In Dungeons and Dragons: The Most Powerful Creature Across Realities

Introduction

The question of the most powerful creature in Dungeons and Dragons (DD) often stirs up a mix of excitement and debate among players and dungeon masters. In this article, we explore various contenders and delve into why the answer can vary widely depending on the specifics of your campaign and setting.

The Most Mentioned: Tiamat

Tiamat, the five-headed dragon goddess of greed and wealth, is by far one of the most cited powerful entities in DD. She is a legendary figure within the game, embodying the supreme might of dragons. Tiamat possesses immense power, legendary actions, and a wide array of spells and abilities that make her a formidable force in any campaign.

A Cosmic Contestant: Ao

Ao, the Overgod, holds a unique place as the overlord of the cosmos. Unlike Tiamat, Ao is beyond the typical pantheon and is responsible for the very fabric of the DD multiverse, including the laws of divine magic and the hierarchy of gods. While Tiamat is incredibly powerful within her realm, Ao's role and influence extend far beyond a single plane of existence.

Some scholars and players argue that Ao's sheer cosmic power makes him the most powerful in all realities. However, this title is not without controversy, as other entities like the Great Old Ones, specifically Tharizdun, the Kraken, and the Tarrasque, also hold a place of immense power within their respective contexts.

Custom Settings and Homebrew Systems

If we extend our consideration to custom settings and homebrew systems, the landscape becomes even more dynamic. In Rod's Revised DD (a system the author developed in the late 1980s), there are beings that exist on a scale beyond anything seen in official material. These beings are so powerful that they are not only talked about and worshipped as myths and legends but are also real, lurking out there in the multiverse.

These entities are so powerful that they can consume entire planes of existence or even gods themselves. They are watched by the Cosmic Balance and its agents, who operate from the heart of the multiverse. Characters in this setting can level up to unimaginable heights, making the concept of a level cap obsolete. In such high-level games, these beings can be encountered, making them the quintessential examples of the most powerful creatures across all realities.

The Conclusion: There's Always a Bigger Fish

Ultimately, the answer to the question of the most powerful creature in DD is subjective, as it largely depends on the specific campaign and setting. In both official and custom settings, there are always the potential for beings that surpass even the greatest deities and dragons. The concept of a level cap is often a restriction put in place by game designers to manage gameplay, but in extant universes and custom settings, there is always the possibility of a being that outstrips our imagination.

So, if you're looking for the most powerful creature in DD, the answer is: it's a matter of belief and perspective. But know that in all realities, there is always a bigger fish lurking out there, waiting to be uncovered and challenged.