Solo Swarm: Demonic Stirges

Posted on : 22-01-2011 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Monsters

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As if a swarm of regular stirges weren’t bad enough, sometimes a swarm of the beasts gorges itself on the blood of demons and their ilk. When this happens, the swarm becomes corrupted, gaining a malevolence that other stirges do not possess. Demonic stirge swarms seek out humanoid prey, and they delight in dessicating as many people as they possibly can.

NaMoMaMo Day 30: The Dungeon Master

Posted on : 30-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is the final day of NaMoMaMo.

Among the most powerful of adversaries that any adventuring party contends with is the nefarious Dungeon Master. This being is a creature of alternating craft and ineptitude, subtlety and brute force. It is a true mastermind, and virtually every world-shaking plot by evil cultists, diabolical dragons, demons, or fell gods is really concocted by the Dungeon Master. It is only fitting, then, that an epic campaign (and this series of posts) would culminate in this foe of foes.

Thank you for your time. We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.

NaMoMaMo Day 29: Far Realm Cultist

Posted on : 29-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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The penultimate day of NaMoMaMo has arrived!

The cult known as They Who Hear is led by a mysterious individual known as He Who Hears. His followers are completely subservient to him, and fanatically dedicated to his cause of bringing the Far Realm into the world. He gives his followers power, gifts of madness and warped flesh, with which to strike down the cult’s enemies.

Designer’s Note: This is a modified version of a minion I used in a recent session. He Who Hears and a diminished form of a beholder known only as The Tyrant were the real threats, but there were also a handful of these guys. They have a little more staying power than the average minion, and they can assist their allies by zapping people with madness.

NaMoMaMo Day 28: “Precious”, green dragon

Posted on : 28-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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Here’s day 28 of NaMoMaMo.

The female of the mated pair, “Precious” is the dominant partner. She is highly intelligent and extremely cunning; her skill at manipulation allows her to effectively control her partner, “Dear One”. She is prone to long conversations with her prey before she attacks, and she delights in sowing fear and discord during these parleys. “Precious” is a sadist, and she likes to take her time with her kills.

NaMoMaMo Day 27: “Dear One”

Posted on : 27-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is day 27 of NaMoMaMo.

In the Tribelands to the west, a pair of mated dragons patrols the skies, collecting tribute from anyone who trespasses in their territory. This mated pair is unusual for two reasons: first, they are not of the same color. Second, they refer to each other by pet names, rather than their actual, draconic names. “Dear One”, the red, is the male and also the more subservient (though more aggressive and violent) of the two. The green female, “Precious”, is the brains of the operation, and her mate will do anything she asks (though he will grumble about it sometimes).

Designer’s Note: I used “Precious” and “Dear One” in my most recent session; they attacked the PCs’ airship and brought it to the ground, “Precious” dying in the process and “Dear One” swearing vengeance. These are modified, elite versions of the red and green dragon. This one is the red, “Dear One”. Tomorrow I’ll show you “Precious”.

NaMoMaMo Day 26: Splug, Fey Goblin

Posted on : 26-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is day 26 of NaMoMaMo. We’re nearing the end!

A long time ago, there was a schism in the ancient goblinoid empire, and five tribes split from the empire. They wandered for some time, but eventually they found their way to the Feywild and settled there. Over numerous generations, they eventually began to take on fey aspects, eventually becoming fey creatures themselves. Fey goblins are less cruel than their mortal cousins, but are fickle tricksters, none the less. They delight in playing tricks, and while these tricks are not necessarily malicious in intent, they can cause inadvertent harm. They are also known for their bargain-making, and it is said that, in the Goblin Market, you can find virtually anything if you look hard enough–and are willing to pay the price. Splug is an example of a fey goblin. While he is not vicious, he is treacherous and slippery, and not to be underestimated.

Designer’s Note: This is actually an updated version of a companion character that my PCs had during Keep on the Shadowfell (which is where his name comes from). Unpredictable trick is really the core mechanic of this version of Splug; it’s a complex set of powers, but it can add an unpredictable and chaotic element to an encounter.

NaMoMaMo Thanksgiving Edition: Bird of Doom

Posted on : 25-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is the special holiday Thanksgiving Edition of NaMoMaMo!

Legends exist of a beast so terrible that its hideous gobble strikes fear in the hearts of the most stalwart of knights, the fiercest of barbarians. This creature is gigantic and savage, an engine of destruction capable of laying waste to entire towns and cities with its savage pecks and kicks. It is also said that, if this creature is killed, it can be turned into a meal the likes of which come along only once in a lifetime, a meal capable of bringing peace to waring peoples. That is, if it doesn’t make a meal of you first!

NaMoMaMo Day 24: Thunderfury Tribe (Part 4)

Posted on : 24-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is the fourth and final part of the Thunderfury tribe, and also day 24 of NaMoMaMo.

One figure leads the Thunderfury tribe in their pursuit of strength and devastation: Garruk Stormcaller. Stormcaller is slight for an orc, shorter than his bretheren by half a foot at least and considerably less muscular. Despite is small stature, he is feared amongst his people for the power he wields, and they all follow him unquestioningly. Garruk Stormcaller is a powerful sorcerer; he was born with the ability to control storms and call upon their power, and it was under his direction that his tribe was formed, and that every orc in the tribe has ritually bound an elemental into him- or herself. Garruk does not seek conquest or bloodshed; rather, he seeks to revel in the fury of the storm, striking down those who would defy the chaos and power of nature.

NaMoMaMo Day 23: Thunderfury Tribe (Part 3)

Posted on : 23-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is the third part of the Thunderfury tribe series, and also day 23 of NaMoMaMo.

Among the Thunderfury tribe are those few shamans known as the lightning callers. These orcs are so in tune with the elemental bound within them that they can call lightning from a clear sky, and even summon the storm inside of their allies, stoking their rage to great heights.

NaMoMaMo Day 22: Thunderfury Tribe (Part 2)

Posted on : 22-11-2010 | By : Brian | In : 4th Edition, D&D, Links, Monsters, NaMoMaMo

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This is NaMoMaMo day 22, and also part 2 of the Thunderfury tribe.

Where the wretches of the Thunderfury tribe are seen as expendable shock troops due to the imperfect elemental binding that they have undergone, the warriors are the elite of the tribe. They are the success stories, those orcs whose bodies and souls have merged effectively with those of the storm elemental within. This gives them considerably more power and control over their tempestuous powers.