D&D (2024) Tiamat Unleashed

[dave2008]

I am working on a 64 page supplement on my favorite subject: Tiamat! This is still a work-in-progress and will not be finalized until after the 2025 Monster Manual is released. However, except for stat block updates, one art update, and one last proofreading it is done. Therefore, and at the request of @Dragonographer, I am submitting draft #9 for review and comment. Here is a link to my google drive to download the draft: The Chromatic Dragon - Tiamat Unleashed

Now for some pretty preview pictures!

 

[Just Passing Through]

Edit

 

[dave2008]

So I have to ask, is this meant to be an inspiration project, or is this something that you actually expect to see use at a table.

I ask this because whether the stat blocks in here are meant to see play will heavily influence my feedback on them.

Yes they are meant to be used at a table. However, there are two caveats to that:

1. All stat blocks will be reviewed and updated as needed after the 2024 MM is released. Higher CR monsters (which a lot of these are) are getting a boost in the 2024 MM and I want to capture that
2. Tiamat's primordial dragon stat blocks (the fist in the book) will be completely replaced with a preview of my immortal rules stat block.

PS - are you the "Just Passing Through" of old that used to discuss my monster updates with me?

 

[Just Passing Through]

Edit

 

[dave2008]

I am in fact!

Good to know about the stat blocks. With the number of changes that might occur in a month when the MM releases, I might hold off on feedback until that point.

That being said, I greatly enjoy many of the concepts in the document (Tiamat being a multi body part monster, integration of old and new lore in your own style, stats for all her consorts). It is an impressive piece of work.

Most of the changes will simply be to increase the damage or possibly hit points or AC to match the greater challenge of the revised CR values. However, these monsters were also made when it looked like Legendary Actions were no longer going to be a thing. Since we now know they back, I need to make more changes than I had originally planned.

Also, I don't plan to make adjustments after I "publish" it in little over a month. So, if you have comments it is better to give them now as you will not have another chance before I publish the final.

and - Welcome back! I look forward to your thoughts.

 

[Stalker0]

I gave it a good skim, really like the art and the meaty content. Its got everything from history to motives to lair bling to every like freaking guardian you would ever need to run an assault onto Tiamat's lair. Really cool!

In terms of the statblocks, I mean this Tiamat has got pretty everything and the kitchen sink to throw at the players. Likely my biggest general issue with the statblock is actually running Tiamat would just be such an incredible pain due to the pages and pages and pages of statblocks you would have to wade through. I recognize the goal is to just to present an unending series of options to stop the most epic of players, but I do think there is a good bit of fat that could be trimmed.

Easy example: for the chromatic recharge abilities, just pick a cool ability that they get....rather than having to reroll a d6 every single round and look up on a table to get the ability. With everything else Tiamat already that part feels extraneous.

On the proofreading side, the chromatic recharges all list the white dragon. And there is speed 0 for all of Tiamats parts.

 

[dave2008]

I gave it a good skim, really like the art and the meaty content. Its got everything from history to motives to lair bling to every like freaking guardian you would ever need to run an assault onto Tiamat's lair. Really cool!

Thanks!

In terms of the statblocks, I mean this Tiamat has got pretty everything and the kitchen sink to throw at the players. Likely my biggest general issue with the statblock is actually running Tiamat would just be such an incredible pain due to the pages and pages and pages of statblocks you would have to wade through. I recognize the goal is to just to present an unending series of options to stop the most epic of players, but I do think there is a good bit of fat that could be trimmed.

First caveat: I am replacing the Tiamat stat blocks to be previews of my Immortal Rules stat blocks. So they will undergo quite a change. I will keep her a monster of parts though.

Easy example: for the chromatic recharge abilities, just pick a cool ability that they get....rather than having to reroll a d6 every single round and look up on a table to get the ability. With everything else Tiamat already that part feels extraneous.

On the proofreading side, the chromatic recharges all list the white dragon. And there is speed 0 for all of Tiamats parts.

Interesting, I must have an old copy up there. That is not what Chromatic Charge or Chromatic Recharge does and they don't list the white head either?! Here is what the red head says:

EDIT: I just checked and this is what is in the OP link as well. Can you clarify what you are talking about as your comments don't seem to match the abilities as listed. Perhaps you have an older copy?

 

[dave2008]

Edit

FYI, I noticed you edited your responses for some reason. Just an FYI, as I had quoted them, they are still in the thread. I don't know why you removed them, but if you want me to remove them from my posts I can.

 

[Chaltab]

I'm not entirely clear how characters are supposed to fight this thing when it deals enough damage to level a raging 20th level Barbarian in a single round.

 

[dave2008]

I'm not entirely clear how characters are supposed to fight this thing when it deals enough damage to level a raging 20th level Barbarian in a single round.

If you are talking about primordial Tiamat, they are supposed to be quickly and horribly defeated if they are only 20th level PCs. However, there are lots of stat blocks, including Tiamat's avatars, that are appropriate for mortal PCs.

Primordial Tiamat is for immortal PCs. When I publish the final I will replace these stat blocks that will be a preview of my Immortal Rules (though that will need to be changed after @Upper_Krust finally releases his God Rules).