Ettin

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Ettin Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the untamed wilderness, where the sun's rays struggle to pierce the dense canopy, there lurks a creature of formidable presence and fearsome reputation. The ettin, a hulking two-headed giant, is a sight to behold, its massive form towering over the tallest of trees. Each of its heads, crowned with a tangled mane of coarse hair, swivels independently, scanning the surroundings with a pair of beady, watchful eyes. The ettin's skin is a mottled patchwork of grays and browns, blending seamlessly with the rocky terrain it calls home.

As you venture deeper into its domain, the air grows thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a testament to the ettin's preferred habitat. These creatures are most commonly found in remote, rugged landscapes—craggy hills, dense forests, and cavernous mountain ranges—where they can easily ambush unsuspecting travelers. The ettin's lair is often a crude, makeshift den, littered with the remnants of past meals and the occasional glint of stolen treasure.

Despite their brutish appearance, ettins are cunning hunters, using their dual heads to their advantage. One head remains ever vigilant, scanning for threats or prey, while the other engages in guttural conversation, often arguing with itself in a language only it can understand. This constant bickering is said to be the source of their unpredictable nature, making them both formidable foes and unreliable allies.

Legends speak of the ettin's origins, tales passed down through generations of wary villagers. Some say they were once a single-headed giant, cursed by a vengeful deity to forever argue with itself. Others claim they are the offspring of a union between a giant and a creature of the fey, inheriting the worst traits of both parents. Whatever the truth, the ettin remains a creature of myth and menace, a living testament to the wild's untamed fury.

As you stand on the precipice of its territory, the forest seems to hold its breath, the silence broken only by the distant echo of a low, rumbling growl. The ettin is near, and with it, the promise of a challenge that will test your mettle and resolve. Will you face this two-headed terror, or will you retreat to the safety of the known world, leaving the ettin to its solitary reign?

Ettin Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +6

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 16

Languages

• Giant
• Orc

Abilities

• Two Heads: The ettin has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or 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: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.

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Battle Tips for Facing an Ettin

The Ettin, a two-headed giant, presents a unique challenge for adventurers. With its dual heads, it can perform multiple actions simultaneously, making it a formidable opponent. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use an Ettin in battle, as well as strategies for how multiple Ettins can work together or retreat if necessary.

Using an Ettin in Battle

• Dual Actions: Leverage the Ettin's ability to perform two actions at once. For example, one head can attack while the other casts a spell or uses a special ability. This can overwhelm players who are not prepared for multi-faceted attacks.
• Surprise and Ambush: Use the Ettin's natural stealth in its preferred terrain, such as caves or dense forests, to set up ambushes. The creature's ability to see in the dark can give it an advantage in low-light conditions.
• Divide and Conquer: The Ettin can use its two heads to focus on different targets, effectively splitting the party's attention and resources. This can be particularly effective if the party is already spread out or distracted.

Coordinating Multiple Ettins

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use multiple Ettins to flank the party, forcing them into a defensive position. This can be especially effective in narrow corridors or enclosed spaces where the party cannot easily escape.
• Communication: Although Ettins are not known for their intelligence, they can communicate with each other using simple signals or grunts. Use this to coordinate attacks or retreats, making them appear more organized and threatening.
• Overwhelming Force: Multiple Ettins can use their combined strength to overpower even the most prepared adventurers. Use their brute force to break through defenses and create chaos within the party's ranks.

Retreat Strategies

• Strategic Withdrawal: If the battle turns against them, Ettins can use their knowledge of the terrain to retreat to a more advantageous position. This can involve leading the party into traps or ambushes set by other creatures.
• Covering Fire: As one Ettin retreats, another can provide covering fire with ranged attacks or thrown objects, discouraging pursuit and allowing the retreating Ettin to escape safely.
• Regroup and Reassess: Once at a safe distance, Ettins can regroup and reassess the situation. They may choose to re-engage the party with a new strategy or wait for reinforcements.

By using these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create challenging and dynamic encounters with Ettins that will test the skills and tactics of any adventuring party.