Making Remorhaz Terrifying and Memorable
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The Remorhaz is one of D&D's most visually striking arctic monsters — a massive centipedal furnace beast that turns frozen tundra into boiling steam with its superheated body. These creatures represent the perfect fusion of fire and ice, turning the supposed safety of frozen wastes into a molten nightmare.
But here's the problem: too often, the Remorhaz becomes just another "big monster that bites hard." The core mechanics are solid, but there's so much more potential hiding beneath that superheated carapace. These creatures should be ambush predators that erupt from below, living siege engines that melt through ice fortifications, and territorial furnaces that reshape entire arctic landscapes.
That's why we gave the Remorhaz the upgrade it deserves:
- 3 unique Statblocks (Young Remorhaz, Remorhaz, Elder Remorhaz) with dozens of variants each
- Custom Remorhaz Powers that emphasize heat, ambush tactics, and territorial behavior
- Flavorful and table-ready Remorhaz Encounter Ideas and Remorhaz Adventure Ideas
- Enhanced lore that makes these creatures feel like living geological forces
3 Enhanced Remorhaz Statblocks
As usual for Foe Foundry, we created multiple monster statblocks, each with dozens of unique combinations of powers. You can click on the dice to re-roll the stats and try a new loadout, or check out the Generator to customize the monster yourself.
These statblocks work perfectly for arctic campaigns like Rime of the Frostmaiden, especially when combined with ready-to-go Remorhaz Encounters and Remorhaz Adventures.
Young Remorhaz
The Young Remorhaz represents the next generation of arctic terror — smaller and faster than their parents, but still deadly enough to turn an ice bridge into a steam trap.
Young Remorhaz
Summoned with Foe FoundryHuge Monstrosity (Remorhaz)
AC 16 Initiative +1 (11)
HP 94 (9d12 + 36)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 20 | +5 | +5 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 19 | +4 | +4 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| Wis | 10 | +0 | +2 |
| Cha | 6 | -2 | -2 |
Skills Perception +2
Immunities Cold, Fire
Senses Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 12
CR 5 (1,800 XP; PB +2)
Traits
Ice Burrower. The remorhaz can burrow through solid ice, permafrost, or snow at half its burrow speed and leaves a 10 foot wide diameter tunnel in its wake.
Superheated Body. The remorhaz's internal furnace radiates intense heat. A creature that touches the remorhaz or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 7 (2d6) fire damage. This damage can only be dealt once per turn to any given creature. If the remorhaz is struck by a source of cold damage, this ability ceases to function until the start of its next turn and it loses its immunity to cold damage during this time. Additionally, the remorhaz sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.
Actions
Fiery Maw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 23 (4d8 + 5) piercing damage and 13 (3d8) fire damage.
Bonus Actions
Burrowing Ambush (1/day). The remorhaz can burrow up to its burrowing speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and then resurface. If within melee range of an enemy, it makes an attack with advantage.
Remorhaz
The classic Remorhaz is the perfect arctic boss monster, capable of melting through ice fortifications and swallowing heroes whole in its burning gullet.
Remorhaz
Summoned with Foe FoundryHuge Monstrosity (Remorhaz)
AC 17 Initiative +1 (11)
HP 161 (14d12 + 70)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 22 | +6 | +6 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 21 | +5 | +5 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 6 | -2 | +2 |
| Wis | 10 | +0 | +4 |
| Cha | 6 | -2 | -2 |
Skills Perception +4
Immunities Cold, Fire
Senses Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 14
CR 11 (7,200 XP; PB +4)
Traits
Fire Affinity. The remorhaz gains immunity to fire damage. It gains advantage on its attacks while it is in an environment where sources of fire damage are prevalant.
Ice Burrower. The remorhaz can burrow through solid ice, permafrost, or snow at half its burrow speed and leaves a 10 foot wide diameter tunnel in its wake.
Superheated Body. The remorhaz's internal furnace radiates intense heat. A creature that touches the remorhaz or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 14 (4d6) fire damage. This damage can only be dealt once per turn to any given creature. If the remorhaz is struck by a source of cold damage, this ability ceases to function until the start of its next turn and it loses its immunity to cold damage during this time. Additionally, the remorhaz sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.
Actions
Multiattack. The remorhaz makes two Fiery Maw attacks.
Fiery Maw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 24 (4d8 + 6) piercing damage and 13 (3d8) fire damage.
Bonus Actions
Burrowing Ambush (1/day). The remorhaz can burrow up to its burrowing speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and then resurface. If within melee range of an enemy, it makes an attack with advantage.
Elder Remorhaz
The Elder Remorhaz is an ancient matriarch whose internal furnace burns so hot that she's carved vast caverns beneath the ice. Perfect for high-level arctic campaigns or as the terrifying parent seeking revenge for her fallen young.
Elder Remorhaz
Summoned with Foe FoundryHuge Monstrosity (Remorhaz)
AC 17 Initiative +1 (11)
HP 229 (17d12 + 119)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft.
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Str | 25 | +7 | +7 |
| Dex | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| Con | 25 | +7 | +7 |
| Mod | Save | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Int | 6 | -2 | +3 |
| Wis | 10 | +0 | +5 |
| Cha | 6 | -2 | -2 |
Skills Perception +5
Immunities Cold, Fire
Senses Blindsight 60 ft., Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 15
CR 16 (15,000 XP; PB +5)
Traits
Ice Burrower. The remorhaz can burrow through solid ice, permafrost, or snow at half its burrow speed and leaves a 10 foot wide diameter tunnel in its wake.
Superheated Body. The remorhaz's internal furnace radiates intense heat. A creature that touches the remorhaz or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 21 (6d6) fire damage. This damage can only be dealt once per turn to any given creature. If the remorhaz is struck by a source of cold damage, this ability ceases to function until the start of its next turn and it loses its immunity to cold damage during this time. Additionally, the remorhaz sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.
Actions
Multiattack. The remorhaz makes two Fiery Maw attacks.
Fiery Maw. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. Hit 34 (6d8 + 7) piercing damage and 22 (9d4) fire damage.
Bonus Actions
Burrowing Ambush (1/day). The remorhaz can burrow up to its burrowing speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and then resurface. If within melee range of an enemy, it makes an attack with advantage.
Reactions
Just A Scratch (1/day). When the remorhaz is reduced to 115 hit points, it roars in defiance and gains 55 temporary hitpoints. While those temporary hitpoints are active, the remorhaz has advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws.
Fiery Burst (4/day). When the remorhaz is hit by a melee attack, their form explodes with fiery energy. Each other creature within 10 ft must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) fire damage on a failure and half as much damage on a success.
5 Powers That Make Remorhaz Memorable
These powers transform the Remorhaz from a simple damage-dealer into a dynamic arctic threat that controls the battlefield through heat, ambush tactics, and environmental manipulation.
Furnace Dash
Actions
Furnace Dash (Recharge 5-6). The remorhaz moves up to its speed in a straight line, leaving a trail of superheated air. Each creature in a 5-foot-wide line extending from the remorhaz's starting position to its ending position must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 38 (11d6) fire damage and is grappled by the remorhaz (escape DC 18). On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and isn't grappled. After using this ability, the remorhaz immediately burrows into the ground if it is able to do so. Grappled creatures are pulled underground with the remorhaz and are restrained while grappled in this way.
Used by Elder Remorhaz (CR 16), Remorhaz (CR 11), Young Remorhaz (CR 5)
Furnace Dash creates some of the most cinematic moments in arctic combat. Picture the Remorhaz charging across a frozen battlefield, steam erupting from beneath its bulk as it melts the ice and grapples enemies before disappearing underground. This ability perfectly captures the creature's role as a living furnace that can close distance while leaving a trail of superheated destruction.
Superheated Saliva
Actions
Superheated Saliva (Recharge 5-6). The remorhaz spits superheated saliva in a 45 ft line (5 ft wide). Each creature in the area must make a DC 18 Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature takes 38 (11d6) fire damage and is Restrained (save ends at end of turn) as the saliva hardens around them. On a successful save, the creature takes half damage and is not restrained. While Restrained by this ability, the creature is Susceptible to Fire. A creature susceptible to fire ignores any immunity or resistance to fire that it may have. If it had no such immunity or resistance, it is instead vulnerable to fire.
Used by Elder Remorhaz (CR 16), Remorhaz (CR 11)
With Superheated Saliva, the Remorhaz can pin down enemies at range with hardening molten spit. This creates interesting tactical situations where players must decide whether to break free or accept the restraint and fire vulnerability.
Superheated Body
Traits
Superheated Body. The remorhaz's internal furnace radiates intense heat. A creature that touches the remorhaz or hits it with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 14 (4d6) fire damage. This damage can only be dealt once per turn to any given creature. If the remorhaz is struck by a source of cold damage, this ability ceases to function until the start of its next turn and it loses its immunity to cold damage during this time. Additionally, the remorhaz sheds bright light in a 10-foot radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet.
Used by Elder Remorhaz (CR 16), Remorhaz (CR 11), Young Remorhaz (CR 5)
The signature Superheated Body ability ensures that getting up close and personal with a Remorhaz is always dangerous. This defensive power punishes melee attackers while creating tactical decisions for players — do you risk the burn damage or try to fight from range?
Burrowing Ambush
Bonus Actions
Burrowing Ambush (1/day). The ankheg can burrow up to its burrowing speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and then resurface. If within melee range of an enemy, it makes an attack with advantage.
Burrowing Ambush emphasizes the Remorhaz's role as an ambush predator. Picture the creature lying in wait beneath a snowfield, then erupting upward with advantage on its first attack — perfect for setting up devastating surprise encounters.
Ice Burrower
Traits
Ice Burrower. The earth elemental can burrow through solid ice, permafrost, or snow at half its burrow speed and leaves a 5 foot wide diameter tunnel in its wake.
Used by Elder Remorhaz (CR 16), Remorhaz (CR 11), Young Remorhaz (CR 5)
Table-Ready Arctic Encounters
Want to add some heat to your arctic campaign? We've created table-ready Remorhaz Encounters and Remorhaz Adventures that showcase these creatures' unique blend of fire and ice.
My personal favorites include:
A geyser of scalding steam suddenly erupts from a snowfield ahead, revealing a tunnel melted into the permafrost. The party glimpses bones and shattered treasure chests fused into the tunnel's glassy walls. Moments later, the ground heaves as a Remorhaz bursts forth.
A Frost Giant Thane kept a Remorhaz chained as a living siege weapon—until it broke free and laid waste to his camp. Now the blizzard-swept canyon is littered with scorched giant corpses, and the freed Remorhaz tunnels nearby, making the entire area a deadly no-man's-land.
These encounters play to the Remorhaz's strengths as both an ambush predator and a territorial force that reshapes the landscape around it.
Make Your Remorhaz Memorable
The Remorhaz has always been one of D&D's most evocative monsters — a living contradiction that brings fire to the frozen wastes. But too often, it's been relegated to "big bug that bites hard" without exploring the rich tactical and environmental possibilities that its heat-based abilities suggest.
With enhanced powers, varied statblocks, and encounter ideas that emphasize environmental control, these new Remorhaz become centerpiece monsters worthy of their legendary status. Whether you're running a one-shot in the frozen north or building an entire campaign around arctic exploration, these furnace beasts are ready to turn your ice age into a steam age.
Summon Your Own
Explore all three Remorhaz statblocks, encounter ideas, and arctic adventure prompts below—or summon a random Remorhaz and watch the ice melt.
Ready to turn up the heat? Summon a Remorhaz