Nothic

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Nothic Introduction

In the dimly lit caverns where shadows dance and whispers echo, a creature of unsettling presence lurks—the Nothic. Its form is a grotesque amalgamation of sinew and bone, hunched and twisted as if sculpted by a mad artist. The Nothic's skin is a sickly green, mottled with patches of darker hues, and its body is covered in a thin layer of grime, giving it an appearance of something that has crawled from the depths of the earth itself.

Most striking of all is the Nothic's single, enormous eye, which dominates its face. This eye glows with an eerie luminescence, casting a pale light that pierces the darkness. It is said that the Nothic's gaze can see into the very soul, unraveling secrets and desires that even the heart's owner might not fully understand. This unsettling ability makes the Nothic both feared and shunned, a creature of mystery and dread.

The Nothic is often found in the forgotten places of the world—abandoned ruins, ancient dungeons, and the shadowy corners of the Underdark. It is drawn to these places by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger for knowledge, remnants of the arcane power it once sought as a wizard. Now cursed, the Nothic scavenges for arcane secrets, hoping to reclaim some fragment of its lost humanity.

Legends speak of the Nothic as a cautionary tale, a warning to those who would delve too deeply into forbidden magic. It is said that the Nothic was once a powerful wizard who, in their hubris, sought knowledge beyond mortal ken. The gods, angered by such arrogance, stripped the wizard of their humanity, leaving them to wander the world as a twisted reflection of their former self.

As you venture deeper into the labyrinthine passages, the air grows colder, and the shadows seem to stretch and twist with a life of their own. Beware, for the Nothic watches from the darkness, its eye unblinking, its mind ever probing. In this place of secrets and silence, the Nothic waits, eager to uncover the mysteries you carry within.

Nothic Skills & Traits

Skills

• Arcana +3
• Insight +4
• Perception +2
• Stealth +2

Senses

• Darkvision 120 ft.
• Passive Perception 12

Languages

• Understands Common but can't speak

Abilities

• Keen Sight: The nothic has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
• Rotting Gaze: The nothic targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw against this magic or take 10 (3d6) necrotic damage.
• Weird Insight: The nothic targets one creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must contest its Charisma (Deception) check against the nothic's Wisdom (Insight) check. If the nothic wins, it magically learns one fact or secret about the target. The target automatically wins if it is immune to being charmed.

Actions

• Multiattack: The nothic makes two claw attacks.
• Claw: Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

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Battle Tips for the Nothic

The Nothic is a mysterious and eerie creature that can add an element of suspense and unpredictability to any encounter. Here are some tips for Dungeon Masters on how to effectively use a Nothic in battle:

Utilizing the Nothic's Abilities

• Rotting Gaze: The Nothic's Rotting Gaze can be a powerful tool to weaken players. Use it strategically to target characters with lower Constitution scores or those who are already injured.
• Weird Insight: This ability allows the Nothic to learn secrets about a character. Use this to create tension and paranoia among players, perhaps hinting at a character's hidden past or a secret they wish to keep.

Strategic Positioning

• Ambush Tactics: Nothics are often found in dark, secluded areas. Use the environment to your advantage by having the Nothic ambush the party from the shadows, using its stealth to remain undetected until the right moment.
• Hit and Run: Given their relatively low hit points, Nothics should avoid prolonged combat. Use hit-and-run tactics, striking with Rotting Gaze and then retreating to a safe distance.

Coordinating with Multiple Nothics

• Divide and Conquer: If using multiple Nothics, have them spread out to divide the party's attention. This can create chaos and make it difficult for players to focus their attacks.
• Overwhelm with Weird Insight: Multiple Nothics can use Weird Insight on different characters, sowing discord and mistrust within the party as secrets are revealed.

Fleeing and Survival

• Retreat to Safety: If the battle turns against the Nothic, have it retreat to a location where it can use its knowledge of the terrain to its advantage, setting up traps or ambushes for a later encounter.
• Call for Reinforcements: Consider having the Nothic call for help from other creatures in the area, creating a multi-layered encounter that challenges the party in new ways.

By leveraging the Nothic's unique abilities and strategic positioning, you can create a memorable and challenging encounter that keeps your players on their toes.