Drelbs, otherwise known as Haunting Custodians, were a type of wraith-like creature that were native to the Negative Energy plane.[1]
Description[]
The appearance of these creatures was indistinguishable from a wraith. However, despite this resemblance they were not a type of undead.[1]
Abilities[]
Despite their resemblance to wraiths these creatures could not be turned. Nor could they be harmed by silver weapons, unless enchanted.[1]
Whenever any form of psionic power was used within 30 feet (9.1 meters) of a drelb, or a psionic attack was directed against them within that range, the drelb was capable of either imitating that effect or reflecting them back upon their user.[1]
Drelbs were also capable of making their bodies appear gradually farther away, while in actuality they were moving closer towards someone. This illusory effect served the purpose of tricking opponents into thinking they were retreating. They typically used this ability when their opponents were hesitant and when clerics attempted to cast turn undead on them.[1]
Combat[]
When engaging creatures in combat, drelbs would inflict a temporary condition known as "nether chill" upon their opponents. This caused their bodies to collapse to the ground, dropping everything they are holding, and become overcome with an overwhelming shivering. Even those with strongest of wills could not overcome this effect and victims were unable to do anything until the chill passed.[1]
History[]
In the 14th century DR, a number of drelbs resided within Mithral Hall under the control of the shadow dragon Shimmergloom.[2][3] During this century, they were also known to be very rarely encountered in the city of Waterdeep.[4]
Ecology[]
Habitats[]
It was very rare to find drelbs outside of their native plane.[1] On occasion, one or a few of them could be encountered within the Ethereal Plane.[5]
Whenever they were on the Prime Material plane, drelbs were only active during twilight hours.[1]
Languages[]
Drelbs only spoke their own unique language, though they were capable of understanding simple phrases spoken in common.[1]
Relationships[]
Evil-aligned spellcasters were known to occasionally summon them to the Prime Material to act as guardians, typically of concealed treasure or places meant to be secret.[1]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Gary Gygax (August 1983). Monster Manual II 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 60. ISBN 0-88038-031-4.
- ↑ Jennell Jaquays (1988). The Savage Frontier. (TSR, Inc), p. 43. ISBN 0-88038-593-6.
- ↑ slade, et al. (April 1996). “The Wilderness”. In James Butler ed. The North: Guide to the Savage Frontier (TSR, Inc.), p. 46. ISBN 0-7869-0391-0.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood and Jeff Grubb (September 1988). City System. Edited by Karen Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc.), p. 25. ISBN 0-8803-8600-2.
- ↑ Jeff Grubb (July 1987). Manual of the Planes 1st edition. (TSR), p. 15. ISBN 0880383992.