Ettin Brute

large humanoid (ettin), chaotic neutral

Challenge 8.0 (3,900 XP)

Available with DM subscription
STR
20 (+5)
DEX
12 (+1)
CON
20 (+5)
INT
6 (-2)
WIS
10
CHA
8 (-1)

Characteristics

Damage Vulnerabilities
Damage Resistances
bludgeoning, piercing
Damage Immunities
Condition Immunities
Languages Ettin, Common

Traits

Dual Heads

The ettin has two heads, each capable of speaking and acting. It can make an additional attack with a melee weapon as a bonus action on its turn.

Brutal Strike

When the ettin hits with a melee attack, it deals an additional 3 (1d6) damage.

Actions

Multiattack

The ettin makes three melee attacks: two with its great club and one with its bite.

Great Club

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Bite

Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage.

Combat Behavior

Tactics


• Use brutish strength to overpower foes.
• Employ intimidating shouts to unnerve opponents.
• Take advantage of the terrain for ambush.
• Attack weaker targets first to instill fear.

Combat Style

Aggressive melee fighter focusing on disrupting enemy lines.

Morale

Will fight until heavily injured, then may attempt to retreat.

Monster Description

The Ettin Brute is a formidable half-giant creature known for its brutish strength and aggressive nature. With two heads that often argue, these creatures harness the power of brute force to overwhelm their enemies. Standing over 12 feet tall and weighing nearly 700 pounds, an Ettin Brute looks like a mishmash of a giant and a humanoid figure, featuring a large broad build, gnarled hair, and ragged clothing adorned with trophies of battle. Their bodies are marked with scars from countless fights, testament to their role as ruthless marauders.

Monster behavior

Ettins are territorial creatures, often roaming in pairs to claim their territory. Despite their dim-witted nature, they are astute enough to work together during an attack or skirmish. The dual-headed nature of an Ettin means one head may bicker while the other acts, resulting in unpredictable behavior. When faced with an enemy, an Ettin Brute will use intimidation tactics with its loud, bumbling demeanor, swinging its great club with ferocity. They prefer to engage in melee combat and will saber rattle, stomp their feet, and yell to assert dominance before striking. In battle, they become enraged, demonstrating a reckless fighting style that keeps opponents on their toes.

Ecology

Ettin Brutes make their homes in caves or mountainous regions where they can easily ambush travelers. They prefer areas that provide cover, using natural landscapes to aid in their hunt. Although they are not particularly organized creatures, they often end up leading small bands of other creatures, such as goblins or ogres, enticing them with their brute strength and chaotic nature. Their diet consists primarily of scavenged food and meat from their hunts.

History

The Ettin Brute has a long and tumultuous history painted in blood. They are often seen as a blade of chaos in the precarious balance of humanoid territories. Legends suggest that Ettins were once regular humanoids cursed by a chaotic deity, granting them their dual-headed forms. Splintered clans have wandered through history, clashing with major kingdoms and wildlife alike, creating a legacy of fear. Today they are often seen in raids on supply lines or during ambushes against travelers. As chaos incarnate, they sow discontent wherever they roam, cementing their place in the dark folklore throughout the lands.

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