Mordenkainen Presents: Duergar and More!

The new Dungeons and Dragons supplement, Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse, reprints a large number of existing monsters with updated stat blocks. Here’s a review of who’s there and what’s changed. I will only list values that have changed, and traits/abilities that have been added or removed.

If you’re looking for the first part of the list, it’s over here.

I won’t be listing the change of adding “typically” from the alignment, and any creatures whose stat blocks only have changes to their organization will be listed at the end of the article.

Duergar Despot

Removed:
Spells: counterspell, misty step

Changed:
Multiattack now allows the despot to move up to it’s speed after making and attack without provoking an opportunity attack, and only allows one attack to be replaced with Flame Jet, not four as it did previously.
Iron Fist now deals 23 (4d8 + 5), increased from 14 (2d8 + 5).
Stomping Foot now uses a d10 for damage instead of a d8.

Notes: Misty step is replaced by the movement in the multiattack. Melee attacks now deal more damage, offsetting the ability to use Flame Jet. I’m excited to use this one in combat. It seems to have been really well refocused to be a frightening melee combatant.

Duergar Mind Master

Removed:
Create Soulblade.

Changed:
Hit Points increased from 18 (4d8) to 27 (6d8)
Enlarge is now a bonus action.

Notes: I like the streamlining of the soulblade, and moving enlarge to a bonus action. This stat block is easier to use, and probably a little more dangerous in combat.

Duergar Stone Guard

Added:
Multiattack. The duergar makes two Shortsword or Javelin attacks.

Changed:
King’s Knife (Shortsword) is now Shortsword.
Enlarge is now a bonus action.

Notes: Moar attacks!

Duergar Warlord

Changed:
Multiattack no longer includes Enlarge.
Scouring Instruction can now be used on creatures that are immune to psychic damage.

Notes: Just a few simple changes.

Duergar Xarrorn

Changed:
Fire Lance no longer is at disadvantage if the target is within 5ft of the xarrorn.

Notes: I like not having to worry about PCs closing up the range and imposing disadvantage, like the definitely would.

Duergar Hammerer

Changed:
Engine of Pain: no longer allows an attacker to target the duergar inside the armor and deal additional damage to the duergar. Instead, it’s now a reaction that allows the duergar to make a Hammer attack against a creature that hits it with an attack roll.

Notes: I think this simplification needlessly removes flavor from the creature. I do like that it’s stronger now, though.

Duergar Screamer

Changed:
Engine of Pain: no longer allows an attacker to target the duergar inside the armor and deal additional damage to the duergar. Instead, it’s now a reaction that allows the duergar to make a Drill attack against a creature that hits it with an attack roll.

Notes: I think this simplification needlessly removes flavor from the creature. Stronger is good though…

Dybbuk

Changed:
Spell list: no longer contains fear.
Tendril is now Tentacle
Violate Corpse is now Possess Corpse. Effect is significantly changed. Possession now grants the dybbuk 20 temporary hit points, makes it the size of the body Beast or Humanoid, and prevents it from using Incorporeal Movement. The possession now ends when the 20 temporary hit points have been depleted.

Eidolon

Added:
Unusual Nature. The eidolon doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Sacred Statue

Added:
Unusual Nature. The eidolon doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Changed:
False Appearance now grants advantage on its initiative roll. A DC 18 skill check is now required to determine that the statue isn’t an object.
Multiattack now allows two Slam or Rock attacks.

Notes: Yeah, this thing needed a buff up. Good call.

Eladrin, Autumn

Added:
Spells: Revivify at 1/day.
Multiattack allows for two longsword or longbow attacks; one attack can be replaced with spellcasting.

Removed:
Spells: calm emotions, sleep, heal, raise dead.

Changed:
Hit Points increased from 127 (17d8 + 51) to 165 (22d8 + 66).
Spell list now includes hold person at will. Cure wounds and lesser restoration are now 2/day each.

Notes: More hit points, more attacks, and an at-will hold person? Niiiiiiiice!

No Significant Changes:

• Duergar Kavalrachni
• Duergar Mind Master

Don’t see what you’re looking for yet? I’m still working my way through, so come back a little later!

Mordenkainen Presents: Moar to Read!

Wanna know what other monsters are on my Hotlist? Or, maybe instead of the deadliest you want monsters that provide interesting challenges in and out of combat? Check out my Blocklist.