Goblin Bat Handler (4e Creature)

Design Note: This is a leader/controller version of the original lurker monster that appears on page 40 of issue 177 of Dungeon Magazine.

Lore

DC 10: The goblin bat handler is a creature that utilizes hordes of trained bats to attack enemies from a safe range. These handlers have incredible senses similar to that of a bat.

DC 15: Goblin bat handlers tend to be blind goblins, but can also blind others using darkness magic or smoke creation items, thus aiding their bats, who do not need sight to locate prey.

Encounters

True to their name, goblin bat handlers need to control bats! They generally control only typical bats, though there are some interesting varieties that control creatures even stronger than themselves. These handlers excel at making enemies fumble through darkness and lending aid to their little pets to do all the dirty work for them.

Encounter Examples

Level 1 Encounter (XP 400)

• 2 bat swarms^DuM211 (Level 2 skirmisher)
• 1 goblin bat handler (Level 2 controller)

Goblin Bat Handler

Goblin Bat Handler Level 2 Controller Small Natural Humanoid (blind) XP 150 HP 28; Bloodied 15 Initiative +8 AC 14; Fortitude 12, Reflex 17, Will 14 Perception +10 Speed 5 blindsight Traits Combat Advantage ♦ Aura 3 The goblin bat handler grants any allied bat creature within its aura combat advantage in its attacks. Bat Sense ♦ Aura 5 The bat handler gains any blindsight or darkvision of any allied bat within 5 squares. Standard Actions Flail (weapon)♦ standard, At-Will Attack: +5 vs. AC Hit: 1d10+3 damage Darkness (zone)♦ minor, Recharge Attack: Area burst 2 within 10 Effect: The burst creates a zone of darkness that remains in place until the end of the goblin bat handler’s next turn. The zone blocks line of sight for all enemies Triggered Actions Goblin Tactics ♦ immediate reaction, when missed by a melee attack; at-will The goblin bat handler shifts 1 square. Skills Str 8 (0) Dex 18 (+5) Wis 12 (+2) Con 12 (+2) Int 10 (+1) Cha 10 (+1) Alignment Evil Languages Goblin, Common Equipment flail, leather armor

By Yanied Goblin bat handlers are blind goblins who managed to prove their worth in battle using similarly blind animals; that is, bats. They are known to be the underdogs of goblin society, seen as lesser than worgriders. Using their bats, they are typically assigned to sentry or reconnaissance roles utilizing their abilities and pets in the dark. Tactics The handler usually uses its darkness as soon as it can on a cluster of enemies, preferably if they are within range for them to grant combat advantage to their pet bats. The handler rarely attacks themselves, and will usually try to get away from enemies, keeping a distance. Only when all their bats are defeated do they even think of using their flail as a last resort.

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