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?

Bell of Lost Souls Staff Writer and DM, J.R. covers RPGs of all stripes and on occasion eats sandwiches. You can ask him about either at [email protected]

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