Rug of Smothering

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Rug of Smothering Introduction

In the dimly lit corners of forgotten chambers and the dust-laden floors of ancient castles, there lies a peculiar and insidious entity known as the Rug of Smothering. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than an ornate, albeit slightly worn, tapestry of intricate patterns and faded colors. Its edges are frayed, and its surface bears the marks of time, as if it has witnessed countless stories unfold within the walls it calls home. Yet, beneath this guise of benign decorum lies a creature of cunning and malevolence, waiting patiently for the unwary to draw near.

The Rug of Smothering is a master of deception, its true nature hidden beneath layers of woven fabric. When dormant, it remains perfectly still, blending seamlessly with its surroundings, an unassuming part of the room's furnishings. However, when a living being steps upon its surface, the rug springs to life with a sudden and terrifying vigor. Its fibers twist and coil with unnatural speed, wrapping around its prey with a vice-like grip, intent on suffocating the life from its victim. The struggle is silent, save for the muffled gasps of those ensnared within its deadly embrace.

These sinister rugs are often found in places steeped in history and mystery—abandoned manors, forgotten temples, and the lairs of powerful sorcerers who have long since departed this world. Legends speak of these rugs being crafted by dark wizards, who imbued them with a semblance of life to guard their treasures or to serve as traps for those who would dare to intrude upon their sanctuaries. Some tales even suggest that the souls of those who perish within the rug's folds are absorbed into its fabric, adding to its malevolent power.

As you stand before this seemingly innocuous piece of decor, a chill runs down your spine. The air feels heavy with the weight of unseen eyes watching your every move. The room is silent, save for the faint rustle of fabric as a draft stirs the edges of the rug. You can't shake the feeling that this is no ordinary tapestry, and that perhaps, just perhaps, it is waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Tread carefully, for in this place, even the floor beneath your feet may be your undoing.

Rug of Smothering Skills & Traits

Skills

• No specific skills

Senses

• Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius)
• Passive Perception 10

Languages

• None

Abilities

• Antimagic Susceptibility: The rug is incapacitated while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by dispel magic, the rug must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
• Damage Transfer: While it is grappling a creature, the rug takes only half the damage dealt to it, and the creature grappled by the rug takes the other half.
• False Appearance: While the rug remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal rug.

Actions

• Smother: Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Medium or smaller creature. Hit: The creature is grappled (escape DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, blinded, and at risk of suffocating, and the rug can't smother another target. In addition, at the start of each of the target's turns, the target takes 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

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Battle Tips for the Rug of Smothering

The Rug of Smothering is a unique and often underestimated creature in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. As a seemingly innocuous object, it can catch players off guard, making it a valuable tool for any dungeon master looking to add an element of surprise to their encounters. Here are some tips for using the Rug of Smothering effectively in battle:

Dungeon Master Strategies

• Element of Surprise: Place the Rug of Smothering in a room where players are likely to let their guard down, such as a cozy library or a luxurious bedroom. Its ability to appear as a normal rug makes it perfect for ambushes.
• Environmental Hazards: Use the Rug in conjunction with other environmental hazards. For example, position it near a fireplace or a pit trap. Once it grapples a player, the Rug can drag them towards these dangers, increasing the stakes of the encounter.
• Distraction Tactics: Introduce the Rug during a larger battle with other creatures. While players are focused on more obvious threats, the Rug can quietly move into position and strike when least expected.

Coordinated Attacks with Multiple Rugs

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Rugs of Smothering to target different party members simultaneously. This can spread the party thin and force them to make difficult decisions about who to rescue first.
• Overwhelm with Numbers: In a larger room, several Rugs can work together to cover more ground and increase the chances of successfully grappling a player. This can be particularly effective in narrow corridors or confined spaces.
• Retreat and Regroup: If the battle turns against them, Rugs can retreat to blend back into the environment, waiting for another opportunity to strike. This can create a sense of paranoia among players, as they never know when the Rugs might attack again.

Fleeing and Tactical Retreats

• Feigning Inactivity: If a Rug is heavily damaged, it can feign inactivity, lying still as if it were a normal rug. This can trick players into thinking it is no longer a threat, allowing it to strike again later.
• Using Allies: If paired with other creatures, Rugs can retreat while their allies cover their escape. This can be particularly effective if the other creatures are more mobile or have ranged attacks to keep players at bay.

By using these strategies, dungeon masters can turn the Rug of Smothering from a simple trap into a memorable and challenging encounter for their players.