This monster comes in as a request from one of my Patrons. Here’s what he requested:
Just joined as a Copper Patron, and would like to make my request. I need a race to replace orcs (whom I am trying to avoid) in the socio”ecology” of my world. Preferably, derived from or tied to the Shadow Realms. Thanks!
That sounds pretty cool! Design-wise, I believe he means “replace orc” as in it’s the common bad guy of the world a la Lord of the Rings. When you see one, there’s no question as to whether or not it’s up to bad things.
According to the Monster Manual, orcs are savage raiders and pillagers. The typical orcish “warrior” is a CR 1/2 monster with higher than average Strength and Constitution scores and low Intelligence. 7 Intelligence denotes tribal and is often backed up by a higher than average Wisdom, which, as predicted is the case with orcs.
This no doubt comes from the concept that anthropologists have where hunter-gatherers, while not necessarily book smart, were extremely good at survival and pretty brilliant when it came to everything that went with that lifestyle.
Anyways, my Patron is asking for sort of a dark race of umbral beings.
Like orcs, I envision stooped beings with thick necks and large, lanky arms. They’re dark skinned and don’t fair well in sunlight. So this ends up being sort of like a cross between a drow and an orc. I’ve tossed in necrotic resistance and stealthy powers, too. Plus, just for the hell of it, I threw in an elite version, too.
I’ll leave out some of the fluff or now for John to interpret the monster as he likes, but will probably include my own fluff block for when I go to publish it later.
Garg
Medium humanoid, chaotic evil
Armor Class 14 (hide armor)
Hit Points 19 (3d8 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
Abilities Str 16 (+3), Dex 14 (+2), Con 15 (+2), Int 6 (-2), Wis 10 (+0), Cha 9 (-1)
Skills Athletics +5, Stealth +4
Damage Resistance necrotic
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Gargan
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Shadow Stealth. The garg has advantage on its Dexterity (Stealth) checks when in dim light or darkness.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the garg has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Garg Heavy
Medium humanoid, chaotic evil
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 46 (6d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
Abilities Str 18 (+4), Dex 15 (+2), Con 17 (+3), Int 6 (-2), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 10 (+0)
Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +2, Stealth +4
Damage Resistance necrotic
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Gargan
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Shadow Stealth. The garg has advantage on its Dexterity (Stealth) checks when in dim light or darkness.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the garg has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Umbral Advantage. Any hit that the garg scores against a creature that is surprised is a critical hit.
Actions
Multiattack. The garg makes two longsword attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage when wielded with two hands.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Fear of Reprisal (1/day). Each creature of the garg’s choice that is within 30 feet of it, can hear it, and not already affected by Fear of Reprisal gain advantage on all Wisdom saving throws and are immune to the charmed condition for 1 minute.
Get your requests made by DMDave when you become a patron!
This is a request from one of my copper level patrons. Copper level is only $3 per month and includes a one-time request this size (usually a monster, feat, or magic item) in addition to all monthly PDFs that come out through the site (usually 50-70 pages of material).
Art by Shadows of Mordor.