Fiend Folio (1981)
The Fiend Folio: Tome of Creatures Malevolent and Benign was the second monster book for the first edition of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, published in 1981. While the Monster Manual consisted primarily of monsters previously published in D&D books edited by Gary Gygax, the Fiend Folio consisted mostly of monsters submitted to White Dwarf's "Fiend Factory" column. Don Turnbull, later Managing Director of TSR UK, was the editor for the "Fiend Factory" column, as well as the Fiend Folio, which was billed as "the first major British contribution to the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons game system." The monsters in this book are presented in the same format as those in the previous Monster Manual work, and most featured illustrations of the monsters. Also, there are full-page black and white illustrations of various monsters throughout the book. The book contains a foreword on pages 3–4, an alphabetical table of contents on page 5, explanatory notes on pages 6–7, descriptions of the monsters on pages 8–97, a treasure chart on page 99, additional tables and charts for all the monsters in both the Monster Manual and Fiend Folio on pages 100–119, an index of major listings (including the contributor for each monster) on pages 120–124, with an epilogue on page 124.
ISBN 0-935696-21-0
| Creature | Page | Other Appearances | Variants | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarakocra | 8 | MC2 - Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), Monstrous Manual (1993), Dark Sun Monstrous Compendium Appendix II (1995) (Athasian Aarakocra), Polyhedron #121 (1996) (Malatran Aarakocra), Monsters of Faerûn (2001) | Intelligent winged humanoids with an avian appearance. Their wings are described as being more along the lines of pterodactyls or bats than those found on birds or angels, and they are depicted as possessing two pairs of hands—one pair as part of their wings, while the other pair are hidden behind the talons on their feet. | |
| Achaierai | 9 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992), Planes of Law (1995), Monster Manual (2000), Monster Manual v.3.5 (2003), D&D Miniatures: Aberrations set #26 (2004) | Achaierai are depicted as large flightless birds—reminiscent of the kiwi (albeit considerably larger) —with four legs and a raptor-like beak. | |
| Adherer | 9 | White Dwarf #7 (June/July 1978) (as "Gluey"), MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992) | While the adherer is described as having a mummy-like appearance, it is not technically undead. Instead it is a humanoid covered with loose folds of white skin that is said to secrete an adhesive substance which causes weapons employed against it to be reduced in effectiveness and to stick to its body. | |
| Aleax | 11 | Planescape Campaign Setting (1994), Book of Exalted Deeds (2003) | An aleax in Dungeons & Dragons is an avatar of certain gods sent as vengeance for angering the deity. It is only visible to the victim, and has identical characteristics to the target—the same armour, skills and weapons. If the target is defeated, the Fiend Folio states that the victim will be raised from the dead, minus all their treasure and half of their experience. If the target wins, he or she is taken to serve the deity for a year and a day. | |
| Algoid | 11 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992) | A colony of algae that appears in the form of a green humanoid. | |
| Al-mi'raj | 11–12 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992) | The al-mi'raj is depicted as a cross between a rabbit and a unicorn—in effect, it is a large hare with a horn protruding from its forehead. | |
| Apparition | 12 | D&D Companion Rules (1984) (as "Phantom, Apparition"), Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991) (as "Phantom, Apparition"), Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992), Guide to the Ethereal Plane (1998). | These are described as being undead creatures that lack the ability to interact with the physical world. Instead they attack by suggestion, fooling victims into believing that they are being strangled, even though the Apparition itself is unable to directly inflict physical damage. The apparition appeared in the Tome of Horrors (2002) from Necromancer Games. |
|
| Assassin bug | 12 | White Dwarf #12 (1979), Monstrous Manual (1993) | Assassin bugs are described as four-legged insects that reproduce by implanting eggs into living human hosts. | |
| Astral searcher | 13 | Planescape Campaign Setting (1994) | The Fiend Folio describes Astral Searchers as creatures that come into existence as a result of certain intense or traumatic events. They seek to possess their victims, and, if successful, the person cannot be saved—even if the Astral Searcher is removed. They are not considered to be undead. | |
| Babbler | 13 | Tome of Horrors (2002) | The babbler is a variation on the lizard man—an intelligent reptile reminiscent of a small dinosaur, that lives in marshes and likes to devour human flesh. | |
| Bat, giant | 14 | D&D Basic Set (1981), D&D Basic Set (1983), MC1 - Monstrous Compendium Volume One (1989), Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991), Monstrous Manual (1993) | The giant bat in the Fiend Folio is exactly what its name would suggest—a giant form of bat with a 6' wingspan. White Dwarf reviewer Jamie Thomson commented on the giant bat, noting that it "seems an obvious choice for D&D. | |
| Berbalang | 14 | White Dwarf #11 (1979), Best of White Dwarf Scenarios (1980), MC3 - Monstrous Compendium Volume Three: Forgotten Realms Appendix (1989), A Guide to the Astral Plane (1996), 4th Edition Monster Manual (2008) | A gargoyle-like creature, the Berbalang is described as a bipedal creature with leathery skin and bat-like wings. It spends most of its life in a state of hibernation while its spirit astral travels. For a few days each month, it sends a projection out into the world to kill and feed. | |
| Blindheim | 15 | Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Four (1998), Dragon #339 (2006) | A frog-like creature of low intelligence, the blindheim has eyes that emit beams of light. When attacking a victim in its subterranean realm, it opens its eyes, temporarily blinding the target. | |
| Blood hawk | 15 | White Dwarf #2 (1977), Best of White Dwarf Scenarios (1980), Fiend Folio (2003) | The blood hawk is, as the name would suggest, a hawk. It is roughly the same size as a normal hawk, but is described as having a "razor sharp beak" and strong talons, with eagle-like wings. | |
| Bloodworm, giant | 15 | White Dwarf #12 (1979), Monstrous Manual (1993) | Giant bloodworms are, according to the Fiend Folio, huge (20' long) worms that live in underground pools. While not described as particularly aggressive, when attacking they attach themselves to their victim and drain their blood in a leech-like manner. | |
| Bonesnapper | 15–16 | White Dwarf #6 (1978), MC5 - Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Appendix (1990) | Small carnivorous dinosaurs (5' in height) that decorate their lairs with human jawbones. In the Fiend Folio, the bonesnapper is depicted as being similar in shape to the carnosauria. | |
| Booka | 16 | MC5 - Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Appendix (1990) | Booka are described as being small, good creatures who are similar to traditional depictions of faeries. They often help around houses, but can cause mischief when upset. | |
| Bullywug | 16–17 | MC2 - Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), The Knight of Newts (1993) (appearing in this Basic D&D module as "Newt"), Monstrous Manual (1993) (including Advanced Bullywug), Living Greyhawk Journal #2 (2000) (Bullywug Savant), Monsters of Faerûn (2001), D&D Miniatures: Deathknell set #48 (2005) (Bullywug Thug) | Bullywugs are described as humanoids with the head of frogs. They are usually shorter than a human, with leathery skin and webbed digits. They are very good jumpers, and can jump roughly 30 feet forward and 15 feet vertically. They inhabit temperate to tropical swamps. | |
| Bunyip | 17 | MC3 - Monstrous Compendium Volume Three: Forgotten Realms Appendix (1989), Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Three (1996) | The bunyip is loosely based on the creature from Australian mythology. They live in lakes, marshes and some rivers, and are mostly playful rather than dangerous, but they do occasionally attack smaller creatures such as dwarves. | |
| Carbuncle | 17–18 | White Dwarf #8 (1978), Best of White Dwarf Scenarios (1980), Tome of Horrors (2002) | Carbuncles are described as being small, armadillo-like creatures with a large ruby stuck into its head. They typically infiltrate groups of adventurers and spread dissent through psychic powers. | |
| Caryatid column | 18 | WGR1 - Greyhawk Ruins (1990), Monstrous Manual (1993), Fiend Folio (2003) | The Fiend Folio describes the caryatid column as being very similar to a golem. As with other golems, the caryatid column is an artificial construct animated by magic. They appear to players as columns with fine carving suggesting the shape of a woman holding a sword. When activated, (typically by an event trigger), they transform into "young maidens" and do battle, returning to their original position and state once the threat has been dispatched. | |
| Caterwaul | 18–19 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1991) | The caterwaul is a bipedal feline, noted for its ability to climb, hide in shadows and to move silently. When attacking, it is said to emit a high pitched screech that will cause damage to anyone nearby. | |
| Cifal | 19 | Polyhedron #145 (2000) | Cifals are described as being a large colony of insects which has massed together into a vaguely bipedal form. | |
| Clubnek | 19 | Tome of Horrors (2002) | Large flightless birds, described as "mutated ostriches", that attack with their beaks and claws. | |
| Coffer corpse | 19–21 | White Dwarf #8 (1978), MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992), Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Three (1996) | Undead zombies derived from corpses that have failed to be fully disposed of, such as funeral barges which have become stranded. | |
| Crabman | 21 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992), Monstrous Manual (1993), Fiend Folio (2003) (as "Yurian") | The crabman is a large monstrous humanoid. Crabmen are simple hunter-gatherers and generally peaceful. A crabman is usually neutral and generally lives near warm sea coasts. | |
| Crypt thing | 21 | MC5 - Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Appendix (1990), Monstrous Manual (1993), Living Greyhawk Journal #5 (2002), Fiend Folio (2003) | Crypt things are depicted as being undead skeletons that wear brown robes, found within their private lairs. When attacked they will attempt to teleport their attackers to a random location. | |
| Dakon | 22 | Dragon #187 "The Ecology of the Dakon" (1992), Monstrous Manual (1993), Living Greyhawk Journal #5 (2002) | Dakons are described as shaggy, intelligent apes with a reasonable grasp of language, that live in jungle settings. A dakon is depicted as being light brown in color, with green eyes and black hands. | |
| Dark creeper | 22 | MC14 - Monstrous Compendium Fiend Folio Appendix (1992), Fiend Folio (2003), D&D Miniatures: Underdark set #42 (2005) | Dark Creepers are small humanoids (about 4' in height) that are described as preferring to dwell underground due to their hatred of light. They operate like thieves, extinguishing light sources and stealing small magical items. When killed, the Fiend Folio states that they spontaneously burst into flame. | |
| Dark stalker | 23 | |||
| Death dog | 23 | White Dwarf reviewer Jamie Thomson commented on the death dog, which is "rumored to be a descendant of Cerberus". | ||
| Death knight | 23 | |||
| Demon | 24–25 | Lolth, the Demon Queen of Spiders (a lesser goddess), is described here | ||
| Denzelian | 25 | White Dwarf reviewer Jamie Thomson commented on Lolth, as a giant spider-creature "which often appears on fantasy literature". | ||
| Devil | 25–26 | The Styx devil, a greater devil, is described here | ||
| Devil dog | 26 | White Dwarf #11 (Feb/March 1979) | ||
| Dire corby | 26 | |||
| Disenchanter | 27 | White Dwarf #6 (April/May 1978) | ||
| Doombat | 27 | White Dwarf #13 (June/July 1979) | ||
| Dragon, Oriental | 27–30 | Described here are the Li Lung (Earth Dragon), Lung Wang (Sea Dragon), Pan Lung (Coiled Dragon), Shen Lung (Spirit Dragon), T'ien Lung (Celestial Dragon), and Yu Lung (Carp Dragon). Dragon contributor Alan Zumwait was pleased by the inclusion of the neutral Oriental dragons, but felt that their descriptions were inferior to those of the dragons in the Monster Manual. | ||
| Dragonfish | 30 | |||
| Dune stalker | 30 | White Dwarf #2 (Aug/Sept 1977) | ||
| Elemental Princes of Evil | 31–33 | Described here are Cryonax (Prince of Evil Cold Creatures), Imix (Prince of Evil Fire Creatures), Ogrémoch (Prince of Evil Earth Creatures), Olhydra (Princess of Evil Water Creatures), and Yan-C-Bin (Prince of Evil Aerial Creatures). Ed Greenwood considered the Elemental Princes of Evil "worthy additions to any campaign". | ||
| Elf, Drow (dark elf) | 33–34 | Ed Greenwood noted that the previously published drow were "expected attractions, but good to see nonetheless." | ||
| Enveloper | 34 | |||
| Ettercap | 35 | |||
| Eye killer | 35 | White Dwarf #7 (June/July 1978) | ||
| Eye of fear and flame | 35 | |||
| Firedrake | 36 | |||
| Firenewt | 36 | |||
| Fire snake | 38 | |||
| Firetoad | 38 | |||
| Flail snail | 38 | |||
| Flind | 39 | |||
| Flumph | 39 | |||
| Forlarren | 39–40 | |||
| Frost man | 40 | |||
| Galltrit | 40 | |||
| Gambado | 41 | |||
| Garbug | 41 | Described here are the black garbug and violet garbug | ||
| Giant | 41–42 | Described here are the fog giant and mountain giant | ||
| Giant strider | 42 | |||
| Gibberling | 43 | |||
| Githyanki | 43–45 | White Dwarf #12 (April/May 1979) | ||
| Githzerai | 45 | |||
| Goldbug | 46 | |||
| Gorbel | 46 | |||
| Gorilla bear | 46 | |||
| Grell | 46–48 | White Dwarf #12 (April/May 1979) | ||
| Grimlock | 48 | |||
| Gryph | 48–49 | |||
| Guardian daemon | 49 | |||
| Guardian familiar | 49 | White Dwarf #10 (Dec/Jan 1978/9) (as "Familiar") | ||
| Hellcat | 50 | |||
| Hoar fox | 50 | |||
| Hook horror | 51 | White Dwarf #12 (April/May 1979) | ||
| Hornet, giant | 51 | |||
| Hound of ill omen | 51 | |||
| Huecuva | 51 | |||
| Ice lizard | 52 | |||
| Imorph | 52 | White Dwarf #9 (Oct/Nov 1978) | ||
| Iron cobra | 52–53 | |||
| Jaculi | 53 | |||
| Jermlaine | 53–54 | Descent into the Depths of the Earth (1978), Monstrous Compendium Volume Two (1989), Monstrous Manual (1993) under the "gremlin" entry, Dragon #262 (August 1999)., third edition Monster Manual II (2002) | ||
| Kamadan | 55 | |||
| Kelpie | 55 | |||
| Kenku | 56 | |||
| Khargra | 56–57 | |||
| Killmoulis | 57 | |||
| Kuo-toa | 57–59 | Ed Greenwood noted that the previously published drow and kuo-toa were "expected attractions, but good to see nonetheless." | ||
| Lamia noble | 59 | |||
| Lava children | 61 | |||
| Lizard king | 61 | |||
| Magnesium spirit | 62 | |||
| Mantari | 62 | |||
| Meazel | 63 | |||
| Meenlock | 63–64 | |||
| Mephit | 64–66 | White Dwarf #13 (June/July 1979) (as "imp": "fire imp", "molten imp", "smoke imp" and "steam imp") | Described here are the fire, lava, smoke, and steam mephit | |
| Mezzodaemon | 66 | |||
| Mite | 66 | White Dwarf #6 (April/May 1978) | ||
| Necrophidius | 67 | White Dwarf #7 (June/July 1978) | ||
| Needleman | 67 | White Dwarf #6 (April/May 1978) | ||
| Nilbog | 67–68 | White Dwarf #6 (April/May 1978) | ||
| Nonafel | 68 | |||
| Norker | 68 | |||
| Nycadaemon | 69 | |||
| Ogrillon | 70 | |||
| Osquip | 70 | |||
| Penanggalan | 71–72 | |||
| Pernicon | 72 | |||
| Phantom stalker | 72–73 | |||
| Poltergeist | 73 | |||
| Protein polymorph | 73 | |||
| Quaggoth | 74 | |||
| Quipper | 74 | |||
| Qullan | 74–75 | |||
| Retriever | 75 | |||
| Revenant | 75–76 | |||
| Rothé | 76 | |||
| Sandman | 77 | White Dwarf #10 (Dec/Jan 1978/9) | ||
| Scarecrow | 77 | |||
| Screaming devilkin | 77–78 | |||
| Shadow demon | 78 | |||
| Sheet ghoul | 78 | White Dwarf #11 (Feb/March 1979) | ||
| Sheet phantom | 78–79 | White Dwarf #11 (Feb/March 1979) | ||
| Shocker | 79 | |||
| Skeleton warrior | 79 | |||
| Skulk | 80 | |||
| Slaad | 80–83 | Described here are the blue slaad; death slaad (the Lesser Masters); green slaad; grey slaad (the Executioners); red slaad; Ssendam, Lord of the Insane (slaad lord); and Ygorl, Lord of Entropy (slaad lord). Ed Greenwood considered the slaad "worthy additions to any campaign". | ||
| Snyad | 83 | |||
| Son of Kyuss | 83 | |||
| Stunjelly | 84 | |||
| Sussurus | 84 | White Dwarf #9 (Oct/Nov 1978) | ||
| Svirfneblin (deep gnome) | 84–85 | |||
| Symbiotic jelly | 85 | White Dwarf #8 (Aug/Sept 1978) (as "Chaoticus Symbioticus") | ||
| Tabaxi | 86 | |||
| Tentamort | 86–87 | |||
| Terithran | 87 | |||
| Thoqqua (rockworm) | 87–88 | |||
| Thork | 88 | |||
| Throat leech | 88 | White Dwarf #6 (April/May 1978) | ||
| Tiger fly | 88–89 | |||
| Tirapheg | 89 | White Dwarf #11 (Feb/March 1979) (as "Lauren", "an anagram of 'unreal'") | ||
| Trilloch | 89–90 | |||
| Troll | 90–91 | Described here are the giant troll, giant two-headed troll, ice troll, and spirit troll | ||
| Tween | 91 | White Dwarf #8 (Aug/Sept 1978) | ||
| Umpleby | 92 | White Dwarf #9 (Oct/Nov 1978) | ||
| Urchin | 92–93 | White Dwarf #9 (Oct/Nov 1978) | Described here are the black, green, red, silver, and yellow urchin | |
| Vision | 93 | |||
| Vodyanoi | 93 | |||
| Volt | 94 | White Dwarf #7 (June/July 1978) | ||
| Vortex | 94 | |||
| Whipweed | 94 | |||
| Witherstench | 95 | White Dwarf #11 (Feb/March 1979) | ||
| Witherweed | 95 | White Dwarf #7 (June/July 1978) | ||
| Xill | 96 | |||
| Xvart | 96 | White Dwarf #9 (Oct/Nov 1978) (as "Svart") | ||
| Yellow musk creeper | 97 | |||
| Zombie, yellow musk | 97 |
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Famous quotes containing the word fiend:
“Like a fiend in a cloud
With howling woe,
After night I do crowd,
And with night will go;”
—William Blake (1757–1827)