The ABC's of DnD: B is for...

Like B-movies, and B-sides, there are a lot of B-monsters out there to choose from. Basilisks, and Behir, Bone-whelks and Bulete’s all made it to a shortlist… which then became a long list. But today we will be stepping out of the core rules and into one of the supplemental books; Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

And I’d like to thank Jake Burden for nominating his favourite and saving me the painful task of having to make a decision. For those who are not familiar with Volo (which I am assuming is quite a small number considering you’re reading this on a website with nerd in the name) Volothamp Geddarm is a lore master and bard extraordinaire. And like the best bards, he would never, ever let the details get in the way of a good story. Volo's guide to monsters introduced a number of new religions, playable races alongside an extensive bestiary. But of course, you might need to decide whether what he has written is fact or truth. One thing we know for certain however is the Volo has definitely well-travelled. If the Forgotten Realms had Instagram, Volo’s would be full of beachy photos of him staring serenely into a sunset. Or he would be standing over the body of a murdered goblin, with the caption ‘Eat, Slay, Love’ giving us the pouty duck-face prayer hands as he looked down the camera. And it is on these travels that he has undoubtedly encountered this week’s monster. So if you would… You find yourself in a dark and ancient woodland filled with regret. The foremost of which is that you have decided to split the party, and by the time you caught the smile on the DM’s face it was already too late. These woods are dark and deep. A carpet of loan covers the ground under your feet, masking your footfalls. However it also masks the footfalls of any others who may lurk between the dense branches. Although it has only been a short while since you partly split to scout for a suitable campsite, it has been days since you have seen uninterrupted sky. The thick canopy of leaves above you keeps the forrest in a perpetual twilight. The light that does filter down has an evergreen quality, But it seems Tymora, the Lady of Luck, blessed your path this day, for at last there is a break ahead of you, and you find yourself in a small glade. Wildflowers and clover fill the small clearing, and nearby the babbling of a broom tells you that clean water can be found for the evenings meal. It is perfect, all except for the ring of stones. Covered in a patina of moss and lychee, they cast an ominous shadow over the otherwise perfect camping spot. You had been warned of course, by the old crofter who lived on the edge of the woods. Warned that in places such as this the veil between the material plane and the Shadowfell was thin. Warned about the fairies that may seek to take advantage of wayward travellers. And despite the fact you find the woodland glade Fae touched, a long rest is a vital resource for your party, and having found no better alternative you reunite with your companions and choose to spend the night here. It appears at first it will be a pleasant night. The Forrest provides plenty of good berries and fire wood. And it is with only the lingering thought of fairies dancing across your eyelids that you drift off. But it is no fae who emerges from the shadows of the stone circle this night. No pixie who turns it’s large, glassy eyes upon you and your sleeping companions. The creature's skin is bumpy, resembling a toad, although easily the size of an ogre. It has a frame that looks like it has been poorly moulded to resemble a toad. And as you sleep, you are watched by dark eyes filled with inky malice. Until the Banderhobb opens its wide, toothlined maw and lunges. Banderhobbs are creatures thought to be from the Shadowfell although there is much debate as to their true origins. Emerging from the shadows, these giant bipedal toads are known to capture their sleeping prey unawares. And their giant mouths can lead you on quite a journey. Banderhobbs have multiple stomachs, and are even rumoured to have extra-dimensional space within their bodies. Like a T.A.R.D.I.S. The Banderhobb can be bigger on the inside. Because of this they make the perfect monster and dungeon combined. However you do not want to linger inside a Banderhobb because it will quickly begin to digest anyone it swallows. Extradimensional stomachs aside, Banderhobbs were relatively simple creatures. They lack the jealousy and spite of the Archfey, landing in a more Neutral space on the Spectrum of evil alignments. In fact they lack most emotions, experiencing even basic urges such as hunger as a process to be completed rather than a feeling. It also speaks to the fact that many consider them constructs, rather than a natural born species. This apathy makes them ruthless, fulfilling their missions with a single minded focus. They cannot be reasoned with nor frightened. However the Banderhobb is not an unthinking soldier, despite their absolute obedience. They are entirely subservient to a higher power, so should a Banderhobb hunt you, it is a sign you have made a powerful enemy.