Mimic

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Mimic Introduction

In the dimly lit corners of forgotten dungeons and the shadowy recesses of ancient ruins, there lurks a creature of cunning deception and predatory instinct—the Mimic. At first glance, it appears as nothing more than an ordinary object, perhaps a dusty chest or a weathered door, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Yet, beneath this facade lies a creature of malevolent intelligence, waiting patiently for the unwary adventurer to draw near.

The Mimic's true form is a grotesque amalgamation of sinewy flesh and chitinous hide, its surface slick with a viscous, adhesive secretion that allows it to adhere to surfaces and ensnare its prey. Its body is capable of shifting and contorting, adopting the guise of nearly any inanimate object it desires. When it reveals itself, a gaping maw lined with rows of jagged teeth emerges, ready to clamp down on those who dare to disturb its lair.

Behaviorally, the Mimic is a solitary hunter, relying on its ability to remain undetected until the perfect moment to strike. It is a patient predator, often lying in wait for days or even weeks, sustained by its last meal and the anticipation of its next. Despite its solitary nature, the Mimic is not without a certain cunning, capable of discerning the habits of its prey and adapting its tactics accordingly.

The Mimic's preferred habitat is one of isolation and darkness, where the echoes of footsteps and the flicker of torchlight are its only companions. It is most commonly found in the labyrinthine corridors of abandoned castles, the forgotten vaults of ancient temples, and the cluttered storerooms of long-lost keeps. These places, steeped in history and mystery, provide ample opportunity for the Mimic to blend in and bide its time.

Legends speak of Mimics as the creations of a long-forgotten sorcerer, who imbued them with a spark of sentience and a hunger for the flesh of the living. Some tales suggest that they were once guardians of treasure, twisted by dark magic into their current form. Others claim that they are the remnants of a bygone age, relics of a world where magic and monstrosity were one and the same.

As you stand before what appears to be an innocuous chest, a sense of unease settles over you. The air is thick with the scent of decay, and the shadows seem to shift and writhe with a life of their own. In this place, where the line between the mundane and the monstrous is blurred, the Mimic waits, ever patient, ever hungry.

Mimic Skills & Traits

Skills

• Stealth +5

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 11

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Shapechanger: The mimic can use its action to polymorph into an object or back into its true, amorphous form. 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.
• Adhesive (Object Form Only): The mimic adheres to anything that touches it. A Huge or smaller creature adhered to the mimic is also grappled by it (escape DC 13). Ability checks made to escape this grapple have disadvantage.
• False Appearance (Object Form Only): While the mimic remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an ordinary object.
• Grappler: The mimic has advantage on attack rolls against any creature grappled by it.

Actions

• Pseudopod: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the mimic is in object form, the target is subjected to its Adhesive trait.
• Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) acid damage.

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Battle Tips for the Goblin Horde

Goblins are cunning and mischievous creatures that can pose a significant threat when used strategically in battle. As a Dungeon Master, you can leverage their agility and numbers to create a challenging encounter for your players. Here are some tips to maximize the effectiveness of goblins in combat:

Using Goblins in Battle

• Ambush Tactics: Goblins excel in ambush scenarios. Use their small size and stealth abilities to set up surprise attacks. Have them hide in shadows or behind obstacles, striking when the party least expects it.
• Hit-and-Run: Utilize their speed to execute hit-and-run tactics. Goblins can dart in to attack and then retreat to safety, frustrating players and drawing them into traps.
• Environmental Advantage: Place goblins in environments where they have the upper hand, such as dense forests or dark caves. They can use the terrain to their advantage, setting up traps or using cover to avoid attacks.

Coordinating Multiple Goblins

• Swarm Tactics: Overwhelm players with sheer numbers. Goblins can swarm a single target, using their numbers to gain advantage on attacks and wear down even the toughest adventurers.
• Divide and Conquer: Use goblins to split the party. Have some goblins engage the front line while others sneak around to attack from behind, forcing players to divide their attention.
• Support Roles: Include goblin shamans or leaders to provide buffs or healing to the goblin horde, increasing their effectiveness and longevity in battle.

Fleeing and Regrouping

• Strategic Retreats: If the battle turns against them, goblins are not above fleeing to fight another day. Use their speed to disengage and regroup, potentially leading players into a larger trap.
• Decoy Tactics: Sacrifice a few goblins to act as decoys, drawing players away from the main group. This can allow the rest of the goblins to escape or reposition for a counterattack.
• Reinforcements: Have goblins retreat to call for reinforcements, returning with greater numbers or more powerful allies to turn the tide of battle.

By employing these tactics, you can create dynamic and memorable encounters with goblins that challenge your players and keep them on their toes. Remember, the key to using goblins effectively is to think like a goblin: cunning, opportunistic, and always ready to exploit any advantage.