Xorn
Xorn
Bizarre creatures native to The Elemental Plane of Earth,Xorn sniff out gemstones and precious metals,then tunnel through earth and rock to consume those treasures.On The Material Plane,Xorn must range far and wide through The Underdark to sustain themselves,becoming aggressive toward miners and treasure hunters when the valuable minerals of their diet are scarce.
A Xorn's unnatural origins are suggested by its unusually heavy body and the large,powerful mouth sitting atop its head.Its three long arms are each tipped with sharp talons,and its three large,stone-lidded eyes see in all directions.
"KEEP A FEW GEMS IN YOUR POCKET.A HUNGRY XORN IS A HELPFUL XORN." -The 6th Rule of Dungeon Survival
Elemental Travelers
Possessed of the power of elemental earth,a Xorn glides through stone and dirt as easily as a fish swims through water.It doesn't displace earth or stone when it moves,but merges with and flows through it,leaving no tunnel,hole,or hint of its passage.
Xorn prefer not to leave their home plane,where they easily eat their fill of gemstones and precious metals.When a Xorn winds up on The Material Plane,whether by accident or from curiosity,it seeks sustenance and a way home.
Beggars and Thieves
Xorn scour the depths of the earth for precious metal and stones.Because they are unable to consume organic material,they ignore most other creatures.However,a Xorn ability to sniff out metals and stones often draws its attention to adventurers carrying coins and gems.Because a Xorn isn't evil,it pleads or bargains in the hope of convincing owners to give up their treasure,offering up information it has learned from its travels in exchange.A Xorn whose requests are ignored might resort to threats and bullying.If starving or angered,it resorts to force.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
- Terran (Elemental Earth)
"Xorns can smell the location of precious metals and gemstones from a distance.So beware!" -Loremaster Aemon
Comments
Author's Notes
Original Article written for D&D Monster Manual 5e by Wizards of the Coast (WotC)