Doppelgangers are described in the Monster Manual as “devious shapeshifters that take on the appearance of other humanoids, throwing off pursuit or luring victims to their doom with misdirection and disguise. Few creatures spread fear, suspicion, and deceit better than doppelgangers. Found in every land and culture, they can take on the guise of any individual of any race.”
Before we set out to record the Incubus episode, we got together with Mike to make sure we could figure out a way to handle the problematic aspects of the creature. We wanted to retain the danger of an Incubus' charm without it being harmful to the players at the table and the audience listening.
Succubi and Incubi are described in the Monster Manual as “inhabiting all of the Lower Planes, the lascivious dark-winged fiends can be found in service to devils, demons, night hags, rakshasas, and yugoloths. Asmodeus, ruler of the Nine Hells, uses these fiends to tempt mortals to perform evil acts. The demon lord Graz’zt keeps succubi and incubi as advisers and consorts."
Hag
- October 11, 2021
- Tagged as: 5e, 5e Hag, creature feature, D&D, D&D Podcast, D&D5e, dungeon master, dungeons and dragons, KEM Podcast, LGBTDnD, monster manual, Podcast, ttrpg, witch
Green Hags are described in the Monster Manual as “wretched and hateful creatures that dwell in dying forests, lonely swamps, and misty moors, making their homes in caves. Green hags love to manipulate other creatures into doing their bidding, masking their intentions behind layers of deception. They lure victims to them by mimicking voices calling out for help, or drive unwanted visitors away by imitating the cries of fierce beasts.”
Our good friend Diana returns to Kill Every Monster with her tale of an Armenian werewolf, the Mardagayl.
Werewolves are described in the Monster Manual as “savage predators. In its humanoid form, a werewolf has heightened senses, a fiery temper, and a tendency to eat rare meat. Its wolf form is a fearsome predator, but its hybrid form is more terrifying by far — a furred and well-muscled humanoid body topped by a ravening wolf’s head. A werewolf can wield weapons in hybrid form, though it prefers to tear foes apart with its powerful claws and bite.”
Goblins are described in the Monster Manual as “small, black-hearted, selfish humanoids that lair in caves, abandoned mines, despoiled dungeons, and other dismal settings. Individually weak, goblins gather in large—sometimes overwhelming—numbers. They crave power and regularly abuse whatever authority they obtain.”
Banshees are described in the Monster Manual as “the undead remnants of elves who, blessed with great beauty, failed to use their gift to bring joy to the world. Instead, they used their beauty to corrupt and control others. Elves afflicted by the banshee’s curse experience know no gladness, feeling only distress in the presence of the living. As the curse takes its toll, their minds and bodies decay until death completes their transformation into undead monsters.”
Kill Every Monster is a 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons podcast. We are joined by a guest each episode to discuss the lore, mechanics, and story potential of classic D&D creatures while asking a central question: are they truly a monster?