Lindworms Pt. 1 [Monster Thursday]

I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it. For a game called Dungeons & Dragons where are all the dragons? This post, and the next one, will be rectifying that with some more dragons! -Stephen 

You might recognize them as linnorms as 2e, 3e, and Pathfinder all call them such, apparently, the more 'correct' name for these dragons is lindworms, so I'm going with that name. Lindworms can be best described as primeval dragons, horrible monstrous creatures that hate life and seek to destroy it where ever it might be. Like 'true' dragons (don't tell them they aren't true dragons as that'll just get them angrier), the lindworms love treasure and have massive hoards that they protect with their dragon-life. 

Death Curses. Sounds pretty awesome right? If you kill a lindworm, not an easy feat by any means, you also have to contend with a powerful and ancient curse that is placed on you. These cause all sorts of problems for the victors and is one reason why lindworms aren't hunted down, no one wants to be cursed.

These creatures are powerful, no doubt about it. The most powerful among them could give Orcus a run for his undead money, but most of them are just slightly more powerful ancient dragons. To help these lindworms stand out from the typical dragon, their breath weapons all have unique and strange powers that attack creatures in different ways. This week, I'm showing off five of the more common lindworms that are focused on natural elements. In the next Monster Thursday, I'm showing off the other five lindworms that are far more exotic and cruel, their very existence is an affront to life itself.

Forest Lindworm (CR 21) Our first lindworm appears more like a giant serpent, it has no legs but crawls through the thick underbrush of a forest, hunting for prey. It's breath weapon is used for maiming and melting the flesh off of bones. 

Frost Lindworm (CR 19) While it may be the weakest of the lindworms, that doesn't mean it is a pushover. Using its fearsome breath weapon, it can freeze its enemies in place and get to them as it wishes. Its main focus is to separate out its foes and take them on one by one. 

Land Lindworm (CR 26) Would you believe me if I said that this wasn't the most powerful one? The Land Lindworm are terrifying creatures that hide in hills and caves, watching the world and trying to corrupt it. If you are going up against a land lindworm, you better come prepared for its devastating attacks.

Rain Lindworm (CR 24) A creature that flies through the air and attacks during massive thunderstorms. It devours lightning, regenerates from water, and it's breath harnesses the power of fire and lightning. If that wasn't enough, it's Death Curse causes madness when you aren't in the water... which is most of an adventurer's life!

Sea Lindworm (CR 24) The last lindworm of this post, it is a vicious creature of the frigid seas in the north (or south). From the ancient Norse legends, these dragons would capsize ships and devour all men on board. In this, they do the same but now use their horrifying breath weapon to melt and destroy armor unless those brave warriors decide to jump into the water with the beast. 

I hope you guys enjoy this week's post, and you are looking forward to the rare and exotic lindworms... here's a bit of a taste. Corpse Tearer Lindworm.