How to Build Fighter-Inspired D&D Monsters

Even with the most basic of Dungeons & Dragons character classes, we can invigorate our monsters with new life. Surprisingly, the method we use to accomplish this task can be even simpler. Dissimilar to the tactics we tried in previous articles in this series that explored the Barbarian, Bard, Cleric, and Druid D&D character classes, this article all about the Fighter grapples a streamlined approach.

All we need to create a Fighter-inspired monster for our D&D game and world are a d20, d10, and a d8. Pick them up, shake them a tad, and toss them across the table. Let the results inspire our specialized D&D monsters.

The Monster (d20)

What is our monster? 

A/an...

  1. Goblin
  2. Orc
  3. Skeleton
  4. Gnoll
  5. Troll
  6. Manticore
  7. Red dragon wyrmling
  8. Hill giant
  9. Orthon
  10. Frost giant
  11. Mind flayer
  12. Fire giant
  13. Efreeti
  14. Yuan-ti anathema
  15. Ice devil
  16. Death knight
  17. Adult green dragon
  18. Lich
  19. Empyrean
  20. Ancient silver dragon

The Fighter Subclass (d10)

What defines our monster as a Fighter? Do they utilize a variety of tactics on the battlefield, calling shots and aiming for enemy weak points? Perhaps they are quite generic, only capable of mastering a single weapon but doing so incredibly well. Maybe they control both a blade and a set of spells. They might even boast a quiver of magical arrows capable of devastating the warzone, with a buff or two.

It's necessary to say that the abilities of these subclasses should merely inspire us, not serve as the actual mechanics attached to our monster. Our Champion Orthon might not only get a critical hit on a 19 and 20, but an 18 as well! Now that's a threatening range.

We need not be frightened of over tuning our monster. There's always time to adjust on the fly or iterate for the next encounter. What Fighter subclass is our monster inspired by?

A/an...

  1. Battle Master
  2. Champion
  3. Eldritch Knight
  4. Samurai
  5. Cavalier
  6. Echo Knight
  7. Arcane Archer
  8. Banneret
  9. Psi Warrior
  10. Rune Knight

The Plot Hook (d8)

Where does our Fighter-inspired monster fit in the game's story and broader world?


Regardless, they must connect to the player characters in some way. The core group drives the narrative forward and should serve as the focus of the world and game. Our monstrous Fighter should serve us to interact with them in an interesting manner.

So, what is our monster all about?

The monster...

  1. Wins out a major gladiator tournament and earns its freedom. For one reason or another, it targets the player characters.
  2. Survives a long and brutal war. The conflict's result causes it to lose control and go on a rampage in peaceful lands.
  3. Heads a military force. Although it is more concerned about strategy than singular combats, it can hold its own on the battlefield.
  4. Trains at an esteemed academy, but is kicked out for some specific reason, valid or not. It blames the player characters and seeks them out for revenge.
  5. Finds a powerful, sentient weapon. The weapon corrupts the monster and causes it to covet something the player characters possess.
  6. Is touched by an evil deity. Imbued with malicious divinity, the monster commits to a religious rampage and must be stopped.
  7. Rallies a host of usually lambasted or hated creatures. Altogether, they pose a threat to a nearby piece of civilization if not dealt with, softly or harshly.
  8. Constructs a war citadel on the edge of society. Move by move, the monster dominates more land, amassing power through followers, territory, and new magic items.

A Simple Way

That's it, a simple way to craft a monster inspired by the Fighter player character class and its various subclass. By rolling three dice, we have a creature capable of harassing our party and driving our dramatic story forward for one session or twenty!
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