Monstrous Compendium Vol. 4: Eldraine Creatures introduces dungeon masters to a bevy of new options for theirDungeons & Dragonscampaign. While some of the fairy tale-themed monstrosities are easy enough for the average adventurer to dispatch, others are formidable even for the most experienced group. Here are some of the deadliest.
Keep in mind that strength is relative: any of the higher CR enemies in this supplement could easily wipe out a low-level group. The enemies in the list below are judged in proportion to the level a party would most likely be when encountering each monster for the first time.
10Nightmare Haunt
At CR 5, the Nightmare Haunt is intended for low to mid-level parties. That being said, this definitely appears to be one of those stat blocks where the challenge rating is hilariously deceptive. In the hands of a competent DM, the Nightmare Haunt can and will cause a total party kill for even experienced players.
The Nightmare Haunt has magic resistance, which is uncommon on creatures of its challenge rating. This makes spellcasters less effective against it, a fact that becomes even more terrifying when you find out the Nightmare Haunt also has powerful terrain control abilities. You’ll need to think creatively if you want to overcome this foe.
9Goose Mother
It is a beautiful day in Eldraine, and you havea horrible goose at your disposal. At CR 7, the Goose Mother is an appropriate (and hilarious) encounter for mid-level adventurers. Like an ordinary goose, the Goose Mother is highly aggressive and far more formidable than its appearance would have you assume.
Like the Monster Manual’s hydra, the Goose Mother has multiple heads and the ability to regrow more. Each head has its own attack per turn, which adds up to massive damage output. If that’s not enough, your party can also be put to sleep by the Goose Mother’s lullaby of honks.
8Gingerbrute
It would seem that the ovens of Eldraine are the exact sameas the ones in Cookie Run, because cookies baked in this setting have a habit of developing a life of their own. At CR 1/2, the Gingerbrute is intended to be used as a mob of enemies against a low-level party. However, too many cookies is always a bad idea.
The Gingerbrute has multiple attacks and a surprising amount of HP for a cookie, making it more capable than other creatures of its challenge rating. Add a respectable damage output for its weight class, and this is one mob you don’t want to run into. At least you can eat the crumbs if you survive.
7Deathless Rider
The Deathless Riders are an impossibly stylish bunch, reminiscent of the Nazgul from Tolkien’s works. At CR 5, these spectral knights are meant as a challenge for low-level players. The trouble is, they’renever intended to be fought alone. It’s rare that you’ll find one without its trusty warhorse skeleton (or nightmare) steed.
Unless your players are skilled in mounted combat, they’re in for a bad time. While mounted, the Deathless Rider has advantage on melee attack rolls made against unmounted creatures, which probably includes your party. The rider also has the ability to frighten characters, meaning that turning the tables against it is an almost impossible task.
6Tempest Hart
The Tempest Hart is an elemental creature that seems like it would be most at home ina cloud giant’s domain. At CR 11, it’s suitable for a mid-level party, and it has some tricks up its sleeves that your players will probably hate. Among these is legendary resistance, which is usually reserved for monsters of a higher challenge rating.
The Tempest Hart has up to two reactions per round, which it can use to make a powerful lightning attack or entangle your players with vines. This is on top of a lightning attack that can potentially stun characters. Your players may very well end up helpless and beaten with just a few bad rolls.
5Specter of Night
The Specter of Night is considered an omen of death in the lands of Eldraine. Its lore and flavor calls to mind the spirits of Celtic folklore. Its mournful keening noises place a powerful death curse against anyone who fails a Constitution saving throw against it. At CR 12, it’s a formidable challenge for mid-level players.
Apart from its death curse ability, the Specter of Night also has powerful damage output and the ability to tank both spells and nonmagical weapons. It also has the ability to inflict levels of exhaustion on a character, which can prove deadly if a player’s luck runs short.
4Ogre Chitterlord
Ogres are easily some of the heaviest hitters against a lower-level party. They’re sturdy enough to tank plenty of damage, but also strong enough to bring a character to zero HP with just a couple of well-placed hits. Add in some extra abilities, and you’ve got a formidable foe indeed.
The Ogre Chitterlord is a CR 3 juggernaut who could bethe perfect villainfor your campaign’s first dungeon. This creature has multiple druid spells at its disposal and a gnarly whip made of the tails of multiple rats. The ability to control rat swarms makes this a particularly nasty encounter.
3Snapping Hydra
Snapping turtles are one ofthe more terrifying animalsyou can encounter in real life. Add three more heads and make it super-sized, and you’ve got the Snapping Hydra. This CR 11 monstrosity has the same regenerating heads and action economy as the regular hydra. Creatures with lots of actions per turn are always deadly, and the Snapping Hydra is no exception.
In addition to a potentially massive damage output, the Snapping Hydra has plenty of hit points and a high AC, making it able to tank the worst your party has to offer. This is not the kind of monster you want to throw at your party if you want a fair fight.
2Beanstalk Wurm
The Beanstalk Wurm may look like a dragon, but it lacks most traditional draconic qualities. It’s more along the lines of a massive grass-type Pokémon, but not even a Master Ball will save you here. This CR 18 monstrosity is intended for high-level parties, and it has the potential to be a seriously challenging fight.
The massive damage the Wurm can dish out is typical for monsters of this challenge rating. The real challenge comes from spotting it, since its leafy camouflage enables it to get a surprise round against unsuspecting players. Add in a health regeneration ability similar to a troll’s and the ability to swallow characters alive, and it’s likely your entire party might end up as dinner.
1Witchkite
While it’s technically possible to have a Dungeons & Dragons campaign without any dragons, you’d be ignoring a core aspect of the franchise. At CR 15, the Witchkite is the perfect enemy for your party to face down at mid to high level. It’s got all the flavor of a regular dragon, with some added perks.
The Witchkite’s appeal comes from its lore: while most dragons hoard material wealth, the Witchkite hoards magical tomes and secrets. The arcane theming is further reflected in the monster’s stat block. With powerful spellcasting abilities, this is one dragon you don’t want to fight unprepared.
Next:Dungeons & Dragons: Monsters That Are Perfect For A Halloween-Themed One-Shot
