Adversaries

Enemies & Stat Blocks

Running an Adventure

All the information required to run an adversary is contained in their stat block. An adversary's stat block includes their name, tier, type, description, motives & tactics, and mechanical statistics.

Stat Block Components

Name

Each stat block has a unique name. Abilities that affect adversaries with a certain name include all adversaries who use that stat block, regardless of their in-story name.

Tier

Each adversary is designed to oppose PCs of a certain tier. If you confront the party with an adversary from another tier, adjust their stats.

Description & Motives

A summary of the adversary's appearance and demeanor.

Motives & Tactics: Suggested impulses, actions and goals for the adversary.

Adversary Types

The adversary's type appears alongside their tier. An adversary's type represents the role they play in a conflict.

Bruisers

Tough; deliver powerful attacks.

Hordes

Groups of identical creatures acting together as a single unit.

Leaders

Command and summon other adversaries.

Minions

Easily dispatched but dangerous in numbers.

Ranged

Fragile in close encounters but deal high damage at range.

Skulks

Maneuver and exploit opportunities to ambush opponents.

Socials

Present challenges around conversation instead of combat.

Solos

Present a formidable challenge to a whole party, with or without support.

Standards

Representative of their fictional group.

Supports

Enhance their allies and disrupt their opponents.

Mechanical Statistics

Difficulty

The Difficulty of any roll made against the adversary, unless otherwise noted.

Damage Thresholds, Hit Points, and Stress

These systems function the same way they do for PCs. The numbers listed after "Threshold" are the adversary's Major and Severe Thresholds.

Attack Modifier & Standard Attack

Attack Modifier: When you attack with the adversary, apply this bonus or penalty to your attack roll.

Standard Attack: The adversary's basic attack with damage and any special properties.

Using Adversaries Effectively

Tactical Considerations

  • Use motives & tactics to guide behavior
  • Match adversary tier to party level
  • Combine different types for variety
  • Consider environmental factors

Narrative Integration

  • Base actions on character motivations
  • Use description to enhance atmosphere
  • Make each adversary memorable
  • Connect to larger story themes

Complete Adversary Collection

Adversary Stat Blocks

Complete collection of adversaries organized by tier, with full stat blocks, abilities, and tactical guidance

See complete adversary collections for Tiers 1-4 with detailed stat blocks and encounter building guidance