Ettin

ETTIN (Two-headed Giant)

FREQUENCY: Very rare (remote areas)
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Dungeon Level VII])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Cold Wilderness Mountains])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Temperate Wilderness Mountains], [Temperate Wilderness Hills])
FREQUENCY: Very rare ([Tropical Wilderness Mountains])

NO. APPEARING: 1-4
ARMOR CLASS: 3
MOVE: 12"
HIT DICE: 10
% IN LAIR: 20% (2 Ettins: forest & subterranean, TPL30:6th, REF4.20)
TREASURE TYPE: Individual [O], [C], [Y] in lair
NO. OF ATTACKS: 2 ~ 10
DAMAGE/ATTACK: 2-16/3-18
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Nil
SPECIAL DEFENSES: Surprised only on a 1
INTELLIGENCE: Low (5-7)
ALIGNMENT: Chaotic evil
SIZE: L (13'+ tall)
LEVEL/X.P. VALUE: VII | 1950 + 14
CHANGES IN MONSTER: +6 due to strength; 2-12/2-14 weapon base
SUGGESTED NEW XP: 2500 + 15/hp
DEITY: Grolantor

SAVES: 8.9.10.9.11

<LL: 10 | 8.9.10.9.11>

<RACE/TYPE: Ettin
PHYSICAL STRENGTH: 19
BONUS TO HIT: 0
BONUS TO DAMAGE: +6
DAMAGE BASE WITHOUT BONUS: 2-12 / 2-14

Note the changed damage ranges. The Ettin has no plus
to hit due to its 10 hit dice, which already gives a to hit bonus. However, damage should reflect its strength of 19. 2-14 is generated by
casting d6 and d8.>

Ettins are giant-like creatures which dwell only in remote areas.
Their lairs are always underground, for they prefer darkness and are nocturnal.

An ettin attacks with both arms,
its left head directing the left arm &&
the right head the right.

Blows from the former arm cause 2-16 points of damage; the right inflicting 3-18.
One of the ettin's heads is always likely to be alert, so they are difficult to surprise. <grant alertness from the WSG?>

Description: It is evident from their appearance that ettins are closely related to orcs.
Their animal skin dress is typically moth eaten && filthy.
Ettins use spiked clubs and similar weapons. <spiked clubs are equivalent to morning stars>

Tribal Spell Casters : Shamen (C3 max.).
Not recommended for random encounters.

Question: Why aren’t ettins mentioned among the bigger creatures which attack dwarves && gnomes at -4?

Answer: Ettins may be big && dumb, but they don’t suffer any penalty <Keep 'Em Guessin' -> I5-7=dumb>
“to hit” against dwarves && gnomes because of the most obvious difference between ettins and other big humanoids:
their two heads. In the words of the MM,
“One of the ettin’s heads is always likely to be alert, so they are difficult to surprise.”
And, presumably, also difficult to sneak up on in any other way.