Once again, I find myself with a Fantastic Beast that has a monster of the same name in D&D. As I convert these monsters, I usually have to work out how different these creatures are. If they are very similar, I have to focus in on how I can make the new stat block unique enough.
The Fantastic Beast Salamander however, is very different from its counterpart. They are both fire-based creatures, but that is where the likeness falls away.
‘Fireplace’ Salamander
The Dungeons & Dragons Salamander is a large, reptilian-humanoid that lives on the Plane of Fire or in volcanoes, and has a rich and fiery civilisation. The ‘Fireplace Salamander’, as I’m naming it so that there is a distinction, is little more than a flaming lizard that can only stray from fire briefly.
The former makes for a tough fight; those that stand too close risk spear and tail attacks, and suffer terrible burns every time they strike the Salamander in return. The latter is a curiosity, an unusual little critter which would make for an odd sight in the fireplace or brazier of a great wizard’s home.
Important note: there will be those players that adore having pets in D&D. There’s always one player/adventurer that wants to tame the little beasts they see along the way. I mention this, so that you can prepare for the moment when one of your friends think they can keep the Salamander as a pet or familiar, only to be hit with disappointment, as the poor creature fizzle out a few hours later.
Thank You For Reading
You can find more Fantastic beasts converted into D&D monsters right here!
Gamer Peak 