Ettin

An Ettin is a fearsome and imposing creature that strikes fear into the hearts of adventurers. It is a two-headed giant known for its brute strength, ferocity, and unique dual-minded nature. Ettins are commonly found in mountainous regions, deep forests, and other isolated and desolate areas.

Physically, an Ettin stands roughly 12 feet tall, towering over most humanoid creatures. Its muscular body is covered in coarse, matted fur, giving it a wild and unkempt appearance. The most distinguishing feature of an Ettin is its two heads, each possessing its own personality and intellect. These heads often bicker and argue with each other, creating an unpredictable and chaotic nature within the creature.

Ettins possess incredible strength, capable of wielding oversized weapons with ease. Each head of an Ettin can independently focus on separate targets, allowing it to engage in combat with multiple foes simultaneously. This split focus makes it a formidable opponent in battle, as it can attack and defend from different angles, keeping its adversaries off balance.

Despite their brutish nature, Ettins are not mindless monsters. Each head has its own thoughts and desires, though they often struggle to find common ground. This duality can make Ettins unpredictable allies or dangerous enemies, depending on how their personalities align. They are known to be territorial and will fiercely defend their chosen domain from intruders.

Ettins are generally solitary creatures, preferring to live alone in their lairs. However, it is not uncommon to find them accompanied by loyal minions or enslaved creatures, which they command with brute force and intimidation. These minions serve as extensions of the Ettin’s will, executing its commands and adding to its overall combat effectiveness.

Encountering an Ettin in the wild can be a formidable challenge for adventurers. Their immense strength and dual-minded nature make them formidable opponents in combat. Their size and reach allow them to overpower foes with powerful strikes, and their ability to focus on multiple targets simultaneously keeps adventurers on their toes. Engaging an Ettin requires careful strategy and coordination to exploit its weaknesses and neutralize its threats.

Ettins can also be intriguing creatures to interact with outside of combat. Their unique dual-minded nature can lead to interesting role-playing scenarios, as each head may have its own agenda or perspective. Players may have the opportunity to bargain or negotiate with one head while dealing with the stubbornness or aggression of the other. Building alliances or manipulating the conflicting personalities of an Ettin can lead to unexpected outcomes and memorable encounters.

Special Abilities

Two Heads

The ettin has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, and knocked unconscious.

Wakeful

When one of the ettin’s heads is asleep, its other head is awake.

Actions

• Multiattack: The ettin makes two attacks: one with its battleaxe and one with its morningstar.
• Battleaxe: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.
• Morningstar: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.

Proficiencies

• Skill: Perception +4