as they flee. And all in the hopes of reaching safety at their Bastion, but little do they know that Sleecebit has ensorcelled the mind of their garrison commander, and the gates shall not open! They will be crushed against their own walls, BWAHAHAHA!"

 

[dave2008]

I've been using sex as opposed to gender, since there are more than two genders and this is about male/female. I'm not referring to the act of sex. I hope I haven't been confusing folks too much.

Actually this discussion is primarily about the art (does it look female) and that discussion is in fact about gender as we can't know the demon's sex based on the art. Looking feminine and having breast does not make you female.

 

[dave2008]

I’ve noticed some crowds using “progressive” talking points to further an argument that doesn’t come across as progressive. What started as “I think Mariliths should have attractive female traits” became “this is about female traits; this new design erases female traits”. I find that very interesting and kind of revealing.

Never “I wish they added in attractive male Mariliths” nope, it’s “we must keep our female only monsters”. Hags get thrown into the mix to dilute the whole “it’s not about sexuality”, but these arguments tend to be against the idea of male hags.

No ugly female versions of ugly male monsters, no attractive male versions of attractive female monsters, no ugly versions of traditionally attractive female monsters.

I see where this is going, and I’ll step out of this conversation now because, like a lot of recent discourse in the world, I feel like we’ve gone back in time by 20 years.

You know, I think that is a good idea, I will do the same.

 

[Corinnguard]

You know, I think that is a good idea, I will do the same.

Ditto. Onto the next trending topic du jour.

 

[SkidAce]

Because they are the incarnation of chaos and evil. They are domination through power.

Also because virtually every other demon is brutish and undignified. That’s what differentiates demons from devils.

Going to the old "definition" of Chaos (no alignment wars please), Chaos was more "individualistic" and less group oriented.

After all, wasn't Arioch (Elric's patron) pretty darn smart?

I would agree as a trend that demons are more likely to be brutish, and powerful, but being chaotic doesn't mean less intelligent per se.

 

[SkidAce]

No. I’m working under the fact that every other demon is brutish. It’s kind of a thing.

it’s not a contrast. It just sticks out like a sore thumb. We don’t give dragons feathers. Why not? Because big lizards is what dragons in dnd look like.

Same with demons. Demons should always be horrific.

Agreed with horrific part.

 

[Incenjucar]

Sure, but you were the one that said marilith's were more often "Regal and Elegant." That didn't mesh with my memory so I did a quick review and confirmed that, IMO, that was not an accurate description.

Your memory's gaps are more recent, I fear.This is what I said:

The marilith never looked like a genius tactician. It did frequently look regal and elegant.

 

[billd91]

I’ve noticed some crowds using “progressive” talking points to further an argument that doesn’t come across as progressive. What started as “I think Mariliths should have attractive female traits” became “this is about female traits; this new design erases female traits”. I find that very interesting and kind of revealing.

It's all the rage in these Orwellian times.

 

[Incenjucar]

Actually this discussion is primarily about the art (does it look female) and that discussion is in fact about gender as we can't know the demon's sex based on the art. Looking feminine and having breast does not make you female.

There is also no way to determine gender by appearance. Even if they use a lot of gendered signifiers that could just be a fashion thing for them. It's a question that requires text or a literal sign being held up.