10 Interesting But Underused Creatures In Dungeons And Dragons
Dragons seem to be more common than cows in Dungeons and Dragons. Why not try something new?
Dungeons and Dragons is full of so many wondrous and fantastical creatures. Hags, dragons, and beholders are only the tip of the iceberg. Why then do we find ourselves often fighting the same creatures in every game?
There are some that seem unavoidable. Town guards are always going to try and stop your rogue from stealing, and wolves are always going to be found in the forest. But why when your adventuring party travel to a fog covered house, do they always fight zombies? Why are ancient caves always inhabited by goblins? Why does a dragon always have to be controlling them kobolds?
There are so many creatures in Dungeons and Dragons, that it’s a shame that we often stick to the same ones. We often do this because it’s safe. We read about another DM using them, perhaps only putting them there because the lore suggests it. Get rid of all them ideas, this is a fantasy game you can do whatever you want. As long as there is an explanation and the rules are fair then why not!
Hopefully, this article will give you some ideas. Maybe for a side mission or a whole new campaign.
10. Rust Monster
While this creature may not bother a character that is playing a monk or a wizard, it will inflict primal fear in fighters and paladins. Rust monsters are very different from your everyday enemies, as these bug-like beings subsist on a diet of metal. They are usually found living underground, seeking out ore deposits to feed on. At only a half challenge rating these creatures may seem a pushover, but those metal feasting abilities can destroy a party’s survivability.
To eat this metal, the rust monster must first corrode it to make it edible. Be that an iron ore deposit, support beams, or the plate mail of a paladin. If an attacking enemy is within five feet of the creature, they must attempt a dc 11 dexterity saving throw. If failed, the monster can cause -1 damage to a player’s weapons or armour. If a players weapon goes down to -5 or the armour drops below 10 armour class, then it is destroyed. This only works on non-magical items, but you can see how dangerous this could be.
This effect also happens on weapons that hit the creature. There is no saving throw on this. If a players attack lands on the creature, then that is another -1 to damage rolls. Bring out a group of these and just watch them fighters panic.