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Not every person wants to be part of a year-longDungeons & Dragonssession.
This is especially true for those first getting into the hobby.
As such, one-shots have become the perfect gateway for new players.
For beginners or a quick adventure, one-shot campaigns can be the perfect way to go.
However, like any good session, a one-shot is only as good as the encounters.
As such, using the right monster is crucial for running a successful one-shot.
This is especially true now, with the release of the 2024 ruleset and the 2025 Monster Manual.
A choker is a prime example of a monster most DMs haven’t had the chance to use.
There have even been several adventures and modules written for D&D revolving around them.
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These tips will help you create your character and efficiently role play as them.
Is there a vampire controlling an entire village?
Is there a vampire stalking the streets at night and preying upon any who cross their path?
The possibilities are endless.
Lamia are hedonistic and tyrannical by nature and take pleasure in kidnapping innocent people to be used as slaves.
The Choker by Mike Mearls
This sickening practice is the perfect motivation for players to work together.
Additionally, with the lamia’s constant entourage of jakalweres, players will have plenty of monsters to face.
Yeth hounds are the evil hunting dogs of the fey.
The Choker by Mike Mearls
On top of all this, these creatures always have a master, like a hag or a vampire.
This means that a simple hunt for one of these creatures can lead to an even bigger threat.
9Mindflayer
Mind flayers are another great option for a D&D one-shot.
Van Richten’s Guide To Ravenloft Cover Art by Anna Podedworna
Their main goal is to enslave other races and turn their populations into Illithids, just like them.
These creatures just don’t come up often, as they tend to only be found in isolated environments.
Never fall prey to the same old cliche backstories again.
A Lamia by Brynn Metheney
This doesn’t just mean creating NPCs for your players to interact with.
It also means creating enemies for your players.
6Gnolls
Gnollsare a monstrous hyena-hybrid, raiding and scavenging across their territory as they seek more violence.
Yeth Hound via Wizards of the Coast
Their aggressive, destructive nature makes them a strong monster choice for a D&D one-shot.
It’s to be expected as many play D&D to play as a hero.
So, why not give them the chance to be heroes?
Quanbraxel by Lily Abdullina
These creatures have merciless hunting tactics and have a tendency to hunt even when not hungry.
4Harpies
Harpies are classic D&D monsters.
Similar to sirens, they use their voice to lure people into their clutches with a song.
Art by Stephen Crowe
These dangerous D&D monsters can control minds.
Minion of the Mighy by Oriana Menendez
Via Wizards of the Coast
Displacer Beast via Wizards of the Coast
Harpy via Wizards of the Coast
