DnD 3.5 to 5e Monster Conversions: Aboleth Mage

 Among the watery tombs and dungeons they inhabit, the lords of the aboleths focus their efforts to achieve dominion through their study of wizardry. Their great power marks them as among the lords of all subterranean creatures. Still, these creatures, devoted to their arcane scholarship, spend most of their long lives alone. 

- Dungeons and Dragons v3.5 Monster Manual

           

Here we go, the far realms psionic terrors that haven't quite managed to become as infamous as other iconic monsters like mind flayers or beholders. Though they do exist already in 5th edition, this is a scaled up version of the basic aboleth, with greatly enhanced spellcasting abilities. In addition, I had best not forget some lair actions for those who choose to fight the aboleth in its own den:

Art is by Wizards of the Coast.

Encyclopedia Magica: Anchor of Weight

Anchor of Weight

Wondrous Item, Uncommon

Aura: Minor Transmutation

This 3-inch-long miniature golden anchor  is attached to a silver thread. When the string is tied to a creature or vehicle and dropped while speaking a command word, that creature or vehicle stops all movement and stays steady at that point until the command word is spoken again.

Curse. This anchor is cursed. When activated, the creature or vehicle immediately begins to fall, as though 2,000 pounds of additional weight were added to what they are carrying. If the thread is severed, the curse is broken and the anchor vanishes.

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One more item from the 2e Encyclopedia Magica converted to 5e. This one is effectively just the Aerial Anchor in appearance and function, but with a curse added in for extra excitement.

Encyclopedia Magica: Seafaring Anchor

Seafaring Anchor

Wondrous Item, Common

Aura: Faint Transmutation

This anchor is attached to a short cable. When affixed to a seafaring vessel and cast overboard, the cable magically lengthens until the anchor reaches the seafloor, and shrinks when retracted. The maximum length the cable can reach is 1 mile.

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One more magic item from the 2e Encyclopedia Magica converted to 5e. This one is a fairly simple common item, essentially just a regular anchor with no need to allocate storage to extra length of chain- but hey, a little magic here and there is great for flavor.

Man Anchor

Man Anchor
Wondrous Item, Very Rare (requires attunement)
Aura: Strong Transmutation

When you speak the command word, this anchor comes to life for 1 hour, as though the animate objects spell had targeted it. The anchor follows any verbal commands you give it during this duration.

Once you have used this property, it can’t be used again until the next dawn.

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One of many items from my conversion of the old 2e Encyclopedia Magica into 5e-compatible content with my Artifacts of Antiquity collection. For a master list of all items currently converted, please check out this page.

Hold Fast Anchor

Hold Fast Anchor
Wondrous Item, Uncommon
Aura: Minor Transmutation

This magical anchor is fashioned from silver and iron. When a command word is spoken and the anchor is thrown overboard, it magically imbeds itself into the sea floor, holding any vessel it is attached to steady against even the worst storms. The rope between the anchor and the ship has a maximum length of 300 feet and turns invisible while it is active. You can use an action to command the anchor to release its hold.

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One of many items from my conversion of the old 2e Encyclopedia Magica into 5e-compatible content with my Artifacts of Antiquity collection. For a master list of all items currently converted, please check out this page.

Fishing Anchor

Fishing Anchor
Wondrous Item, Rare
Aura: Moderate Enchantment and Transmutation

This anchor is attached to a short cable. When affixed to a seafaring vessel and cast overboard, the cable magically lengthens until the anchor reaches the seafloor, and shrinks when retracted. The maximum length the cable can reach is 1 mile.

Lure Sea Monster. When cast overboard, you can speak a command word. If you do, the cable lengthens to 100 feet below the vessel. Once in position, it begins to emit a magical pulse up to a range of 1 mile, which attracts any nearby aquatic Beasts with an Intelligence of 3 or less that are at least as large as the vessel the anchor is attached to. Once one of these Beasts is close enough, it swallows the anchor. For the next hour, the Beast is enchanted, and anyone touching the anchor can direct the Beast to tow the vessel in any direction they choose. At the end of the duration, the Beast spits out the anchor and is no longer enchanted. Once you have used this property, it can’t be used again until the next dawn.

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One of many items from my conversion of the old 2e Encyclopedia Magica into 5e-compatible content with my Artifacts of Antiquity collection. For a master list of all items currently converted, please check out this page.

Aerial Anchor

Aerial Anchor
Wondrous Item, Uncommon
Aura: Minor Transmutation

This 3-inch-long miniature golden anchor  is attached to a silver thread. When the string is tied to a creature or vehicle and dropped while speaking a command word, that creature or vehicle stops all movement and stays steady at that point until the command word is spoken again.

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One of many items from my conversion of the old 2e Encyclopedia Magica into 5e-compatible content with my Artifacts of Antiquity collection. For a master list of all items currently converted, please check out this page.