Sometimes, a creature can be a unique version of its species. Powerful magic, planar energies, or even sheer luck at birth can alter a creature’s characteristics beyond the norm. These changes can range from something simple, like an extra head, to drastic alterations, such as being made almost entirely of crystal. Adventurers visiting a strange new plane might encounter orcs with a single eye or creatures adapted to climbing intricate webs. Use these monster flavor options to reflavor a creature and create something unique.
The description of the creature’s appearance, behavior, and actions are as important as the added trait. Use the below tables for examples.
Two-Headed
Two Heads. The creature has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious.
Two-Headed Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | One head is larger than the other. |
| 2 | The heads have different eye colors, hairstyles, and noses. |
| 3 | The heads are fused together at a 45 degree angle. |
| 4 | The heads are identical. |
Cyclopean
Poor Depth Perception. The creature has disadvantage on any attack roll against a target more than 30 feet away.
Cyclopean Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The eye color is unusual for this creature. |
| 2 | The eye is off-center. |
| 3 | The iris is completely black. |
| 4 | The eye has an orangish-red glow. |
Spidery
Spider Legs. The creature has a climbing speed equal to its walking speed and it can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check. Additionally, it ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.
Spidery Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature’s spider-like legs are thicker and furry. |
| 2 | The creature is missing one of its spider legs. |
| 3 | The spider-like body parts have similar appearance to the creature’s natural abdomen and legs. |
| 4 | The creature has functional spinnerets. |
Crystalline
Crystal Structure. The creature has vulnerability to thunder damage and resistance to slashing and poison damage.
Crystalline Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The crystals covering the creature’s body are various different colors. |
| 2 | The creature’s hair and fur has a hardened crystal appearance. |
| 3 | The crystals are concentrated abnormal growth’s on the creature’s body. |
| 4 | An entire appendage is made of crystal, such as an arm. |
Objectified
Shapechanger. The creature can use its action to polymorph into an object or back into its true, non-object form. Its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies. The creature gains the shapechanger subtype.
Objectified Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature’s skin or hide color is reflected in the object’s color scheme. |
| 2 | Fine details on the object resemble eyes and teeth. |
| 3 | The creature’s skin or hide has a refined wood texture. |
| 4 | The creature’s tongue is long and purple. |
Further Reading
If you’re looking to zombify something, take a look at the flavor of death.
Elementals more your style, try elemental reflavoring.
Imagery created with Midjourney.
