Dretch

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Dretch Introduction

In the dim, flickering light of the underworld, where shadows dance and the air is thick with the stench of decay, lurks a creature born of chaos and malevolence—the Dretch. As you venture deeper into the abyssal realms, the oppressive atmosphere seems to close in around you, and the very ground beneath your feet feels tainted by the presence of these wretched fiends. The Dretch is a manifestation of pure, unrefined evil, a lesser demon that embodies the raw, primal essence of the Abyss.

The Dretch is a grotesque sight to behold, its squat, bloated form covered in a sickly, mottled hide that seems to ooze with filth. Its limbs are short and gnarled, ending in sharp, claw-like appendages that scrape and scratch at the ground as it lumbers forward. A pair of beady, malevolent eyes peer out from its misshapen head, glinting with a dull, malevolent intelligence. Its mouth, a gaping maw filled with jagged, yellowed teeth, emits a low, guttural growl that reverberates through the air, sending shivers down the spine of any who dare to approach.

These foul creatures are often found in the darkest corners of the Abyss, where they gather in writhing masses, drawn to the chaotic energies that permeate their hellish domain. They thrive in environments that mirror their own twisted nature—places of rot and ruin, where the very air is thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and decay. Despite their lowly status among demonkind, Dretches are relentless in their pursuit of destruction, driven by an insatiable hunger for chaos and carnage.

Legends speak of the Dretch as the foot soldiers of the Abyss, summoned forth by more powerful demons to serve as expendable minions in their infernal armies. Though individually weak, their strength lies in numbers, and a swarm of Dretches can overwhelm even the most seasoned adventurers with sheer ferocity and determination. It is said that those who fall to the Dretch are doomed to join their ranks, their souls twisted and corrupted by the dark energies of the Abyss, forever bound to serve the will of their demonic masters.

As you stand on the precipice of this nightmarish realm, the air grows heavy with anticipation, and the distant echoes of guttural snarls and scraping claws reach your ears. The Dretch awaits, a harbinger of the chaos and destruction that lies ahead, ready to test the mettle of those brave—or foolish—enough to challenge the darkness.

Dretch Skills & Traits

Skills

• Perception +0

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• Abyssal
• Telepathy 60 ft. (can’t speak)

Abilities

• Damage Resistances: Cold, Fire, Lightning
• Damage Immunities: Poison
• Condition Immunities: Poisoned
• Challenge: 1/4 (50 XP)

Actions

• Multiattack: The dretch makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) piercing damage.
• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (2d4) slashing damage.
• Fetid Cloud (1/Day): A 10-foot radius of disgusting green gas extends out from the dretch. The gas spreads around corners, and its area is lightly obscured. It lasts for 1 minute or until a strong wind disperses it. Any creature that starts its turn in that area must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. While poisoned in this way, the target can take either an action or a bonus action on its turn, not both, and can’t take reactions.

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Battle Tips for Dretch

The Dretch is a low-level demon often used in swarms to overwhelm adventurers. While individually weak, their strength lies in numbers and their ability to cause chaos on the battlefield. Here are some tips for using Dretches effectively in your campaign:

Using Dretches in Battle

• Swarm Tactics: Dretches are most effective when used in large groups. Use their numbers to surround and isolate party members, making it difficult for them to support each other.
• Distraction and Chaos: Dretches can serve as excellent distractions. Use them to draw attention away from more powerful allies or objectives, allowing other creatures to strike or achieve goals unnoticed.
• Terrain Advantage: Position Dretches in narrow corridors or confined spaces where their numbers can be maximized, and adventurers have limited mobility.

Coordinating Multiple Dretches

• Pack Mentality: Have Dretches attack in waves, with the first wave engaging the front lines and subsequent waves flanking or targeting spellcasters and ranged attackers.
• Fear and Intimidation: Use the Dretches' numbers to create a sense of fear and intimidation. Their presence can be unnerving, especially for low-level parties.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Dretches can retreat to regroup and attack again. Use their knowledge of the terrain to lead adventurers into traps or ambushes.

Fleeing and Survival

• Cover of Darkness: Dretches can use darkness or other environmental factors to their advantage when fleeing. This can make it difficult for adventurers to pursue them effectively.
• Scattering: When retreating, Dretches can scatter in different directions, making it challenging for adventurers to chase them all down.
• Regrouping for Future Attacks: After fleeing, Dretches can regroup and plan a future attack, potentially catching adventurers off guard when they least expect it.

By leveraging these tactics, a dungeon master can make encounters with Dretches more challenging and engaging for players, turning what might seem like a simple battle into a strategic and memorable experience.