EXPANDING

CODEX

Mike Welham
 EXPANDING
CODEX
CREDITS
Author: Mike Welham
Editor: Scott Gable
Cover Artist: Craig J. Spearing
Interior Artists: Michele Giorgi, Leesha Hannigan, Michael Jaecks, Georgi Minkov,
William O’Brien, Roberto Pitturru, Florian Stitz, Bryan Syme, Egil Thompson
Layout and Graphic Design: Marc Radle
Director of Digital Growth: Blaine McNutt
Art Director: Marc Radle
Director of Operations: T. Alexander Stangroom
Publisher: Wolfgang Baur

Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a,
Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (characters, place names, new deities,
etc.), dialogue, plots, story elements, locations, characters, artwork, sidebars, and trade dress. (Elements that have previously been
designated as Open Game Content are not included in this declaration.)
Open Game Content: The Open Game Content includes the alternate traits and actions for the Arcanaphage, Bookkeeper, Devil
Shark, Moon Drake, Pact Drake, Venom Elemental, Flame-scourged Scion, Fulminar, Ghost Dragon, Void Giant, Gloomflower,
Iron Sphere, Swolbold, Leonino, Unhatched, Albino Death Weasel, and Ziphius.

©2020 Open Design LLC. All rights reserved.

www.koboldpress.com

2
Expanding Codex fleshes out monsters from the
Creature Codex, giving GMs ways to modify the
existing monsters to surprise well-prepared players or
to introduce monsters to a campaign.
ARCANAPHAGE
A soft-bodied, iridescent creature floats by, tentacles
rippling along its back as it quests for its next meal…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter an
arcanaphage without modifying its challenge rating.
Diviniphage. A diviniphage feeds solely on divine
magic but still interacts with all types of magic. It is
immune to damage from divine spells. It has advantage
on saving throws against other spells and magical
effects. Its Hunger trait regains hp equal to three times
the level of the spell and increases its Feed score by
2 each time it feeds in combat. Additionally, when
it applies its Ingest Magic trait or uses its Voracious
reaction, it can only feed on divine spells it ends or
counters. Finally, when it dies and applies its Arcane
Discharge trait, the force damage dealt by this trait is
replaced with either radiant or necrotic damage.
The diviniphage loses the arcanaphage’s Magic
Immunity trait, and other traits and reactions are
modified as indicated above.
Magic Sight. The arcanaphage senses magic within
90 feet of it at will. This trait otherwise works like the
detect magic spell but isn’t itself magical.
The arcanaphage’s blindsight is reduced to 30 ft.
Selective Eater. The arcanaphage is
predominantly exposed to one school of magic
(abjuration, conjuration, and so on), so it has
adapted its feeding to better consume such
magic. It is immune to spells and magical
effects from its chosen school and
has advantage on saving throws
against other spells and magical
effects. Its Hunger trait regains
hp equal to four times the
level of the spell and
increases its Feed
score by 2 for the
selected school, but it regains hp equal to the level
of the spell and increases its Feed score by 1/2 for all
other schools. For purposes of its Arcane Discharge
trait, ignore fractional values. Additionally, when
its Ingest Magic trait applies, a creature maintaining
concentration on a spell from the arcanaphage’s
selected school has disadvantage on its Constitution
saving throw. Finally, when the arcanaphage uses
its Voracious reaction, it has advantage on its
spellcasting ability check when countering a spell
from its chosen school.
The arcanaphage loses its Magic Immunity trait,
and other traits and reactions are modified as
indicated above.
True Arcanaphage. A true arcanaphage feeds solely
on arcane magic but still interacts with all types of
magic. It is immune to damage from arcane spells. It
has advantage on saving throws against other spells
and magical effects. Its Hunger trait regains hp equal
to three times the level of the spell and increases
its Feed score by 2 each time it feeds in combat.
Additionally, when it applies its Ingest Magic trait or
uses its Voracious reaction, it can only feed on arcane
spells it ends or counters. Finally, its Arcane Discharge
trait deals 4 (1d8) force damage per Feed score to a
creature that fails its Dexterity saving throw and deals
9 (2d8) force damage to a creature that starts its turn
in the affected area.
The true arcanaphage loses the arcanaphage’s Magic
Immunity trait, and other traits and reactions are
modified as indicated above.
3
 NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS ARCANAPHAGE ADVENTURE HOOKS
The following magic item and spell are inspired by There are many adventures that can showcase an
abilities possessed by an arcanaphage. arcanaphage:
• A wizard asks the PCs to capture a live arcanaphage
ARCANAPHAGE STONE
specimen in a lead-lined jar she provides. She pays
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
well for their trouble and ensures they are aware of
This smooth rock serves a similar function as rocks the threat posed by the creature. She refuses to tell
found in a bird’s gizzard and helps the arcanaphage the PCs she plans to release the arcanaphage in a
digest magic. While you hold or wear the stone, you rival’s laboratory.
have advantage on saving throws against spells.
• A collective of arcanaphages has devoured all
Additionally, you can use a reaction to counter
magic in the dimension they inhabit. The creatures
a spell cast within 30 feet of you as if you cast
wriggle their way, one per day, through a rift
counterspell. Unlike the spell, you must always make
leading from their home dimension to a large city.
a spellcasting ability check (using Charisma as your
The city’s leaders ask the PCs to close the rift before
spellcasting ability if you do not have one), no matter
the arcanaphages can wreak havoc on the city.
the spell level. If you successfully counter the spell,
the stone increases its Absorption score by 1. Its
Absorption score cannot exceed 8. Once you have BOOKKEEPER
used the stone to counter a spell, it can’t be used in
this way until the next dawn. As the tome is opened, a blob of ink splashes toward the
Finally, you can use an action to throw the stone reader’s eyes, followed by mischievous giggles…
up to 60 feet away to unleash its stored magic. When
it reaches its target, it explodes, and each creature ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
within 5 feet per Absorption score must make a DC The following changes allow GMs to alter a
14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 1d6 force damage bookkeeper without modifying its challenge rating.
per Absorption score on a failed save, or half as much Creator’s Mark. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
damage on a successful one. This destroys the stone. reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: The bookkeeper marks the
target with an invisible rune, which it and its creator
DEVOUR MAGIC
can see. The mark can be removed with a dispel magic
5th-level abjuration (sorcerer, wizard) or similar magic.
Casting Time: 1 action The bookkeeper loses its bite attack.
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a tentacle from an arcanaphage)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
After casting this spell, you can take a reaction when
you are the target of or in the area of a spell or magical
effect that allows a saving throw. When you take the
reaction, you have advantage on your saving throw.
If you succeed on your saving throw, the spell or
magical effect has no effect on you, and you regain a
number of hit points equal to the spell’s level.

4
 Dual Binding. The bookkeeper is attuned to two
books rather than a single tome. It can use its Between
the Lines trait to jump between books provided they
are within range of each other. Its hp maximum
reduction from its Book Bound trait only applies if it is
farther than 60 feet from both books. Both books the
bookkeeper are bound to are destroyed when it dies.
Stretching the bookkeeper’s magic across two books
gives it the Antimagic Susceptibility trait:
• Antimagic Susceptibility. The bookkeeper is
incapacitated while in an area of an antimagic
field. If targeted by dispel magic, the bookkeeper
must succeed on a Constitution saving throw
against the caster’s spell save DC or fall
unconscious for 1 minute.
Nauseating Ink. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
range 20 ft., one target Hit: 3 (1d6) poison damage,
and the target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution
save or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.
The bookkeeper loses its Ink Splash action.
Possess Reader (Recharges after a Long Rest). The
fiendish bookkeeper treats its book as a container for
a magic jar spell. It can possess a humanoid per the
magic jar spell (save DC 9) if the humanoid moves
within 60 feet of it. The bookkeeper can only possess a
target for 10 minutes before it must return to its book.
A DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check notices ink
flowing through the whites of the possessed creature’s
eyes, and a DC 13 Intelligence (Arcana) check
discovers the possession.
The fiendish bookkeeper loses its X Marks the Spot
trait.
Spell Attunement (Recharge 4–6). The bookkeeper
has access to a 1st-level spell within its book. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 9, +1 to
hit with spell attacks). It can use an action to innately
cast the spell, requiring no material components.
The bookkeeper loses its Elusive Pages action.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a bookkeeper.
BOOKKEEPER INKPOT
Wondrous item, rare
This glass vessel looks like an ordinary inkpot. A
quill fashioned from an ostrich feather accompanies
the inkpot. You can use the vessel to contain a
bookkeeper. A willing bookkeeper moves to the
inkpot, but an unwilling specimen must succeed on a
DC 13 Charisma saving throw or be transferred to the
inkpot, making you the bookkeeper’s new “creator.”
While the bookkeeper is contained within the vessel,
it suffers no harm due to being away from its bound
book, but it cannot use any of its abilities that apply
to it being in a bound book. Dipping the quill in the
inkpot and writing in a book binds the bookkeeper to
the new book.
If the inkpot is found as treasure, there is a 50%
chance it contains a bookkeeper. Variant inkpots work
for inklings (see Creature Codex).
INK SPLASH
Evocation cantrip (warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
Ink shoots from your hand to a target. Make a ranged
spell attack with the ink. On a hit, the target takes
1d6 poison damage and must succeed on a Dexterity
saving throw or become blinded until the end of its
next turn.
The spell’s damage increases by 1d6 when you reach
5th level (2d6), 11th level (3d6), and 17th level (4d6).
RECORDING BOOK
Wondrous item, uncommon
This book, which hosts a dormant bookkeeper,
appears to be a journal filled with empty pages. You
can place the book anywhere and use an action to
speak its command word and activate it. It remains
activated until you use an action to speak the
command word again.
The bookkeeper records all things said within 60
feet of it. It can distinguish voices and notes those as
it records. The book holds up to 12 hours’ worth of
conversation. Any creature, other than you or targets
you designate, that peruses the book finds the pages
blank.
BOOKKEEPER ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
bookkeeper:
• A lonely bookkeeper, the creation of an eccentric
wizard who read from the creature’s bound
book every day, regards the first creature that
touches its book as its new “creator,” which does
not require a Charisma check. The bookkeeper
demands the resumption of its former creator’s
activity, requiring 30 minutes of reading from its
current creator. If the creature does not receive
the appropriate attention, it flies around its
creator, distracting them so much the creator has
5
 disadvantage on a check or attack. A successful DC
13 Charisma (Persuasion) check calms the creature
for a day, but the DC increases by 1 for every day
the creator does not read to it.
• A kobold bookseller peppers her books with
bookkeepers, which she employs as spies. The
bookkeepers induce minor damage to their
books to encourage their “owners” to contact the
bookseller for repairs. This system has worked
well for the kobold until a recent spate of murders
where the victims were found with ink stains
around their noses and mouths, indicating some
inky creature had suffocated them. The kobold
seeks to clear its name and discover the true
culprit, which could be an ink devil (see Tome of
Beasts) or a more powerful inky creature.
DEVIL SHARK
With a fang-filled maw and the glimmer of malevolent
intelligence in its ruby red eyes, this shark-like creature
glides through the depths in complete silence…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a devil
shark without modifying its challenge rating.
Amphibious. The devil shark can breathe air and
water. It also has a speed of 10 feet.
The devil shark loses its Water Breathing trait.
Additionally, its swim speed is reduced to 40 feet.
Crushing Charge. If the devil shark swims at least
20 feet straight toward a creature and hits with a slam
attack on the same turn, the target takes an additional
22 (4d10) bludgeoning damage and must succeed on
a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked 20 feet
away from the devil shark.
The devil shark gains a slam melee weapon attack,
and its bite attack is modified:
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 24 (3d10 + 7) piercing damage and
the target is grappled (escape DC 18).
• Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
Icy Belly. A creature swallowed by the devil shark
takes 10 (3d6) acid damage and 10 (3d6) cold damage
at the start of each of the devil shark’s turns.
This trait modifies the devil shark’s Swallow action.
Summon Giant Shark (1/Day). The devil shark
summons 1d4 sharks. A summoned shark appears in
an unoccupied space within 60 feet of the devil shark,
acts as an ally, and remains for 1 minute.
6
The devil shark loses its Magic Resistance trait when
it gains the Summon Giant Shark action.
Vortex (Recharge 4–6). The devil shark creates a
vortex of water within 30 feet of it that lasts for 1
minute. The vortex is 5 feet in diameter and up to
30 feet tall. A creature occupying the space where
the vortex appears or entering the vortex for the first
time on a turn must make a DC 18 Dexterity save
or be restrained and take 2d8 bludgeoning damage.
As an action, a creature can free itself or another
creature from a vortex by succeeding on a DC 18
Strength check.
The devil shark loses its Freezing Breath action.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a devil shark.
BLOOD FRENZY
3rd-level enchantment (druid, ranger)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (tooth from a devil shark)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You touch a willing creature. The target gains a keen
sense of smell, granting it advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on smell. Additionally,
the target has advantage on melee attack rolls against
any creature that doesn’t have all its hp.
The frenzy induced by the spell causes the target
to lose the ability to discern between friend and
foe. Each round, it has a 20% chance to attack any
adjacent living creature that doesn’t have all its hp.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using
spell slot of 4th level or higher, you can target one
additional creature for each slot above 3rd.
DEVIL SHARK MASK
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
When you wear this burgundy face covering, it
transforms your face into a shark-like visage, and the
mask sprouts wicked horns. You gain a bite attack that
deals 1d8 piercing damage and that counts as a magic
weapon. You also gain a +1 bonus on attack and
damage rolls made with your bite attack.
Additionally, you have advantage on Charisma
(Intimidation) checks while wearing this mask.
Curse. The mask is cursed, and becoming attuned
to it extends the curse to you. As long as you remain
cursed, you are unwilling to part with the mask,
wearing it at all times. If you haven’t used the mask
to bite a living creature before dusk, you tear out a
chunk of your flesh. You take 2d6 necrotic damage
and your hp maximum is reduced by an amount equal
to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the
curse is removed. If your hp maximum is reduced to 0
as a result of this curse, you die, transform into a devil
shark, and teleport to the nearest open body of water.
FROST PELLET
Wondrous item, rare
Fashioned from a devil shark’s stomach lining, this
rubbery pill is cold to the touch. Upon swallowing
the pellet, which leaves you feeling bloated, you
gain immunity to cold damage. Up to 1 hour after
swallowing the pellet, you can expel a 30-foot cone
of cold water. Each creature in the cone must make a
DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the
creature takes 8d6 cold damage and is pushed 10 feet
away from you. On a success, the target takes half the
damage and isn’t pushed away.
DEVIL SHARK ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a devil
shark:
• A sahuagin cult near a coast featuring a large
settlement vows revenge on the land-based
creatures who have thwarted their invasion
attempts. To that end, they plan to conduct a ritual
to call a pair of devil sharks to the waters near the
settlement and offer themselves up as sacrifices
to ensure the sharks devastate the landbound
populace. A fisherwoman stumbled upon the cult
and learned they planned something nefarious.
She made a narrow escape and couldn’t get more
details however. The settlement is not equipped to
deal with the cult in their own element and require
outside assistance to thwart the sahuagin plot.
• A ship carrying a valuable cargo was due to
reach port two days ago. By all accounts, weather
shouldn’t have delayed the ship’s arrival. The ship’s
owners as well as the cargo’s recipients fear a devil
shark possibly sensed the vessel’s importance and
attacked. Those brave enough to locate the ship,
retrieve the cargo, and rescue potential survivors,
stand to receive a considerable reward.
7
 DRAKE, MOON
A pale drake drifts through the air like a leaf on the
surface of a pond, barely moving its billowing, cloak-
like wings. Its large, jet‑black eyes stare skyward but
reflect no light…

ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS

The following changes allow GMs to alter moon
drakes without modifying its challenge rating.
Mooncurse Slash (Recharges after a Short or Long
Rest). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one creature. Hit: The target must succeed on a DC
15 Constitution saving throw or become cursed with
lycanthropy (the moon
drake chooses the
type of lycanthrope).
A creature that
previously suffered from
lycanthropy (even if it
was cured) makes its saving
throw with disadvantage. A
lycanthrope has advantage on
its saving throw. If a lycanthrope
fails, it changes to the type chosen
by the drake. This attack can’t affect a
natural-born lycanthrope.
A GM who wishes to randomize the type of the moon phase, it must make a Wisdom
lycanthrope can do so as follows, on a roll of a d10: 1: saving throw to avoid being affected by
werebear, 2: wereboar, 3: weretiger, 4–6: wererat, 7–10: this spell.
werewolf. If you cast this spell at night, the
The moon drake replaces the Moonlight Nip action altered moon phase can affect light.
with Mooncurse Slash. If you change the moon phase to full
Shiftersense. The moon drake can sense the presence moon, light improves to dim light in the area. If you
of shapeshifters within 30 feet. change the moon phase to anything other than full
The moon drake’s darkvision is reduced to 60 ft. moon, light decreases to (or remains at) darkness. If
you change the moon phase during the day, it has no
NEW MAGIC ITEM AND SPELLS appreciable effect on light.
The following magic item and spells are inspired by a
MOON DRAKE DAGGER
moon drake’s abilities.
Weapon (dagger), rare
ALTER MOON PHASE This dagger is fashioned from a moon drake’s fang.
4th-level illusion (druid, sorcerer, wizard) You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made
Casting Time: 1 action with this magic weapon.
Range: Self (1-mile radius) You can use an action to imbue this weapon with
Components: V, S, M (a pinch of moondust) additional magic for 1 minute or until an attack
using this weapon hits a shapeshifter. That creature
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw
You change the apparent moon phase for a 1-mile or take 2d10 radiant damage. On a failed save, the
radius around you for the duration. If a creature shapeshifter instantly reverts to its true form and can’t
within the affected area possesses abilities dependent assume a different form for 1d4 rounds. The dagger
on a particular moon phase, or change shape based on can’t be used this way again until the next sunset.

8
MOONBEAM FORM
3rd-level transmutation (druid, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you
take damage or are restrained
Range: Self
Components: V
Duration: 1 round
You become an incorporeal beam of pure moonlight
for the duration. While in this form, you have
immunity to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
damage from nonmagical attacks. While in this form,
you can pass through openings at least 1 inch wide
and through transparent objects. You also gain a flying
speed of 90 feet for the duration.
TIDAL MANIPULATION
2nd-level evocation (druid, sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 1 mile
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
This spell creates a gravitational effect similar to the
moon’s effect on tides. You can create your choice of
low tide or high tides in an area up to a 1-mile radius
from the point you designate. A low tide strands vessels
and reduces flooding in the area, while a high tide
might create flooding in an area. Vessels in a low tide
are gently lowered to the seabed and take no damage.
You can use this spell to reduce the height of the
wall created by the tsunami spell by 50 feet. This also
reduces the damage dealt by the wall by 1d10.
drake is difficult. Once the PCs find the drake, it is
amenable to removing the curse from the afflicted
PC. However, it may ask them to help eradicate the
wererat nest or perform a similar task as repayment.
DRAKE, PACT
The thief pushed a clinking bag across the desk, but the
pact drake hissed and spit, making it clear that the law
could not be bent, even for a handsome price…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a pact drake
without modifying its challenge rating.
Appoint Notary. As an action, the pact drake
designates a willing creature to witness a pact or
agreement on the drake’s behalf. The designated
creature gains the drake’s Binding Witness trait
and Punish Transgressor action for the pact or
agreement it witnesses. It also gains the ability to cast
scrying three times per day, using its Charisma as its
spellcasting ability. The designated creature can only
scry on parties involved in the agreement. The drake
relinquishes its abilities with respect to the agreement.

MOON DRAKE ADVENTURE HOOKS

There are many adventures that can showcase a
moon drake:
• The leader of a werebear clan asks the PCs to stop
a creature that has been transforming her
clan into ordinary humans. The PCs discover
a pack of werewolves have tricked the
moon drake into curing the werebears and
weakening the clan, leaving the former
werebears open to attack by the
werewolves. If the PCs can negotiate
with the drake, they might be able to
turn the tables on the werewolves.
• If the PCs research cures for lycanthropy
after one of the party is bitten by a
wererat, they discover the location
of a moon drake’s lair at the top
of a tall mountain. Reaching the

9
 The drake can revoke this designation as a bonus
action. When it does so, it regains the Binding
Witness trait and the Punish Transgressor action with
respect to the pact or agreement.
The pact drake loses its Enforced Diplomacy action.
Teleport to Transgressor (Recharges after a Long
Rest). The pact drake is psychically linked to each
pact and agreement it witnesses. If a creature breaks
a drake-brokered contract, the drake can teleport
unerringly to the transgressor’s location up to an hour
afterward. The teleportation fails if the target creature
is no longer on the same plane as the drake.
The pact drake loses the ability to cast arcane eye
and clairvoyance.
Visceral Punisher. As a bonus action, the drake
chooses a single creature within 60 feet that broke
the terms of a pact witnessed by the drake. Until the
target creature is dead or it has offered compensation
for breaking the terms of the pact, the drake has
advantage on attacks against the target and on
saving throws against spells or other magical effects
originating from the target. Additionally, the drake’s
melee attacks deal double damage to the target.
The pact drake loses its Punish Transgressor action.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a pact drake.
BECALMING FOG
2nd-level conjuration (bard, cleric)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a vial of condensation from a
pact drake’s calming haze)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You create a 20-foot-radius sphere of fog centered
on a point within range. The sphere spreads around
corners, and its area is heavily obscured. It lasts for
the duration or until a wind of moderate or greater
speed (at least 10 miles per hour) disperses it. While
a creature is in the fog and for 1 round afterward,
it must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed
save, the creature cannot attack another creature. On
a successful save, the creature is free to attack other
creatures. A creature damaged by a weapon attack or a
spell automatically succeeds on its saving throw.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using
a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the duration is
concentration, up to 10 minutes. If you use a spell slot
of 5th level or higher, wind cannot disperse the fog.
10
PACT DRAKE CONTRACT PAPER
Wondrous item, rare
This smooth paper is like vellum but is prepared from
dozens of scales cast off by a pact drake. A contract
can be inked on this paper, and the paper limns all
falsehoods on it with faerie fire. A command word
clears the paper, allowing for several drafts. Another
command word locks the contract in place and
leaves space for signatures. Creatures signing the
contract are afterward bound by the contract with all
other signatories alerted when a creature breaks the
contract. The creature breaking the contract must
succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or become
blinded, deafened, and stunned for 1d6 minutes. A
creature can attempt a new saving throw at the end of
each of minute, ending the conditions with a success.
After the conditions end, the creature has disadvantage
on saving throws until it finishes a long rest.
PERIAPT OF PROOF AGAINST LIES
Wondrous item, rare
A pendant fashioned from a pact drake claw or part of
a pact drake horn is affixed to a thin gold chain. While
you wear it, you automatically sense if you hear a lie,
but this does not apply to evasions that remain within
the boundaries of the truth.
Until you finish a long rest after wearing the periapt,
you gain the poisoned condition for 10 minutes if
you lie.
PACT DRAKE ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a pact
drake:
• A powerful noble unwittingly signed an infernal
contract with an archdevil, and her soul is forfeit
unless she can find a loophole in the contract. A
pact drake known to oppose archdevils is the best
creature to scrutinize the contract, and the noble
offers a considerable reward to retain the drake’s
services. The archdevil won’t give up his prize and
tries to thwart any attempt to locate and hire the
drake. He first sends his minions to harass, injure,
or kill the noble’s hired protectors, and then he
resorts to making a tempting offer of power or
wealth with no strings attached.
• A vigilante murders known oath breakers rather
than allow the law to punish them. The creature
responsible for the killings is a pact drake who
had brokered an agreement that one of the parties
subsequently breached, resulting in an innocent
person’s demise. Investigators uncover a gang of
kobolds working for the drake. Negotiation or
 subterfuge leads investigators to the pact drake’s Envenom Liquid. As an action, the venom elemental
lair in an abandoned barrister’s office. The pact divests a portion of its body into a pint of liquid. The
drake refuses to stop his hunt for those who break elemental’s hit point maximum is reduced by 1d6 hit
contracts or their word. If the drake senses his points, and this reduction lasts until the elemental
pursuers are amenable, he offers them employment finishes a short rest. The venom retains its potency
in his network. for 1 hour before dissolution. A creature drinking the
envenomed liquid must make a DC 13 Constitution
saving throw or take 7 (2d6) poison damage and gain
ELEMENTAL, VENOM the poisoned condition for 1 minute.
An enormous viper formed of green liquid curls The venom elemental gains the Vulnerability to
upward, its dripping fangs ready to strike… Antitoxin trait:
• Vulnerability to Antitoxin. When the venom
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS elemental is struck by a vial of antitoxin (thrown as
The following changes allow GMs to alter a venom an improvised weapon), it takes 2d6 acid damage.
elemental without modifying its challenge rating. Additionally, until the end of its next turn,
creatures gain resistance to poison damage dealt by
Air Form. Aerosolized versions of the venom
the elemental and have advantage on Constitution
elemental are rarer than their liquid cousins on the
saving throws to avoid becoming poisoned by the
demiplane of poisons. The venom elemental can enter
elemental.
a hostile creature’s space and stop there. It can move
through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without Spit Venom. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
squeezing. The elemental gains a flying speed of 60 feet. range 15/30 ft., one target. Hit: The target must make
The venom elemental also gains the Aerial a DC 13 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6)
Camouflage trait. poison damage on a failed save or half as much on a
The venom elemental loses its swimming speed and successful one. On a failed save, the creature gains the
its Liquid Form and Underwater Camouflage traits. poisoned condition until the end of its next turn.
• Aerial Camouflage. While the elemental is flying it The venom elemental modifies its Multiattack action
has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. to make two attacks: one with its bite and one with its
spit venom.
Engulf. Each creature in the venom elemental’s
space must make a DC 13 Strength saving throw. On
a failure, the target takes 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning
damage plus 3 (1d6) poison damage, and the creature
must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw
or be poisoned until the end of its next turn. If the
target is Large or smaller, it is also grappled (escape
DC 13). Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained
and unable to breathe unless it can breathe water. If
the saving throw is successful, the target is pushed
out of the elemental’s space.
The venom elemental can grapple one Large
creature or up to two Medium or smaller
creatures at one time. At the start of the
elemental’s turn, each target grappled by it takes
7 (2d6) poison damage and must succeed on
a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be
poisoned until the end of its next
turn. A creature within 5 feet of
the elemental can pull a creature
out of it by taking an action to
make a DC 13 Strength check
and succeeding.
The venom elemental loses
its Multiattack action.

11
 NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic item and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a venom elemental.
LIQUIDITY
4th-level transmutation (druid, sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a sponge and liquid from a
venom or water elemental)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
You transform a willing creature you touch, along
with everything it’s wearing and carrying, into a fluid
form for the duration. The spell ends if the creature
drops to 0 hit points.
While the target is in this form, its walking speed
becomes 10 feet, and it gains a swimming speed of
40 feet. The target can enter and occupy the space
of another creature. The target has resistance to
nonmagical damage. The target can pass through
small holes, narrow openings, and even mere cracks.
The target can breathe water and air. The target’s reach
with melee weapon attacks increases by 5 feet.
While in fluid form, the target can only
communicate in Aquan. It can manipulate objects,
but any objects it was carrying or holding when the
spell was cast can’t be dropped, used, or otherwise
interacted with. The target can’t cast spells, and it has
disadvantage with all weapon attacks except unarmed
strikes. The target’s unarmed strikes deal bludgeoning
damage equal to 1 + its Strength modifier, regardless
of any other abilities that modify this damage.
VENOMOUS FANGS
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
If you do not already have a bite attack, these fangs
allow you to use an action to attack a target with a bite
that deals piercing damage with a +1 bonus to attack
rolls and damage rolls and a damage die of 1d4.
While you wear the fangs, a successful DC 9
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks conceals them
from view. At the GM’s discretion, you have
disadvantage on Charisma (Deception or Persuasion)
checks against creatures that notice the fangs.
You can use an action to cause the fangs to fill
with a green poison. The poison remains active for 1
minute or until you hit a creature with a bite attack.
That creature must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution
saving throw or take 1d10 poison damage and become
poisoned until the end of its next turn. The fangs can’t
be used this way again until the next dawn.
12
VENOM ELEMENTAL
ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
venom elemental:
• Several people at a lakeside village have become sick
after swimming along the shore. The inhabitants
blame a neighboring village for poisoning their
water, but the real culprit is a venom elemental.
• A cabal of serpent cultists devoted to a snake
demon is set to perform a ritual to summon
a dozen venom elementals to poison a large
city’s water supply and set the creatures on the
city’s inhabitants. The cultists intend to sacrifice
poisoned victims to the demon in the desire to call
forth the demon.
FLAME-SCOURGED SCION
This tree-like creature’s hide is charred, cracked, and
oozing. A crown of long, branching tentacles set with
goat-like eyes encircles a central fanged maw at the
top of its bulk. Root-like appendages end in blackened,
sooty hooves…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following allow GMs to alter a flame‑scourged
scion without modifying its challenge rating.
Blight Burst (Recharge 6). The flame-scourged
scion showers the area around itself with the ooze
leaking from its skin. Each creature within 10 feet
of the flame-scourged scion must make a DC 18
Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) necrotic
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a
successful one. Plant creatures make this saving throw
with disadvantage, and nonmagical plants that aren’t
creatures wither and die without a saving throw.
The flame-scourged scion loses its Embers action.
Fiery Rage. When a flame-scourged scion takes
fire damage, it inflicts an additional 1d6 fire damage
with its melee weapon attacks. If it takes more than 5
fire damage, it instead inflicts an additional 1d10 fire
damage. The flame-scourged scion gains this extra
damage until the end of its next turn.
The flame-scourged scion loses its Burning Rage trait.
Kick. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. The
target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone.
A flame-scourged scion with a kick attack makes
two tentacle attacks and one kick attack when taking
the Multiattack action.
VARIANT:
FROSTBITTEN SCION
A frostbitten scion has similar
origins to a flame-scourged scion,
except those who destroyed its grove
used powerful cold magic. It gains resistance
to cold, loses resistance to fire, loses its Burning
Rage and Firesight traits, loses its Embers action,
and gains the following traits and action.
Frosty Vengeance. When a frostbitten scion takes
cold damage, it has advantage on its attack rolls until
the end of its next turn. If it takes more than 5 cold
damage, it has advantage on its attack rolls for 2 rounds.
Stinging Ice (Recharge 6). The frostbitten scion
fills the area with a cloud of ice shards. Each creature
within 10 feet of the frostbitten scion must make a
DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) cold
damage and 14 (4d6) piercing damage on a failed save
or half as much damage on a successful one. The ice
melts within moments.
Wintersight. A frostbitten scion can see through
areas obscured by ice, snow, and fog without penalty.

NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS

The following magic items and spell
are inspired by abilities possessed by a
flame-scourged scion.

EMBER BURST
2nd-level evocation (druid, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (10-foot radius)
GOGGLES OF FIRESIGHT
Components: V, M (charred bark from a
flame‑scourged scion) Wondrous item, uncommon
(requires attunement)
Duration: Instantaneous
The lenses of these combination fleshy and plantlike
You create a momentary cloud of embers that engulf
goggles extend a few inches away from the goggles on
all creatures within 10 feet of you before disappearing.
a pair of tentacles. While wearing these lenses, you
Each creature you choose within 10 feet of you must
can see through areas obscured by fire, smoke, and
succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 4d6
fog without penalty.
fire damage and become blinded for 1 round. A
As a reaction when you are the target of an effect
creature that succeeds on its saving throw takes half as
that blinds you, you can force the goggles to intercept
much damage and isn’t blinded.
the effect, giving you immunity to it. If you do so,
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a you cannot use any of the goggle’s functions until the
spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases next dawn.
by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd. When you cast
this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the VENGEFUL COAT
blinded duration increases to 1 minute, and when you Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
cast this spell using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, This stiff, vaguely uncomfortable coat covers
the blinded duration increases to 1 hour. your torso. It smells like ash and oozes a sap-like
substance. While wearing this coat, you are resistant
to slashing damage from nonmagical attacks.

13
 At dawn, you can choose one of the following
damage types: acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder. If
you take damage matching the chosen type, you have
advantage on your attack rolls until the end of your
next turn. If you take more than 10 damage matching
the chosen type, you have advantage on your attack
rolls for 2 rounds.
As a reaction when you are the target of an effect
that inflicts damage of the chosen type, you can
gain resistance to that damage. The coat grants you
advantage on your attack rolls as above and then
becomes nonfunctional until the next dawn.
FLAME-SCOURGED SCION
ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
flame‑scourged scion:
• Once per week, another cow from one rancher’s
herd goes missing. He claims he’d seen a strange
tree looming at the edge of his ranch just as the
sun set before one of his cows disappeared. Though
he hasn’t got the physical might to take on the
flame-scourged scion preying on his cattle, and no
one believes him, he offers a large sum to travelers
who might take on his plight.
• A coterie of flame-scourged scions has infiltrated
a deep-forest’s glade situated on a ley line. They
intend to restore their dark goddess to her former
might, but they require humanoid cultists as well
as humanoid sacrifices to enact the necessary
ritual. Fortunately for the flame-scourged scions,
a schism among a nature deity’s followers has
befallen a nearby village, allowing the creatures to
lure potential acolytes to their glade. The nature
deity’s remaining followers implore adventurers to
locate their wayward cohort.
FULMINAR
What seemed to be a storm cloud takes the shape of a
feline predator. Flashes of lightning course through its
semisolid body as it strikes with overwhelming speed…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a fulminar
without modifying its challenge rating.
Forked Lightning. When the fulminar flies at least
10 feet, it creates a duplicate lightning form that
potentially fools attackers. Until the beginning of
its next turn, after it moves, attack rolls against it
have disadvantage. If it is hit by an attack, this trait is
disrupted until it moves again.
14
The fulminar loses its Flyby and Essence of
Lightning traits.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage and
7 (2d6) thunder damage, and the target must make
a DC 16 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, the
target is stunned until the end of the fulminar’s next
turn and deafened for 1 minute. On a success, the
target is deafened until the end of the fulminar’s next
turn but isn’t stunned. A deafened creature can repeat
the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
the effect on itself on a success.
The fulminar loses its bite attack and replaces its bite
attack with the slam attack when taking a Multiattack
action.
Thunderous Roar (Recharge 5–6). The fulminar
unleashes a roar similar to the overwhelming
thunderclap created in a lightning strike’s immediate
area. Each creature within 30 feet of it must make a
DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, the target
takes 18 (4d8) thunder damage, is knocked prone, and
is deafened for 1 minute. On a success, the target takes
half the damage but isn’t knocked prone or deafened.
The fulminar loses its Lightning Shackles action.
Alternatively, it retains its Lightning Shackles action
with Recharge 6 for both actions.
ALTERNATE CLOUD GIANT
INNATE SPELLCASTING
The following change helps to highlight the alliance
between cloud giants and fulminars.
The cloud giant replaces the control weather spell
with conjure elemental, which can only be cast to
call forth a fulminar. If the caster’s concentration is
broken, the fulminar won’t become hostile to the
caster or the caster’s cloud giant allies, but it might flee
or become hostile to non-cloud giant allies.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic item and spells are inspired by
abilities possessed by a fulminar.
FULMINAR BRACERS
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
Stylized etchings of fulminars cover the outer surfaces
of these solid silver bracers. Lightning crackles
harmlessly down your hands while you wear them.
Additionally, while wearing the bracers, you have
resistance to lightning and thunder damage.
The bracers have 3 charges. You can expend 1 charge
as an action to create two sets of lightning shackles,
each of which strike a creature you can see within 60
feet. A target must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving
throw. On a failure, the target takes 14 (4d6) lightning
damage and is restrained for 1 minute. On a success,
the target takes half the damage but isn’t restrained. A
restrained creature can repeat the saving throw at the
end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a
success. The bracers regain all expended charges daily
at dawn and can regain a single charge if you take at
least 10 lightning damage while wearing them.
FULMINAR’S NIMBUS
3rd-level evocation (druid)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (fulminar’s whisker)
Duration: 10 minutes
For the duration, bolts of lightning course around
your body, shedding bright light in a 5- to 20-foot
radius and dim light for an additional number of feet
equal to the chosen radius. You can alter the radius as
a bonus action.
In addition, whenever a creature within 5 feet of you
hits you with a melee attack, the creature receives a jolt
from the lightning and takes 2d4 lightning damage.
You can end the spell early by using an action to
dismiss it.
subject to the wall’s restraining effect when it enters
the wall for the first time on a turn or ends its turn
there. The other side of the wall deals no damage.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 6th level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d8 for each slot above 5th.
FULMINAR ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
fulminar:
• A fulminar, with which a cloud giant has
established a mutual friendship, disappeared
shortly after the PCs passed through the giant’s
territory. The angry giant demands the party
return her fulminar. If the PCs manage to convince
the giant they are not responsible for the fulminar’s
disappearance, she offers a substantial reward to
help her locate the creature.
• Villagers cower in fear at nightly attacks made by
a fulminar, dispatched by a djinni to locate and
destroy an efreeti who hides in the village and uses
magic to disguise himself.

WALL OF LIGHTNING
5th-level evocation (druid, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (fulminar’s claw)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You create a wall of lightning on a solid surface
within range. You make a wall up to 60 feet
long, 20 feet high, and 1 foot thick, or you can
make a ringed wall up to 20 feet in diameter,
20 feet high, and 1 foot thick. The wall is
opaque and lasts for the duration.
When the wall appears, each creature within its
area must make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed
save, a creature takes 4d8 lightning damage and is
restrained for the duration. On a successful save, the
target takes half as much damage but isn’t restrained.
A restrained creature can repeat the saving throw at
the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself
on a successful save.
One side of the wall, selected by you when you cast
this spell, deals 4d8 lightning damage to each creature
that ends its turn within 10 feet of that side or inside
the wall. A creature takes the same damage and is

15
 GHOST DRAGON
In the empty dragon’s lair with no trace of treasure or
beast, a cold breeze from nowhere wafts through the
chamber. A wavering draconic form fades into sight, its
hissing anger leaking out through translucent teeth…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a ghost
dragon without modifying its challenge rating.
Possess Dragon (Recharge 5–6). One dragon that
the ghost dragon can see within 10 feet of it must
succeed on a DC 16 Charisma saving throw or be
possessed by the ghost dragon. The ghost dragon then
disappears, and the target is incapacitated and loses
control of its body. The ghost dragon now controls
the body but doesn’t deprive the target of awareness.
16
The ghost dragon can’t be targeted by any attack, spell,
or other effect except ones that turn undead, and it
retains its alignment, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma,
and immunity to being charmed and frightened. It
otherwise uses the possessed target’s statistics but
doesn’t gain access to the target’s knowledge, class
features, or proficiencies.
The possession lasts until the body drops to 0 hit
points, the ghost dragon ends it as a bonus action, or
the ghost is turned or forced out by an effect like the
dispel evil and good spell. When the possession ends,
the ghost dragon reappears in an unoccupied space
within 10 feet of the body. The target is immune
to this ghost dragon’s Possess Dragon for 24 hours
after succeeding on the saving throw or after the
possession ends.
The ghost dragon loses its Horrifying Breath attack.
Alternatively, the recharge for this action and for
Horrifying Breath can be modified to recharge on 6.
 Shade of Life Breath (Recharge 5–6). The ghost
dragon exhales a blast of energy reminiscent of its
former existence combined with the terrible energy
powering its current existence. Each living creature
in the ghost dragon’s 30-foot-cone blast must make a
DC 17 Reflex saving throw, taking 27 (5d10) damage
based on the living dragon’s breath (acid, cold, fire,
and so on, but the damage type doesn’t change) and
27 (5d10) psychic damage on a failed save or half as
much damage on a successful one. A living dragon
that fails its saving throw must succeed on a DC 16
Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1
minute. A frightened target can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect
on itself on a success.
The ghost dragon loses its Horrifying Breath attack.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a ghost dragon.
FRIGHTFUL BREATH
3rd-level evocation (sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (30-foot cone)
Components: V, S, M (dried ectoplasm from a
ghost dragon)
Duration: Instantaneous
Icy terror escapes your hands in a screaming torrent.
Each living creature in a 30-foot cone must succeed
on a Wisdom saving throw or take 5d10 psychic
damage and be frightened for 1 minute. A creature
that succeeds on its saving throw takes half as much
damage and isn’t frightened. A frightened creature
can make another Wisdom saving throw at the end
of each of its turns. On a success, the creature is no
longer frightened.
A creature killed by this spell has a 10% chance of
returning as a ghost.
GHOST DRAGON HORN
Wondrous item, very rare
Scales from dead dragons cover this wooden, curved
horn. You can use an action to speak the horn’s
command word and then blow the horn, which
emits a blast in a 30-foot cone, containing shrieking
incorporeal dragon heads. Each creature in the
cone must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw.
On a failure, a creature tales 8d10 psychic damage
and is frightened for 1 minute. On a successful
save, a creature takes half as much damage and isn’t
deafened. Dragons have disadvantage on the saving
throw and take 16d10 psychic damage instead of
8d10. A frightened target can repeat the Wisdom
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success.
If the horn’s magic targets a dragon, it has a 20%
chance of causing the horn to explode. The explosion
deals 16d10 psychic damage to the blower and
destroys the horn.
Once you use the horn, you can’t use it again until the
next dawn. You can also regain the use of the horn after
you kill a dragon and complete a short or long rest.
WITHERING BITE
4th-level necromancy (sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (tarnished coin from a ghost
dragon’s lair)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
A ghostly draconic maw superimposes your face
when you cast this spell. For the duration, you can
use your action to make a melee spell attack against
a target within 5 feet. On a hit, the target takes 2d10
piercing damage and must make a Constitution
saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 4d8
necrotic damage. On a successful save, the creature
takes half as much damage.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 5th level or higher, the necrotic damage
increases by 1d8 for each slot above 4th.
GHOST DRAGON ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a ghost
dragon:
• A red dragon haunting a mountain range has gone
quiet, raising faint hope in the kingdom plagued by
the dragon. The kingdom’s ruler asks for a stalwart
group to investigate the dragon’s lack of activity
and return with treasure from its lair if the group
slays the dragon or in the unlikely event the dragon
has perished on its own. In truth, a usurping red
dragon killed the older dragon but fled when the
slain dragon returned as a ghost dragon.
• A gold dragon dying of old age intended to
distribute its treasure to various charities and
heroic groups. Though it slipped its mortal coil, the
dragon’s ghost remained compelled to complete
its unfinished business. It now seeks individuals
who can complete its task while guarding its hoard
from greedy treasure seekers.
17
 GIANT, VOID
Covered in writhing tattoos, the giant whispers strange
words to itself...

ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS

The following changes allow GMs to alter a void giant
without modifying its challenge rating.
Deep Void Casting (Recharge 4–6). As a bonus
action, the void giant can infuse a spell with powerful
void magic. One creature that is hit by that spell or
that fails a saving throw against that spell is stunned
for 1 minute. The creature can make a DC 16 Wisdom
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success.
The void giant loses its Void Casting trait. Its Magic
Absorption reaction is modified as follows.
• Magic Absorption. If the void giant succeeds on
a saving throw against an enemy spell, the void
giant doesn’t suffer the effects of that spell. If it uses
Deep Void Casting on its next turn, the void giant
can affect all creatures hit by its spell or that fail
a saving throw against its spell instead of just one
creature. Creatures that attempt Wisdom saving
throws at the end of their turns to end the effect
have advantage on their saving throws.
Summon Void Dragon. The void giant summons
a void dragon wyrmling (see Tome of Beasts), which
appears in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of its
summoner and acts as an ally of its summoner. It
remains for 10 minutes, until it or its summoner dies,
or until its summoner dismisses it as an action.
The giant reduces its 4th-level spellcasting slots to
two slots and loses the ability to cast phantasmal killer.
Void Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage,
and the target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving
throw or become stunned until the end of its next turn.
The void giant loses its slam and Multiattack actions.
can see within range, and it disappears when it
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS drops to 0 hit points or when the spell ends.
The summoned dragon is friendly to you and your
The following magic item and spells are inspired by
companions for the duration. Roll initiative for the
abilities possessed by a void giant.
dragon, which has its own turns. It obeys any verbal
CONJURE VOID DRAGON WYRMLING commands that you issue to it (no action required by
4th-level conjuration (sorcerer, warlock, wizard) you). If you don’t issue any commands to the dragon,
it defends itself from hostile creatures but otherwise
Casting Time: 1 action
takes no actions.
Range: 60 feet
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using
Components: V, S certain higher-level spell slots, more dragons appear:
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour two with a 6th-level slot and three with an 8th-level
You summon a void dragon wyrmling from the void. slot. If you cast this spell with a 9th-level slot, you can
The dragon appears in an unoccupied space that you instead summon a young void dragon.

18
IMPEL VOID
3rd-level evocation (sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 bonus action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, S, M (Void rune)
Duration: Instantaneous
You infuse a spell you cast with a mere sliver of the
Void. One creature that is hit by that spell or that fails
a saving throw against that spell is stunned until the
end of the creature’s next turn.
MANTLE OF THE VOID
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
While wearing this midnight-blue cloth covered in
writhing runes, you gain a +1 bonus to saving throws.
If you succeed on a saving throw against an enemy
spell while wearing the mantle, you don’t suffer the
spell’s effects. Additionally, as a bonus action on your
next turn, you can infuse your next spell or melee
attack with power from the Void. One creature that
is hit by a spell you cast or that fails a saving throw
against that spell, or one creature you successfully hit
with a melee weapon attack, is stunned until the end
of the creature’s next turn.
If you successfully hit a target with the slam attack
granted by the wraps and the target is no more than
one size larger than you, you can use a bonus action to
automatically grapple the target. Once you have used
this bonus action three times, the bonus action can’t
be used again until the next dawn.
GLOOMFLOWER
A tiny flower with shining black petals sways lightly on
its thorny stem…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a
gloomflower without modifying its challenge rating.
Focused Scream. Whenever the gloomflower takes
damage, if the creature dealing the damage is within
range of the gloomflower’s blindsight, the creature
must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or
take 10 (3d6) psychic damage.
The gloomflower loses its Psychic Scream trait.
Howling Darkness (Recharges after a Short or
Long Rest). The gloomflower creates a 15-foot-radius
sphere of magical darkness at a point it can sense
within 60 feet. This darkness works like the darkness
spell, except creatures inside it have disadvantage
on saving throws against any of the gloomflower’s
actions or traits.
The gloomflower loses its Blur trait.
Soul Splice. The gloomflower places the soul
belonging to its corpse into a creature it can sense
within 90 feet, creating an effect like the magic jar
spell. The gloomflower can use this power at will, but
it can only splice its soul onto one other creature at
a time. The target resists the attack with a successful

VOID GIANT ADVENTURE HOOKS

There are many adventures that can showcase a
void giant:
• A void giant searching for a lair for its void
dragon master settles upon a village with a thin
connection to the Void. The village leaders plead
with the giant to not uproot the villagers from
their homes, but their pleas fell on deaf ears. The
villagers can’t confront the giant directly, and they
look for outside help to persuade the giant to leave
or kill it if necessary.
• A void giant has gained freedom from its
void dragon master. Its cageyness about the
circumstances suggest its incompetence caused the
dragon to die, or the giant had a more direct hand
in the dragon’s death. Regardless, it seeks the cloud
giant clan to which it belongs and wishes to hire a
competent group to assist in its mission.

19
 DC 14 Charisma saving throw. While the soul is inside
the target, the target is unconscious and takes 7 (2d6)
psychic damage at the start of each of its turns. The
creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each
of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
On a success, the creature remains unconscious until
the start of its next turn and is immune to the same
gloomflower’s Soul Splice for 24 hours.
If the target is reduced to 0 hp by Soul Splice’s
psychic damage, it must make death saving throws
until it dies, stabilizes, or regains hit points, as usual.
If the creature stabilizes or regains hit points, the soul
returns to the corpse tied to the gloomflower, the
creature is immune to the same gloomflower’s Soul
Splice for 24 hours, and the gloomflower cannot use
this action again until it finishes a long rest.
The gloomflower loses its Corrupting Visions action.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic item and spells are inspired by
abilities possessed by a gloomflower.
GLOOMFLOWER CORSAGE
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This black, six-petaled flower fits neatly on a garment’s
lapel or peeking out of a pocket. You gain advantage
on saving throws against effects that inflict the blinded,
deafened, or frightened conditions while wearing it.
As an action, you can invoke the corsage’s power,
which causes one of the petals to curl in on itself. If no
petals are available, you can no longer use this item.
Choose from the following effects:
• Gain blindsight 120 ft. for 1 hour.
• Make a ranged spell attack with a +6 bonus against
any target within 120 ft. On a successful hit, the
target takes 3d6 psychic damage.
• Creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls against
you for 1 minute. An attacker is immune to this
effect if it doesn’t rely on sight, as with blindsight,
or can see through illusions, as with truesight.
Daily at dusk, 1d6 petals return to normal.
HALLUCINATORY DUST
Wondrous item, rare
This small packet contains black gloomflower pollen
around which swirl hazy images. There is enough of
it for one use. When you use an action to blow the
dust, each creature in a 30-foot cone must make a DC
14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, a creature sees
terrible visions, manifesting its fears and anxieties
for 1 minute. While affected, it takes 7 (2d6) psychic
20
damage at the start of each of its turns and must
spend its action to make one melee attack against a
creature within 5 feet of it, other than you or itself.
If the creature can’t make a melee attack, it takes the
Dodge action. The creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success. On a success, a creature
becomes incapacitated until the end of its next turn as
the visions fade but is otherwise unaffected.
A creature reduced to 0 hp by the dust’s psychic
damage falls unconscious and is stable. When the
creature regains consciousness, it is permanently
plagued by hallucinations and has disadvantage on
ability checks until cured by a remove curse spell or
similar magic.
RETRIBUTIVE SCREAM
2nd-level evocation (warlock)
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you
take damage
Range: 10 feet
Components: V, M (gloomflower’s stalk)
Duration: instantaneous
Each creature within range must make a Wisdom
saving throw or take 2d6 psychic damage.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the damage increases
by 1d6 for each slot level above 3rd. When you cast
this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the
range increases to 20 feet, and when you cast this
spell using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the range
increases to 30 feet.
GLOOMFLOWER ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
gloomflower:
• A wizard has divined that a gloomflower grows
adjacent to the location where his colleague
perished in the Shadow Realm. He has no
desire to travel beyond the confines of his home
but intends to handsomely pay anyone who
undertakes his request to return the gloomflower,
which contains his colleague’s soul within it. The
soul’s disjointed memories contain dark dealings
conducted by the wizard.
• A gardener, forever affected by an accidental
journey to the Shadow Realm, tends a plot of
gloomflowers in a darkened greenhouse. Once a
month, he seeks out a victim whose corpse and soul
provides a new home for one of his prized flowers.
IRON SPHERE
An iron ball covered in black panels sits at the
statue’s feet. It seems slightly out of place, its
surface smooth and bright…

ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS

The following changes allow GMs to alter an iron
sphere without modifying its challenge rating.
Acid Jet (Recharge 5–6). The iron sphere extends a
nozzle from an open panel and shoots a stream of acid
in a 20-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in
that line must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 22 (4d10) acid damage on a failed save… or
half as much damage on a successful one.
The iron sphere loses its Lightning Cannon action.
Autonomous Flight. The iron sphere has a fly speed
of 30 feet.
The iron sphere loses its burrow and climb speeds,
and it loses its Standing Leap and Tunneler traits.
Cold Iron Weapons. The iron sphere’s melee attacks
count as cold iron for the purpose of overcoming
resistance and immunity to attacks and damage.
The iron sphere loses its damage resistance to
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks made with cold iron.
Dual-Weaponized. The iron sphere has two of the
following actions: Acid Jet, Flamethrower, Ice Catapult,
and Lightning Cannon. Each action recharges on 6.
The iron sphere replaces its Lightning Cannon
action with Dual-Weaponized.
Flamethrower (Recharge 5–6). The iron sphere The iron sphere loses its damage resistance to
extends a nozzle from an open panel and releases a bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
fan of fire in a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that cone attacks that are silvered.
must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 Temple Sphere. The iron sphere is consecrated to a
(4d10) fire damage on a failed save or half as much specific deity. It will not attack creatures wearing or
damage on a successful one. presenting the deity’s holy symbol. The sphere has
The iron sphere loses its Lightning Cannon action. advantage on attack rolls against creatures regarded
Ice Catapult (Recharge 5–6). The iron sphere as enemies to the deity, and these creatures have
extends an arm from an open panel and lofts an icy disadvantage on saving throws against the sphere’s
sphere up to 20 feet away that explodes in 10-foot- special abilities. Additionally, the sphere gains the
radius sphere centered on the sphere’s point of Deific Burst attack:
impact. Each creature in that sphere must make a • Deific Burst (Recharge 5–6). The iron sphere
DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) cold unleashes a burst of holy or unholy energy in a
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a 20-foot-radius sphere centered on the sphere.
successful one. Each creature in that sphere must make a DC 15
The iron sphere loses its Lightning Cannon action. Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) necrotic
Silvered. The iron sphere’s melee attacks count as or radiant (or other damage type, as appropriate to
silvered for the purpose of overcoming resistance and the deity) damage on a failed save or half as much
immunity to attacks and damage. damage on a successful one.
This trait and attack replace the iron sphere’s Siege
Monster trait and Lightning Cannon attack.

21
 NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by an iron sphere.
CONJURE IRON SPHERE
5th-level conjuration (cleric, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 minute
Range: 90 feet
Components: V, S, M (one pound of unworked iron)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
You summon an iron sphere, which appears in an
unoccupied space that you can see within range. If
you are a cleric, you can replace the standard iron
sphere with a temple sphere. The sphere disappears
when it drops to 0 hit points or when the spell ends.
The iron sphere is friendly to you and your
companions for the duration. Roll for initiative for
the iron sphere, which has its own turns. It obeys
commands that you issue to it (no action required by
you). If you don’t issue any commands to the sphere,
it defends itself from hostile creatures but otherwise
takes no actions.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
9th-level spell slot, you summon an additional iron
sphere.
GAUNTLET OF THE IRON SPHERE
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
This heavy gauntlet, adorned with an onyx, seems to
crush your hand when you wear it. Unarmed strikes
with your gauntleted hand become magic weapons
that deal bludgeoning damage with a +1 bonus to
attack rolls and a damage die of 1d8. Your unarmed
strikes deal double damage to objects and structures.
If you hold a pound of raw iron ore in the gauntlet,
you can use an action to speak the gauntlet’s
command word and summon an iron sphere as if you
had cast the conjure iron sphere spell. The gauntlet
can’t be used this way again until the next dawn.
SIEGE OF IRON
3rd-level transmutation (paladin, ranger)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 hour
Your fists become metallic. Your unarmed strikes
deal 1d6 bludgeoning damage, your unarmed strikes
are magic, and you have a +1 bonus to the attack and
damage rolls you make using them. Finally, you deal
double damage to objects and structures with your
unarmed strikes.
22
IRON SPHERE ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase an
iron sphere:
• An iron sphere and its control gem come up for
auction, and a wealthy buyer enlists the PCs to
bid on the construct. The buyer believes another
interested person plans to obtain the sphere
legitimately or not and warns the PCs to be alert
for any underhanded activity. Additionally, the
auctioneer is part of a thieves’ guild and plans to
substitute the control gem with a fake that works for
one day before reverting control to the true gem.
• An adventuring party, not realizing what they
possessed, paid their tab at a tavern with an iron
sphere control gem. The iron sphere tied to the
gem followed it to the tavern where it patrols the
alleyways around the building. This has resulted in
several attacks, most fatal, by an unseen assailant
who seemingly uses a wide variety of weapons.
The authorities or the tavern owner may ask the
PCs to investigate.
KOBOLD, SWOLBOLD
From behind the collection of angry kobolds steps a
creature the size of a dwarf, its bulging muscles flexing
as its kobold-like snout twists into a terrible grin…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a swolbold
without modifying its challenge rating.
Audience-Driven Overconfidence. The swolbold
has advantage on attack rolls against a creature if at
least one of the swolbold’s allies is within view of the
swolbold and the ally isn’t incapacitated. After its turn,
and until a creature successfully hits the swolbold
with a weapon attack or the beginning of its next
turn, whichever comes first, creatures attacking the
swolbold make weapon attacks with advantage.
The swolbold loses its Pack Tactics trait.
Bulk Out (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
As a bonus action, a swolbold can increase in size for
1 minute. While the swolbold is larger, its slam attack
deals an extra 1d4 damage, the escape DC for its
grapple and the Strength saving throw DC for its Crush
action increase by 2, and it has advantage on Strength
checks and Strength saving throws. For the duration,
its AC is reduced by 2, and it has disadvantage on
Dexterity checks and Dexterity saving throws.
The swolbold loses its Leaping Attack trait.
Stranglehold. One creature grappled by the swolbold
must make a DC 14 Strength saving throw, gaining
one level of exhaustion on a failed save. At level 6, the
creature becomes unconscious rather than dead. If the
creature suffers another effect that causes exhaustion
while it is suffering level 6 exhaustion from this
action, the creature dies.
The swolbold loses its Crush action.
NEW FEAT
The following feat is inspired by abilities possessed by
a swolbold.
CRUSHER
Prerequisite: Strength 15 or higher
You’ve learned how to crush the bones of foes you
grapple, gaining the following benefits:
• Increase your Strength score by 1, to a maximum
of 20.
• Your unarmed strike uses a d4 for damage.
• You can use your action to force a creature
grappled by you to make a Strength saving throw.
The saving throw DC equals 8 + your proficiency
bonus + your Strength modifier. On a failed save,
you deal bludgeoning damage to the creature
equal to twice the damage dealt by your
unarmed strike.
strike, you double your proficiency bonus on your
attack roll and add your proficiency bonus on your
damage roll.
Conversely, for the spell’s duration, you cannot cast
spells, and you have disadvantage on Intelligence
checks and Intelligence saving throws.
SWOLBOLD WRAPS
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
When wearing these cloth wraps, your forearms and
hands swell to half again their normal size without
negatively impacting your fine motor skills. The wraps
allow you to use an action to attack a target with a slam
that deals bludgeoning damage, with a +1 bonus to
attack rolls and damage rolls and a damage die of 1d4.
If you successfully hit a target with the slam attack
granted by the wraps and the target is no more than
one size larger than you, you can use a bonus action
to automatically grapple the target. Once you have
used this bonus action three times, the bonus action
can’t be used again until the next dawn.

NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS

The following magic item and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by a swolbold.

MINDLESS VENGEANCE
1st-level transmutation
(sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which
you take when you take damage
from a melee weapon attack
Range: Self
Components: V, S, M (a scale from a swolbold)
Duration: 1 round
You gain physical prowess in response to an attack
at the cost of your mental faculties. Upon casting
this spell, you drop whatever item you were
holding in your primary hand. You can attack
with an unarmed strike against the creature that
damaged you with the instigating melee weapon
attack (if it is in range) as part of the casting of
this spell.
For the spell’s duration, your
unarmed strike uses 2d4 for damage.
When attacking with an unarmed

23
 SWOLBOLD ADVENTURE HOOKS Favored Messenger. While the leonino is delivering
There are many adventures that can showcase a a message, it has advantage on saving throws against
swolbold: spells and other magical effects.
• A swolbold enters a bar and challenges all patrons The leonino doesn’t possess the Evasion trait.
to unarmed combat. He offers 200 gp to anyone Resplendent Wings. The leonino’s wings are vibrantly
who can best him. In truth, the swolbold and colored, and it has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion)
others like him are locating competent fighters checks against creatures that can see its wings.
their kobold kin should incapacitate before an The leonino doesn’t possess the Silent Wings trait.
imminent kobold attack. Rodentsense. The leonino can detect the presence
• A group of swolbolds wish to turn away from their of rats and other rodents within 30 feet. This allows
bestial impulses and seek a more contemplative it to sense a shapeshifting creature that has at least
path. They have identified a monastery where they one rodent-like form (such as a wererat), even if the
can theoretically study in peace and require an creature is not in that form. Additionally, the leonino
escort to reach the mountaintop location. has advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track
rodents.
The leonino does not possess darkvision.
LEONINO
Slightly larger than a housecat and sporting the wings
NEW MAGIC ITEM AND SPELLS
of an owl, the leonine are beloved and rare pets in elvish The following magic item and spells are inspired by a
courts and palaces, where they are kept as companion leonino’s abilities.
animals to royal children, courtesans, and gigolos… ALOOFNESS
2nd-level enchantment (bard, sorcerer, wizard)
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
Casting Time: 1 action
The following changes allow GMs to alter a leonino
without modifying its challenge rating. Range: Touch
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., Components: V, S, M (a leonino whisker)
on target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) slashing damage. The Duration: 1 hour
leonino grabs the target. If the target is a Tiny or This spell causes the creature that you touch to project
smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 10). an air of detachment in all its social dealings. All other
Until this grapple ends, creatures that attempt to make Wisdom (Insight)
the target is restrained. checks to determine the target’s intentions have
A larger creature disadvantage on those checks.
is not grappled, In addition, a creature that interacts with the target
and it can use an for the duration must make a Wisdom saving throw.
action to remove On a failed save, the creature attempts to curry favor
the leonino with a with the target, and the target has advantage on
Strength (Athletics) Charisma (Persuasion) checks against that creature
or Dexterity for the duration, provided a check is made to benefit
(Acrobatics) the target in some way.
check at the same
DC. While the
leonino has its target
grabbed, it deals 5
(1d4 + 3) slashing
damage with its
rear claws.
This attack
replaces the
leonino’s normal
bite attack.

24
EVASIVE MANEUVERS
1st-level abjuration (bard, paladin, ranger)
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you
are subject to a spell or effect that allows you to make
a Dexterity saving throw to take half damage
Range: Self
Components: S
Duration: Instantaneous
Upon casting this spell, you gain an innate sense of
how to avoid the worst of a damaging spell or effect. If
you succeed on the Dexterity saving throw, you take
no damage. You only take half damage if you fail the
saving throw.
LEONINO WINGS
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
This cloak works similarly to wings of flying,
but using an action to speak its command word
transforms the cloak into a pair of leonino wings. The
wings give you a flying speed of 50 feet, and you have
advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while
flying in forests and urban settings. Additionally,
when you fly out of an enemy’s reach, you don’t
provoke opportunity attacks.
LEONINO’S MARK
1st-level enchantment (bard, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a leonino claw)
Duration: 1 day
You mark a creature you can see as an enemy to cats.
The creature must succeed on a Charisma saving
throw, or felines become hostile toward the creature
for the duration. Felines have advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks against the target, and they have
advantage on saving throws against effects that would
cause them to become frightened of the target. Felines
always attack the target in preference to all other
creatures but will not risk their lives to reach the target.
If you can see the target and a feline in combat, you
can end the spell, and the feline has advantage on its
attack rolls until combat ends. This does not compel
the feline to continue fighting the target.
LEONINO ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a
leonino:
• A leonino has been hunting a particular wererat
for the past couple of months, but the wererat
has continuously thwarted its pursuit. Desperate
for help, the leonino deigns to ask the PCs for
assistance with its hunt. It has very little treasure to
offer, but it promises to serve as a familiar to a PC
after they have successfully dealt with the wererat.
• An elf offers a generous reward for the return of
its leonino pet. While the elf reasons someone has
kidnapped the leonino, the truth is the elf has been
abusing the creature and it managed to escape.
UNHATCHED
The small, skeletal dragon jumps down from the
bookshelf where it was reading. It spreads its bony
wings laced with brittle, leathery skin and exhales a
cloud of choking dust that smells like an ancient tomb…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter an
unhatched without modifying its challenge rating.
Draconic Hatred. The unhatched harbors
intense hatred for the draconic parent(s) that left it
unprotected. The unhatched has advantage on attacks
against dragons and creatures with a draconic heritage.
The unhatched loses its Hatred trait.
Draconic Magic Resistance. As a bonus action, the
unhatched gives itself advantage on its next saving
throw against spells or other magical effects originating
from a dragon or creatures with a draconic heritage.
This trait replaces the unhatched’s Minor Magic
Resistance trait.
Dragon Breath. The unhatched exhales elemental
and necrotic infused breath based on the type of egg
from which it was supposed to hatch. Each creature
in the listed area must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving
throw, taking the listed damage plus 6 (1d12) necrotic
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a
successful one. A dragon or creature with a draconic
heritage takes 16 (3d10) necrotic damage on a failed
save or half as much damage on a successful one:
• Black or Copper: 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide, 11
(2d10) acid damage
• Blue or Bronze: 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide, 11
(2d10) lightning damage
• Green: 30-foot cone, 11 (2d10) poison damage
• Red, Brass, or Gold: 30-foot cone, 11 (2d10) fire
damage
• White or Silver: 30-foot cone, 11 (2d10) cold
damage
This trait replaces the unhatched’s Desiccating
Breath trait.
25
 Horrifying Visage. Each non-undead creature
within 60 feet of the unhatched that can see it must
succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be
frightened for 1 minute. A dragon or creature with
a draconic heritage has disadvantage on this saving
throw. A frightened creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of its turns, ending the frightened
condition on itself on a success. If a target’s saving
throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the target is
immune to the unhatched’s Horrifying Visage for the
next 24 hours.
The unhatched’s Desiccating Breath action (or
Dragon Breath action if that has replaced Desiccating
Breath) recharges on 6.
Necromantic Familiar. The unhatched acts as
a familiar to a powerful undead creature. It can
communicate with its master while it is within 100
feet of its master. As an action, the unhatched’s master
can see through its eye and hear what it hears until
the start of the master’s next turn. The master gains
the benefits of the unhatched’s darkvision, but the
26
master is deaf and blind with regard to the master’s
senses. The unhatched can deliver a spell its master
casts with a range of touch as if it had cast the spell. It
must be within 100 feet of its master, and it must use
its reaction to deliver the spell when the master casts
it. If the spell requires an attack roll, apply the master’s
attack modifier for the roll.
The unhatched loses its Hatred trait.
Residual Immunities. The unhatched retains the
immunity inherent to the type of dragon it was meant
to hatch as. Its immunity depends on the type of
dragon egg:
• Black or Copper: acid
• Blue or Bronze: lightning
• Green: poison
• Red, Brass, or Gold: fire
• White or Silver: cold
If the unhatched is not from a green dragon egg, it
loses its damage immunity to poison.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic items and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by an unhatched.
DUST OF DESICCATION
Wondrous item, rare
This small packet contains soot-like dust. There is
enough of it for one use. When you use an action to
blow the choking dust from your palm, all creatures
in a 30-foot cone must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving
throw, taking 16 (3d10) necrotic damage on a failed
save or half as much damage on a successful one. A
creature that fails this save can’t speak until the end of
its next turn.
Alternatively, you can use an action to throw the
dust into the air, affecting yourself and all creatures
within 30 feet of you with the dust.
STAFF OF THE UNHATCHED
Staff, uncommon (requires attunement by a sorcerer,
warlock, or wizard)
This staff carved from a burnt ash tree is topped with
an unhatched’s skull. The staff has 10 charges. It can
be wielded as a magic quarterstaff. When you hit with
a melee attack using it, you can expend 1 charge, and
the target takes an extra 1d8 necrotic damage.
While holding the staff, you can use an action to
expend 1 or more of its charges to cast one of the
following spells from it, using your spell save DC:
bane (2 charges), chill touch (1 charge), or minor
illusion (1 charge).
The staff regains 1d6 + 4 expended charges daily at
dusk. If you expend the last charge, roll a d20. On a 1,
the staff crumbles to dust and is destroyed.
SUCCOR’S RETRIBUTION
1st-level enchantment (sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take in response
to a creature that healed, restored, strengthened, or
otherwise aided another creature
Range: 30 feet
Components: V, S, M (a claw from an unhatched)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
A willing creature you designate within range has
advantage on attacks against the target that triggered
this spell. The designated creature benefits from this
spell for the spell’s duration or until it successfully hits
the target, whichever occurs first.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 2nd level or higher, you can designate one
additional creature for each slot level above 1st.
UNHATCHED ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase an
unhatched:
• A kobold spirited away a red dragon egg and sold
it to a necromancer. An envoy to one of the red
dragon parents searches for capable adventurers
to rescue the egg before the necromancer can
transform the unborn dragon into an unhatched.
The envoy promises riches from the dragon’s
hoard or perhaps more importantly a cessation of
hostility by the red dragon for at least ten years as a
reward. If the adventurers can find and capture or
kill the thief, they receive additional rewards.
• An archeological team discovered the entrance to a
forgotten city belonging to an ancient civilization.
A coterie of seven unhatched have claimed the city
for themselves, so they can recover the civilization’s
arcane knowledge. The team requires a powerful
group to remove the unhatched, so it can continue
its exploration.
WEASEL, ALBINO DEATH
This massive pale weasel moves with lightning speed.
Its white fur is stained red with the crusty remains of its
latest meal…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter an albino
death weasel without modifying its challenge rating.
Albino Camouflage. The albino death weasel is
naturally camouflaged in areas with white backgrounds,
such as snow-covered landscapes or against buildings
painted white. While it is camouflaged in this way, it
has advantage on Stealth checks and can hide from
creatures that can see it clearly.
The albino death weasel loses its proficiency bonus
on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Blood Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach
5 ft. one target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) piercing damage.
The target is also grappled (escape DC 13) if it is a
Medium or smaller creature and the albino weasel isn’t
already grappling a creature. Until this grapple ends,
the target is restrained, the weasel can’t bite another
target, and at the start of each of the weasel’s turns, the
target loses 8 (2d4 + 3) hit points due to blood loss.
The albino death weasel loses its bite and claw attacks.
Blood Frenzy. The albino death weasel has advantage
on melee attack rolls against any creature that doesn’t
have all its hit points.
27
 The albino death weasel only has keen smell and no
longer has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks
that rely on hearing.
Swimming Death Weasel. The albino death weasel
was reared in a more aquatic environment. It gains a
swim speed of 30 feet.
The albino death weasel loses its burrow speed.
Weasel War Dance. The albino death weasel makes
two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claw. If
the weasel reduces its walking speed to 40 feet, it has
advantage on an attack against a creature if it moves at
least 5 feet before attacking it. If it splits its attacks, it
must move an additional 5 feet to gain advantage on
the second attack.
The albino death weasel loses its pounce trait.
28
NEW FEAT
The following feat is inspired by the albino death weasel.
WEASEL WAR DANCER
Confounding opponents with your erratic movements,
you gain the following benefits:
• When you use the Dash action, all creatures that
can see you have disadvantage on their attack rolls
against you until the beginning of your next turn.
• By reducing your speed by 10 feet, you gain
advantage on an attack made after moving at least
5 feet.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic item and spell are inspired by
abilities possessed by an albino death weasel.
BOOTS OF POUNCING
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
While you wear these boots with an albino death weasel
fur collar, your walking speed becomes 40 feet, unless
your walking speed is higher. Your speed is still reduced
if you are encumbered or wearing heavy armor.
If you move at least 20 feet straight toward a creature
and hit it with a melee weapon attack on the same
turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength
saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is
prone, you can make a melee weapon attack against it
as a bonus action.
FOUL SPRAY
2nd-level conjuration (druid, ranger, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Self (15-foot cone)
Components: V, S, M (a musk gland from an albino
death weasel)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
Upon casting this spell, a spray of musk emanates
from your body. Each creature in a 15-foot cone must
make a Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for
the duration. At the end of each of its turns, a creature
can make another Constitution saving throw. On a
success, the spell ends for the creature.
At Higher Levels. Using a spell slot of 3rd level
increases the cone’s size to 20 feet. Using a spell slot of
4th level or higher increases the cone’s size by 10 feet
for each slot level above 3rd.
ALBINO DEATH WEASEL
RANGER’S COMPANION
Rangers who don’t mind the albino death weasel’s
voracious appetite have raised miniature versions of
the animals to use as companion creatures.
Companion Albino Death Weasel
Medium beast, unaligned
ARMOR CLASS 12
HIT POINTS 16 (3d8 + 3)
SPEED 40 ft., burrow 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 4 (−3) 15 (+2) 5 (−3)
SKILLS Perception +4, Stealth +4
SENSES darkvision 60 ft.; passive Perception 14
LANGUAGES —
CHALLENGE 1/4 (50 XP)
Keen Senses. The companion albino death weasel has
advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on
hearing or smell.
Pounce. If the weasel moves at least 20 feet straight
toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack
on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC
12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the
target is prone, the creature can make one bite attack
against it as a bonus action.
ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage.
Musk Spray (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
The weasel unleashes a spray of foul musk in a 15-foot
cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on a
DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1
minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the
end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a
success.
ALBINO DEATH WEASEL
ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase an
albino death weasel:
• Local farmers blame an ahuizotl (see Creature
Codex) for attacks on their livestock because they
see evidence of the attacks leading to a nearby lake.
They are afraid to confront the creature, so they
call in the PCs. However, the creatures responsible
for the deaths are a mated pair of albino death
weasels, rearing a litter of five kits.
• A deranged druid is raising a half dozen albino
death weasels for their fur. While he waits to kill
them, he treats them well to gain their trust and
releases them regularly at night to feed.
ZIPHIUS
Commonly called a whale demon by sailors, the mane
of bristles around the ziphius’s face gives it an almost
owl-like appearance as it cuts through the water with
frightening speed…
ALTERNATE TRAITS AND ACTIONS
The following changes allow GMs to alter a ziphius
without modifying its challenge rating.
Capsize. If the ziphius moves at least 20 feet straight
toward a seagoing vessel and then hits and damages
it with a dorsal fin attack on the same turn, the vessel
capsizes. A creature that can steer or otherwise
control the vessel can prevent it from capsizing with a
successful DC 16 Strength (Athletics) check. If the craft
is larger than the ziphius, the creature has advantage on
this check, while a creature on a vessel smaller than the
ziphius has disadvantage on this check.
The ziphius does not possess the Charge ability.
Coastal Dweller. The ziphius’s walking speed
increases to 30 ft.
The ziphius’s swim speed is reduced to 40 ft.
A coastal-dwelling ziphius is smaller than its
deep‑dwelling relatives, measuring no more than 45
feet long, but it retains its gargantuan size.
29
 Large Stomach. The ziphius can have up to two
targets swallowed at a time. When it takes 20 damage
or more on a single turn from a creature inside it, the
ziphius must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving
throw for each creature it has swallowed at the end of
30
that turn or regurgitate the creature, which falls prone
in a space within 10 feet of the ziphius.
The reach for the ziphius’s Dorsal Fin attack is
reduced to 5 ft.
NEW MAGIC ITEMS AND SPELLS
The following magic item and spells are inspired by
abilities possessed by a ziphius.
CRUSHING DEPTHS
4th-level evocation (sorcerer, warlock, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 120 feet
Components: V, S, M (a scale from a ziphius)
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
You subject one creature you can within range to the
pressure found deep underwater. The creature must
make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it is
restrained and takes 2d10 bludgeoning damage. On
a successful save, the creature takes half damage and
the spell ends.
A creature restrained by this spell can make another
Strength saving throw at the end of each of its turns.
On a failure, the creature is restrained and takes
bludgeoning damage as above, and the damage
increases by 1d10. On a success, the creature takes half
damage and can move at half speed. The spell ends
when the creature successfully saves against this spell
twice. The successes don’t need to be consecutive.
HELM OF THE SLASHING FIN
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
While wearing this helm, you can speak its command
word as an action to gain the ability to breathe
underwater, but you lose the ability to breathe air. You
can speak its command word again or remove the cap
as an action to reverse this effect.
You can use the attack action to make an attack with
the fin topping the helm, which deals damage as a great
axe. You are proficient with the slashing fin. If you
move at least 20 feet straight toward a target and hit it
with the fin on the same turn, the hit is a critical hit.
SIEGE FISTS
2nd-level transmutation (paladin, sorcerer, wizard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Concentration, up to 1 minute
A willing creature you touch becomes destructive.
Until the spell ends, if the creature hits a target with
an unarmed strike, the hit is a critical hit.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a
spell slot of 3rd level or higher, you can target one
additional creature, for each slot level above 2nd. You
can imbue a single weapon with this spell in place of
two creatures.
ZIPHIAN BRIBE
1st-level enchantment (bard)
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
Components: V, M (the contents of the bribe, which
must equal 100 gp times the creature’s challenge
rating)
Duration: 8 hours
This spell imbues a bribe you present to a creature with
an aura of friendliness. If the creature willingly accepts
the gift, it regards you as a friendly acquaintance for
the spell’s duration. Alternatively, you can suggest a
course of activity as per the suggestion spell, but you
do not need to concentrate on the spell.
This spell doesn’t affect a creature that can’t be
charmed. If you or your companions harm the
creature, the spell ends.
ZIPHIAN EYE AMULET
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
This gold amulet holds a preserved eye from a ziphius.
It has 3 charges. As a bonus action, you can speak its
command word, which expends 1 charge, and choose
one creature within 60 feet that you can see. The target
must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or
you create a temporary mental bond with the target
until the start of your next turn. You can choose to
gain advantage on attacks against the target or cause
the target to have disadvantage on attacks against you.
The amulet regains all expended charges daily at dawn.
ZIPHIUS ADVENTURE HOOKS
There are many adventures that can showcase a ziphius:
• Reports of a ziphius attacking a major shipping
lane inspire a generous reward for the creature’s
capture or demise. However, sahuagin have been
staging these attacks to entice others to kill the
ziphius, which has claimed territory desired by
the sahuagin.
• An injured ziphius washes up on shore and
telepathically pleas for help dispatching a
devil shark (Creature Codex, p. 98). If the PCs
successfully defeat the shark, the ziphius gifts them
with jewels from its sunken city.
31
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System Reference Document Copyright 2000. Wizards of the
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