Grendax, Captain of the Wild Guard
Large Aberration, Neutral Good
Armor Class: 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 45 (6d10 + 12)
Speed: 30 ft., climb 20 ft.
Challenge Rating: 3 (700 XP)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 10 |
Saving Throws: Strength +5, Dexterity +4, Constitution +4, Wisdom +4
Skills: Athletics +5, Intimidation +3, Perception +4, Survival +4
Damage Vulnerabilities: None
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical attacks
Damage Immunities: Poison, Psychic
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Truesight 30 ft., Passive Perception 14
Languages: Common, Sylvan
Spellcasting
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Actions & Abilities
Multiattack: Grendax can take **two attacks** on his turn: one with his **Longsword** and one with his **Shell Smash**.
Longsword: *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 2d10 + 4 slashing damage. Additionally, if Grendax successfully hits a creature with his longsword, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be disarmed, dropping their weapon at their feet.
Shell Smash: *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. *Hit:* 2d8 + 4 bludgeoning damage. This attack is considered a “Shield Bash” that not only deals damage but also can knock enemies back. If the target is Medium or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and knocked prone.
Charge and Disarm: Grendax can use his action to make a single melee weapon attack with his Longsword against a target. On a hit, he attempts to disarm the target. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or drop one weapon of Grendax’s choice they are holding.
Guard’s Rally (Recharge 5-6): Grendax calls upon the morale and spirit of the Wild Guard. All allies within 30 feet gain **advantage** on their next attack roll and recover 1d4 hit points. He may also increase his allies’ AC by 1 until the start of his next turn.
Shell Shield (1/Day): Grendax can retreat into his shell as a reaction to reduce incoming damage. Until the start of his next turn, he takes **half** damage from the next source that hits him. If the damage is reduced to 0, Grendax can also regain 1d4 hit points.
Bellowing Challenge (Legendary Action): Grendax issues a powerful roar that compels a target within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 14). On a failure, the target is **frightened** until the end of its next turn. A frightened creature must spend its turn trying to move as far away from Grendax as possible.
Shell Sweep (Costs 2 Actions, Legendary Action): Grendax uses a swift movement, making a sweeping motion with his shell to knock nearby enemies off balance. All creatures within 5 feet must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 14); on a fail, they fall **prone** and take 2d6 bludgeoning damage.
Tactical Retreat (Reactions): If Grendax is attacked and the attacker is within 10 feet, he can move up to his speed without provocation. This movement does not provoke opportunity attacks. He can use this to reposition himself behind cover, creating distance from ranged attackers or regrouping with allies.
Appearance
Size and Shape: Grendax stands at an imposing 7 feet tall, with a robust and stocky build that conveys both strength and resilience. His upper body is humanoid in shape, emanating a sense of muscularity and endurance, while his massive, rounded, tortoise-like shell offers a unique and formidable silhouette.
Coloration: His skin is a deep forest green, a hue that allows him to camouflage against the dense foliage of the Hinterlands. The armor of his shell varies in color from dark brown to mottled green, resembling the soil and moss found in his natural habitat. Tribal markings etched into the shell are painted in brighter shades of ochre and teal, symbolizing his victories and the clans he represents.
Texture and Surface Features: Grendax’s skin is rough and tough, akin to bark, allowing him to withstand significant damage. The surface of his shell is rugged, featuring natural armor that is both textured and uneven, with deep grooves that have formed over time. The tribal markings are smoother, their brilliance contrasting against the otherwise coarse shell.
Facial Features: His face is lined with age and wisdom, displaying deep-set eyes that shimmer like polished jade, filled with determination and intelligence. Grendax’s mouth is wide and strong, lined with formidable teeth that are mostly flat but capable of bearing crushing force. Rising from his forehead, his elongated, jagged horns curve upward and outward like the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains, adorned with the signs of wear and seasons spent traversing the wild.
Limbs and Appendages: Grendax possesses long, sinewy arms that are both powerful and agile, featuring large hands equipped with thick fingers and blunt claws for gripping and wielding his longsword. His legs are heavily muscled, allowing for surprising speed despite his bulk, each foot ending in broad, flat soles that offer stability and grip on uneven terrain.
Special Features: The most striking attribute is his majestic shell, which not only serves as a protective barrier but also resonates with the primal energy of the hinterlands, occasionally glowing faintly when he calls upon his innate protective abilities. Under the right light, the tribal markings seem to pulse with a life of their own, reflecting the strength of his guardianship.
Posture and Movement: Grendax generally maintains an upright posture, exuding confidence and authority as the captain of the Wild Guard. When he moves, it is with a mix of surprising grace and power, each step deliberate and purposeful while retaining a sense of grounded strength. In combat, he can swiftly shift between offensive strikes and defensive positioning, utilizing the space around him cleverly.
Additional Notable Traits: Adorned with a black leather tunic that fits snugly against his upper body, the garment is reinforced with pieces of his own shell, symbolizing his connection to nature and the protection he offers. The tunic is etched with runes that denote his allegiance and authority. As a final note, Grendax often carries a weathered satchel containing futher insignias of his role and tokens from the various tribes under his watch, tying him further to the land he defends.
Tactical Information
Tactical Information for Grendax, Captain of the Wild Guard
Combat Behavior
Grendax is a strategic combatant who values the protection of his territory and allies above all else. He prefers to avoid unnecessary conflict, displaying a tendency for diplomacy when it comes to interactions with adventurers. However, if provoked or if the safety of his hinterland is at stake, he becomes a fierce protector, utilizing both his physical prowess and tactical acumen.
Pre-Combat Strategy
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Intelligence Gathering: Before a potential fight, Grendax will assess the surroundings and the intentions of the adventurers. He utilizes his high Wisdom and Perception skill, making passive insights to gauge whether they intend to harm or aid.
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Diplomatic Approach: Grendax speaks with authority and clarity, seeking to understand the adventurers’ motivations. He uses his Charisma to persuade and negotiate. If he feels they can be allies, he may offer a chance to join forces against a common enemy.
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Territorial Defense: If the adventurers show hostile intent or threaten the territory, Grendax shifts to a defensive posture, using the terrain to his tactical advantage. He may position himself near environmental obstacles, like trees and cliffs, to limit the movement of his enemies.
Combat Engagement
Once combat begins, Grendax utilizes the following strategies:
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Initiating Battle: Grendax starts with a powerful attack using his longsword, aiming to intimidate aggressors and establish dominance. He will take the lead in combat unless hindered by numbers, using his Charge and Disarm ability if he particularly targets a weapon-heavy adversary.
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Defensive Posture: Grendax positions himself between enemies and vulnerable allies, emphasizing his protective nature. He aims to shield weaker members of his party using his Shell Shield ability to mitigate incoming damage while simultaneously providing support to his comrades.
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Tactical Mobility: Grendax will make use of his Speed and terrain to engage multiple opponents if necessary. He will avoid getting surrounded to maintain flexibility, opting to retreat if needed rather than putting himself or his allies at unnecessary risk.
Special Abilities in Combat
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Charge and Disarm: When engaged, Grendax leverages his strength to attempt disarming a powerful foe, creating opportunities for allies to capitalize.
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Guard’s Rally: He prioritizes rallying his allies to strengthen morale; if combat is prolonged, he actively uses this ability to keep spirits high.
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Legendary Actions:
- Using Bellowing Challenge can turn the tide of battle by scaring off a serious threat, reducing enemy numbers.
- Shell Sweep will disrupt enemy formations, giving an advantage to the Wild Guard allies or creating space for Grendax to reposition himself.
Narrative Interactions
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Role-Playing Diplomacy: Players encountering Grendax in narrative scenarios should be prepared for dialogue. Grendax speaks with conviction, weaving stories of unity and protection. He values honor; players may find opportunities to prove their intentions through wordplay, skill checks (like Persuasion or Deception), or honorable contests.
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Role as a Mentor: If players earn his trust, Grendax may offer insights into the ways of the wild, imparting knowledge about survival in the Hinterlands. He can guide characters in finding resources or provide valuable intelligence on local threats.
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Challenging Trust: Players may find their alignment with Grendax tested. If they step too far into unethical territory, he may confront them. The encounter could involve a trial of spirit, testing not just their combat prowess, but also their integrity through role-play scenarios, perhaps culminating in a non-lethal duel to prove honesty and intentions.
Conclusion
Grendax, Captain of the Wild Guard, embodies the essence of duty and protection. He creates opportunities for both combat and rich narratives that allow players to explore themes of loyalty and unity against threats, ensuring encounters remain memorable and engaging.
