Mummy

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Mummy Introduction

In the dim, echoing corridors of ancient tombs, where the air is thick with the scent of dust and decay, lies a creature shrouded in mystery and dread—the Mummy. Wrapped in tattered linens that whisper tales of a bygone era, this undead guardian stands as a testament to the forgotten rituals of a civilization long past. Its eyes, glowing with an eerie, otherworldly light, pierce the darkness, promising a fate worse than death to those who dare disturb its eternal slumber.

The Mummy's appearance is both haunting and regal, its once-royal visage now a ghastly mask of preserved flesh and bone. The linen wrappings, yellowed with age, cling to its desiccated form, adorned with faded hieroglyphs and symbols of protection. These ancient bindings are not merely for preservation; they are imbued with dark magic, granting the Mummy its unholy life and formidable powers.

Typically found in the heart of vast desert landscapes, the Mummy dwells within the labyrinthine depths of forgotten pyramids and hidden necropolises. These sacred burial sites, lost to time and sand, are often protected by elaborate traps and curses designed to ward off intruders. The Mummy serves as both sentinel and executioner, bound by duty to protect the treasures and secrets of its resting place.

Legends speak of the Mummy's origins, tales of powerful priests and pharaohs who, in their quest for immortality, performed forbidden rites to bind their souls to their earthly remains. It is said that those who encounter a Mummy and survive are forever marked by its curse, a lingering shadow that haunts their every step. The Mummy's touch is said to drain the very life essence from its victims, leaving them as withered husks, mere echoes of their former selves.

As you stand at the threshold of this ancient tomb, the air grows colder, and a palpable sense of foreboding fills the chamber. The silence is deafening, broken only by the distant sound of shifting sands. You feel the weight of countless centuries pressing down upon you, and you know that you are not alone. Somewhere in the darkness, the Mummy waits, a silent guardian of the past, ready to exact its vengeance on those who dare trespass into its eternal domain.

Mummy Skills & Traits

Skills

• None

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• Understands the languages it knew in life but can't speak

Abilities

• Damage Vulnerabilities: Fire
• Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from Nonmagical Attacks
• Damage Immunities: Necrotic, Poison
• Condition Immunities: Charmed, Exhaustion, Frightened, Paralyzed, Poisoned
• Saving Throws: Wisdom +2
• Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
• Proficiency Bonus: +2

Actions

• Multiattack: The mummy can use its Dreadful Glare and makes one attack with its rotting fist.
• Rotting Fist: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with mummy rot. The cursed target can't regain hit points, and its hit point maximum decreases by 10 (3d6) for every 24 hours that elapse. If the curse reduces the target's hit point maximum to 0, the target dies, and its body turns to dust. The curse lasts until removed by the remove curse spell or other magic.
• Dreadful Glare: The mummy targets one creature it can see within 60 feet of it. If the target can see the mummy, it must succeed on a DC 11 Wisdom saving throw against this magic or become frightened until the end of the mummy's next turn. If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is also paralyzed for the same duration. A target that succeeds on the saving throw is immune to the Dreadful Glare of all mummies (but not mummy lords) for the next 24 hours.

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Battle Tips for Mummies

Mummies are formidable undead creatures that can pose a significant challenge to adventurers. As a Dungeon Master, utilizing mummies effectively in battle can create memorable and thrilling encounters. Here are some tips on how to use mummies in combat, strategies for multiple mummies, and tactics for retreat.

Using Mummies in Battle

• Leverage Their Fear Aura: Mummies have a Dreadful Glare ability that can instill fear in opponents. Use this to disrupt the party's formation and force them to make difficult decisions.
• Exploit Vulnerabilities: Mummies are resistant to non-magical attacks. Position them against characters who rely on physical attacks to maximize their durability.
• Utilize Their Immunities: Mummies are immune to poison and necrotic damage. Use them against parties that rely heavily on these damage types to frustrate their efforts.

Coordinating Multiple Mummies

• Surround and Conquer: Use multiple mummies to encircle the party, cutting off escape routes and isolating weaker members for focused attacks.
• Staggered Attacks: Have mummies attack in waves to wear down the party's resources and keep them on the defensive.
• Guard Key Areas: Position mummies to guard important locations or objectives, forcing the party to engage them to progress.

Retreat and Regroup

• Use the Environment: Mummies can retreat into dark, narrow corridors or hidden chambers to regroup and launch surprise attacks.
• Summon Reinforcements: If the battle turns against them, mummies can call upon other undead allies to bolster their ranks and turn the tide.
• Feign Weakness: Mummies can pretend to be defeated, only to rise again when the party is distracted or has moved on, catching them off guard.

By employing these strategies, Dungeon Masters can create dynamic and challenging encounters with mummies that will test the mettle of any adventuring party.