Wondrous Wednesday: Figurines of Wondrous Power (D&D5E)

One of the iconic magic items of the original D&D game are figurines of wondrous power. Small statuettes that can grow to the size of the creature depicted (or even larger), they're a staple of the fairy tales that form one pillar of the core of D&D's "Appendix N."

 It can be argued the the origins of the idea of the animating figurine is the ancient Egyptian ushabti figurine. These were small humanoid figurines that were buried with a deceased person. In the Afterlife, they would animate and grow to act as servants of the deceased.

As a popular item, many variant figurines have appeared in D&D over the decades. They are fairly easy to convert to 5E, since the basic mechanism is similar: throwing the figurine down and saying the command word conjures a creature, usually an animal. Some animals might be slight variations on the basic creature -- retaining some of the hardness of the figurine's material reflected in a higher AC, for example. Some of the more recent adventures have contained figurines with quirks or minor additional powers, which is a great way a DM can add spice and uniqueness to the basic item.

Despite the futility, I will attempt a definitive list; items that are underlined have already been statted out for 5E:

  • agate companion (PF1E: Agate Companion [Rite Publishing])
  • alabaster ferret (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • alabaster griffon (AD&D2E; The Book of Lairs II, Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2)
  • alabaster pegasus (PF1E: Pathfinder Quests: Honor's Echo)
  • amber monkeys (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines")
    • monkey of blinding
    • monkey of deafening
    • monkey of muting
  • amethyst wolf (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • azurite elk (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • basalt dragon (PF1E: Mythic Adventures)
  • basalt glyptodon (D&D3.5E; Frostburn)
  • beastly boar (D&D3.0E: Fey Feature: Magic of Delight and Despair, Part 1)
  • black jade raven (PF1E: Advanced Race Guide)
  • black spider (AD&D2E: Baldur’s Gate II: Shadows of Amn computer game)
  • bloodstone bloodbrother (SF1E: Starfinder Armory) 
  • bloodstone deinonychus (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • bloodstone spider (D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1)
  • blue baboon (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • blue quartz eagle (D&D3.0E; Races of Faerûn)
  • bone ape (D&D3.0E; Ghostwalk)
  • bone crest eater (SF1E: Starfinder Armory)
  • brass cobra (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest]) 
  • brass squirrel (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • bronze elementals (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • bronze griffon (D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines"; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • bronze wolf (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • bronze yeti (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • carnelian lizard (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • cat of Felkovic (AD&D2E; Ravenloft Campaign Setting, Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2)
  • ceramic armadillo (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • clay phoenix (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • copper grizzly (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest]) 
  • copper wolf (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • coral dolphin (D&D3.0E; Races of Faerûn)
  • coral dragon (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines")
  • coral hippocampus (PF1E: Aquatic Adventures)
  • coral zeuglodon (D&D3.5E; Frostburn)
  • dark beauty (D&D3.0E: Fey Feature: Magic of Delight and Despair, Part 1)
  • darkwood porcupine (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest]) 
  • diamond eagle (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • diamond ice toad (D&D3.5E; Frostburn)
  • ebon wolves (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • ebony bat (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • ebony buzzard (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • ebony elemental (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • ebony fly (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • effigy of the favored servant (PF1E: Rise of the Runelords: More Magic of Thassilon)
  • elderwood falcon (D&D4E: Dungeon #160, "Den of the Destroyer")
  • electrum serpent (D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines")
  • emerald frog (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines"; PF1E Kingmaker, Part 4: Blood for Blood)
  • figurine of Tantron (D&D4E, Dragon #368 "Items of Legend")
  • fistful of rats (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • fluorite hippogriff (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge]) 
  • fulgurite octopus (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • glass walrus (PF1E: Animal Archive)
  • gneiss gnat (AD&D2E: ??? unable to locate this one)
  • gold beetle (D&D3.5E; Sandstorm)
  • golden cave fishers (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden deinonychus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • golden dretch (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • golden elementals (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden hyenas (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden lions (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • golden pteranodon (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • golden rust monsters (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden scorpions (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden sharks (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • golden spiders (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • granite lump (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • granite pegasus (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • hematite cat (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • hematite cougar (PF1E: Element Master's Handbook)
  • iron badger (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • iron megaloceros (D&D3.5E; Frostburn)
  • ironwood hound (D&D4E: Dungeon #160, "Den of the Destroyer") 
  • ivory bear (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • ivory camel (D&D3.5E; Sandstorm; PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • ivory frog (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • ivory goats
    • goat of traveling (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
    • goat of travail (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
    • goat of terror (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • ivory pegasus (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • jade leviathan (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • jade macetail (D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1)
  • jade mantis (PF1E: J1 Entombed with the Pharaohs)
  • jade monkey (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • jade sea snake (D&D4E, Dragon #381 "Winning Races: Halflings")
  • jade snakes (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2)
    • snake of striking
    • snake of soothing
  • jasper spider (D&D3.0E; Underdark)
  • jet butterfly (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • jet serpent (D&D3.0E; Ghostwalk)
  • jeweled dragon (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • lapis camel (PF1E: Legacy of Fire Player's Guide)
  • limestone crab (D&D3.0E; Far Corners of the World: The Lost Coast, Magic of the Tides)
  • lucky golden pig (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge]) 
  • malachite bat (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • malachite smilodon (D&D3.5E; Frostburn)
  • marble ankylosaurus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • marble bulette (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • marble elasmosaurus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • marble elementals (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • marble elephant (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • marble octopus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • marble orca (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • marble remorhaz (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • marble rhinoceros (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • marble stegosaurus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • mercury wasp (D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines") 
  • mithril ape (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • moonstone bear (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • moonstone rabbit (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2)
  • oak turtle (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • obsidian boar (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • obsidian camel (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • obisidian cat (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • obsidian electrovore (SF1E: Starfinder Armory) 
  • obsidian raven (PF1E: Reign of Winter, Part 4: The Frozen Stars)
  • obsidian steed (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • onyx centipede (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • onyx dog (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • onyx dolphin (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • onyx mastiff (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • onyx octopus (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • onyx panther (Guenhwyvar) (2E; Menzoberranzan Campaign Set, Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2; D&D4E, Dragon #386 "Bazaar of the Bizarre: The Items of the Drizzt Saga")
  • opal carp (D&D4E, Dragon #381 "Winning Races: Halflings")
  • opal cats (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2
    • mother cat
    • kitten of caterwauling
    • kitten of contemplation
  • opal frog (D&D3.5E: Dungeon #116 "The Death of Lashmire")
  • opal panther (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • pearl dolphin (PF1E: Ruins of Azlant, Part 2: Into the Shattered Continent)
  • pearl octopus (D&D3.0E; Ghostwalk)
  • pearl sea horse (D&D4E, Adventurer's Vault 1)  
  • pearl tyrannosaurus rex (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • pearlsteel turtle (D&D3.5E; Stormwrack)
  • peridot pixie (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge]) 
  • pewter guardian (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • plastic sharpwing (SF1E: Starfinder Armory)
  • platinum pike (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • porcelain badger (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])  
  • pumice sheep (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • quartz butterfly (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • ruby butterfly (PF1E: Seers of the Drowned City)
  • ruby triceratops (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest]) 
  • sapphire hedgehog (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • sardonyx stone flyer (D&D3.0E; Underdark)
  • serpentine eagle (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan]) 
  • serpendtine eagle, greater (PF1E: Boundless Magic VII: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Aeon Forge])
  • serpentine owl (AD&D1E, AD&D2E, D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E; DMG; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines"; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • serpentine squid (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • silver bat (PF1E: Figurines of Wondrous Power [Raging Swan])
  • silver carp (AD&D2E; Dragon #196 "Bazaar of the Bizarre," Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2)
  • silver raven (D&D3.0/3.5E, D&D5E: DMG; PF1E: Core Rulebook, Wondrous Treasures [Raging Swan], E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • slate gargoyle (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • slate spider (PF1E: Ultimate Equipment)
  • sneaky monkey (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • spinel flamingos (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • steel shark (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])
  • tin imp (PF1E: Advanced Class Guide)
  • totemic figurine (PF1E: Chronicle of Legends)
  • tourmaline turtle (AD&D2E: Encyclopedia Magica, Volume 2; D&D4E: Dragon #384, "Bazaar of the Bizarre: Legendary Figurines")
  • turquoise minotaur (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • viridium moonbeast (PF1E: Pathfinder Society Scenario #7-98: Serpents' Ire)
  • white pegasus of the stone mountains (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
  • wooden squirrel (PF1E: Weekly Wonders: New Figurines of Wondrous Power [Necromancers of the Northwest])  
  • zircon viper (PF1E: E.N. Treasure Troves: Figurines of Wondrous Power)
They're an item that is easy to adapt for good roleplay purposes, and can fill a specialty niche in scenarios without providing the owner with too much power. This has led to a profusion of homebrew figurines online, such as this ivory bat.

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