New Monster Swordwing!

[jaldaen]

The Swordwing has arrived!

 

[Kunimatyu]

Again with the marking, on a monster that (aside from being a Soldier) really doesn't need it.

These guys just don't strike me as cool enough that I'd want minis of them.

EDIT: I do really like how concise the abilities and statblocks are. With the exception of the &#%$! marking, these guys are easy to run.

 

[Benimoto]

I sure wasn't expecting the swordwings. Are they an entirely new monster? I'm not really impressed at first glance, but maybe they'll grow on me.

What do you suppose the duration is on Mark of Death. It seems like it should last the whole encounter, but it's not listed.

I hope the Encounter Groups section is a hint that there will be epic versions of the Beholder and Mind Flayers.

 

[That One Guy]

Ehh... it's kinda' cool. It's a somewhat sticky-anti-shift enemy. They could make pretty sweet enemies in swarms.

This popped up again...
(crit 2d6 + 21)

Which is basically normal damage + normal crit damage. Any idea if PCs will be able to do something in league with this? I'm guessing (if it is PC getable) it'll be a feat. Maybe feats that allow it with certain weapons? Lend me your thoughts!

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I think they can be quite interesting, sweeping in and harassing the PCs. Enabling extra damage as they harass the PCs for the next wave of Swordwings to come in and do more damage.

This is a creature which the DM should play with lots of strategy.

Also, Aberration/Far Realm language: Deep Speech

 

[Shroomy]

I thought that Deep Speech was the new Undercommon.

 

[Rex Blunder]

OMG 4e is Pokemon!

(please let Hitmonchan be in the MM)

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I thought that Deep Speech was the new Undercommon.

*Shrugs shoulders* I am assuming Far Realm since they are aberrants.

 

[Ipissimus]

Ugh, yeah. If it was just the Crownwing, I could dig it. I mean, that 4 Swordwing 1 Crownwing encounter would be tough if they ganged up on the party Defender to eliminate him before dispersing to take on the rest with the Crownwing's marking ability but the rest of them marking too? I know I'm not going to remember who's marked who after a few rounds of that fight.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

I'm not impressed with swordwings story-wise, there's nothing particularly interesting with these monsters fluff-wise.

While I don't expect every monster to have a big story associated with it, because even at epic level there needs to be some mere goon monsters. It's swordwings that sure look like one of those monster to me. Nothing impressive about them, or an interesting or evocative place in the world with that entry.