Gray Slaad

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Gray Slaad Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the multiverse, where chaos reigns supreme and the very fabric of reality twists and turns, there lurks a creature of both cunning and malevolence—the Gray Slaad. As you venture deeper into the ever-shifting landscape of Limbo, the air grows thick with an unsettling energy, and the ground beneath your feet seems to pulse with a life of its own. It is here, amidst the swirling chaos, that the Gray Slaad makes its home, a master of manipulation and a harbinger of discord.

The Gray Slaad stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of its realm. Its form is a grotesque amalgamation of amphibian and humanoid features, with a sinewy, muscular body covered in mottled gray skin that seems to shimmer with an otherworldly sheen. Its eyes, a piercing shade of crimson, glow with an unsettling intelligence, hinting at the creature's capacity for both thought and malice. Long, razor-sharp claws extend from its fingers, capable of rending flesh and bone with terrifying ease.

Unlike its more brutish kin, the Gray Slaad is a creature of intellect and strategy. It is known for its ability to shape-shift, adopting the guise of those it has slain to sow confusion and mistrust among its enemies. This cunning predator delights in the chaos it creates, often orchestrating elaborate schemes to pit foes against one another, all while lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Legends speak of the Gray Slaad's origins, tales whispered by those who have dared to traverse the chaotic planes. Some say these creatures were once powerful spellcasters who delved too deeply into the mysteries of Limbo, their bodies and minds forever altered by the raw, untamed magic of the realm. Others claim they are the spawn of Ssendam, the Slaad Lord of Madness, sent forth to spread his influence across the planes.

As you stand on the precipice of this chaotic domain, the very air seems to hum with anticipation. The Gray Slaad is out there, watching, waiting, its presence a constant reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the multiverse. Will you be able to unravel its schemes and survive the encounter, or will you become just another pawn in its game of chaos?

Gray Slaad Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +3
• Perception +5

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 15

Languages

• Slaad
• Telepathy 60 ft.

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The slaad can use its action to polymorph into a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into its true form. Other than its size, its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
• Magic Resistance: The slaad has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Innate Spellcasting: The slaad's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12). The slaad can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: detect magic, detect thoughts
  • 1/day each: fear, fireball

Actions

• Multiattack: The slaad makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 5) piercing damage.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be infected with a disease called chaos phage. While infected, the target can't regain hit points, and its hit point maximum decreases by 10 (3d6) every 24 hours. If the disease reduces the target's hit point maximum to 0, the target dies, and if the target is a humanoid, it instantly transforms into a red slaad or, if it has the spellcasting trait, a green slaad.

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Battle Tips for Gray Slaad

The Gray Slaad is a formidable foe, known for its cunning intelligence and powerful spellcasting abilities. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing a Gray Slaad in battle can create a challenging and memorable encounter for your players. Here are some tips to effectively use a Gray Slaad in combat:

• Spellcasting Strategy: The Gray Slaad has access to a variety of spells, including fireball, fear, and plane shift. Use these spells strategically to control the battlefield. Start with area-of-effect spells to weaken the party, then use fear to scatter them, making it easier to pick off isolated characters.
• Shapechanger Ability: The Gray Slaad can use its shapechanger ability to infiltrate the party or set up ambushes. Consider having the Slaad take on the guise of a trusted NPC or a captured ally to sow confusion and distrust among the players.
• Regeneration: With its regeneration ability, the Gray Slaad can recover hit points each round. Encourage players to focus their attacks on the Slaad to prevent it from regaining too much health, creating a sense of urgency in the battle.
• Multiple Slaadi Tactics: When using multiple Slaadi, such as a combination of Gray and Red Slaadi, have the Gray Slaad act as a commander, directing the others to focus on specific targets. The Red Slaadi can engage in melee combat while the Gray Slaad provides spell support from a distance.
• Fleeing and Retreat: If the battle turns against the Gray Slaad, it can use plane shift to escape to another plane, regroup, and return later with reinforcements. This can create an ongoing threat that the party must deal with over multiple encounters.

By leveraging the Gray Slaad's unique abilities and strategic thinking, you can create a dynamic and challenging encounter that will test your players' skills and teamwork.