10 Best Low-Level Monsters In Dungeons & Dragons

Just like a few others on this list, these can be overused a lot. Some players feel that as we are playing in a fantasy world, there is nothing more boring than fighting a brigand with a sword and bow. Sure, the occasional highwayman on the road is fine but don’t overuse the concept. However, if you are looking for a grittier low magic setting, the humble bandit can offer a lot of flexibility.

Bandits don’t just have to be sitting in the woods robbing carriages. An urban campaign can be a great place to create rival gangs. Your players may want to take down the leader of the gang in a certain area, but they can’t do it alone. They can work with a rival organisation to help lower the other gang’s power, making them open for attack. Or perhaps you’ve got a gang of unscrupulous players who would like to join the local thieves guild, but of course, they have a rival.

These ideas could be your whole campaign if you wish, there are other tabletop games such as Blades in the Dark that handle this idea better but it can be interesting as one part of a story arc and can make for some comedic and interesting social opportunities.