Coming up at the end of February, I’ll be launching two cool books for Patrons. These books will be available here on the site as well as FREE in their blog format as usual.
The first book will be an adventure set in the Patron-created world of Wandrossa. While it’s still in the works (and doesn’t have a title yet), it’s a mystery involving fey and aberrations in the Ninth Kingdom of Enombath. I expect this book to have between 15-20 pages.
The second book will be a medium-sized creature code titled Creaturepedia I: Monsters of the Ninth Kingdom Vol 1. This collection will include a number of original monsters created for the setting. I’m projecting that this one will be a bit larger with 30-40 pages.
What monsters will be in the Creaturepedia?
So far, here are the monsters that you can expect. Note that many of the names are placeholders:
- Ethereal Haunter
- Blood Beasts
- Sanguine Apes
- Cutlery Golem
- Phoenix Dragon
- Sentient Fungus Cloud
- The Eternal Guard of Enombath
- Blackleaf Will-o’-Wisp
- Medusa NPCs and Variants
- Animated Stone Statues
- Blackleaf Trees
- Killer Rabbit
- Giant Ant Lions
- Dimensional Shifter
- Deer/Moose Humanoids
- Bug People (uses pheromones to seduce humanoids)
- Elemental Breathing Pack Dogs
- Gem Elementals
- Harbinger Monster
I’ll be statting up these monsters over the course of the next week or so. So far, these are only CR 0 – 4 creatures. But I’ll probably add in another round of higher CR monsters, too.
Creaturepedia Request
Here is a monster request from Patron Cody:
Hey Dave! For my copper request, could I get a cr 10 young phoenix dragon? The name is not set, I guess. But I wanted to include in my campaign a dragon that gains power and advances through the dragon ranks (from wyrmling to ancient) by dying in combat, catching flame, and rising again. Not in a necromancy way, but similar to a Phoenix rising from the ashes. So to go from wyrmling to young might take 10 deaths. From young to adult, 100. And adult to ancient, 1000. So I was hoping for my request you could make the young dragon version of this? Let me know if this doesn’t fit the guidelines. I saw that the young red and gold dragons are cr 10. Thanks!
Phoenix dragons? Sounds like a good time! Let’s do it!
Phoenix Dragon Wyrmling
Medium dragon, neutral
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 32 (5d8 + 10)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Abilities Str 15 (+2), Dex 18 (+4), Con 15 (+2), Int 10 (+0), Wis 17 (+3), Cha 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Con +4, Wis +5, Cha +4
Skills Perception +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Draconic, Ignan
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Fiery Death and Rebirth. When the dragon dies, it explodes. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 5 (1d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried.
The explosion destroys the dragon’s body and leaves behind an egg-shaped cinder that weighs 1 pound. The cinder is blazing hot, dealing 10 (3d6) fire damage to any creature that touches it, though no more than once per round. The cinder is immune to all damage, and after 1d6 days, it hatches a new phoenix dragon.
Flyby. The dragon doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Actions
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
- Fire Breath. The dragon exhales a ball of fire at a point that it can see within 60 feet of it. On impact, the ball of fire explodes in a 10-foot radius sphere centered on the point. Each creature in the area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, taking 13 (3d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
- Lethargy Breath. The dragon exhales lethargic energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes one level of exhaustion.
Young Phoenix Dragon
Large dragon, neutral
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 142 (15d10 + 60)
Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft.
Abilities Str 19 (+4), Dex 20 (+5), Con 19 (+4), Int 12 (+1), Wis 19 (+4), Cha 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Con +7, Wis +7, Cha +6
Skills Insight +7, Perception +7
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Draconic, Ignan
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Fiery Death and Rebirth. When the dragon dies, it explodes. Each creature within 20 feet of it must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried.
The explosion destroys the dragon’s body and leaves behind an egg-shaped cinder that weighs 2 pounds. The cinder is blazing hot, dealing 14 (4d6) fire damage to any creature that touches it, though no more than once per round. The cinder is immune to all damage, and after 1d6 days, it hatches a new phoenix dragon.
Flyby. The dragon doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its talons.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
- Fire Breath. The dragon exhales a ball of fire at a point that it can see within 120 feet of it. On impact, the ball of fire explodes in a 20-foot radius sphere centered on the point. Each creature in the area must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
- Lethargy Breath. The dragon exhales lethargic energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes one level of exhaustion.
Adult Phoenix Dragon
Huge dragon, neutral
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 212 (17d12 + 102)
Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft.
Abilities Str 23 (+6), Dex 21 (+5), Con 23 (+6), Int 14 (+2), Wis 21 (+5), Cha 18 (+4)
Saving Throws Con +12, Wis +11, Cha +10
Skills Insight +11, Perception +11
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 21
Languages Common, Draconic, Ignan
Challenge 20 (25,000 XP)
Fiery Death and Rebirth. When the dragon dies, it explodes. Each creature within 30 feet of it must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 16 (3d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried.
The explosion destroys the dragon’s body and leaves behind an egg-shaped cinder that weighs 4 pounds. The cinder is blazing hot, dealing 17 (5d6) fire damage to any creature that touches it, though no more than once per round. The cinder is immune to all damage, and after 1d6 days, it hatches a new phoenix dragon.
Flyby. The dragon doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon uses its Inspiring Presence. Then, it makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its talons.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Inspiring Presence. Each creature of the dragon’s choice that is within 60 feet of it and aware of it is magically inspired by the dragon until the end of the dragon’s next turn. While inspired by the dragon, the creature has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws and can’t be magically charmed. The effect ends if the dragon is incapacitated.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
- Fire Breath. The dragon exhales a ball of fire at a point that it can see within 120 feet of it. On impact, the ball of fire explodes in a 30-foot radius sphere centered on the point. Each creature in the area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
- Lethargy Breath. The dragon exhales lethargic energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes one level of exhaustion.
Legendary Actions
The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.
Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (2d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
Ancient Phoenix Dragon
Gargantuan dragon, neutral
Armor Class 21 (natural armor)
Hit Points 444 (24d20 + 192)
Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft.
Abilities Str 27 (+8), Dex 22 (+6), Con 27 (+8), Int 16 (+3), Wis 23 (+6), Cha 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Con +15, Wis +13, Cha +12
Skills Insight +13, Perception +13
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Draconic, Ignan
Challenge 24 (62,000 XP)
Fiery Death and Rebirth. When the dragon dies, it explodes. Each creature within 60-feet of it must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried.
The explosion destroys the dragon’s body and leaves behind an egg-shaped cinder that weighs 4 pounds. The cinder is blazing hot, dealing 21 (6d6) fire damage to any creature that touches it, though no more than once per round. The cinder is immune to all damage, and after 1d6 days, it hatches a new phoenix dragon.
Flyby. The dragon doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the dragon fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Actions
Multiattack. The dragon uses its Inspiring Presence. Then, it makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its talons.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) piercing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (2d10 + 8) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +15 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (2d8 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
Inspiring Presence. Each creature of the dragon’s choice that is within 60 feet of it and aware of it is magically inspired by the dragon until the end of the dragon’s next turn. While inspired by the dragon, the creature has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws and can’t be magically charmed. The effect ends if the dragon is incapacitated.
Breath Weapons (Recharge 5-6). The dragon uses one of the following breath weapons.
- Fire Breath. The dragon exhales a ball of fire at a point that it can see within 120 feet of it. On impact, the ball of fire explodes in a 30-radius sphere centered on the point. Each creature in the area must make a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw, taking 72 (16d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
- Lethargy Breath. The dragon exhales lethargic energy in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 23 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes one level of exhaustion.
Legendary Actions
The dragon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The dragon regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Detect. The dragon makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
Tail Attack. The dragon makes a tail attack.
Wing Attack (Costs 2 Actions). The dragon beats its wings. Each creature within 10 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 23 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (2d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone. The dragon can then fly up to half its flying speed.
A Phoenix Dragon’s Lair
A phoenix dragon’s mountain lair is typically a hot place, often found within the heart of a volcano or cavern full of magma tubes.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the dragon takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the dragon can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:
- A powerful wind blows around the dragon. Each creature within 60 feet of the dragon must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed 15 feet away from the dragon and knocked prone. Gases and vapors are dispersed by the wind, and unprotected flames are extinguished. Protected flames, such as lanterns, have a 50 change of being exhausted.
- The dragon dampens healing magic until the next Initiative count 20. The target of a healing spell cast within 120 feet of the dragon regains only half the normal number of hit points from the spell.
- Fire erupts from a point on the ground the dragon can see within 120 feet of it, creating a 20-foot high, 5-foot radius pillar. Each creature in the pillar’s area must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried.
Regional Effects
The region containing a legendary phoenix dragon’s lair is warped by the dragon’s magic, which creates one or more of the following effects:
- Within 6 miles of the dragon’s lair, there is a 10% chance that healing magic cast also creates a small fire within 10 feet of the caster. The fire ignites flammable objects in the area that aren’t worn or carried and can be put out with an action.
- Any beast, giant, humanoid, or monstrosity that dies within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair has a 1% chance of being reborn within 1d6 days. The creature returns as an infant version of its former self within 10 feet of the place it died. The creature quickly grows back into the age it was before death, regaining all its former memories; the rate at which it grows is 1 hour for every year of its age at the time of death. Elves and other fey descendants are not affected by this magic.
- The region surrounding the dragon’s lair is unusually windy, especially in the summer. Treat the area within 1 mile of the dragon’s lair as if it was under the Strong Wind effect described on page 110 of the DMG.
More to come!
This is just one of many monsters to be made this month that will be a part of Creaturepedia: Monsters of the Ninth Kingdom Vol 1.
If you would like to suggest a creature for the Creaturepedia, be sure to head over to my Patron page. It’s $3 to join and not only do you get to become a world-builder and help create Wandrossa, but you also get requests and the majority of the monthly PDFs that come through the site.
Become a DMDave patron, today!