Dungeons & Dragons 2024 Monster Manual: Major Changes to Werewolves and More!

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For devoted fans of Dungeons & Dragons and constant game masters, it’s no secret that the 5th edition rulebook is undergoing a major overhaul. Although the releases in 2024 technically adhere to the 5e label, there are substantial variations between the rules found in the 2024 Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide compared to previous editions. To coincide with these modifications to the core rulebooks, Wizards of the Coast is also launching a revised Monster Manual. Lately, the D&D team has given us a sneak peek at some exciting updates coming in the upcoming 2024 Monster Manual.

The replay of the livestream showcases, for the first time, a particular category of monsters – the monstrosities. These fearsome creatures are well-known in the D&D universe, with examples like the owlbear cub from Baldur’s Gate 3, hydras, and mimics belonging to this category. Given their importance in many campaigns, these magical beings are undergoing significant changes and additions in the forthcoming 2024 edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual.

The replay of the livestream introduces a new type of monster – monstrosities – which includes famous creatures from D&D, like the owlbear cub and hydras. These monsters are crucial for many games, and their appearances will be updated in the upcoming Monster Manual for Dungeons & Dragons in 2024.

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Without a doubt, the Monster Manual holds many more exciting revelations. However, the sneak peek specifically spotlights several fresh creatures and mechanisms within the monstrous realm.

D&D 2024 Monster Manual Makes Major Changes to Werewolves

One significant revelation in the preview video concerns Lycanthropy, a condition known for producing werewolves and other were-creatures. Traditionally, werewolves have been thought of as humanoid creatures because they originated from some form of humanoid being before undergoing lycanthropy. However, the team believes that the unusual nature of a werewolf isn’t accurately represented by this humanoid category, so they plan to reclassify lycanthropes under the Monstrosity rule system instead.

This adjustment aims to make characters and NPCs afflicted by lycanthropy seem more peculiar and inhuman. To achieve this, we’re incorporating the Curse of Lycanthropy into the stat blocks for these monstrous beings directly. This streamlined approach will help Dungeon Masters (DMs) manage gameplay more efficiently, as they won’t have to constantly flip through pages to find all the relevant information about becoming a werebear in Dungeons & Dragons.

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Other creatures besides werewolves are also moving into the category of monstrosities. These include the Kenku, a race of bird-like humanoids, because they were once something different before being transformed or cursed. This shift aims to more accurately represent their peculiar nature.

In the revamped Monster Manual for D&D in 2024, not only will you find creatures morphing into monstrosities, but there are also significant updates. For example, the well-known mimic now has an enlarged entry with various depictions of different types of mimics. The text has been expanded as well to inspire Dungeon Masters to think beyond a chest transforming into a mimic when players attempt to grab some treasure. Now, the mimic page offers an extensive array of options ranging from the amusing to the terrifying, aiming to ignite DMs’ creative sparks.

Significant modifications encompass the introduction of a fresh CR 7 Primaeval Owlbear, boasting more terrifying skills such as a flight speed of 5 feet enabling it to awkwardly glide into battle. Rust monsters have received enhancements to facilitate Dungeon Masters in making player’s game sessions less pleasant by corroding their equipment.

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For those eager to engage formidable foes in their Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, the upcoming modifications to the Monster Manual promise an enhanced sense of enchantment and dread. The revised Monster Manual for D&D 5e is slated for release on February 18th, 2025, a little over a month from now. Preorders are currently available in both digital and physical formats. The standard retail price will be $79.98 USD, but pre-ordering now offers a discounted rate of $59.99, making it an opportune moment to secure the updated guidebook.

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2025-01-16 22:43