Dao

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Dao Introduction

In the shadowy depths of the earth, where the weight of the world presses down with an oppressive silence, there dwells a creature of immense power and ancient malice—the Dao. These earth genies are as enigmatic as they are formidable, their presence a whisper of the primordial forces that shaped the very bones of the world. As you venture deeper into the subterranean realms, the air grows thick with the scent of damp stone and the echo of distant, grinding rock, heralding the approach of these elemental beings.

The Dao are a sight to behold, their forms hewn from the very essence of the earth. Their skin glistens like polished obsidian, dark and impenetrable, while veins of precious metals and gemstones pulse beneath the surface, catching the light in a mesmerizing dance. Their eyes, like twin pools of molten gold, burn with an intensity that speaks of their insatiable greed and cunning intellect. Towering and muscular, the Dao move with a grace that belies their massive size, each step a reminder of their dominion over the earth.

In behavior, the Dao are as unpredictable as the shifting sands of the desert. They are known for their capricious nature, driven by a desire for wealth and power that knows no bounds. To encounter a Dao is to face a creature whose mood can change as swiftly as a landslide, from benevolent ally to merciless adversary. They are masterful negotiators, often striking deals with mortals that seem too good to be true, only to reveal the hidden costs when it is too late to turn back.

The Dao make their homes in vast, labyrinthine caverns deep beneath the surface, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and the sound of distant, rumbling stone. These subterranean palaces are adorned with treasures beyond imagining, hoarded over centuries from the depths of the earth and the spoils of countless deals. Legends speak of the Dao's ability to shape the very rock around them, crafting intricate tunnels and chambers with a mere thought, and of their command over the elemental forces of earth, able to summon devastating earthquakes and landslides at will.

Among the tales told of the Dao, one stands out above the rest—a legend of a Dao king who once ruled over a vast underground empire, his wealth and power unmatched by any other. It is said that he possessed a crown of pure diamond, a symbol of his dominion over the earth, and that those who seek it must first navigate the treacherous depths of his long-abandoned realm, where the echoes of his laughter still linger in the shadows.

As you stand at the threshold of the Dao's domain, the weight of the earth above seems to press down upon you, a reminder of the power and mystery that lies within. Will you dare to venture further, to face the challenges and temptations that await in the depths? The choice is yours, but remember—once you enter the realm of the Dao, there may be no turning back.

Dao Skills & Traits

Skills

• Deception +6
• Insight +4
• Perception +4
• Persuasion +6

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 14

Languages

• Terran
• Understands Common but can't speak it

Abilities

• Earth Glide: The dao can burrow through nonmagical, unworked earth and stone. While doing so, the dao doesn't disturb the material it moves through.
• Elemental Demise: If the dao dies, its body disintegrates into crystalline powder, leaving behind only equipment the dao was wearing or carrying.

Actions

• Multiattack: The dao makes two attacks: one with its maul and one with its fist.
• Maul: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
• Fist: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
• Phantasmal Killer (1/Day): The dao taps into the nightmares of a creature it can see within 120 feet of it and creates an illusory manifestation of the creature's deepest fears, visible only to that creature. The target must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target becomes frightened for the duration. At the end of each of the target's turns before the spell ends, the target must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or take 22 (4d10) psychic damage. On a successful save, the spell ends.

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Battle Tips for Dao

The Dao, earth genies from the Elemental Plane of Earth, are formidable opponents with their mastery over stone and earth. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Dao in battle can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips on how to effectively use a Dao in combat:

Using the Dao in Battle

• Leverage Earth Manipulation: The Dao's ability to move through earth and stone as if it were air can be used to surprise players. Consider having the Dao emerge from the ground or walls to ambush the party, or retreat into the earth to avoid attacks.
• Control the Battlefield: Use the Dao's ability to cast spells like Wall of Stone to shape the battlefield to its advantage. This can be used to separate party members, create obstacles, or trap players in confined spaces.
• Utilize Physical Strength: The Dao's powerful melee attacks can be devastating. Use its multiattack to deal significant damage, and don't forget its ability to grapple and restrain opponents, making it difficult for them to escape or retaliate.

Coordinating with Multiple Dao

• Flanking and Surrounding: When using multiple Dao, have them coordinate to flank and surround the party. This can maximize their melee attack potential and make it harder for players to defend themselves.
• Divide and Conquer: Use their earth manipulation abilities to split the party, isolating weaker members for focused attacks. This can be particularly effective in dungeons or caverns where the terrain can be easily manipulated.
• Elemental Synergy: If other elemental creatures are present, such as earth elementals or xorn, have the Dao coordinate with them to create a diverse and unpredictable threat. This can keep players on their toes and force them to adapt their strategies.

Strategic Retreat and Fleeing

• Retreat into the Earth: If the battle turns against the Dao, they can use their ability to meld into stone to retreat and regroup. This can allow them to escape to a safe location or prepare for a counterattack.
• Use Illusions and Deception: The Dao can use spells like Invisibility to confuse and mislead the party, allowing them to escape or reposition themselves for a more advantageous attack.
• Summon Reinforcements: If the Dao are part of a larger group or have allies nearby, they can call for help, turning a potential defeat into a renewed assault.

By using these strategies, a Dungeon Master can create a dynamic and challenging encounter with a Dao, testing the players' abilities to adapt and overcome the elemental might of these earth genies.