Monsters and Animal Types

A large variety of dangerous and not-so-dangerous creatures roam the Sword Coast, and just reading the game's manual won't adequately prepare you for the challenges that await your party. In addition to menacing beasts, the wilderness of the Sword Coast is home to a variety of animal life. While some ambient life, such as birds, bats and insects, have been included solely to make the landscape more immersive, you can charm some of the other animal life to use as allies or as scouts.

Here's a list of the monsters and animals that you can find in the game, as well as an outline of the experience points (xp) you'll receive for dispatching each beast and a description of the hit points (hp) and strengths and weaknesses of each creature.

These ankhegs are dangerous, and unlike in pen and paper AD&D, they can spit acid constantly.

Ankhegs

(52 hp, 975 xp) - Giant burrowing insect-like beasts, ankhegs often surprise prey by suddenly burrowing up beneath it. In addition to a powerful biting attack, ankhegs have a spiting acid attack that does significant damage. Ankhegs are known to infest the sector north of the Friendly Arm Inn.

Bandits

Normal (8 hp, 65 xp) - Although thugs and brigands have always existed, lately a more organized breed of rogues has stalked the Sword Coast. Both hobgoblin raiders and these human fiends have begun attacking all caravans in the Sword Coast, effectively putting an end to the iron trade. Dangerous when equipped with arrows, bandits should be taken out quickly with missile weapons or spells.

Black Talon Elite (16 hp, 240 xp) - The elite soldiers of one of the largest human outlaw bands, the Black Talon, these warriors are well-equipped with both arrows of ice and arrows +1, making them among the deadliest opponents you'll face anywhere in the Sword Coast. Spare no expense in taking out these foes quickly, and take advantage of their tendency to group together, making them vulnerable to area of effect spells like fireball and stinking cloud.

Next: Monsters and Animal Types, continued
 

GameSpot is a CNET Networks Media Property. Copyright ©1995-2001 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy policy.