D&D: Five Weird ‘Planescape’ Monsters We’re Hoping to See Again

Planescape was the source of many a weird monster throughout the editions. We’re hoping it keeps that trend going in 5E.

Planescape was known for many things. Its intricate faction policies. The twisting toroidal city at the center of the cosmos. Even the strange bedfellows that living in a cosmic-politan city creates; angels and demons working together makes for great television.

But among the strange corners of Planescape’s Campaign setting lurked many a weird monster. And now that the setting is coming back for 5th Edition, here are some monsters we hope to see again.

Dabus

Perhaps one of the most iconic monsters of Planescape (and one we’re almost guaranteed to see), Dabus are the personal entourage of Sigil’s Lady of Pain. They are known for three things: serving the Lady, never touching the earth (they hover a few inches above the ground), and of course, speaking only through visual rebuses, floating words that materialize above them in their own, arcane language.

Baku

Baku are psychic elephants with lizard-like tails and lion-like hind feet. Covered in thick scales and with tough hides, these psionically-empowered pachydermoids were renowned for their mental prowess. Baky could almost universally turn invisible at will, and can sense auras or even adopt an ectoplasmic form.

Just be careful that you don’t run into the small minority who were evil.

Maelephant

Speaking of evil elephants, maelephants are powerful, 9-foot-tall humanoid elephants with vicious claws, massive tusks, and spiked trunks. These malevolent guardians are natural protectors, so much so that if left to their own devices, they will often wander the Lower Planes searching for something unguarded to guard.

Murska

It doesn’t get much more Planescape than the Murska. These large beetle-like carnivores are native to Pandemonium. When a Murska eats something, it sheds its skin and takes on the appearance of the thing it consumed. And if one eats an intelligent creature, it can use the creature’s memories and emotions to aid it in hunting.

Often spotted as they get hungrier and hungrier (the camouflage skin molts off the more they need food), a Murska is a dangerous threat if encountered unawares.

Moigno

While it doesn’t get much more Planescape than a Murska, the Moigno has to bring it home. A Moigno is a two-dimensional mathematical construct that has sentience of its own. Yup. That’s right. These are sentient math equations. And what’s more, as they get older, they become more and more complex equations. Who knows what they’re ultimately figuring out, but these math problems can destroy you with a paradoxical, reality-warping touch.

What monsters do you want to see from Planescape?

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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