Bestiary: Syndicate & Underworld NPCs
Quick-reference stat blocks for every Syndicate, Cartel, and Thieves' Guild NPC the party may fight, negotiate with, or encounter.
KRENKO (Goblin Syndicate Boss) -- Level 6
Unique NPC | NE | Small | Goblin | Humanoid
Krenko is Maliki's production manager. He doesn't fight fair -- he fights with numbers, traps, and expendable Tokens. He will not engage the party directly until cornered.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +14; darkvision |
| Languages | Common, Goblin, Gnomish, Undercommon |
| Skills | Deception +15, Intimidation +15, Thievery +14, Crafting +12, Society +11, Stealth +14 |
| Str +1 | Dex +4 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 24 |
| HP | 90 |
| Fort | +12 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Serrated Dogslicer +16 (agile, backstabber, finesse), Damage 2d6+5 slashing Ranged [1 action] Alchemist's Fire +16 (range 20 ft, splash), Damage 2d8 fire + 2 persistent fire + 2 splash fire
Special Abilities
Sneak Attack: Krenko deals an extra 2d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.
Goblin Scuttle [reaction] Trigger: An ally ends a move adjacent to Krenko. Effect: Krenko Steps.
"Expendable Assets" [2 actions] Krenko commands up to 3 Scrapper Tokens within 30 ft to immediately Stride and Strike as a reaction (even if they've acted this round). Each Token that does so takes 1d6 damage from the overload.
Escape Route: If reduced below 30 HP, Krenko attempts to flee using a hidden pipe-exit (DC 22 Perception to spot). He always has a pre-planned escape.
Boss Contingency: Krenko never travels without at least 4 Scrapper Tokens and 2 Syndicate Wolves. His preferred tactic is to send waves while retreating deeper into the Foundry.
SILAS "THE SNOUT" (Ratfolk Crime Lord) -- Level 4
Unique NPC | LE | Small | Ratfolk | Humanoid
Splinter's former mentor/"Uncle." Manipulative and patient. Prefers blackmail to violence but will fight dirty when cornered.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +12; darkvision, scent (imprecise 30 ft) |
| Languages | Common, Ratfolk (Ysoki), Undercommon, Goblin |
| Skills | Deception +14, Diplomacy +12, Intimidation +12, Society +11, Stealth +10, Underworld Lore +13 |
| Str +0 | Dex +3 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 21 |
| HP | 56 |
| Fort | +9 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Stiletto +12 (agile, finesse, deadly d6), Damage 1d4+3 piercing Ranged [1 action] Hand Crossbow +12 (range 60 ft), Damage 1d6+2 piercing
Special Abilities
Sneak Attack: 1d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.
Cheek Pouches: Silas can store and retrieve small objects (poisons, keys, escape tools) from his cheek pouches as a free action.
"I Know What You Did" [1 action] (mental, linguistic) Silas reveals a compromising secret about a target within 30 ft. Target must attempt a DC 21 Will save or become Frightened 2. If the target is Splinter, the DC increases to 23.
Ratfolk Allies: Silas always has 2-4 Ratfolk Sneaks nearby. He uses them as shields and never fights alone.
Poison Use: Silas coats his stiletto with Giant Centipede Venom (DC 17 Fort; Stage 1 1d6 poison, Stage 2 1d8 poison and flat-footed).
VESPER (Tiefling Thieves' Guild Master) -- Level 5
Unique NPC | N | Medium | Tiefling | Humanoid
Pragmatic traditionalist. Controls the city's stolen Construct Hearts. Will not fight the party unless they threaten her operation -- more likely to negotiate or test them.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +13; darkvision |
| Languages | Common, Infernal, Undercommon, Goblin, Dwarven |
| Skills | Deception +14, Diplomacy +14, Intimidation +12, Stealth +13, Thievery +13, Society +11, Occultism +10 |
| Str +1 | Dex +4 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 22 |
| HP | 68 |
| Resistances | Fire 5 (Tiefling heritage) |
| Fort | +10 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Rapier +14 (deadly d8, disarm, finesse), Damage 2d6+4 piercing Melee [1 action] Main-Gauche +14 (agile, disarm, finesse, parry), Damage 1d4+4 piercing Ranged [1 action] Hand Crossbow +14 (range 60 ft), Damage 1d6+2 piercing
Special Abilities
Sneak Attack: 2d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.
Twin Parry [1 action] Vesper gains +2 circumstance bonus to AC until the start of her next turn while wielding both weapons.
Darkness [2 actions] (innate, occult) Vesper can cast darkness once per day (Tiefling heritage).
"The City is a Host" [free action] (mental) At the start of any social encounter, Vesper can attempt Diplomacy to Make an Impression as a free action. She always negotiates before fighting.
Escape Artist: Vesper automatically succeeds on checks to Escape from mundane restraints. +15 to Escape magical restraints.
Guild Network: If combat starts in the Undercity, 1d4+2 Thieves' Guild rogues (use Ratfolk Sneak stats, Level -1) arrive in 2 rounds.
FIXER JAX (Ratfolk Thief) -- Level 1
NPC | NE | Small | Ratfolk | Humanoid
Krenko's wire thief. Caught by Parallax. Cowardly and will sell out anyone to save himself.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +7; darkvision |
| Languages | Common, Ratfolk |
| Skills | Stealth +8, Thievery +8, Deception +6, Acrobatics +8, Crafting +5 |
| Str +0 | Dex +4 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 17 |
| HP | 16 |
| Fort | +5 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Dagger +8 (agile, finesse, versatile S), Damage 1d4+2 piercing Ranged [1 action] Dagger +8 (thrown 10 ft), Damage 1d4+2 piercing
Special Abilities
Sneak Attack: 1d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.
Cheek Pouches: Can stash and retrieve small stolen items as a free action.
Pipe Runner: Jax ignores difficult terrain in pipes, sewers, and narrow passages. He knows every pipe-entrance in the Mid-Levels.
Coward's Escape: If Jax takes any damage, he must succeed at a DC 15 Will save or become Fleeing for 1 round.
SYNDICATE WOLF (Level 1)
Animal | N | Medium | Beast
Trained hunting wolves wearing tracking collars inscribed with "K." Used for patrol and pursuit.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +7; scent (imprecise 30 ft) |
| Skills | Acrobatics +7, Athletics +6, Stealth +7, Survival +7 |
| Str +2 | Dex +3 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 16 |
| HP | 24 |
| Fort | +8 |
| Speed | 35 ft |
Melee [1 action] Jaws +9, Damage 1d6+2 piercing plus Knockdown
Special Abilities
Pack Attack: The wolf's Strikes deal 1d4 extra damage to creatures within reach of at least one of the wolf's allies.
Tracking Collar: Each wolf wears a "K" bracelet. Anyone carrying a looted collar can be tracked by Krenko within 1 mile (DC 20 Arcana or Thievery to disable).
Knockdown [1 action] Requirement: The wolf hit with a jaws Strike this turn. The wolf attempts to Trip the target. This doesn't count toward the wolf's multiple attack penalty and the wolf doesn't need a free hand.
RATFOLK SNEAK (Level -1)
NPC | NE | Small | Ratfolk | Humanoid
Generic Cartel/Guild foot soldier. Used for Silas's thugs, Vesper's guild members, or random Undercity encounters.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +5; darkvision |
| Skills | Stealth +7, Thievery +7, Acrobatics +5 |
| Str +0 | Dex +3 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 15 |
| HP | 6 |
| Fort | +2 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Dagger +5 (agile, finesse, versatile S), Damage 1d4 piercing
Special Abilities
Pack Attack: Extra 1d4 damage if flanking with an ally.
Swarming: Two Ratfolk Sneaks can share the same space. When they do, they each gain +1 circumstance bonus to AC.
WHISKERS (Ratfolk Ruffian) -- Level 3
Unique NPC | NE | Small | Ratfolk | Humanoid
Bippy's main muscle. Dumb but loyal. Tanks while Bippy escapes.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +8; darkvision |
| Skills | Athletics +11, Intimidation +9, Stealth +7 |
| Str +4 | Dex +1 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 19 |
| HP | 45 |
| Fort | +11 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Heavy Club +11 (backswing, shove), Damage 1d10+4 bludgeoning
Special Abilities
Bravery: +2 circumstance bonus to saves vs Fear effects.
Bodyguard [reaction] Trigger: An ally adjacent to Whiskers is targeted by an attack. Effect: Whiskers interposes, granting the ally +2 circumstance bonus to AC against the triggering attack.
Reckless Abandon: When below half HP, Whiskers gains +2 to attack rolls but takes -2 to AC.
BIPPY (Goblin Crew Boss) -- Level 4
Unique NPC | CE | Small | Goblin | Humanoid
Sloppy, ambitious, framing the Dust-Skulkers to impress Krenko. Owes Tibbald money. Weakness for fancy cheese.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +10; darkvision |
| Languages | Common, Goblin |
| Skills | Stealth +13, Thievery +13, Deception +11, Acrobatics +13, Athletics +8 |
| Str +1 | Dex +4 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 21 |
| HP | 60 |
| Fort | +10 |
| Speed | 30 ft |
Melee [1 action] Shortsword +13 (agile, finesse, versatile S), Damage 1d6+4 piercing Ranged [1 action] Smoke Bomb +13 (range 20 ft), Creates a 10-ft smoke cloud (concealment) for 1 round
Special Abilities
Sneak Attack: 2d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.
Goblin Scuttle [reaction] Trigger: An ally ends a move adjacent to Bippy. Effect: Bippy Steps.
Smoke and Mirrors [2 actions] Bippy throws a smoke bomb and Hides in a single action sequence. He can then Stride his full speed while hidden.
Fancy Cheese Weakness: If a creature presents or uses fancy cheese within 30 ft, Bippy must succeed at a DC 20 Will save or become Stunned 1 as he's momentarily overwhelmed by desire.
Slippery: Bippy gains +2 circumstance bonus to checks to Escape and to AC against attempts to Grab or Grapple him.
CARTEL ENFORCER (Level 2)
NPC | NE | Small | Ratfolk | Humanoid
Mid-tier muscle for Silas or Krenko. Better equipped than basic sneaks.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Perception | +8; darkvision |
| Skills | Athletics +9, Intimidation +8, Stealth +8 |
| Str +3 | Dex +2 |
| Defense | Value |
|---|---|
| AC | 18 |
| HP | 30 |
| Fort | +8 |
| Speed | 25 ft |
Melee [1 action] Mace +10, Damage 1d6+3 bludgeoning Melee [1 action] Dagger +10 (agile, finesse), Damage 1d4+3 piercing Ranged [1 action] Hand Crossbow +8 (range 60 ft), Damage 1d6 piercing
Special Abilities
Intimidating Strike [2 actions] The enforcer makes a Strike. If it hits, the target must attempt a DC 18 Will save or become Frightened 1 (Frightened 2 on a critical failure).
Pack Attack: Extra 1d4 damage when flanking with an ally.