Large monstrosity, neutral
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d10 + 20)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Proficiency Bonus +3
Proficiency Bonus +5 (5th Edition Advanced Mode)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 15 (+2) | 4 (-3) | 14 (+2) | 9 (-1) |
Saving Throws (suggested) Str +7, Dex +6, Dex +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages –
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Stone Camouflage. The grick has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain.
ACTIONS
- Multiattack. The grick makes two attacks: one with its tail and one with its tentacles. If it hits with its tentacles, the grick can make one beak attack against the same target.
- Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
- Tentacles. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 4) slashing damage.
- Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
GRICK’s TACTICS (read the article)
5th Edition Advanced Mode
Limiting the power of a character and making the overall difficulty of the game harder, does not reduce the creativity, indeed it does quite the opposite.
The Game Master has the option to use any and all of the instances proposed in this guide, or just some of them according to their preference.
It is the lack of something that move and motivate characters, not the abundance of it
DESCRIPTION
The Grick Alpha is a monstrous worm-like creature that lurks in the dark and rocky places of the world. It has a long, segmented body covered in tough, gray scales that blend in with its surroundings. Its head is a mass of four barbed tentacles that surround a hungry, snapping beak. Its eyes are tiny and barely visible, but it can sense vibrations and heat with its tentacles. The Grick Alpha is larger and stronger than a normal grick, and it often leads a pack of its smaller kin.
COMBAT
The Grick Alpha is a cunning and ruthless predator that ambushes its prey from hiding. It can climb on walls and ceilings, and it uses its stone camouflage to blend in with the rocky terrain. It attacks with its tail and tentacles, lashing out at multiple targets with surprising speed and accuracy. If it hits with its tentacles, it can make a beak attack against the same target, biting with enough force to crush bones. The Grick Alpha is resistant to nonmagical weapons, and it can shrug off most types of damage except for acid and fire. It is also immune to poison and psychic effects, and it has no need for sleep.
The Grick Alpha is not a mindless beast, but rather a clever and adaptable hunter. It can communicate with other gricks telepathically, and it can coordinate their attacks to maximize their efficiency. It can also learn from its enemies’ tactics and adjust its own accordingly. It knows when to retreat or pursue, when to attack or feint, and when to use its environment to its advantage. The Grick Alpha is not afraid to fight dirty, and it will use any means necessary to ensure its survival and that of its pack.
HABITAT / SOCIETY
The Grick Alpha lives in dark and secluded places, such as caves, dungeons, ruins, or underground tunnels. It prefers areas that are rich in minerals and metals, as it feeds on both organic and inorganic matter. It can digest almost anything, including metal, stone, wood, leather, cloth, or flesh. It has a voracious appetite, and it will hunt anything that moves within its territory.
The Grick Alpha is the leader of a pack of gricks, which usually consists of 3 to 12 individuals. The pack follows the alpha’s commands without question, as it provides them with protection, guidance, and food. The alpha is usually the oldest and largest grick in the pack, but it can be challenged by younger or stronger rivals. If the alpha is killed or driven away, the pack will either disperse or choose a new leader among themselves.
The Grick Alpha has no interest in other creatures besides as potential prey or threats. It does not form alliances or trade with other races, nor does it care about their cultures or beliefs. It views everything as either food or foe, and it will attack anyone who intrudes on its domain or competes for its resources. The only exception is when the grick alpha encounters another grick alpha from a different pack. In such cases, the two alphas will either ignore each other or engage in a ritualistic display of dominance, depending on their mood and situation.
ECOLOGY
The Grick Alpha plays an important role in the ecology of the underground world. It is both a predator and a scavenger, feeding on living creatures as well as dead matter. It helps to recycle nutrients and minerals from the environment, breaking down organic and inorganic materials into simpler forms that can be used by other organisms. It also helps to control the population of other creatures that might otherwise overpopulate or damage the ecosystem.
The Grick Alpha has few natural enemies, as most creatures avoid or fear it. However, it does face some threats from other predators or adventurers that seek to hunt it for its scales or meat. Its scales are valued for their toughness and durability, and they can be used to make armor or shields. Its meat is considered a delicacy by some races, such as goblins or kobolds, who believe that eating it will grant them strength and cunning. The Grick Alpha is also vulnerable to certain types of magic or traps that can bypass its defenses or catch it off guard.
The Grick Alpha reproduces by laying eggs in hidden nests within its territory. The eggs are protected by a thick layer of slime that hardens into a shell-like casing. The eggs hatch after several months, releasing tiny gricks that quickly grow and mature. The young gricks are cared for by the alpha and the rest of the pack, who teach them how to hunt and survive. The gricks reach adulthood after about two years, and they can live up to 20 years.