Strength vs. Weakness in D&D Creatures
Dungeons & Dragons is full of wild creatures! But not all creatures are created equal. Some are titanic forces of nature, capable of reducing cities to rubble with a flick of their claws. While others would simply struggle to win a fight against a stiff breeze. So, let's break down the litany of creatures D&D has to offer and see where your favourites lie.
Tabletop Standard: Painting a Gold Dragon by Newtype Advantage
1. Tarrasque
The Tarrasque is one of the most terrifying creatures, standing 50 feet tall and weighing an immense 130 tons. Its reflective carapace deflects most spells, which renders magic ineffective against it. Also, in 5e, the Tarrasque cannot be permanently killed, and when reduced to 0 HP, it simply returns to its dormant state.
How to Create Tarrasque Encounters - 5e & Pathfinder - WizKids Mini Review by The Gallant Goblin
2. Tiamat
Tiamat, the five-headed dragon goddess, is an embodiment of destruction. Each head explores a different elemental breath weapon, which can be used one by one. Ruling the Nine Hells’ first layer, she commands legions of followers. Legends say her lair contains untold treasures protected by her infinite wrath.
3. Ancient Gold Dragon
As symbols of wisdom and strength, ancient gold dragons inspire awe. These creatures wield immense magical power, such as shapeshifting. Unlike their chromatic cousins, they protect realms from evil. Also, their golden scales gleam like sunlight, and their fire breath annihilates foes in moments.
Adult Gold Dragon - WizKids D&D Icons of the Realms Prepainted Minis by The Gallant Goblin
4. Leviathan
The Leviathan is a CR 20 elemental juggernaut from Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes, which makes it one of the most powerful aquatic creatures in the game. As a Gargantuan Elemental, it features 328 hit points, AC 17, and immunity to multiple conditions, including exhaustion, paralysis, and poison.
D&D / Critical Role: Uk'otoa, Pre-Painted Miniature, A Quick Preview by MinisGallery com
5. Atropal
The Atropal is a monstrous undead entity brimming with necrotic energy. Its aura saps life from those nearby, though its reach is far less than that of divine beings. Often found in ancient tombs or conjured by dark rituals, this horrifying, baby-like abomination commands undead minions with authority.
Blended Miniatures: Atropal and Soul Monger by D&D Blender
6. Empyrean
Empyreans wield Titanic Strength, capable of dealing 30+ damage per attack with their Maul or Bolt of Divine Energy. These Gargantuan Celestials, often the offspring of gods, are nearly indestructible with 313 hit points, AC 22, and immunity to being charmed, frightened, or poisoned. They are also resistant to non-magical damage.
EMPYREAN -- 3D Printing the D&D Monster Manual - Tabletop Miniatures by Heroes & Whiskey
7. Demilich
A demilich is a soul-devouring horror. In 5e, it no longer casts spells but relies on devastating abilities like its life-draining howl. Once a lich, it abandoned its physical form for a transcendent existence. Hence, to truly destroy it, you must find and obliterate its phylactery, which is often hidden in distant, secret places.
DEMILICH -- 3D Printing the D&D Monster Manual - Tabletop Miniatures by Heroes & Whiskey
8. Ancient Red Dragon
Think dragons are scary? Wait until you meet an ancient red dragon. Living in volcanic lairs that scream “danger,” they can torch a village with one fiery breath. Trying to sneak past one is futile—they’re so cunning, they’ll trap you before you even unsheathe your sword.
9. Dracolich
A dracolich merges the ferocity of a dragon with the sinister permanence of undeath. Also, these skeletal dragons retain their immense strength and gain necrotic abilities. While destroying their phylactery once ensured their end, newer rules allow them to be defeated outright, reimagining them as distinct undead dragons.
10. Baphomet
Known as the Prince of Beasts, Baphomet lords over labyrinths and minotaurs. Standing 20 feet tall with horns that could skewer a horse, he’s all about brutal strength and savage tactics. But don’t think he’s just a brawler—his labyrinths are twisted puzzles designed to trap anyone daring to challenge him.
Gale Force 9: Baphomet unboxed and built! by Obscurities in Miniature
1. Lemure
Lemures, slimy and shapeless devils, are cursed to serve the lowest ranks of Hell. Incapable of speech or thought, they lurch around in misery. While weak alone, their sheer numbers can be overwhelming. For new adventurers, they’re a reminder that even the meek can surprise you.
LEMURE -- 3D Printing the D&D Monster Manual - Tabletop Miniatures by Heroes & Whiskey
2. Crawling Claw
The Crawling Claw is a CR 0 undead minion, often used as a spy or assassin. Created from a severed hand through dark necromantic rituals, Crawling Claws retain a sliver of their former owner's will. Also, with 2 HP, AC 12, and minimal damage output (1d4+1 slashing), a single Claw is hardly dangerous.
Miniature Mash-Up Episode 60 Crawling Claws by Miniature Mash-Up
3. Kobold
Kobolds might be small and frail, standing just three feet tall, but they’re clever and resourceful. Individually, they’re no match for most foes, but in numbers, their traps and tactics can turn the tide. In recent editions, kobolds are recognized as having a draconic heritage, which adds a new layer of intrigue.
Wizkids Frameworks Dungeons and Dragons Review Orcs and Kobolds by Goobertown Hobbies
4. Goblin
What goblins lack in strength, they make up for in mischief. Armed with rusty weapons and an overconfidence that’s wildly misplaced, they’re the definition of cannon fodder. That’s why facing a goblin is less about survival and more about not laughing too hard while they fail miserably at taking you down.
Making and Painting Goblins For D&D by Magic Missile Minis
5. Twig Blight
Ever been attacked by an angry bush? That’s a twig blight for you. These spindly plant creatures barely pack a punch, scratching at enemies with twiggy claws. A decent kick—or a spark of fire—is enough to turn them into mulch. So, if you’ve got a torch or a strong boot, you’re already overprepared.
Twig Blight & Lignar - Curse of Briar - July 2024 Release by Rescale Miniatures
6. Homunculus
Homunculi are tiny constructs created by wizards, often resembling winged animals. They act as servants or spies, carrying out mundane tasks. While their bite is venomous, they’re far too fragile to pose a threat. Think of them as magical pets rather than real enemies.
Star Ace Homunculus deluxe version! by Retro Dinosaurs and More
7. Myconid Sprout
Myconid sprouts, the youngest of their kind, are harmless without their colony. These tiny fungi can barely defend themselves but release spores that alert adults. Found in damp caves, they’re often overlooked. Still, their role in spreading fungal networks makes them fascinating to study.
How to paint Myconids | Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures/Wizkids | Boxes of Shame by Devs & Dice
8. Awakened Shrub
With only 10 hit points, an armor class of 9, and a weak melee attack that deals just 1d4 - 1 damage, an awakened shrub stands little chance in battle. Its slow movement speed of 20 feet further hampers its ability to escape danger or maneuver effectively.
Monster Monday: Awakened Shrubs (Feat. Colby Munro) by Arcane Forge
9. Flumph
Deep in the Underdark, you might stumble upon a flumph—a floating jellyfish-like creature that’s more curious than combative. Weak and defenseless, they’re no match for a decent sword swing. Instead of fighting, flumphs rely on a noxious spray to escape danger, leaving you with a stinky reminder of their presence.
Why You should Play Flumph in Dungeons and Dragons - Dnd Artwork Rookzer0 by Rookzer0
10. Shrieker
These immobile mushrooms scream when disturbed, alerting every actual threat nearby. They can’t attack, defend, or move. However, if you ever hear that ear-splitting wail, prepare for whatever nastiness it just called your way. Taking out a shrieker quickly is the key before its loudmouth antics ruin your day!
The Fungi of DnD (Shrieker, Violet fungus, and Gas spore) by Sorcerers Workshop
