D&D: ‘Monstrous Compendium’ Vol. 1 Introduces 10 New Monsters, Absolutely Free
Do you have a D&D Beyond account? Then you already have access to the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1. Ten new monsters, waiting for you.
With the release of Spelljammer comes a wave of nostalgia. But don’t worry, it’s not just you pining for the fjords of your youth like a parrot who is still very much alive. D&D also has a hankering for the binder-bound days of 2nd Edition. And the latest creation from WotC and their new acquisition, D&D Beyond, illustrates this.
It’s the Monstrous Compendium. A nostalgic nod to the 2nd Edition compendium of monsters from throughout D&D’s multiverse. And with D&D bringing back Spelljammer in August, it seems only fitting to bring back some classic monsters.
Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1 – What Is It?
Wondering what the Monstrous Compendium is? Well in 5th Edition, it’s a digital collection of ten monsters available exclusively on D&D Beyond. You don’t have to pay, don’t have to have a subscription, you just need an account. Already have one? Then you already have the Monstrous Compendium Vol. 1.
And that title isn’t by chance, by the way. Vol. 1 is just the beginning, though nothing else has been announced or confirmed yet. But Todd Kenreck, D&D’s new senior content consultant seemed to think we might see more in the future. As did the team at D&D Beyond.
For now though, you get five monsters new to D&D and five monsters that come from the glory days of Spelljammer. None of these monsters are in the upcoming Spelljammer books, they’re only in the Monstrous Compendium. And all you need is a D&D Beyond account.
What monsters are in there? Well, here’s a look.
- Asteroid Spider – A gargantuan monstrosity that feeds on the crews of spelljammers
- Clockwork Horror – A small construct that wants to build others
- Eldritch Lich – A lich with a space parasite in it
- Fracteen – A large construct that traps other creatures in the Phantom Zone
- Gadabout – Medium Plant that lets you move in space
- Goon Balloon – A balloon with claws
- Nightmare Beast – A gargantuan monstrosity with a disintegrating gaze
- Puppeteer Parasite – A tiny parasite that takes control of you or feeds on you
- Star Lancer – A large celestial from the astral plane that can turn invisible and serve as a mount
- Yggdraste – A gargantuan plant that travels through space in search of prey
All of these are available now! Go claim yours!
