Synapser
Tiny • Aberration • Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 14
Hit Points 94 (21d4 + 42)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
Initiative +3 (13)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (-4) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 17 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) |
Damage Resistances psychic
Condition Immunities prone
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Deep Speech, telepathy 60 ft.
CR 5 (XP 1,800; PB +3)
Thought-Slowing Field. Hostile creatures in a 20-foot emanation originating from the synapser can't take reactions.
Unusual Nature. The synapser doesn't require air or sleep.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The synapser uses its Synapse Break twice.
Synapse Break. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 14, one creature within 60 feet of synapser that it can see. Failure: 16 (3d10) psychic damage. Additionally, on its next turn, the target can take either an action or a bonus action, not both.
Compulsion (Recharge 6). The synasper casts compulsion.
BONUS ACTIONS
Thought Scan. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 14, one creature within 30 feet of the synapser. Failure: The target has disadvantage on attack rolls against the synapser until the end of its next turn. Further, the synpaser doesn't require vision for its Synapse Break to target that creature during that duration.
REACTIONS
Nerve Jolt. Trigger: A creature within 30 feet of the synapser that it can see fails a saving throw. Response: The target moves up to 10 feet in a random direction.
Synapser
Tiny • Aberration • Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 42 (12d4 + 12)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
Initiative +2 (12)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (-4) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) |
Damage Resistances psychic
Condition Immunities prone
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Deep Speech, telepathy 60 ft.
CR 2 (XP 450; PB +2)
Thought-Slowing Field. Hostile creatures in a 20-foot emanation originating from the synapser can't take reactions.
Unusual Nature. The synapser doesn't require air or sleep.
ACTIONS
Synapse Break. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 12, one creature within 30 feet of synapser that it can see. Failure: 16 (3d10) psychic damage. Additionally, on its next turn, the target can take either an action or a bonus action, not both.
Compulsion (Recharges after a Rest). The synasper casts compulsion.
BONUS ACTIONS
Thought Scan. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 12, one creature within 30 feet of the synapser. Failure: The target has disadvantage on attack rolls against the synapser until the end of its next turn. Further, the synpaser doesn't require vision for its Synapse Break to target that creature during that duration.
REACTIONS
Nerve Jolt. Trigger: A creature within 20 feet of the synapser that it can see fails a saving throw. Response: The target moves up to 10 feet in a random direction.
Synapser
Tiny • Aberration • Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 137 (25d4 + 75)
Speed 0 ft., fly 30 ft. (hover)
Initiative +4 (14)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 (-4) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 19 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) |
Damage Resistances psychic
Condition Immunities prone
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Deep Speech, telepathy 60 ft.
CR 8 (XP 3.900; PB +3)
Thought-Slowing Field. Hostile creatures in a 20-foot emanation originating from the synapser can't take reactions.
Unusual Nature. The synapser doesn't require air or sleep.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The synapser uses its Synapse Break twice.
Synapse Break. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 15, one creature within 90 feet of synapser that it can see. Failure: 26 (4d12) psychic damage. Additionally, on its next turn, the target can take either an action or a bonus action, not both.
Compulsion (Recharge 5-6). The synasper casts compulsion.
BONUS ACTIONS
Thought Scan. Intelligence Saving Throw: DC 15, one creature within 60 feet of the synapser. Failure: The target has disadvantage on attack rolls against the synapser until the end of its next turn. Further, the synpaser doesn't require vision for its Synapse Break to target that creature during that duration.
REACTIONS
Nerve Jolt. Trigger: A creature within 30 feet of the synapser that it can see fails a saving throw. Response: The target moves up to 10 feet in a random direction.
QUICK REFERENCE
USING MONSTER VARIANTS
Monster variants allow the GM to adjust encounters to better match the party’s strength, narrative needs, or world-building logic. A weaker variant may represent a juvenile, wounded, or lesser specimen, while a stronger variant can serve as a leader, champion, ancient creature, or apex predator.
Variants can be used to fine-tune difficulty without changing the core identity of the monster, making them ideal for scaling encounters, reinforcing hierarchy within a faction, or creating memorable boss-style enemies. You can even use the same stat block but different variants in the same encounter if you want.
Design Note. Each monster is primarily balanced around its normal version. Weaker and stronger variants are derived adjustments and may not always preserve every tactical nuance or “feel” of the original creature. GMs are encouraged to review variants carefully and adjust abilities or tactics as needed to best suit their table.