How to Build Challenging Encounters with a Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a terrifying creature that resembles a beholder, but with a crucial difference: instead of eyestalks, it has ten long tentacles that end in hungry mouths. These mouths can drain the blood of its victims, and use it to generate powerful electric shocks. The Death Kiss is a product of a beholder’s nightmares, and it shares its creator’s sadistic and paranoid nature. It is not uncommon for a Death Kiss to impersonate a true beholder, or to hunt down anything with blood in its veins. In this article, we will explore how to build challenging encounters against a Death Kiss, from the perspective of the creature itself. We will use the rule system known as Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, and the information provided by Angry Golem Games Blog, as well as other sources.
The Power of the Tentacles
One of the most distinctive features of the Death Kiss is its ten long tentacles, each ending in a mouth full of teeth. These tentacles are not only useful for grabbing and holding prey, but also for draining their blood and unleashing electric shocks. In this section, we will examine the abilities of the Death Kiss related to its tentacles, and how to use them effectively in combat.
Tentacle Attack
The Death Kiss can make three tentacle attacks per round, with a reach of 20 feet. Each tentacle attack deals 14 (3d6 + 4) piercing damage, and grapples the target if it is a Huge or smaller creature. The target can escape the grapple with a DC 14 Strength check. The Death Kiss can have up to ten creatures grappled at the same time, one per tentacle.
The tentacle attack is the primary way for the Death Kiss to initiate combat and secure its prey. It can target creatures that are far away or flying, and prevent them from escaping or using ranged attacks. The Death Kiss can also use its tentacles to manipulate objects, such as opening doors or pulling levers.
Blood Drain
The Death Kiss can replace up to three of its tentacle attacks with blood drain attacks, one per tentacle that is grappling a creature. Each blood drain attack deals 21 (6d6) necrotic damage, and the Death Kiss regains hit points equal to half the damage dealt. The target must also succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or suffer one level of exhaustion.
The blood drain attack is the main way for the Death Kiss to deal damage and heal itself. It can quickly drain the life force of its victims, and cause them to become weaker and slower. The Death Kiss can also use its blood drain attack to create a diversion, by dropping a drained corpse from a height or throwing it at another creature.
Lightning Blood
The Death Kiss has a unique ability to generate electricity from the blood it consumes. Whenever it is hit by a melee attack that deals piercing or slashing damage, a creature within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) lightning damage. Additionally, as an action, the Death Kiss can release a burst of electricity from all of its tentacles. Each creature within 10 feet of it must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) lightning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one
The lightning blood ability is a defensive mechanism for the Death Kiss, as well as a way to deal area damage. It can deter enemies from attacking it with melee weapons, and punish them for clustering around it. The Death Kiss can also use its lightning blood ability to create obstacles, such as igniting flammable materials or shocking metal objects.
The Hunger of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is not a mindless beast that kills for sport or pleasure. It has a complex and twisted personality, shaped by its origin and its environment. The Death Kiss has a number of motivations that drive its actions and decisions, and that make it a formidable and unpredictable foe.
Survival
The most basic and primal motivation of the Death Kiss is survival. It needs blood to sustain itself, and to fuel its lightning blood ability. It also needs a safe and secure lair, where it can rest and dream without being disturbed. The Death Kiss is constantly aware of potential threats, and will not hesitate to eliminate them with extreme prejudice. It will also seek to expand its territory and resources, by exploring new areas, acquiring new treasures, and enslaving or allying with other creatures.
Curiosity
The Death Kiss is a product of a beholder’s nightmares, and it shares its creator’s curiosity and fascination with the unknown. The Death Kiss is always eager to learn new things, especially about magic, technology, and other forms of power. It will often experiment with its victims, using its eye rays and tentacles to test their limits and reactions. It will also collect and study various objects and artifacts, trying to understand their functions and secrets.
Domination
The Death Kiss is a proud and arrogant creature, that believes it is superior to every other being. It has a strong desire to dominate and control others, either by force or by deception. The Death Kiss will often impersonate a true beholder, using its resemblance and charisma to gain the respect and fear of other creatures. It will also try to create or join factions or organizations, where it can exert its influence and authority.
Revenge
The Death Kiss is a paranoid and vengeful creature, that holds grudges against anyone who wrongs it or challenges it. It has a long memory, and will not forget or forgive any insult or injury. The Death Kiss will often seek revenge against its enemies, either by hunting them down or by setting elaborate traps for them. It will also try to ruin their reputation, allies, or possessions.
Fear
The Death Kiss is a sadistic and cruel creature, that enjoys inflicting pain and suffering on others. It has a twisted sense of humor, and will often mock or taunt its victims before killing them. The Death Kiss feeds on the fear of its prey, and will use its abilities and tactics to create terrifying scenarios for them. It will also try to spread fear among the population, by leaving behind gruesome signs of its presence or by spreading rumors about itself.
The Ambitions of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is not a simple predator that only cares about its next meal. It is a cunning and ambitious creature that has long term goals and strategies to achieve them. The Death Kiss has a number of aspirations that guide its actions and decisions, and that make it a dangerous and unpredictable adversary.
Becoming a True Beholder
The Death Kiss is aware of its origin as a nightmare spawn of a beholder, and it has a deep-seated desire to become a true beholder itself. It believes that by acquiring enough power and knowledge, it can transform itself into the ultimate aberration. The Death Kiss will seek out any sources of magic or technology that might help it in its quest, such as ancient artifacts, arcane secrets, or experimental devices. It will also try to learn from other beholders, either by observing them from afar, or by infiltrating their lairs and stealing their resources.
Creating a Blood Empire
The Death Kiss is not content with being a lone hunter. It wants to create a blood empire, where it can rule over other creatures as its slaves or cattle. The Death Kiss will use its charisma and deception to recruit or coerce other creatures into serving it, such as goblins, kobolds, cultists, or vampires. It will also try to expand its territory and influence, by conquering or allying with other factions or organizations, such as gangs, guilds, or kingdoms.
Destroying its Enemies
The Death Kiss is a paranoid and vengeful creature, that has many enemies and rivals. It wants to destroy them all, either by killing them outright, or by ruining their lives and reputations. The Death Kiss will use its cunning and cruelty to plot against its enemies, either by hunting them down or by setting elaborate traps for them. It will also try to turn its enemies against each other, by spreading lies, rumors, or blackmail.
Becoming a Legend
The Death Kiss is a proud and arrogant creature, that wants to be recognized and feared by everyone. It wants to become a legend, a name that inspires awe and terror in the hearts of all who hear it. The Death Kiss will use its abilities and tactics to create terrifying scenarios for its victims, such as dropping drained corpses from the sky, shocking entire buildings with lightning, or impersonating a beholder. It will also try to spread its fame and reputation, by leaving behind gruesome signs of its presence, or by boasting about its deeds.
The Tactics of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a formidable opponent in combat, using its tentacles, blood drain, and lightning blood abilities to overpower and terrify its enemies. In this section, we will discuss the favored combat tactics of the Death Kiss, and how to use them effectively in different situations.
Ambush
The Death Kiss prefers to ambush its prey, rather than engaging in a fair fight. It will often hide in dark or secluded places, such as caves, ruins, or sewers, and wait for unsuspecting victims to come close. It will then use its tentacle attack to grab and grapple as many targets as possible, and drag them closer to its central mouth. It will then use its blood drain attack to drain their blood and heal itself, while using its lightning blood ability to deter or damage any nearby enemies.
The ambush tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is hunting for food or revenge, or when it is defending its lair. It can surprise and overwhelm its enemies, and quickly reduce their numbers and strength.
Impersonation
The Death Kiss can also use its impersonation tactic, where it pretends to be a true beholder, either by hiding its tentacles or by using illusions or disguises. It will then use its charisma and deception to lure or intimidate other creatures into serving it, or into a trap. It will then reveal its true nature and attack them with its tentacles, blood drain, and lightning blood abilities.
The impersonation tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is seeking domination or fear, or when it is infiltrating or allying with other factions or organizations. It can manipulate and deceive its enemies, and gain their trust or respect before betraying them.
Escape
The Death Kiss is not a foolhardy creature that will fight to the death. It knows when to retreat and regroup, especially when it faces a stronger or more numerous enemy. It will use its escape tactic, where it uses its fly speed and hover ability to move away from danger, while using its tentacles to block or push away any pursuers. It will also use its lightning blood ability to create obstacles or distractions, such as igniting flammable materials or shocking metal objects.
The escape tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is outnumbered or outmatched, or when it has achieved its goal and wants to avoid unnecessary risks. It can avoid capture or injury, and live to fight another day.
The Terrain of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a versatile and adaptable creature that can thrive in different terrains and environments. In this section, we will discuss the possible tactics of the Death Kiss in different terrains, and how to use them effectively to gain an advantage over its enemies.
Underground
The underground terrain is the natural habitat of the Death Kiss, where it can find plenty of dark and secluded places to hide and ambush its prey. The Death Kiss can use its fly speed and hover ability to move freely in the vertical and horizontal dimensions, avoiding obstacles and traps. It can also use its tentacles to manipulate objects, such as opening doors or pulling levers. The Death Kiss can use its lightning blood ability to create obstacles or distractions, such as igniting flammable materials or shocking metal objects.
The underground terrain is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is hunting for food or revenge, or when it is defending its lair. It can surprise and overwhelm its enemies, and quickly reduce their numbers and strength.
Forest
The forest terrain is a difficult but interesting terrain for the Death Kiss, where it can find plenty of variety and mystery. The Death Kiss can use its fly speed and hover ability to move through the canopy, avoiding ground-based threats and hazards. It can also use its tentacles to swing from branch to branch, or to grab and grapple targets from above. It can use its blood drain attack to drain the blood of animals or plants, and use it to fuel its lightning blood ability.
The forest terrain is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is curious or adventurous, or when it is looking for new sources of power or knowledge. It can explore and experiment with its environment, and learn from its encounters.
Urban
The urban terrain is a challenging but rewarding terrain for the Death Kiss, where it can find plenty of opportunities and dangers. The Death Kiss cannot walk among the townfolks, as it is too monstrous and would attract unwanted attention. Instead, it will use its fly speed and hover ability to move through the shadows, avoiding detection and surveillance. It will then use its tentacles to grab and grapple targets from rooftops or windows, and drag them closer to its central mouth. It can also use its lightning blood ability to create obstacles or distractions, such as igniting flammable materials or shocking metal objects.
The urban terrain is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is seeking domination or fear, or when it is infiltrating or allying with other factions or organizations. It can sneak and strike from the dark, and terrorize its enemies with its sudden attacks.
The Special Tactics of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is not only a formidable opponent in combat, but also a cunning and creative one. It can use its abilities and environment to create special tactics that give it an edge over its enemies. In this section, we will discuss some of the special tactics of the Death Kiss, and how to use them effectively in different situations.
Eye Ray Mimicry
The Death Kiss can use its eye ray mimicry tactic, where it pretends to have the same eye rays as a true beholder, either by using its central eye or by using its tentacles. It can then use its deception and intimidation to bluff or scare other creatures into believing that it can unleash devastating effects with its gaze. It can also use its lightning blood ability to simulate some of the eye rays, such as the disintegration ray or the telekinetic ray.
The eye ray mimicry tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is impersonating a true beholder, or when it is facing enemies that are familiar with beholders. It can manipulate and deceive its enemies, and make them hesitate or flee before attacking them.
Tentacle Whip
The Death Kiss can use its tentacle whip tactic, where it uses its tentacles to lash out at enemies that are beyond its reach, or to hit multiple enemies at once. It can then use its strength and dexterity to swing or fling its tentacles with great force and precision, dealing bludgeoning damage instead of piercing damage. It can also use its lightning blood ability to add extra damage and shock effect to its tentacle whip attacks.
The tentacle whip tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is facing enemies that are resistant or immune to piercing damage, or when it is surrounded by enemies. It can deal damage and stun its enemies, and create openings for its blood drain attack.
Blood Bomb
The Death Kiss can use its blood bomb tactic, where it uses its blood drain attack to fill up one of its tentacles with blood, and then uses its lightning blood ability to detonate it. It can then hurl the exploding tentacle at an enemy or a group of enemies, dealing piercing and lightning damage in a 10-foot radius. The explosion also creates a cloud of blood mist that obscures vision and causes fear.
The blood bomb tactic is ideal for the Death Kiss when it is facing enemies that are clustered together, or when it is low on hit points. It can deal area damage and cause panic among its enemies, while sacrificing one of its tentacles.
The Challenge of the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a formidable opponent in combat, using its tentacles, blood drain, and lightning blood abilities to overpower and terrify its enemies. However, it is not invincible, and it can be defeated by a clever and coordinated party of adventurers. In this section, we will discuss the challenge of the Death Kiss, and how to overcome it with different classes and roles.
Tank
The tank is the front-line fighter, who can take a lot of damage and protect the weaker allies. The tank should be wary of the Death Kiss’s tentacle attack, which can grapple and drain them of their blood. The tank should also avoid using piercing or slashing weapons, which can trigger the Death Kiss’s lightning blood ability. The tank should use bludgeoning weapons, such as hammers or maces, or magical weapons, such as enchanted swords or axes. The tank should also use their abilities to resist or reduce the damage from the Death Kiss’s attacks, such as rage, second wind, or shield of faith.
Healer
The healer is the support character, who can heal and buff the allies and debuff the enemies. The healer should be careful of the Death Kiss’s blood drain attack, which can cause exhaustion and reduce their effectiveness. The healer should also avoid being too close to the Death Kiss, which can expose them to its lightning blood ability. The healer should use their spells and abilities to heal and restore the allies who are grappled or drained by the Death Kiss, such as cure wounds, lesser restoration, or healing word. The healer should also use their spells and abilities to debuff the Death Kiss or enhance the allies, such as bane, bless, or protection from evil and good.
Damage Dealer
The damage dealer is the offensive character, who can deal a lot of damage and finish off the enemies. The damage dealer should be aware of the Death Kiss’s high armor class and hit points, which can make it hard to hit and kill. The damage dealer should also avoid being in melee range of the Death Kiss, which can make them vulnerable to its tentacle attack and lightning blood ability. The damage dealer should use their spells and abilities to deal ranged damage to the Death Kiss, preferably with fire or radiant damage, which it is not immune to. The damage dealer should also use their spells and abilities to exploit the Death Kiss’s weaknesses or create advantages for the allies, such as fireball, guiding bolt, or hunter’s mark.
Controller
The controller is the utility character, who can manipulate the battlefield and create opportunities for the allies. The controller should be mindful of the Death Kiss’s fly speed and hover ability, which can make it hard to restrain or immobilize. The controller should also avoid being within 10 feet of the Death Kiss, which can make them susceptible to its lightning blood burst ability. The controller should use their spells and abilities to hinder or harm the Death Kiss from a distance, preferably with cold or psychic damage, which it is not resistant to. The controller should also use their spells and abilities to create obstacles or distractions for the Death Kiss or help the allies escape from its grasp, such as wall of ice, phantasmal force, or misty step.
Examples of Encounters with the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a terrifying creature that can pose a serious threat to any adventurers who encounter it. In this section, we will provide some examples of encounters with the Death Kiss, and how to use them effectively in different scenarios.
The Lair of the False Beholder
The adventurers are hired by a local lord to investigate a mysterious lair that has been terrorizing the nearby villages. The lord believes that the lair belongs to a beholder, and offers a generous reward for its elimination. The adventurers enter the lair, which is filled with traps, puzzles, and minions. They eventually reach the main chamber, where they face the Death Kiss, who has been impersonating a beholder to gain respect and fear from its followers. The Death Kiss uses its eye ray mimicry tactic to bluff or scare the adventurers, and then attacks them with its tentacles, blood drain, and lightning blood abilities. The adventurers must see through the Death Kiss’s deception, and use their skills and abilities to overcome its defenses and attacks.
The Blood Empire of the Death Kiss
The adventurers are traveling through a region that is ruled by a bloodthirsty tyrant, who demands regular tributes of blood from his subjects. The tyrant is actually a Death Kiss, who has created a blood empire by using its charisma and deception to recruit or coerce other creatures into serving it. The Death Kiss has also allied with other factions or organizations, such as gangs, guilds, or kingdoms, to expand its territory and influence. The adventurers are either captured by the Death Kiss’s minions, or hired by one of its enemies to overthrow it. They must infiltrate or assault the Death Kiss’s stronghold, where they face its loyal servants and allies. They eventually confront the Death Kiss itself, who uses its tentacles, blood drain, and lightning blood abilities to defend its throne.
The Blood Bomb of the Death Kiss
The adventurers are attending a festival in a large city, where they witness a spectacular display of fireworks. However, one of the fireworks is actually a blood bomb created by a Death Kiss, who has been hiding in the city and hunting for prey. The blood bomb explodes in mid-air, raining down blood and lightning on the crowd below. The explosion also creates a cloud of blood mist that obscures vision and causes fear. The Death Kiss then uses this opportunity to attack the panicked people with its tentacles and blood drain abilities. The adventurers must protect themselves and others from the Death Kiss’s attack, and try to locate and stop it.
General Suggestions for the Game Master about the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a terrifying creature that can provide a memorable and challenging encounter for any party of adventurers. However, to make the most of this monster, the game master should consider some general suggestions and tips, based on the information provided by Angry Golem Games Blog and other sources.
Know Your Monster
The first and most important suggestion is to know your monster well. The Death Kiss is not just a weaker version of a beholder, but a unique and complex creature with its own personality, motivations, and abilities. The game master should study the Death Kiss’s stat block, lore, and tactics, and understand how it behaves and reacts in different situations. The game master should also be familiar with the rule system known as Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, and how it affects the Death Kiss’s strengths and weaknesses.
Choose Your Scenario
The second suggestion is to choose your scenario carefully. The Death Kiss can be used in different scenarios, such as hunting for food or revenge, defending its lair, impersonating a beholder, creating a blood empire, or seeking power or knowledge. The game master should decide what the Death Kiss’s goal and strategy are, and how it relates to the party of adventurers. The game master should also consider the terrain and environment where the encounter takes place, and how it affects the Death Kiss’s tactics and abilities.
Create Your Encounter
The third suggestion is to create your encounter thoughtfully. The Death Kiss can be used as a solo monster, or as part of a larger encounter with other creatures or hazards. The game master should balance the encounter according to the level and composition of the party of adventurers, and adjust the difficulty as needed. The game master should also use the Death Kiss’s abilities and tactics creatively and effectively, to create a challenging and thrilling encounter for the players.
Have Fun
The fourth and final suggestion is to have fun. The Death Kiss is a monster that can inspire fear and awe in both the players and the game master. The game master should enjoy playing the role of the Death Kiss, and use its personality and voice to make it memorable and engaging. The game master should also encourage the players to use their skills and abilities to overcome the challenge of the Death Kiss, and reward them accordingly. The game master should also be flexible and adaptable, and be ready to improvise or modify the encounter as needed.
Conclusions about the Death Kiss
The Death Kiss is a terrifying creature that resembles a beholder, but with a crucial difference: instead of eyestalks, it has ten long tentacles that end in hungry mouths. These mouths can drain the blood of its victims, and use it to generate powerful electric shocks. The Death Kiss is a product of a beholder’s nightmares, and it shares its creator’s sadistic and paranoid nature. It is not uncommon for a Death Kiss to impersonate a true beholder, or to hunt down anything with blood in its veins.
In this article, we have explored how to build challenging encounters against a Death Kiss, from the perspective of the creature itself. We have used the rule system known as Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition, and the information provided by Angry Golem Games Blog, as well as other sources . We have discussed the abilities, motivations, strategies, and tactics of the Death Kiss, and how to use them effectively in different scenarios and terrains. We have also provided some examples of encounters with the Death Kiss, and some general suggestions and tips for the game master.
We hope that this article has been useful and informative for you, and that you have enjoyed reading it. We also hope that you will have fun playing with or against the Death Kiss, and that you will create memorable and thrilling adventures with this monster.