The Krawl: Monster Manual

A roaring vortex of razor wind and living storm.

Physical Appearance: Air Elementals manifest as towering columns of translucent wind and living storm, their humanoid forms constantly shifting between visible whirlwinds and nearly invisible distortions in the air. Crackling bolts of lightning dance through their bodies like veins of electric fire, while debris, leaves, and dust spiral endlessly within their cyclonic torsos. Their edges blur and waver like heat mirages, making them difficult to focus on directly, and their "faces" appear as swirling vortexes with eyes of pure electrical energy. When they move, the very air around them roars with the sound of hurricane winds, and their limbs trail wisps of cloud and mist that dissipate moments after forming.

Special Abilities:
- Whirlwind: 15-ft radius; STR save vs. Difficulty Level 16 or be lifted, take +4D, and be thrown 1d4×5 ft.
- Amorphous Gale: Squeezes through cracks; nonmagical ranged attacks suffer -2H against it.

These ancient guardians were once noble warriors buried with great honor, but dark magic has awakened them as bitter, intelligent undead. Barrow wights possess tactical knowledge from their living days and harbor deep resentment against all who disturb their eternal rest.

Physical Appearance: Barrow wights retain much of their original human form, though centuries of undeath have left them gaunt and terrible. Desiccated flesh clings to ancient bones, while glowing blue-white eyes burn with bitter intelligence. They wear the tattered remnants of once-noble burial garments and corroded pieces of their original armor. Their ancient weapons still gleam with spectral energy, and they move with the practiced grace of experienced warriors.

Special Abilities: - Life Drain Touch: Spectral touch attacks drain 1d20/2 maximum HP (restored after long rest)
- Ancient Tactics: Can command lesser undead within 100 feet with military precision
- Grave Curse: Can curse enemies with misfortune (-2 to all rolls for 24 hours, WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 15)
- Undead Immunity: Immune to charm, fear, sleep, and poison effects

A squat, heavy lizard whose stare calcifies flesh and armor alike.

Physical Appearance: Basilisks are massive, low-slung reptiles resembling enormous iguanas with eight powerful legs that splay out from their barrel-shaped bodies. Their thick, overlapping scales have a stone-like texture in mottled browns and grays, while heavy jowls and a broad skull give them a toad-like appearance. Most unsettling are their pale, milky eyes with swirling pupils that seem to draw in light itself—meeting their gaze directly brings swift petrification. They move with surprising stealth despite their bulk, their claws scraping ominously against stone as they hunt.

Special Abilities:
- Petrifying Gaze: A creature that starts its turn within 20 ft and sees the basilisk must CON save vs. Difficulty Level 17 or begin turning to stone; a second fail becomes full Petrified.
- Stony Hide: Reduces incoming nonmagical slashing damage by 2.

Born from areas where reality has been torn by powerful magic, Chaos Spawn are living embodiments of pure possibility. Their forms shift constantly, manifesting different abilities and attacks as chaotic energies reshape their very existence from moment to moment.

Physical Appearance: Chaos Spawn defy consistent description, as their forms shift and writhe constantly. They appear as masses of flesh, tentacles, eyes, and other anatomical impossibilities that flow and merge in patterns that hurt to observe directly. Colors shift across their hide like oil on water, and portions of their bodies seem to exist in multiple dimensions simultaneously. They may have claws one moment, tentacles the next, or sprout entirely new appendages as needed.

Special Abilities: - Shifting Form: Changes abilities and attack types each round (roll d20 for random configuration)
- Reality Distortion: Area within 20 feet becomes unstable (movement costs double, spell failure chance)
- Chaotic Strike: Attacks have random effects based on current form configuration
- Dimensional Phase: Can briefly phase between dimensions to avoid attacks (once per combat)

A masterwork mechanical creation built by a genius artificer, designed to hunt down specific targets with relentless precision. These constructs were programmed with singular directives and will pursue their quarry across any distance until the contract is fulfilled.

Physical Appearance: Clockwork Assassins stand seven feet tall as humanoid constructs of gleaming brass and steel with visible clockwork mechanisms through crystal viewing ports in their chests. Their smooth metal face masks feature glowing amber lenses for eyes, while retractable blades emerge from their forearms. Tiny steam vents release measured puffs during operation, and they move with unnaturally precise, mechanical grace. Every step produces a soft, rhythmic ticking sound that becomes their signature.

Special Abilities: - Target Lock: Once assigned a target, gains +1H and +1D each round against that specific individual (maximum +5)
- Precision Strike: Can target vital points with mechanical accuracy, ignoring natural armor bonuses
- Adaptive Learning: Gains +1H against enemies for each round of combat as it analyzes fighting patterns
- Emergency Protocol: When reduced to 25% HP, enters overdrive (+2 to all attacks and movement speed)
- Construct Traits: Immune to charm, fear, poison, disease, and fatigue effects

Once noble guardians of the forest, these treants have been twisted by dark magic or environmental corruption. Their bark is blackened and diseased, their branches writhe with malevolent purpose, and they seek to spread their corruption to all living things.

Physical Appearance: Corrupted Treants stand fifteen feet tall with bark that appears charred and diseased, weeping black sap from numerous cracks and wounds. Their branches end in gnarled claws rather than leaves, and poisonous fungi grows in patches across their trunk. Their eyes burn with sickly yellow light, and their voice sounds like creaking wood mixed with anguished moans.

Special Abilities: - Root Entangle: Can animate roots in 30-foot radius to restrain enemies (STR save vs. Base Difficulty 16)
- Corruption Aura: Plants within 50 feet wither and die; living creatures take 1 damage per round
- Animate Trees: Can awaken 1d20/4 corrupted trees to fight (once per combat)
- Regeneration: Heals 2 HP per round unless damaged by fire

These magnificent constructs are carved from single massive crystals and animated through complex magical rituals. Crystal golems serve as guardians for ancient treasure vaults, magical laboratories, or sites of particular mystical significance.

Physical Appearance: Crystal Golems are massive humanoid constructs carved from single enormous crystal formations with faceted surfaces that catch and reflect light in prismatic patterns. Their transparent to translucent bodies show internal magical energies flowing like liquid light through crystalline veins. They have no distinct facial features except for two points of brilliant white light where eyes would be. Their massive arms and legs are perfectly proportioned but clearly artificial, with sharp edges and geometric angles that speak to their constructed nature.

Special Abilities: - Spell Absorption: Magical attacks heal the golem for half the damage they would have dealt
- Crystal Resonance: Can shatter weapons and armor on critical hits (STR save vs. Difficulty Level 16 or item breaks)
- Prismatic Reflection: Can redirect targeted spells back at their casters
- Hardened Form: Immune to critical hits, resistant to all physical damage except bludgeoning

These massive predators embody the savage heart of the wilderness. Standing shoulder-high to a human, dire wolves possess intelligence that borders on supernatural cunning.

Physical Appearance: Dire Wolves are magnificent and terrifying predators that dwarf their common cousins, standing shoulder-high to a human adult with proportionally massive frames. Their thick, coarse fur ranges from midnight black to steel gray, often bearing scars from territorial battles that serve as badges of dominance. Piercing yellow or amber eyes burn with preternatural intelligence, while their elongated snouts house rows of ivory fangs capable of crushing bone. Powerful haunches and broad chests speak to their incredible strength and endurance, while their oversized paws end in razor-sharp claws.

Special Abilities: - Terrifying Howl: Once per combat, all enemies within 200 feet must save vs. WIS Difficulty Level 15 or become Frightened affliction
- Trip Attack: Successful bite attacks force STR save vs. Difficulty Level 15 or target becomes Prone
- Blood Frenzy: Gains +2 to all attacks when any creature within 30 feet is bleeding

A living inferno that crackles with hunger.

Physical Appearance: Fire Elementals are living infernos shaped into roughly humanoid forms, their bodies composed entirely of dancing flames that range from deep orange at their core to brilliant white at their extremities. Tongues of fire constantly lick outward from their forms, shedding cascades of sparks and embers that float upward before winking out of existence. Their faces appear as shifting patterns of flame with eyes like molten coals and mouths that roar with the sound of crackling timber. Heat haze distorts the air around them in shimmering waves, while their limbs trail streamers of fire that leave brief afterimages burned into observers' vision. When they move, they leave footprints of smoldering ash and the acrid scent of smoke.

Special Abilities:
- Ignite: On hit, target burns for +2D at the start of its turn (DEX save vs. Difficulty Level 15 to end).
- Heat Haze: Attacks against the elemental beyond 20 ft suffer -1H.
- Flame Step: Move through 1-square gaps and across oil without slowing.

Ancient guardians carved to protect buildings and sacred sites, these living statues awaken only when their charge is threatened. They possess the memories of all who have passed before them and judge intruders by criteria lost to time.

Physical Appearance: Gargoyle Sentinels are imposing stone creatures with grotesque features designed to ward off evil. They have powerful wings, sharp claws, and faces twisted into permanent snarls. When motionless, they are indistinguishable from ordinary architectural features.

Special Abilities: - Stone Camouflage: Perfectly mimic architectural features when motionless
- Guardian's Watch: Can observe and remember everything within 200 feet for decades
- Flight: Can fly at twice normal movement speed despite stone composition
- Stone Spit: Can project chunks of stone up to 100 feet (+3H, +3D)

Proud eagle-lion apex hunters that rule mountain skies and cliffside aeries, fiercely territorial and noble when fairly treated.

Physical Appearance: : Griffons are majestic creatures combining the regal features of giant eagles with the powerful hindquarters of lions in perfect predatory harmony. Their front half displays magnificent golden-brown plumage with wings that span nearly twenty feet, while keen amber eyes burn with fierce intelligence above razor-sharp hooked beaks. The transition to their leonine rear is seamless, with tawny fur covering powerful haunches and a tufted tail that lashes with emotion. Their front talons are massive and curved like steel hooks, capable of snatching prey from clifftops, while their rear paws end in retractable claws. A proud crest of feathers crowns their noble heads, and they carry themselves with the unmistakable bearing of apex predators.

Special Abilities:
- Diving Charge: If attacking from flight after moving at least 60 ft, gain +2H/+2D and knock target Prone on a failed STR save (Difficulty Level 15).
- Predator's Grip: On Talons hit, target is Grappled (DEX save vs. Difficulty Level 14 to break at end of turn).
- Keen Sight: +2 to detection checks in open terrain.

Famed sky-mounts that are less aggressive than griffons but fiercely loyal once bonded.

Physical Appearance: Hippogriffs are elegant creatures combining the proud head and wings of a giant eagle with the graceful body and legs of a powerful warhorse. Their front quarters display magnificent feathered plumage in shades ranging from ash-gray to rich chestnut, with keen golden eyes and sharp, hooked beaks that speak to their predatory heritage. The transition to equine form occurs seamlessly at their shoulders, where feathers give way to sleek horse hair in complementary tones. Their wings are broad and powerful, designed for soaring rather than the aggressive hunting of their griffon cousins, while their horse legs end in cloven hooves that can strike with devastating force. A flowing mane of both hair and feathers crowns their noble heads, and they move with the fluid grace of creatures born to both sky and earth.

Special Abilities:
- Skybound Dash: Disengage and move full flight speed once per round without provoking.
- Sure-Footed: Advantage on checks to keep footing on narrow or crumbling surfaces.
- Pack Bond: +1H while adjacent to bonded rider or allied hippogriff.

Forged by master artificers to guard the most precious treasures, Iron Golem Guardians are nearly indestructible sentinels that have stood watch for centuries. Their creators built them with one purpose: to destroy any who would steal from their domain.

Physical Appearance: Iron Golem Guardians are massive humanoid constructs standing twenty feet tall and weighing several tons. Made entirely of polished iron and steel, they move with surprising grace despite their enormous bulk. Intricate mechanical joints allow for smooth articulation, while glowing runes etched across their bodies pulse with the magical energy that gives them life. Many have weapon attachments integrated into their design, and steam occasionally vents from their joints during combat.

Special Abilities: - Spell Immunity: Immune to spells of 3rd level or lower
- Poison Breath: Can exhale a cloud of toxic gas (CON save vs. Difficulty Level 15 or become Poisoned affliction)
- Slam Attack: Can make devastating area attacks against multiple adjacent enemies
- Construct Traits: Immune to charm, fear, poison, and disease effects

These diminutive reptilian humanoids serve as spiritual leaders for kobold tribes, wielding divine magic granted by their draconic ancestors. Kobold shamans are revered within their communities for their ability to commune with dragon spirits.

Physical Appearance: Kobold Shamans stand barely three feet tall with lean, wiry frames covered in fine scales that range from reddish-brown to dark bronze. Their elongated snouts house rows of small, sharp teeth, while large yellow eyes provide excellent vision in dim light. Long, thin tails help them maintain balance, and their hands end in small claws perfect for intricate ritual work. They dress in tattered robes adorned with bone trinkets, dragon scales, and crude religious symbols. Their voices are high-pitched and rasping, often speaking in draconic phrases during spellcasting.

Special Abilities: - Dragon Ancestry: Can cast Cleric spells up to their level, specializing in fire and fear effects
- Ancestral Guidance: Once per day, gain advantage on any one roll by consulting dragon spirits
- Pack Leadership: All kobolds within 50 feet gain +1 to morale saves
- Ritual Magic: Can perform longer rituals outside combat for divination or blessing effects

These primitive reptilian humanoids are the apex predators of swamplands and marshes, combining primal cunning with surprising tactical intelligence. Lizard men have survived unchanged for millennia, their scaled hides and cold blood making them perfectly adapted to wetland environments.

Physical Appearance: Lizard Men stand nearly seven feet tall with powerfully muscled frames built for both swimming and combat. Their thick, overlapping scales range from dark green to muddy brown, providing excellent natural armor that can turn aside glancing blows. Their elongated heads resemble those of crocodiles, filled with rows of sharp, conical teeth designed for tearing flesh. Cold yellow or amber eyes show surprising intelligence, while their powerful tails extend nearly four feet behind them for balance and can be used as weapons.

Special Abilities: - Aquatic Combat: No penalties for fighting in water, can hold breath for 30 minutes
- Tail Sweep: Can make additional attack against adjacent enemies (STR save vs. Difficulty Level 15 or become Prone affliction)
- Natural Ambush: +4 to stealth in swamp/marsh environments, +2 to initiative when fighting in water
- Thick Hide: Resistant to piercing damage from small weapons (arrows, daggers)

These cunning shapeshifters are the perfect predators of treasure-seeking adventurers. Mimics can perfectly replicate the appearance of valuable objects, waiting patiently for greedy hands to reach for their "treasures" before revealing their true, hungry nature.

Physical Appearance: The Mimic Chest in its natural form, appears as a brown, amorphous mass of muscle and sinew, but it excels at shapeshifting into convincing replicas of treasure chests, doors, or other valuable objects. When disguised, only careful observation reveals subtle wrongness—wood grain that flows unnaturally, metal that seems slightly organic, or a faint pulsing that suggests the object is breathing. When attacking, the mimic reveals rows of sharp teeth and powerful pseudopods.

Special Abilities: - Perfect Disguise: Can mimic any inanimate object of similar size (WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 15 to detect)
- Adhesive: Any creature touching the mimic becomes stuck (STR save vs. Difficulty Level 15 to break free)
- False Treasure: Can create convincing illusions of valuables within itself
- Surprise Attack: +5H and +2D on first attack against creatures who believe it's an object

Labyrinth-dwelling juggernauts that crush foes with unstoppable charges.

Physical Appearance: Minotaurs are imposing creatures standing eight feet tall with the powerfully muscled torso and arms of a giant human warrior grafted to the massive head and legs of a great bull. Their broad shoulders and barrel chests speak to incredible physical strength, while their human hands can wield weapons with deadly skill. The bull's head is enormous and intimidating, with curved horns that can span four feet from tip to tip, flaring nostrils that snort with rage, and small, intelligent eyes that burn with cunning malice. Their legs end in cloven hooves that strike sparks from stone floors, and coarse hair covers their lower bodies in patterns ranging from black to deep brown. Battle scars crisscross their hides, testament to countless violent encounters in the maze-like passages they call home.

Special Abilities:
- Charging Rush: After moving 40+ ft straight, Gore gains +3H/+3D and knocks target 10 ft back (STR save 16 halves push).
- Maze Sense: Never becomes lost underground; advantage on detection in corridors.

These cunning shapeshifters are master manipulators who excel at earning trust through perfect impersonation of harmless travelers, helpful merchants, or lost souls in need of aid. Morphs feed on the emotional energy released during moments of betrayal, making them particularly cruel predators.

Physical Appearance (Disguised): Morphs appear as completely ordinary humans, choosing forms that evoke sympathy or trust—a weary traveler, a kindly merchant, or a person in distress. They maintain perfect human behavior, complete with consistent personality traits, believable backstories, and genuine emotional responses. Their disguises are flawless because they temporarily become what they pretend to be.

Physical Appearance (True Form): When revealed or choosing to drop their disguise, morphs appear as horrific masses of constantly shifting flesh. Multiple eyes, mouths, tentacles, and limbs emerge and disappear across their surface in nauseating waves. Colors ripple across their skin like oil on water, and their form never settles into a consistent shape for more than a few moments.

Special Abilities: - Perfect Impersonation: Can assume any humanoid form with complete accuracy, including memories and personality traits (WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 17 to detect deception)
- Trust Feast: Gains +1 to all rolls for each hour of friendly interaction with victims before revealing true nature (maximum +5)
- Betrayal Shock: First attack after revealing true form automatically inflicts Frightened affliction (WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 16) and gains +3H and +2D from psychological trauma
- Adaptive Form: Can partially shapeshift during combat to gain temporary resistances or natural weapons
- Empathic Manipulation: Touch attacks can inflict Charmed affliction (WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 15) while in humanoid form
- Emotional Vampire: Heals 1d20/2 HP whenever a nearby creature becomes Frightened, Confused, or Charmed

These colossal predators rule the high mountain passes and dense forests where few other creatures dare to venture. Standing twelve feet tall on their hind legs, mountain bears possess crushing strength and surprising intelligence.

Physical Appearance: Mountain Bears are massive creatures with powerfully built frames that can stand twelve feet tall on their hind legs and weigh over a thousand pounds. Their thick, shaggy fur ranges from deep brown to almost black, with lighter coloring around the muzzle and chest. Small but intelligent eyes peer from a broad skull topped with rounded ears that constantly swivel to catch sounds. Their enormous paws end in razor-sharp claws capable of rending stone, while their broad chest and shoulders display incredible muscular development built for crushing strength.

Special Abilities: - Crushing Hug: Can grapple enemies and deal automatic +3D each round while maintaining hold
- Rage: When reduced to 25% HP, gains +3 to all attacks and damage but -2 to defensive rolls
- Intimidating Roar: All creatures within 100 feet must save vs. WIS Difficulty Level 16 or become Frightened
- Thick Hide: Resistant to piercing damage from small weapons, immune to non-magical arrows

Entombed guardians animated by funerary rites and ancient curses.

Physical Appearance: Mummies are desiccated humanoids wrapped tightly in yellowed linen bandages that have been lacquered with resin and sacred oils, creating an almost armor-like shell around their ancient frames. Centuries of preservation have left their bodies unnaturally preserved beneath the wrappings, though the flesh has turned leathery and dark. Empty eye sockets burn with baleful blue-green light that flickers like funeral flames, while gaps in their bandages reveal glimpses of blackened skin and withered muscle. The sweet, cloying scent of myrrh and decay follows them wherever they shamble, and their movements produce a soft rustling sound as ancient linen shifts against desiccated flesh. Ornate burial jewelry and amulets often adorn their forms, speaking to their former status in life.

Special Abilities:
- Mummy's Curse: On hit, target WIS save vs. Difficulty Level 16 or suffer -2 to all rolls until lifted by ritual or powerful magic.
- Rotting Touch: On Fists hit, target becomes Weakened (STR checks -2) until end of next short rest.
- Undead Immunities: Immune to charm, fear, sleep, and poison.

Radiant winged horses that appear to heroes in times of need and shun the wicked.

Physical Appearance: Pegasi are magnificent winged horses with graceful, athletic builds and coats that shimmer like starlight, ranging from pure white to silver with occasional hints of pale gold. Their large, feathered wings span fifteen feet or more, resembling those of enormous swans with pristine white or silver plumage that seems to glow with inner light. Their equine features are refined and noble—alert ears, intelligent eyes that sparkle with wisdom and kindness, and flowing manes that catch moonbeams and seem to move with their own ethereal breeze. Their hooves are cloven rather than solid, marking their celestial nature, and they move with an otherworldly grace whether galloping across meadows or soaring through cloud-swept skies.

Special Abilities:
- Sanctified Wind: Allies within 20 ft gain +1 to saves vs. fear and charm.
- Heavenly Step: Once per encounter, teleport self and rider up to 200 ft to a space in sight.
- Pure Heart: Immune to charm/fear from evil-aligned creatures.

The restless spirits of once-noble warriors, phantom knights are bound to the mortal realm by unbreakable oaths or unfinished quests. Unlike other undead, they retain their sense of honor and martial discipline.

Physical Appearance: Phantom Knights appear as tall warrior spirits with semi-translucent forms that shift between ethereal mist and solid manifestation. They wear spectral plate armor that gleams with ghostly light, showing signs of ancient battles and noble heraldry. Empty eye sockets beneath war-worn helmets burn with cold blue flames of determination. Their ghostly longswords appear solid enough to cleave stone, while ethereal shields bear faded coats of arms. Tattered capes flow behind them like captured mist, and they move with the disciplined bearing of their former lives.

Special Abilities: - Oath Bound: Cannot be turned or destroyed while their sworn duty remains unfulfilled
- Spectral Weapons: Weapons can become incorporeal to bypass physical armor, then solidify to deal damage
- Knight's Challenge: Can force a single opponent into honorable single combat (CHA save vs. Base Difficulty 16)
- Phantom Charge: Can phase through obstacles during a charge attack, dealing +2D damage

These living embodiments of earth and stone are summoned from the elemental plane through powerful rituals or arise naturally in places where the boundaries between dimensions grow thin.

Physical Appearance: Stone Elementals are massive 12 feet tall humanoid figures composed entirely of living stone and earth with boulder-like torsos and limbs that show natural rock formations and mineral veins. Their rough, granite-textured skin shifts and moves like liquid stone while maintaining solid form. They have no distinct facial features except for two glowing points of light deep within rocky eye sockets. Moss and small plants often grow in crevices across their forms, and their enormous hands can crush stone like clay.

Special Abilities: - Earth Tremor: Can cause the ground in a 30-foot radius to shake, forcing DEX saves vs. Base Difficulty 15 or fall Prone affliction
- Stone Shape: Can mold stone and rock as if it were clay, creating barriers or simple structures
- Boulder Throw: Can hurl massive stones up to 200 feet (+3H, +4D, affects all creatures in 10-foot radius)
- Damage Resistance: Resistant to piercing and slashing damage, immune to poison and disease

Ancient guardians carved from living rock, Stone Wardens were created by long-dead civilizations to protect sacred sites. They possess just enough intelligence to distinguish between grave robbers and legitimate visitors, though their judgment criteria may seem arbitrary to modern sensibilities.

Physical Appearance: Stone Wardens appear as crude humanoid statues roughly eight feet tall, carved from various types of stone depending on their origin. Ancient runes and symbols cover their bodies, glowing faintly with residual magic. Moss and small plants often grow in the cracks of their forms, and their eyes burn with steady blue-white light.

Special Abilities: - Stone Shape: Can reshape nearby stone walls and floors to create barriers or difficult terrain
- Guardian's Judgment: Can sense the intent of intruders; becomes passive if they show proper respect
- Earth Spike: Can cause stone spikes to erupt from ground within 30 feet
- Construct Traits: Immune to charm, fear, poison, and disease effects

These supernatural entities feed on the life force and emotions of mortals, appearing as impossibly beautiful beings that embody desire and temptation. Succubi are masters of manipulation, using their otherworldly charm to lure victims.

Physical Appearance: Succubi appear as stunningly beautiful humanoids with perfectly proportioned forms that seem to embody the viewer's ideal of attractiveness. Their skin ranges from pale ivory to dusky bronze, always flawless and warm to the touch. Dark, leathery wings emerge from their shoulder blades, capable of folding completely against their backs or spreading wide for flight. Small, curved horns protrude elegantly from their foreheads, while their eyes glow with an inner fire that shifts between deep crimson and molten gold. Their hair flows like liquid silk, and they move with supernatural grace.

Special Abilities: - Overwhelming Presence: All creatures within 30 feet must save vs. CHA Difficulty Level 16 or become Charmed affliction for one hour
- Life Drain Kiss: Willing or helpless targets lose 1d20 maximum HP permanently (succubus heals equal amount)
- Shapechange: Can assume any humanoid form, maintaining supernatural beauty
- Flight: Can fly at twice normal movement speed with perfect maneuverability

Corrupted by dark magic seeping into their forest homes, these massive boars have developed thick hides bristling with razor-sharp thorns. They have become aggressive protectors of tainted woodlands, attacking any who disturb their domain.

Physical Appearance: Thornback Boars stand shoulder-high to a human with muscular frames covered in coarse, dark fur. Long, sharp thorns protrude from their backs and sides like a living armor of spikes. Their eyes glow with an unnatural red light, and their curved tusks drip with a poisonous sap.

Special Abilities: - Thorn Spray: Can launch thorns in a 20-foot cone (DEX save vs. Difficulty Level 14 or take damage)
- Charging Gore: +2 damage on charge attacks, forces STR save vs. Difficulty Level 15 or become Prone
- Barbed Hide: Creatures that grapple or attack with natural weapons take 1d20/2 thorn damage
- Poison Tusks: Critical hits inflict Poisoned affliction

Lumbering brutes that stitch themselves back together mid-battle.

Physical Appearance: Trolls are hulking, misshapen humanoids standing nine feet tall with disproportionately long arms that nearly drag the ground and massive hands ending in clawed fingers. Their mottled green skin has a rubbery, almost plant-like texture that seems to writhe and shift as their supernatural healing constantly repairs damage. Lank, greasy hair hangs in matted strands around their brutish faces, which feature small, beady eyes, flattened noses, and mouths filled with yellowed tusks that jut upward from their lower jaws. Their bodies are covered in scars, wounds, and partially healed injuries that knit together before observers' eyes, while moss and fungal growths often take root in the deeper crevices of their hide, giving them an ancient, primordial appearance.

Special Abilities:
- Regeneration: Heals 10 HP at start of turn unless it took fire or acid damage since its last turn.
- Limb Lunge: 10-ft reach with claws while at ≥75% HP.

These supernatural hunting beasts appear to be carved from living shadow, with forms that seem to absorb light around them. They serve as trackers and assassins for powerful dark entities, capable of pursuing prey across dimensions.

Physical Appearance: Void Hounds resemble large wolves but are composed of writhing darkness that seems to drink in surrounding light. Their forms constantly shift and ripple like liquid shadow. When they move, reality seems to bend slightly around them, creating disturbing visual distortions. Their eyes burn with cold blue fire, and their howls sound like the screaming of wind through empty spaces.

Special Abilities: - Shadow Step: Can teleport between shadows up to 60 feet away
- Void Bite: Drains 1 point from a random ability score (restored after long rest)
- Pack Hunter: +2 to hit when flanking with allies
- Dimensional Tracking: Can follow targets across planes of existence

A tidal will that crushes, drowns, and reshapes itself at whim.

Physical Appearance: Water Elementals appear as living waves shaped into roughly humanoid forms, their translucent bodies constantly flowing and reshaping like a river given consciousness. Their liquid forms contain swirling currents of silt, fragments of seashells, and glinting particles that catch light like trapped stars, while their "faces" are ever-shifting patterns of foam and tide pools with eyes like deep ocean whirlpools. They move with the fluid grace of rushing water, sometimes maintaining solid definition and other times dispersing into cascading streams before reforming. The sound of babbling brooks and crashing waves follows them wherever they flow, and droplets constantly fall from their forms only to be reabsorbed moments later.

Special Abilities:
- Drown: Grappled creature begins Suffocating; CON save vs. Difficulty Level 16 each round or lose actions until freed.
- Flow: Moves through enemy spaces; extinguishes mundane flames on contact.