Manes

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Manes Introduction

In the shadowy recesses of the Abyss, where the very air seems to writhe with malevolence, there lurk creatures of such pitiful horror that even the most hardened adventurers might pause. These are the Manes, the lowest form of demon, born from the souls of the wicked who have been condemned to eternal torment. As you venture deeper into these cursed lands, the air grows thick with a palpable sense of dread, and the ground beneath your feet seems to pulse with a life of its own.

The Manes are grotesque, bloated figures, their flesh a sickly, pallid hue that seems to glisten with a foul, oily sheen. Their bodies are misshapen, with limbs that appear almost too short for their corpulent forms, and their faces are twisted into permanent expressions of anguish and madness. Their eyes, sunken deep into their skulls, glow with a dim, malevolent light, hinting at the tortured souls trapped within.

These wretched creatures are driven by an insatiable hunger, a primal urge to consume anything that crosses their path. They move in shambling hordes, their movements erratic and unpredictable, as if driven by some unseen force. Despite their apparent lack of intelligence, they are relentless in their pursuit, driven by a singular desire to feed upon the living.

The Manes are most commonly found in the desolate wastelands of the Abyss, where the very landscape seems to conspire against those who dare to tread upon it. Here, amidst the twisted, barren trees and the ever-present stench of decay, they roam in search of prey. It is said that the very ground upon which they walk is tainted by their presence, leaving a trail of corruption in their wake.

Legends speak of the Manes as the forsaken souls of those who have committed unspeakable acts in life, now doomed to an eternity of suffering and servitude. Some say that they are the remnants of a once-great civilization, now reduced to mindless husks by the dark powers that rule the Abyss. Others whisper that they are the spawn of a malevolent deity, sent forth to sow chaos and destruction upon the mortal realm.

As you stand on the precipice of this nightmarish domain, the air heavy with the scent of sulfur and decay, you cannot help but feel a chill run down your spine. For in the distance, you can hear the faint, mournful wails of the Manes, a haunting reminder of the fate that awaits those who fall into the clutches of the Abyss.

Manes Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth: +0

Senses

• Darkvision: 60 ft.
• Passive Perception: 8

Languages

• Understands Abyssal but can't speak

Abilities

• Damage Immunities: Poison
• Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned

Actions

• Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) slashing damage.
• Fetid Cloud (1/Day): A 5-foot radius cloud of disgusting green gas extends out from the mane. 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 10 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 Manes

Manes are the lowest form of demon, often used as fodder in the Abyss. Despite their lowly status, they can still pose a threat in large numbers or when used strategically by a cunning dungeon master. Here are some tips for utilizing Manes effectively in battle:

Using Manes in Battle

• Swarm Tactics: Manes are most effective when they attack in large groups. Use their numbers to overwhelm players, forcing them to deal with multiple threats at once. This can be particularly effective in narrow corridors or confined spaces where players can't easily maneuver.
• Distraction and Delay: Manes can serve as excellent distractions, allowing more powerful demons to prepare spells or set up ambushes. Use them to draw the players' attention away from more significant threats.
• Fear Factor: While individually weak, the grotesque appearance and relentless nature of Manes can be used to instill fear and panic in players, especially those new to facing demonic foes.

Coordinating Multiple Manes

• Flanking Maneuvers: Use groups of Manes to flank players, cutting off escape routes and forcing them into unfavorable positions. This can be particularly effective when combined with other demons that can capitalize on the players' compromised positions.
• Layered Assaults: Send waves of Manes at the players, wearing them down over time. This can exhaust player resources, such as spells and healing, making them more vulnerable to stronger enemies later in the encounter.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Manes can retreat to regroup and attack again later. Use their knowledge of the terrain to lead players into traps or ambushes set by more powerful allies.

By using these tactics, a dungeon master can turn a group of seemingly insignificant Manes into a formidable challenge, adding depth and excitement to any encounter.