The next update is the Berserker:

This is the first creature covered to get a bit of an update with the new rules. Gone is the reckless attack, replaced by Bloodied Frenzy (the term Bloodied being revived from 4th edition in the new rule set).

As an aside, since most humanoid "monsters" are now purged from the Monster Manual, the conversion rules presented therein suggests the Berserker as suitable replacement for the Orog.

 

Continuing the update for the 2024 Free Rules - next up the Bandit.

 This post is a placeholder post for some of the monsters that appeared in the Forge of Rogbrok and Great Arms Race, that didn't make it to the new 2024 Free Rules.

Animated Armor

Giant Lizard

 

 

Just like dwarves, elves were initially barred from becoming Clerics in the first edition of AD&D, where the class was originally only available to NPC elves. This changed with the Unearthed Arcana supplement, that allowed them limited advancement in the class.

 

 

Dwarves make excellent fighters, and while a berserker might be seen as a bit primitive among other races, for dwarves they are the epitome of bravery and fighting prowess. Sometimes called battle ragers or troll slayers, this type of reckless dwarf fighter has been a staple of many a fantasy game, not just D&D.

Back in the first edition AD&D player's handbook, only NPC dwarves were allowed to be clerics. The rules were relaxed later, making it one of the few spellcasting classes available to dwarves. As NPC they can come in every guise, ranging from benevolent healers to nefarious cultists, calling upon their deity for blessings and miracles, or to cause mayhem and destruction.

Knights are warriors, usually belonging to the lower class of nobility, often defined by their prowess in mounted combat and superior equipment.

Medieval tales of chivalry, like those of ElCid, Roland and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round table have greatly influenced modern fantasy writing, and naturally also fantasy role playing games, like D&D.

Junior members of the clergy, these characters might be minor healers or spellcasting nuisances threatening the players - all depending on their faith. They might be zealots of some greater good or some unspeakable evil - or just religious fanatics in the service of ambivalent, indifferent neutrality.

Their spell selection can vary  depending on faith and circumstance. The standard array is largely dedicated to healing and protection, but an acolyte of a more sinister deity might swap some of their more benevolent spells with offensive spells like Command and Inflict Wounds.

The standard guard, dwarf edition. With the Hill Dwarf's hit point boost and wisdom bonus, this variety makes for an even more stalwart and vigilant guard than the standard edition.

Welcome to the rouges' gallery, where the usual suspects have been gathered for your perusal:

Challenge 0 (10 xp):

• Commoner, Dwarf

Challenge 1/8 (25 xp):

• Bandit
• Bandit, Halfling
• Guard
• Guard, Dwarf

Challenge 1/4 (50 xp):

• Acolyte
• Acolyte, Elf
  

Challenge 1/2 (100 xp):

• Thug
• Thug, Dwarf

Challenge 2 (450 xp):

• Dwarf Berserker
• Dwarf Priest

Challenge 3 (700 xp):

• Knight

The guardsman is one of the most basic NPC the players are likely to encounter, both as adversary, as a hindrance or even as an ally.

With their superior strength, constitution and weapon and armour proficiencies, the dwarf thug is an even tougher cookie than their human counterpart. Luckily dwarven society frowns upon such behavior, but once in a while even a dwarf is down on his luck, and needs to retort to less than honorable means to make ends meet.

Thugs are one step up on the chain of low-lives for the common bandit. What they lack in finesse, they make up in brawn.

Any character who's made an enemy of some local personality, should probably watch their backs, especially in low lit alleys, in case a band of hired muscle should show up, just to teach someone to mind their own buisness.

Bandits come in all shapes and sizes, and don't let the small size fool you...

While monsters are the hallmark of any fantasy role playing game, in many instances other human (and demi-human) opponents may make up just as much the opposition to any player character. Especially in low fantasy settings, these might make up the bulk of any opposition the players face.

Bandits, simple thieves and ruffians, living at odds with the law are the simplest form of human adversery any adventurer might face. Poorly trained and equipped, they're mostly dangerous in great numbers.

D&D isn't just monsters - other people inhabit the same world as the players. In RPG terms these people are known as NPC - non player characters. While some can be mighty kings, powerful knights or evil mastermind wizards, a lot of them are just plain commoners - farmers or labourers. Back in the day, these were often known as 0-level character.