Any experienced DM knows that there is a certain group of monsters that players tend to call 'XP Banks' or 'Cannon Fodder' or personal favorites 'Trash Mobs'. But few players know that the little things that seem like low threats at the higher levels of the campaign may be the last thing they deal with in the Realms.
Some of these nasty critters escalate trouble when they attack in groups; others form entire warbands that can raze an entire city if underestimated. Others are a guaranteed character replay for the overconfident Bards and Warlocks of the party. This is list 8 ordinary monsters in Dungeons & Dragons that becoming a total nightmare at higher levels.
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8
Spiders
That slippery sound, crawling up the cave walls, spelled doom for unwary adventurers
Everyone hates Spiders: They trigger an initial rejection reaction in our organism, which is a clear sign that they are beings to be avoided at all costs. They can be poisonous, incredibly durable, and spew that sticky web that weaves the frames of nightmares. Now spiders in D&D they are CR0 creatures that, all things considered, should not be a threat to experienced adventurers. Plus, they're low on life and just a tiny bit away from being squashed. But that's a regular, single spider, and that's where the swarm mechanic comes into play.
Experienced DMs know this flock of animalsespecially poisonous, deadly, they are an absolute nightmare for even the most experienced players. Additionally, by diving into a spider's nest, players will face not only a swarm of millions of lower-level spiderlings, but also a huge the creature's nightmares he obliged Lolth they can sometimes be the leaders of these little houses of horror. In addition, websites are considered among the most extreme difficult terrainsand spiders can meaning when someone falls on their website, to move freely within and through without and need for ability checks. Don't underestimate spiders; they can be your next TPK.
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7
Kobolds
A pack of kobolds? This will be the easiest job ever! — Famous last words
Kobolds are one of the most popular Trash Mobs D&D culture, a creature that has been greatly underestimated, nerfed and rehashed to the point of becoming a popular joke. Old school DMs will remember the deep connection between Kobold and draconid lore and that for the most part these creatures not only worship but serve chromatic dragons.
But that's not the main problem that makes Kobolds such a terrifying foe to face at higher levels (and in greater numbers). When led by a chieftain or a shaman, or worse, a kobold king, Kobolds become more than just a mindless bunch of blustering brawlers. Organized, tactical and strong, employing some of the most vicious combat tricks, traps and taking full advantage of their diminutive size and high mobility, Kobolds turn into a tide of sharp claws and teeth after a rockslide in the middle of an unconscious group trying to reach the summit where they nest.
6
Wolves
A sea of red-hot embers rose from the depths of darkness; Gritting teeth, foaming mouth, ready to devour them
Wolves they are considered a classic encounter in D&D and are part of the random encounters that every good DM should have ready for any good old wilderness travel. But what happens when the same encounter is translated into a high-level campaign where CR's budget allows for a bit of flair?
The answer is simple: Pure carnage. Wolves are difficult to deal with not only in numbers, but when they hunt in larger packs, especially those where Worgs and Dire wolves are involved. Wolves suddenly change from opportunistic predators to a flurry of opportunity attacks that always roll with advantage (pack tactics) and can cause adventurers to fall with every attack. There's an old rule for adventuring: When wolves have double their hands, it's time to run or prepare to die.
5
Shadows
Did you see that shadow move? — It was probably the Sneaky Rogue — Hey! I'm here, you know
Shadows they are undead creatures, born of pure malice and hatred for all living things. They haunt crypts, cemeteries and the darkest corners of the world, where the influence of the benevolent gods is waning and necromancers thrive with their unholy rituals. A single shadow is said to be a terrifying foe for low-level parties, but an army of shadows can just as easily wipe out an entire group of top-level characters.
In places where daylight does not reach, these enemies are in their element and players should never underestimate encountering them. They can squeeze through the tightest of places, crevices, and the like, and deal not only necrotic damage (which is harder to heal than other types of damage), but also damage the Strength attribute by 1d4. Everyone knows what happens when major attributes are reduced to 0; now imagine dealing with ten, maybe even twenty of these pesky undead at once.
4
Facial expressions
The cornered bard remembered finding the health potion and smiled. Ditto the Potion
Facial expressions they are ugly creatures to say the least. They hide in plain sight and appear as doors, treasure chests, statues, and even piles of gold coins. No self-respecting adventurer ventures into a dungeon without knowing about these monsters (meta aside), for they are the stuff of which the best pub stories are made, and the bane of all nosy Bards and wily Rogues. Even when the party is aware of the possibility of encountering her, there's always a little mental lapse, especially when there's treasure and loot ahead.
At higher levels, Mimics don't just have mouths full of teeth waiting for unwitting party members to approach them: They can be chandeliers hanging from the ceilingor that old tapestry painting it looks expensive. Even floor slatswhere the party's healer has just begun her long rest, there may be a Mimic waiting for her chance. Astute DMs understand Mimics as semi-intelligent creatures and ambush hunters, but very smart DMs will also know the tricks behind Mimic ecology that make them especially good for high-level encounters and a nightmare for any party expecting easy escape and cash collection. Greater Mimics are the scariest examples of these monsters that have become a popular meme D&D culture. But make no mistake: Facial expressions are no joke.
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3
Undead
The echoes of rattling bones and the smell of rotting flesh— The paladin frowned
Lesser undead (i.e. Zombies and Skeletons) are a common trope in each D&D campaign. Whether they appear in one of the many pre-cooked environments or in homebrew, these vile creatures often infest crypts, dungeons, and unholy places. Players often underestimate the power of a well-managed army of skeletons and zombies, and if they do, then they are foolish.
In Forgotten Realms lore, skeletons and zombies are often associated with lichs, demi-lichs, or necromancers. But this is not always the case. There are cases where intelligent, cunning and sometimes aggressive undead who are not Liches control these creatures by the hundreds. Such is the case with Wights, Mummy Lords or Death Knights. When players face a Lesser Undead army controlled by one such creature and the CR is high, then this is a perfect recipe for a TPK.
2
Crows
Like a dark cloud blocking the sun, a tide of beaks and claws descended upon them
Crows and Ravens they are birds, but don't be fooled by this seemingly weak family of winged creatures: They are a real threat, and not just because of their beaks and sharp claws: They are also quite smart. Ravens and crows can be commanded by supernatural means to attack a group of travelers or be attached to certain major campaign adversaries who use them as spies and messengers.
But a flock of crows or ravens is the final form of these creatures, attacking en masse, threatening a wide area, obstructing vision and causing players to panic, make mistakes, and possibly die if they step on unfavorable terrain. At higher levels, murder crows can wipe out a group of endgame characters in just four turns.
1
Goblins (and Hobgoblins)
First you hear them laugh, then they come for you
Goblins not only are they wild and sometimes even fearless, but they are also downright insane and pure evil. Don't let the size of these enemies fool you; they're worth every inch of pain and mischief, and they'll flay every party member alive if they can. However, Goblins are lower CR threats in their own right, often referred to as Trash Mobs. However, players often find them to be petty, funny and sometimes even cute supporting material (fools). Make no mistake: The only good goblin is a dead goblin.
These creatures often live in warbands, often commanded by shamans, goblins, and other vile members of their species. They often nest in abandoned forts, caves and even take over villages they raid. When players face higher-level goblins commanded by a chieftain, they are in trouble. These creatures dominate forests, ruins, and sometimes even dungeons, and are a plague that has ravaged the Realm throughout the ages. Goblins can also 'domesticate' and mount Worgs, making them many times more deadly. A pack of Goblin Riders cannot be shaken off and will relentlessly pursue the group to the cliff edges if necessary.
- Franchise
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Dungeons & Dragons
- Original release date
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1974
- Designer
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E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson
