D&D: Second Edition Stars – 5 Monsters We Love From 2E
As we step back through the editions and take a trip down memory lane, here are five monsters that came to us in 2nd Edition, and quickly won our hearts.
When it comes to monsters in D&D, it doesn’t get much better than 2nd Edition. Sure, 1st Edition did the hard work of breaking the ground and figuring out what monsters should be like, it was in 2nd Edition that they really started to experiment–with everything. New campaign worlds that retexture D&D so it’s almost unrecognizable, new ways to create your character, and of course, tons of new monsters. Here are some of our favorites.
Giffs
The first thing to know about Giffs is that they’re pronounced with a hard g. Just like the animated image file type is. The second thing to know is they are pretty much distilled 2nd Edition. Introduced in Spelljammer, the D&D space setting, one of the first things they did was introduce Napoleonic Space Hippos, who wield pistols and fly space ships. They’re military minded, very organized, pride themselves on their skills with most if not all weapons, and are real real good at following orders making them effective mercenaries. They are resistant to and somewhat suspicious of magic and are happiest when in communities of other Giffs where everybody is always organized neatly into ranks.
Viper Tree
It’s pretty much exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a tree made out of snakes. It slithers, it bites, it was introduced in the planar supplements, and it’s an example of how weird things should get once you travel to the outer planes.
Maelephant
It’s an evil elephant demon creature. What more do you want?
Marut
One thing 2nd Edition did extremely well (and often) was build out the groundwork laid by 1st Edition. And nowhere is that more visible than in the Planescape Setting, which really redefined what D&D could be like. It introduced the concept of Inevitables, which were these beings tasked with enforcing certain aspects of the world–and for Maruts, it’s all about contracts. They exist as beings of Law, and they’re great fodder for any adventure where you need to show that actions have consequences, oft unforeseen.
Carrionette
These evil puppets are denizens of Ravenloft, and while they terrify me, and I’m sure the one in the picture is looking right at me, they are a perfect example of how you should never be afraid to just lift a monster idea from anywhere and stat it out for D&D.
What are your favorite hits from older editions? Let us know in the comments, and as always, happy adventuring!
