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Arrrh matey! Looking to have your adventurers walk the plank or explore a lost temple deep under the sea? We have you covered. Here is a list of 10 Awesome Monsters for an Aquatic Encounter from the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual. Don’t forget to check out Aquatic Monster & Hero Race Options if you are looking for new player options for your campaign.

NOTE: Since this was first published in October 2014 the Dungeon Master Guide was released and provides lists of Monsters by Environment (such as coastal or underwater) in Appendix B, but the lists are basic. In this article, you’ll find monsters that I think fit in an underwater setting and some ideas on how to create encounters with each of them.

Aboleth Challenge Rating: 10

Aboleths use telepathy, tentacles and other devastating attacks to kill heroes. Create a legendary encounter in an Aboleth lair located in a subterranean lake or in the fallen ruins of an ancient underwater city. Chuul Challenge Rating: 4

The amphibious chuul can be used to follow their master’s orders tirelessly or use their ability to sense magic to chase down adventurers with magic items. Dragon Turtle Challenge Rating: 17

This fearsome marine monster is dangerous dragon of the deep. If your heroes want to avoid a having their ship sunk, a dragon turtle is smart and greedy enough to be bribed with treasure to fill its lair. Kraken Challenge Rating: 23

Release a kraken on super powerful heroes, to create a natural disaster or as a god at the top of a cult. This gargantuan monstrosity is made even more powerful when you place it in its lair. Kuo-Toa Challenge Rating: 1/4

These fishlike humanoids will not put up much of a fight, but who does not want to squish some evil fish? They once inhabited shores and islands before madness drove them underground. With their sunlight sensitivity, they are best used in a subterranean lake setting, but you could easily tweak them for some island fun. Marid Challenge Rating: 11

This piscine looking genie can be used as a powerful foe or can be used as a storyteller to reveal important details to your adventurers. Merrow Challenge Rating: 2

Merrow are corrupted merfolk who will attack fisherfolk, merfolk and any other edible creatures unfortunate enough to cross their path. Merrow could be found in undersea caves filled with treasure when they are not raiding. Plesiosaurus Challenge Rating: 2

This marine dinosaur is an aggressive predator with a powerful bite. A battle with a Plesiosaurus could act as a clue that the adventurers are sailing towards a lost world that is from long ago. Sahuagin Challenge Rating: 1/2 to 5

Sahuagin are worshippers of the shark god Sekohah and they really, really hate aquatic elves. Lots of variety is available with Sahuagin, Sahuagin Priestess and the powerful 4 armed Sahuagin Baron. Sea Hag Challenge Rating: 2

The ugliest of all hags, sea hags live in dirty underwater liars surrounded by merrow and other aquatic monsters. Sea hags are amphibious and can create problems for adventurers with their illusions, claws and a death glare.

Bonus Monsters