Today, another new (sort of) monster for Shadowdark but this time the art is by the wonderful JE Shields JE Shields. The art is used by permission.
Shifter, Tusked
Bizarre sort of great cat with dark fur over taut muscles. A whip-like tail. From its back barbed tentacles grow. Armored skull, beak-like nose, large maw full of fangs flanked by long, curved tusks. Heavy talons on its paws.
AC 12, HP 39, ATK 2 barbed tentacles +4 (1d6) and 1 gore +4 (2d4), MV near, S +4, D +2, C +2, I -2, W +2, Ch -2, AL C, LV 6
Charge. Move up to double near in straight line and make 1 gore attack. If it hits: x2 gore damage.
Shifted. Appears to be about a yard from where it is. Attacks relying on sight against it have disadvantage. It makes saving throws against directs attacks with advantage.
Tentacles squirm, appear, and disappear. Tendrils wriggle in place of its lower jaw. Glowing white eyes shine malevolently. Rich robes and cape shift as if the body beneath has no set form or number of limbs.
AC 16, HP 57, ATK 1d4 tendrils +5 (1d6 plus disease), MV near, S +1, D +4, C +3, I +2, W +3, Ch +2, AL C, LV 10
Command Undead. Skeletons and zombies obey its commands.
Disease. DC 16 CON or infected. DC 16 CON each day or lose 2d4 HP (can’t heal naturally). Ends on success.
Disintegrate into Swarm. Collapses into a writhing mass of biting tendrils. Moves and attacks as a rat swarm (Shadowdark 245). Regenerates 1d8 HP on its turn unless wounds are cauterized with holy water.
Greater Undead. Immune to morale checks. Only damaged by silver or magical sources.
Reaper, Skeletal
Mottled bones almost devoid of tissue. Pinpoints of light for eyes. Ragged clothing and cloak. A blood-stained scythe ready to strike!
AC 14, HP 15, ATK 1 scythe +3 (1d10), MV near, S +3, D +0, C +2, I +0, W +2, Ch +2, AL C, LV 3
Greater Undead. Immune to morale checks. Only damaged by silver or magical sources.
Lasting Wounds. Damage from its scythe can be healed only by nonmagical means.
I think Shadowdark is my new favorite game. I’m running it for a group of middle school students during our lunch/recess hour. So far, everyone says they’re having fun.
I’m also enjoying Fernando Salvaterra’s wonderful artwork. This time, I offer up two of his kobolds as monstrous NPCs. As always, I’ve used these pic with permission, and you should consider supporting Fernando via his Patreon.
Dalto the Daring
Gleaming armor and flashing blade! Dalto the Daring darts and jabs, barking strange quips in his native tongue.
AC 16 (chainmail), HP 17, ATK 1 Sharpsteel +6 (1d6+3), MV near, S +0, D +3, C +1, I +0, W -1, Ch +1, AL C, LV 3
Acrobatic Flourish. Move up to near and make a DC 12 Dexterity check.
Success = Advantage on next melee attack this round
Critical success = As success and +2 AC for one round
Critical failure = Melee attacks against Dalto have advantage for one round
Dalto’s Sharpsteel. This +1 shortsword has the finesse quality. Dalto has weapon mastery with this blade.
Dodge. 1/day, an attack that would hit misses instead.
Moldo of the Evil Doll’s Head
Sinister and sibilant! Moldo commands dark magic and wields a hell-crafted staff to which he often speaks. When he listens, does he hear the doll’s head’s evil words?
AC 13 (leather), HP 18, ATK 1 +1 staff +4 (1d4) or 1 spell +3, MV near, S -1, D +2, C +0, I +1, W +1, Ch +3, AL C, LV 4
Dodge. 1/day, an attack that would hit misses instead.
Scorpion Sting (CHA Spell). DC 11. Near range, one target. 1d6 damage and target has disadvantage on next attack roll or check.
Sinister Distractions (CHA Spell). DC 13. Near range, one target. For 1d10 minutes, the target hears eerie noises and glimpses disturbing shapes that impose disadvantage on checks related to concentration and perception. A target with keen senses (e.g., a goblin) can be surprised normally while the spell is in effect. A successful Wisdom check by the target reduces the duration to 1d10 rounds.
Spider Swarm (CHA Spell). DC 12. A spider swarm appears within near. Stays 1d4 rounds. Follows sorcerer’s commands.
Staff of the Evil Doll’s Head. This +1 staff that enables a spellcaster to cast illusion (DC 13 Intelligence check). Moldo cannot use this ability; he doesn’t even know about it. On a critical failure with illusion, the staff summons a barbed devil that attempts to slay the staff’s user and then disappear with the staff.
