Inktober Monstrosities: G for Greenvise

The Greenvise doesn't really have much history in D&D, only appearing in Monster Manual II for edition 3.5. Still, it's so reminiscent of the Piranha Plants from the Mario games, and Audrey II from the 1986 Frank Oz version of Little Shop of Horrors, that it still feels like an old familiar face.

Game stats, for those interested, can be found here.

Inktober Monstrosities: F for Flaming Skeleton

This one is a bit of a cheat, as there isn't really a Flaming Skeleton in any of the previous books, though I think there are enough versions of burning skeletons throughout, to warrant this creature's existence.

Game stats here, as always.

Inktober Monstrosities: E for Eye of the Deep

The Eye of the Deep is the aquatic cousin of one of the most iconic D&D monsters, the Beholder. It first appeared in the Greyhawk supplement of the OD&D, and then in the first edition Monster Manual, and again in second edition Monstrous Manual. By the time third edition came around, it was only covered in one of the more obscure splash books (Lords of Madness), until it sank into more or less complete obscurity, overshadowed by other beholder-kin like the Spectator and the Gazer.

Somewhat like a mix between a lobster, a beholder and a deep sea angler fish, this creature should be enough give the most hardened adventurer nightmares. 

Game stats here.

Inktober Monstrosities: D for Dragonne

The Dragonne is a strange hybrid between a lion and a Brass Dragon, appearing like a huge lion with metallic wings and brassy scales. It makes its home in deserts, largely living off goats and other herd animals.

The Dragonne was featured in the main monster books in the first three (and a half) editions of the game, then suddenly sank into obscurity. Quite why is not certain, but it does occupy a rather overcrowded monster niche, of winged lion-inspired monsters, encompassing sphinxes, manticores, griffons, shedu and chimeras, so it might simply have gotten lost in the crowd.

Game stats here.

Inktober Monstrosities: C for Caryatid Column

A Caryatid column is in fact a real architectural phenomena, columns made in the shape of beautiful women. Originally from Greek architecture, the most famous example are probably the columns at the Oracle of Delphi. The name simply means "Maidens of Caryatis", which either refers to a town in Greece, the goddess Carya, or to an aspect of the goddess Artemis, Artemis Caryatis (or a composite of all three).

In D&D they first appeared in the Fiend Folio. They are described as stone pillars about seven feet tall, indistinguishable from normal architecture. They are used as guardians, placed to guard an entrance or some treasure. They activate once anyone violate the conditions of its task, ans attacks if necessary. Once activated, their appearance become "fleshy", and their swords turn to real steel. If defeated, or their task has been completed, they (and their sword) revert to stone.

Game stats here.

Inktober Monstrosities: B for Bunyip

The Bunyip is something as rare as a creature from Australian aboriginal mythology, that lurks in swamps, lakes and rivers. It is described as " dog-like face, a crocodile-like head, dark fur, a horse-like tail, flippers, and walrus-like tusks or horns, or a duck-like bill."

It appeared first in the Fiend Folio, and later in second edition, but has since largely disappeared into obscurity.

And...if you want the game stats, you'll find them here.

Inktober Monstrosities: A for Achaierai

October is inktober month, and I've decidet to try my hand at inktober monstrosities.

These are weird and obscure monsters largely from the forgotten pages of Dungeons and Dragons. The black and white ink rendering is a nice homage to the original monster books (such as the Monster Manual from 1977 and the Fiend Folio from 1981).

First out, starting alphabetically, is the Achaierai - first appearing in the Fiend Folio, and making it into the 3rd edition Monster Manual before falling out of grace. Described as a spherical head-body, with a powerful beak and a feathery crest, atop four long legs ending in strong claws.

For those interested, I've also had a go at adapting the monsters for the the newest D&D rule set (5th edition), and you can see these at the other blog.