When it comes to impactful video games and TV series, The Last of Us stands out as a significant influence on the geek community. With a gripping story, well-rounded characters, and spine-chilling creatures, it has become a benchmark for post-apocalyptic narratives and survival horror. Among the game’s most iconic elements is the dreaded Clicker, an enemy that has left a lasting impression on players worldwide.
As avid fans of The Last of Us, we were eager to bring the thrill of facing a Clicker into our Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. However, we wanted to steer clear of its fungus-based origins and create a creature fueled by corruption and dark magic. Enter the Blightwalker, a terrifying aberration that instills fear in adventurers and offers an exhilarating challenge for D&D enthusiasts.
Stat Block and Similarities with the Clicker
While the Blightwalker and Clicker share certain features, like their gruesome appearance and chilling demeanor, they differ in crucial ways. The Clicker’s mutation results from a fungal infection, causing it to lose sight and rely on echolocation. In contrast, the Blightwalker owes its dark transformation to sinister magic and corruption, granting it a malevolent aura and unique abilities such as immunity to necrotic damage and the ability to inflict such damage type.
Both creatures exhibit aggressive behavior, formidable strength, and the potential to be deadly adversaries. They pose significant threats in their respective worlds, demanding strategic thinking and resourcefulness to defeat.
They look physically similar, although the Blightwalker retains more of its humanoid features:
As showcased in the TV series, Clickers can take the form of children, which means the Blightwalker can also be encountered in a smaller size. In addition, we wanted to maintain the infectious nature of the Clicker. However, for the Blightwalker, the real infection is transmitted only upon the target’s demise by the Blightwalker’s bite, providing players with multiple opportunities to resist this dreadful destiny.
Incorporating the Blightwalker in D&D Campaigns: Tips for Dungeon Masters
The Blightwalker presents an exciting opportunity for Dungeon Masters to introduce a dark magic-infused enemy to their D&D games. This monster can help explore themes of corruption, power, and the consequences of dabbling in dark forces. When pitting a party against the Blightwalker, DMs can emphasize tactical aspects like the creature’s ability to sense its enemies through the ominous shriek they emit.
To craft a challenging encounter, take advantage of the Blightwalker’s unique abilities, such as its Hive Mind trait, which allows this creature to echolocate the players and share the information with other nearby Blightwalkers. Players must adapt their strategies, considering the monster’s infectious nature and keen hearing. The Blightwalker’s sinister presence also leads to suspenseful moments, as players must exercise caution and cunning to avoid detection and defeat.
Bring The Last of Us-Inspired Terror to Your Tabletop
By weaving dark magic and corruption into the mix, the Blightwalker becomes a versatile and formidable foe that will challenge your players and create unforgettable encounters. Embrace the darkness and let the Blightwalker elevate your D&D adventures to new levels of terror.
