Returning Creatures

Ankhegs
(52 hp, 975 xp) - These giant burrowing insect-like monsters are more commonly found on the Sword Coast mainland, but a few of them infest the Island of Ice, where they then surprise prey by suddenly burrowing up beneath it. Fortunately, ankhegs don't infest that area in great numbers, so you should be able to exterminate them quickly using melee or missile weapons.

Basilisks
These dangerous reptilian monsters can be found lurking on the grounds of Durlag's Tower. Their main weapon is the ability to gaze upon their opponents and turn them to stone. Unlike in the original game, however, party member victims will not be permanently destroyed and you'll be able to turn them back to normal with the use of a flesh-to-stone scroll. If you have protections from petrification spells or scrolls, keep them handy whenever you go through a courtyard door in Durlag's Tower, and remember to use summoned creatures or animated dead as buffers between your party and basilisks to protect your party members from the gaze attacks of the lizards. Lesser basilisk (45 hp, 1,400 xp) and greater basilisk (78 hp, 7,000 xp).

Bears
The bears encountered in the expansion pack territories tend to be more aggressive than the wandering mammals encountered in the main game. Bears are still the best targets for charm animal spells, since they are the most dangerous animal opponents and accordingly the most valuable allies. You won't find any cave bears in the new areas, but otherwise all of the beasts that you may have encountered previously are present, along with a new, even more formidable cousin, the polar bear. Black bear (25 hp, 175 xp) and brown bear (41 hp, 420 xp) - Not inherently dangerous unless threatened or otherwise disturbed, these bears can be found on Balduran's Island. Mountain bear (60 hp, 900 xp) - These monstrous, but extremely rare bears are capable of inflicting significant damage on characters foolish enough to let them get close. Mountain bears can be found on the island of ice, along with their close cousins, polar bears.

Doom Guards
(64 hp, 2,000 xp) - Powerful, mystical melee opponents, these foes often serve powerful as guardians for powerful mages. Durlag has stocked his catacombs with dwarven doom guards to protect his most prized possessions. Harmless unless you try to take the objects under their protection, the dwarven doom guards are exceptionally dangerous in close quarters but lack a ranged attack, making them vulnerable to a party well-equipped with magical missile weapons.

Next: returning creatures (cont.)
 

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