D&D: Low-Level Monsters That Pack a Surprising Punch
Dungeons & Dragons is full of deadly monsters. Some more so than others. Come find a few monsters that pack a surprising punch.
What makes a monster deadly? It all depends! Some monsters have attacks that hit very hard. Others have a surprising number of hit points. But one thing is sure: every now and then these factors coalesce into monsters that pack a surprising punch.
Which ones are those? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few monsters, high level and low, that pack a surprising punch.
Armored Trogolodyte (CR 1/4)
Looking for a low-level monster that packs a surprising punch? The Armored Trogolodyte makes a fantastic option. Introduced in Dungeon of the Mad Mage, this variant has a leg up on its unarmored brethren.
For one, it’s wearing armor. But for two, it wields a longsword in two hands, which means it deals 1d10+2 damage on its two attacks with it. And with a relatively high attack bonus (for CR 1/4) it can lay into low-level characters surprisingly effective.
Drow (CR 1/4)
The other big CR 1/4 threat is the Drow. Just the base NPC drow stat block comes with a ton of options. Not only do they get darkness and faerie fire once per day, which means a group of them can set up some interesting attacks. They also get crossbow bolts that can impose disadvantage or outright knock a PC unconscious with a single roll.
In numbers? A Drow can assist even a higher CR monster with that poisoned bolt.
Duergar Mind Master (CR 2)
At CR 2, the Duergar Mind Master packs a surprising punch. Most of their powers come from two big abilities. For one, the Mind Master can force a PC to use their reaction and attack an ally. But the real powerful punch is that they have 39 hit points, and can make two attacks that deal 3d6 + 1d4 + 3 damage. Or if they’re worried about being hit, they can use the Reduce spell to become AC 19.
And they can use invisibility multiple times per day. So a single Mind Master can stick around for quite a while and dole out psychic damage to the party.
Skulk (CR 1/2)
The Skulk is easily one of the deadliest CR 1/2 creatures out there. The biggest reason for this is it’s naturally and permanently invisible unless the party has:
- a candle made of a corpse whose identity is unknown
- a child (10 or under) as they can see skulks
- a mirror
If so, then you can see its reflection. If not, it deals 1d4+1d6+4 damage per attack and will almost always have an advantage.
Eternal Flame Priest
Looking for a boss that will challenge your low-level adventurers? The Eternal Flame Priest out of Princes of the Apocalypse is an excellent choice. Not only do they have 52 hit points and a 15 AC, they also have a fireball, blur, burning hands, scorching ray, and then some as well as the spell slots to use them all at least twice.
What are your favorite surprisingly deadly monsters?
