There are times when the barrier between planes grows thin, or experimental magic unleashes strange energies upon the local area. Such events can result in creatures being altered by extraplanar influences.
These alterations can be applied to existing monsters in the form of templates, reflecting the ways in which they have been transformed by these alien energies.
The description of the creature’s appearance, behavior, and actions are as important as the added trait. Use the tables below for examples.
Abyssal
Corrupted, Demonic, Entropic
Chaotic Endurance. This creature has resistance to cold, fire, and lightning damage.
Abyssal Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The fur or skin of this creature is mottled with purple, grey, or dark green spots. |
| 2 | This creature’s eyes are a solid color and pupil-less. |
| 3 | A field of dim energy swirls around this creature. |
| 4 | This creature’s mouth is full of sharp fangs and a long tongue. |
Astral
Dreaming, Psionic, Seeking
Mental Communication. This creature has telepathy of 120 feet.
Telekinesis. This creature has an innate ability to cast mage hand with no components. The hand is invisible.
Astral Characteristic
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The eyes of this creature are metallic with star-shaped pupils. |
| 2 | The hair, fur, or scales of this creature shifts in color subtly. |
| 3 | There is a barely audible buzzing sound emanating from this creature. |
| 4 | A colorful aura can occasionally appear around this creature. |
Ethereal
Ephemeral, Phasing, Spectral
Phased Movement. The creature can take the Disengage action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | A thin mist surrounds the creature. |
| 2 | The creature’s skin, fur, or scales are streaked with light blue swirling shapes. |
| 3 | When the creature speaks or vocalizes, there is a ghostly echo. |
| 4 | A wispy after-image appears behind the creature when it moves. |
Fey
Beguiling, Glamoured, Phantasmal
Fey Illusions. This creature has the innate ability to cast silent image with no components.
Charming Aura (Optional). This creature has advantage on Charisma based ability checks.
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature has pointed ears and sharp facial features. |
| 2 | Motes of dim multicolored light dance around the creature. |
| 3 | The creature has antlers and cloven hooves. |
| 4 | Leaves and flowers turn to face this creature. |
Shadow
Eerie, Shrouded, Umbral
Dimming Aura. Sources of light that are within 60 feet of this creature dim. Bright light becomes dim light and dim light becomes darkness.
Blend Into Shadows. While in darkness, this creature can take the Hide action as a bonus action.
| d4 | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| 1 | The creature’s reflection is an indistinct grey image. |
| 2 | When the creature speaks or vocalizes its voice sounds distant and hollow. |
| 3 | The silhouette of the creature leaves a darkened spot in the character’s vision which fades away after a few seconds. |
| 4 | Beasts will not willingly let this creature touch them. |
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