The Manslayers came with two new NPCs who didn’t rely on any of the generic stats from either the Monster Manual or our own new statblocks. These NPCs are Chief Mazhug and Rakgu, Chosen of Gruumsh, and they’re some of the toughest orcs in Thar, especially Mazhug. The sheer number of orcs in the camp, even after having several of their hunting parties picked off by a clever party who fully understands they need to fight an asymmetric war, makes fighting the Manslayers alone an intimidating proposition. The presence of powerful NPCs like these makes even fighting them with allies difficult, as even with allies to keep the riff-raff out, these heavy hitters and their bodyguards will fall to the players to deal with in combat.
Chief Mazhug
Armor Class: 17 (splint)
Hit Points: 136 (16d8+64)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR: 20(+5)
DEX: 12(+1)
CON: 18(+4)
INT: 11(+0)
WIS: 13(+1)
CHA: 17(+3)
Saving Throws: Str +8, Dex +4, Con +7, Wis +4
Skills: Animal Handling +8, Athletics +8, Intimidation +6
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages: Common, Orc
Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP)
Harsh Tamer. The Orc Wolf Rider can make Animal Handling checks as a STR check instead of a DEX check.
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
Gruumsh’s Fury. The orc deals an extra 4 (1d8) damage when it hits with a weapon attack (included in the attack).
Actions:
Multiattack. The orc makes two attacks with his greataxe or his longbow.
Greataxe. Melee weapon attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (1d12+1d8+6) slashing damage.
Longbow. Ranged weapon attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d8+1) piercing damage.
Battle Cry (1/Day). Each creature of Mazhug’s choice that is within 30 feet of him, can hear him, and is not already affected by Battle Cry gains advantage on attack rolls until the start of Mazhug’s next turn. Mazhug can then make one attack as a bonus action.
Rakgu, Chosen of Gruumsh
Armor Class: 18 (chain mail, shield)
Hit Points: 67 (9d8+27)
Speed: 30 ft.
STR: 16(+3)
DEX: 12(+1)
CON: 16(+3)
INT: 11(+0)
WIS: 16(+3)
CHA: 14(+2)
Saving Throws: Wis +6
Skills: Intimidation +5, Religion +3
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception +3
Languages: Orc, Common
Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
Gruumsh’s Fury. The orc deals an extra 4 (1d8) damage when it hits with a weapon attack (included in the attack).
Spellcasting. Rakgu, Chosen of Gruumsh, is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). Rakgu has the following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): guidance, resistance, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): bless, command, cure wounds, guiding bolt
2nd level (3 slots): augury, hold person, spiritual weapon (spear)
3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, speak with dead
Actions:
Spear. Melee or ranged weapon attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d6+1d8+3) piercing damage, or 12 (2d8+3) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a melee attack.
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