What They Don't Tell You About Will o' Wisps - D&D

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    Sources
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    5th Edition Monster Manual
    Dragon Magazine #99
    Dragon Magazine #328

ความคิดเห็น • 478

  • @purpleater1336
    @purpleater1336 4 ปีที่แล้ว +400

    Adventurer: *Has an oil lamp that keeps flickering*
    The local wisps: *Wondering why said oil lamp wants to invade the Nine Hells*

    • @lechking941
      @lechking941 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Me: makes a lantarn that is just a source of electricity and tormented souls wailing for time etirnal knowing this is all a wisp needs to feed and live happily and also has magic missile attached so the wisp can attack other wisps and live happy. Aka willo lantern.

    • @Squishen
      @Squishen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @Brady Philip lmao these are both bots, people. Its a clever scheme, making a bot reply aswell, but once you see it once its easy to spot. Watch out

    • @blackjoker2345
      @blackjoker2345 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Wouldn't the nine hells essentially be unlimited free food for them?
      It's literally 9 infinite realms of torment stacked on top of each other and many of them are Full of death and decay.

    • @Darker7
      @Darker7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@blackjoker2345 They're probably just not tough enough to survive there. Or it's plane shenanigans :Ü™

    • @agsilverradio2225
      @agsilverradio2225 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@lechking941 That last part Wisp caniblism?

  • @rejvaik00
    @rejvaik00 4 ปีที่แล้ว +271

    *Gollum:* _this way...don't follow the lights_

  • @arkurianstormblade4109
    @arkurianstormblade4109 4 ปีที่แล้ว +305

    Fun fact, a common explanation for real life Will o Wisps are basically Swamp Farts that ignite. Hence the swamp connection!

    • @6xXx_Jack_xXx9
      @6xXx_Jack_xXx9 4 ปีที่แล้ว +24

      There's also ball of lightning. It can kill a person or go through with no harm done. BoL can also go through walls.

    • @draxthemsklonst
      @draxthemsklonst 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      Chemiluminescence produces the light, not combustion.

    • @boitata2617
      @boitata2617 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      The same phenomenon gave origin to a mythlogical fire snake in Brazil, called boitatá

    • @joeloverton4327
      @joeloverton4327 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      One of the theories for will o'wisps in real life typically in English folklore is that lightening ignites the gases which are in the swamp which could explain the lightening immunity

    • @DerpyLaron
      @DerpyLaron 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I mean it is what the science reason is, but to quote Terry Prettchate "It doesn't stop being magic just because you know how it works"

  • @Grinnar
    @Grinnar 4 ปีที่แล้ว +141

    One of my players "befriended" a wisp. But if any of the group got knocked out during that encounter, it was going to start eating their essence.

    • @somerandomguy844
      @somerandomguy844 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      Warlock with pact of the chain: *Its free real estate*

    • @rompevuevitos222
      @rompevuevitos222 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      But they feed on agony right? that shouldn't really TAKE anything from the "victim" other than maybe the anguish itself, which is a good thing
      Or am i getting it all wrong?

    • @Cekseiro
      @Cekseiro 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@rompevuevitos222 Think that one varies. The undead ones seem to very specifically feed on the dying to fuel themselves, but at least one of the other will-o'-wisp variants were described as, quote, "USUALLY chaotic evil," emphesis mine. Which, as we know, usually means "more often than not, but not overwhelmingly enough to call "always".

    • @M-puls
      @M-puls 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My Druid player befriended a wisp of a orc warlord. He said his name was wispy. Yeah, as you can imagine it was a weird campaign

    • @Maracifer
      @Maracifer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      One of my characters befriended a wisp as well. It was risky as hell but now many sessions, passed charisma checks and one trip to feywild later it's my familiar named Jinx

  • @theodorebs7512
    @theodorebs7512 4 ปีที่แล้ว +276

    He's back, spreading the sacred knowledge again

  • @colinc4228
    @colinc4228 4 ปีที่แล้ว +508

    I can’t believe how much effort he puts into his videos he is truly a TH-cam role model

    • @AuxCart
      @AuxCart 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Sure beats a robovoice by 3000%>

    • @AkhshamiKsyAksKhaos
      @AkhshamiKsyAksKhaos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Colin C ,passion...shines through...

    • @mr.northern8280
      @mr.northern8280 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ahhhhhh men, I'm a husk removed from the kingdom.

    • @SadMan-rc6wd
      @SadMan-rc6wd 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      His videos are worth the wait

    • @nickhartner9513
      @nickhartner9513 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      6

  • @handlebarfox2366
    @handlebarfox2366 4 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    "So just what is a will o' wisp?"
    "...it's complicated..."

  • @TDSFounder
    @TDSFounder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +87

    Magic Missile has yet to fail me. Except that one mage that brings Shield.

    • @discomfort5760
      @discomfort5760 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Staff of Defense (3 or 4 free Shield casts) equipped before every battle is the MLG move.

    • @Castheknotted
      @Castheknotted 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Only done this to a player once. And he was a servant of a trickster god so it seemed appropriate

    • @somerandomguy844
      @somerandomguy844 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I remember that the first encounter I played in DnD was the gray ooze in Out of the Abyss. I instantly rolled max on my magic missile and another spellcaster used Witch Bolt, writhing to death on the first turn.
      Some of the party was upset they didn’t fight, but eh

    • @TDSFounder
      @TDSFounder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@somerandomguy844 A monster dead before it can land a crit on you is a good encounter as far as I'm concerned.

    • @discomfort5760
      @discomfort5760 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@TDSFounder All encounters are just exercise for the encounter that will ultimately kill your party. It applies to all parties.

  • @devildham
    @devildham 4 ปีที่แล้ว +70

    Screw wolves, Strahd needs packs of these, thank goodness they don't have pack tactics.

    • @Not_Ciel
      @Not_Ciel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Could you imagine the natural will o’ wisps with pact tactics? “There’s technically twelve of them in one, so they always have advantage” 🤣

  • @BlitzkriegBryce
    @BlitzkriegBryce 4 ปีที่แล้ว +166

    I could see some Will O Wisps passively following the party since they are are a good source of death and pain. When one of the players is torturing a goblin for information maybe a Wisp comes up and moans sensually.

    • @leysonmose
      @leysonmose 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

      No...bad dm

    • @somerandomguy844
      @somerandomguy844 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      The moaning is a bit too much

    • @prince_nocturne
      @prince_nocturne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

      That... Navi from Ocarina of Time is a Will O Wisp... I mean, she experiences so much pain from the enemies Link kills, most of them evil creatures. But when she's a little peckish, she just torments Link with obnoxious comments. o_o

    • @rompevuevitos222
      @rompevuevitos222 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@prince_nocturne In Majora's Mask one of the balls of light (can't remember the name rn) joins Link despite being so pathetically weak and sad on top of being easily capable to fly away, now i get why

    • @prince_nocturne
      @prince_nocturne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@rompevuevitos222 Tatl, I think their name was. Only played through the game once. That fairy was cool, though. They were sarcastic!

  • @corvidus
    @corvidus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    Ooh, what about wisps in an industrial city, feeding of the anguish of the labourers and the factory fumes!

    • @jordanfleming7022
      @jordanfleming7022 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Thats really smart! The party can follow the wisps to lead them to the big bad, subverting the suggestion to “never follow the light” MrRhexx mentions
      An industrial area (a pretty smoggy, stagnant place) has a wisp problem, the party is tasked with fixing the ventilation to keep the wisps at bay.
      Though not native to the area, the wisps where drawn to the suffering and laments of the employees.
      The smog lets the wisps exist both inside and outside the industry complex without dissipating.
      The infestation is a by-product of the company’s many corrupt practises, and as the most obvious sign of malpractice, was swept under the rug with cheap ventilation, which breaks easily.
      The party could face this two (or more) ways:
      Fix the ventilation and “solve” the wisp problem, then move on.
      OR,
      Destroy the cause of the infestation and fight through hordes of wisps to take down an optional big bad.
      Some employees may thank the party for helping them, others may be outraged to be without a job despite the dangers and horrible conditions, who knows...
      I’m sure this could be interesting to some people, with tons of opportunities to role-play.

    • @corvidus
      @corvidus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@jordanfleming7022 I am going to use this in my campaign now. Probably in a Druergar city in the underdark or something. The way you worked the idea out it really awesome!

    • @jordanfleming7022
      @jordanfleming7022 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Corvidus
      If its any help, you could even use the ventilation as a way to toggle the encounter difficulty as you play.
      Thank you for the kind words, and I wish you the best of luck in your campaign.

    • @kardellious
      @kardellious 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@jordanfleming7022 I was getting big time old London vibes from your idea, really great. Could work in multiple bad guys and reasons. Evil boss, is he corrupted piece of shit or actually bbg? Why are wisp following this guy at night? (Jack the ripper villian)(or a judge they're slowly making insane to give off harsher punishments to feed them with tortured inmates at the jail)(or a duke kidnapping the poor to feed the wisps because they help further his agenda to the throne so he literally has an invisible army pulling at the strings behind the curtain) I could go all day..

  • @blueclevername4900
    @blueclevername4900 4 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    I was really interested in understanding whY the MAZE spell is so specifically effective against wisps

    • @prince_nocturne
      @prince_nocturne 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Probably something to do with how it is a temporary banishment to a demiplane but doesn't do actual physical harm. Just a guess.

    • @maxxor-overworldhero6730
      @maxxor-overworldhero6730 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      Wacka-wacka-wacka-wacka-wacka.........

    • @BlazingDarkness
      @BlazingDarkness 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@prince_nocturne But then why wouldn't banishment work?

    • @onemantis
      @onemantis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      @@BlazingDarkness Couple of reasons for that, first off banishment isn't as powerful as maze, but second is that banishment in earlier editions only worked outer planar creatures; fey will-o'-wisps and the 'natural' will-o'-wisps are considered native to the prime material plane, thus would automatically be immune to banishment.

    • @lechking941
      @lechking941 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@maxxor-overworldhero6730 any reason tk the wacking?

  • @iamsatanjr
    @iamsatanjr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +69

    So if a "natural" Will o' Wisp eats too well and gets chubby - his added body weight just flaps out and becomes another Will o' Wisp?
    I can't help myself but imagine if that happened to humans: you eat pizza and McDonalds for a few weeks, gain some 5 kilos, then one day that pizza belly you grew flaps off - and now you have another baby to feed.

    • @adorablecockroach5131
      @adorablecockroach5131 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Makes me think of that one Doctor Who episode. The adipose.

    • @elskaalfhollr4743
      @elskaalfhollr4743 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That just sounds like free meat plus loosing weight

    • @MrJoeyWheeler
      @MrJoeyWheeler 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@adorablecockroach5131 It's funny really, the "enemy" in that episode was only an enemy because she wanted to completely kill people. If she'd stuck with just using it as a breeding ground/diet pill, she'd still be in legal trouble but humanity would probably be completely on board with it.

  • @homiestudios8173
    @homiestudios8173 4 ปีที่แล้ว +97

    Could you please do one about Hobgoblins or any Goblinoids in general?

    • @havel4385
      @havel4385 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      yes

    • @87jenova
      @87jenova 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      looking for a new job like slaying them

  • @NobodyDungeons
    @NobodyDungeons 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I made a homebrewed version of Will o' Wisps called Popoca (po-po-ka) which are akin to nature spirits, and often lead worn out or lost travelers to safety and places of rest. While Popoca are normally found in area's of high vegetation it is possible to find some in deserts and other locations. On occasion a Popoca will form an attachment to a mortal typically of good alignment at which point it will follow the mortal wherever it goes often times assisting the mortal when in combat being capable of using healing spells and using a lightning based attack. Unlike normal Will o' Wisps Popoca appear vaguely humanoid oftentimes appearing to have long hair and a more feminine appearance and glow various different colors each having their own unique effects and personalities. Popoca are born from the land itself, and typically in areas where natural energies are abundant as such they are easily resurrected is ever killed. There is a lot more to this homebrew monster, and its various attributes but that is the generally idea of the Popoca along with some important detains.

  • @Ins0mn3sia
    @Ins0mn3sia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    19:22 Dancing Lights.
    Not Will o' Wisps, but they're definitely lights with a very wispy appearance.

    • @M-puls
      @M-puls 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s from critical role

  • @mai2015
    @mai2015 4 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    I've always wanted my wizards familiar to be a wisp and have it light her books at night as she studies.... I should probably find a ttrp group first 😂😂

    • @ivanmarcusdegoeslopes1705
      @ivanmarcusdegoeslopes1705 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      tho i don't think any party members worth their salt would want to travel with a wizard that keeps a wisp as a familiar....

    • @mai2015
      @mai2015 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@ivanmarcusdegoeslopes1705 yeah you're certainly right.... I feel quite foolish for posting this at the start of the video, at least now I know it's a ridiculous idea even if a DM was willing to homebrew it I wouldn't accept putting that kind of torture on someone 😂😂😂

    • @TDSFounder
      @TDSFounder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@mai2015 Unless you're playing as Necromancer or Hag or something, it's probably better to go with Dancing Lights.

    • @mai2015
      @mai2015 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      @@TDSFounder if it helps pc was going to go into necromancy/ necromantic magics she found the wisp in a grave yard as a kid and just wanted a friend but she was kinda lonely I could work it so the wisp fed off the misery but then I just seem like a mega edge lord 😅 as if making your character chill in a graveyard wasn't bad enough 😂😂

    • @ShurikenSean
      @ShurikenSean 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      the dancing light spell can do something like that.
      could easily reflavor one of the flying familiars as appearing as a Will o' Wisp like light by casting a light cantrip on it., 5e find familiar your summoning a spirit that takes the form of an animal you want, so could easily say it appears as a wisp if the DM oks that
      maybe the character doesnt know about wisps and its actually feeding off the enemies the party kills without her knowing (similar to wisps secretly feeding off those mourning in graveyards)
      warlocks can have invisible familiars such as a sprite or imp so that could also fit
      as for finding a group I looked on roll20 to find a game and that led to joining a discord server where alot of groups play. so hopefully you can have some luck there.

  • @FireTalon24
    @FireTalon24 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is so conveniently timed, my players are just about to traverse a swamp and I was wondering what I could do with will o' the wisps. Thanks!

  • @gearedge
    @gearedge 4 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    I love will o' wisps when I was young I heard about a legend
    I learned the story because of a dutch children book
    I don't remember the exact details of the story, I have things most likely wrong and can a short version of it
    once upon a time there lived a couple in a village surrounded by swampland
    the woman claimed there was light in the swamp at night that take people away
    people didn't believe her and even her husband didn't believe her
    she went to the swamp to prove she was right but she never returned
    after that, her husband claimed that the light where real and they had taken away his wife
    if there are people who the story better please post it below

    • @mr.northern8280
      @mr.northern8280 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bumped

    • @user-cs7fg5eq9r
      @user-cs7fg5eq9r 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Sounds alien abduction. You ever wonder about all these old tales of fey and how they would kidnap people or take a baby and leave a changling behind? It's just so strange.

    • @trapical
      @trapical 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@user-cs7fg5eq9r On the contrary, I think it gives more evidence to inklings of the fey. There are hundreds of stories across so many cultures that all overlap in themes of the fey. Even modern day superstitious like "knock on wood" are all based on fey rumors.
      I mean, realistically, scientifically, I don't actually consider the fey to be real. Still though... it's curious.

    • @user-cs7fg5eq9r
      @user-cs7fg5eq9r 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@trapical Curiouser and curiouser

  • @lexsamreeth8724
    @lexsamreeth8724 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of my most memorable encounters was with a wisp. I was playing a gestalt wizard/rogue ratfolk, and my party encountered it in the woods at level 2 in Kingmaker. We were barely able to damage it, and we chose to flee...but my ratfolk was so terrified by it that it tracked us down FROM HIS FEAR.
    He nearly killed that character twice. It was the only time that character was actually panicked, up until the confrontation at the Stag King's fort, where most of our party met their doom.

    • @rachdarastrix5251
      @rachdarastrix5251 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here is what you do. My magic is focused mostly on summoning stone to form itself into a projectile, and then using a custom combined spell to then launch that projectile with great force. The combined spell uses
      Telekinetic Thrust
      3 second 0 gravity
      Acceleration
      Combining this into 1 I can launch a stone projectile up to 941 yards. This is my most favored form of attack if I have to go lethal in order to keep up with any form of long range enemy.
      Still stands no chance against the range of a Blue Dragon. But believe me, this will kill a wisp!

  • @spicylemon9339
    @spicylemon9339 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Making a variation of these things in a story I'm writing, they are just so interesting I cant stop watching lore from dnd, IRL folklore and even ghostcatcher videos

  • @markdowse3572
    @markdowse3572 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    First Edition D&D was really an amazing game. 😲 So many tough monsters that seem to have vanished from the game - and remember every Player only got 3d6 to roll for each stat with NO swapping or moving of points. If a Player rolled badly, they had to live with it! 🤔 Ouch! 😫
    Thanks for another fun and informative video, MrRhexx !!! 🙏 Great work. 👍😊

    • @warpath6666
      @warpath6666 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I remember going to a gaming convention in the 80's and I joined a game of D&D there. They had already created characters and wrote their stats down on numerous pieces of paper and each player randomly drew a piece of papar for their character. Lucky me drew a 1st level magic-user with 1 hit point. Hahaha 😄🤣

    • @markdowse3572
      @markdowse3572 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@warpath6666 Well, it would have been a quick game - and then you could have joined another game! 😁👍

    • @warpath6666
      @warpath6666 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@markdowse3572 Nah, I kept with the same character and same game all day. Just trying to not get stung by a bee 😄🤣

  • @bibbobella
    @bibbobella 4 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Lovely! I love this monster! Really looking forward to hearing about it :)

  • @giga9955
    @giga9955 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your narration energy make these videos so enveloping. I love it

  • @izaiahsundquist6877
    @izaiahsundquist6877 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Thank you so much for including one of the few yugioh will-o-wisp cards. Even though they are all pretty bad, it's nice to see art from other card games besides magic the gathering

  • @paulruiz8150
    @paulruiz8150 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks again for your hard work !
    It inspired me for a homebrew version of this monster:
    The light you see from the Will O'Wisp is just the tip of the iceberg. If you happened to look at it through the ethereal plane, you would see the shape of a creature, humanoid or not, that lives in this region. And doing so, you would see that... the creature saw you too. And it doesn't want to be seen like this.
    In this way, the Will O'Wisp is a weak form of ghost, and the creature you see was the form of the Will O'Wisp before it died.
    It also explains why you can find it in swamps or graveyards: this is where people and animals die or rest.
    In this way, animals to have a kind of ghost, even if they don't have a proper soul.
    What do you think ?

  • @NobodyDungeons
    @NobodyDungeons 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So, I created a homebrew necromancy spell called Will o' Wisps which allows you to fire off multiple spectral projectiles that deal your choice of lightning, necrotic, or radiant damage. Any enemy attacked with one of these projectiles obviously takes damage, but also prevents the target from healing till the start of your next turn. This spell is available to the wizard, cleric, warlock, and sorcerer with up casting increasing the number of attacks.

  • @FingFantasticFox
    @FingFantasticFox 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These videos are great. My group and I have this very gritty, grim, dark fantasy world and my players constantly ask about random facts and lore about the world outside of the game and your videos give me stuff to say 😂👍

  • @scottjohnson1807
    @scottjohnson1807 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    So whats amazing is I was just looking for a video on this exact subject. Thank you so much!!

  • @scorpiovenator_4736
    @scorpiovenator_4736 4 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    I always thought they should be fey instead of Undead

    • @rompevuevitos222
      @rompevuevitos222 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Well, if they form from the spirits of dead ppl, that's pretty much an undead, they aren't really connected to the fey anyway

    • @benikujaku4567
      @benikujaku4567 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      They were in 4th edition (because it was the fey will o wisp)

  • @nemonomen3340
    @nemonomen3340 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    2:38 you can’t detect _any_ magically invisible creature with detect magic. It’s a rule. Otherwise there’d be no point casting see invisibility.

    • @QuindariusGooch-s8o
      @QuindariusGooch-s8o 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Detect Magic allows you to see the magic on a visible object/person.

    • @cinnamoonfang6104
      @cinnamoonfang6104 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@QuindariusGooch-s8o exactly. hence you can't see the magic if you can't see the object/person to begin with.

    • @tanyanikolaevagizdova6571
      @tanyanikolaevagizdova6571 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      True, but that wasn't the point. The point was that their invisibility wasn't magical.

    • @jordanfleming7022
      @jordanfleming7022 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      So if you cast detect magic on an entity using magic invisibility, you’d just see the magic emanating off it, and an empty space where it actually is?
      That could be kinda interesting in a campaign, you reveal the location of the magical creature, but still don’t quiet know how to fight it.
      That being said, the empty space outlined with magic could be used to guess what the creature is - successfully or not - based on size and shape.

    • @danielribeiro1433
      @danielribeiro1433 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      with detect maginc you can sense a source of magical essence from the spell that was casted, you can't actually see trought the spell or sense the creature that used it, you wouldn't even recognize the magic detected as an invisibility spell, all you would sense is a source of magic, in this case abjuration (given that detect magic allows you to know the school of magic you are detecting)

  • @kephalai
    @kephalai 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Welcome back MrRhexx! Hope your move went well

  • @will6671
    @will6671 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just started the video, and I'm definitely going to finish watching. I know a little about these creatures, not much, but a little. But my dad gave me an idea for what will-o-wisps (or will-o-the-wisps) could be. It is a corrupted hummingbird phoenix given fey powers. Anyway, I know this is inaccurate, but it's still an interesting idea for a unique and specialized lore for a homebrew world. Now on to the video!

  • @sinclaire5479
    @sinclaire5479 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just for SnGs I created a continuation off of the wisps after playing skyrim one day, they are as follows, New Wispmother, Young Wispmother, Wispmother, then Grand Wispmother. Basically when too many wisps form in one area they coalesce into a Wispmother and the more souls it claims the stronger it gets until its almost impossible to distinguish from an old woman unless you spot her frost filled footprints.

  • @trapical
    @trapical 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm a bit miffed that they are immune to higher level spells like Magic Circle that specifically are designed as deliberate and concrete wards against supernatural spirits... Yet they somehow are weak to Magic Missile, a spell that even a child could learn.

  • @rianmilit
    @rianmilit 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was so darn fun and interesting, thank you.
    I'm looking forward to a video on the different Aasimar, Aasimon and celestials in general, I find them fascinating.

  • @lordmars2387
    @lordmars2387 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    You can't detect invisible things at all with detect magic in 5th edition. It specifically says you can see a faint aura around any visible creatures.

  • @chrisbolducrowan5110
    @chrisbolducrowan5110 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You never disappoint. You’re a gift to the hobby.

  • @jasperhammarstrom4059
    @jasperhammarstrom4059 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love when you're binging someone's stuff then they upload a new one :)

  • @serpentsembrace782
    @serpentsembrace782 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Perfect timing! I might be running some of these in the next couple of sessions for my players!

  • @Tpunkzilla
    @Tpunkzilla 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hell yeah! Was craving a new vid all week!

  • @witchBoi_Connor
    @witchBoi_Connor 4 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    I’ll be honest... when you lay out the previous editions like this, this seems like another case of 5e looking at something and saying “that’s too complicated for a single low level creature, put it through the machine”. Then again, I’ve become jaded with 5e as of late as well as it’s attitude to lore, changing it for the sake of pure approachability. You did mention the malleability of the world, of course, but I have to wonder if the direction of change 5e is taking is a good one.

    • @rafaelbordoni516
      @rafaelbordoni516 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      I prefer this approach, personally. It invites us to make our own lore. Previous D&D culture was even more static than the current one, with people going like "but is it a demon or a devil?" or "wizards and sorcerers are not the same!" even when they're not playing in the Forgotten Realms.

    • @marmyeater
      @marmyeater 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's not.

    • @jonathanwells223
      @jonathanwells223 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Rafael Bordoni more like invites you to make a better game

    • @rafaelbordoni516
      @rafaelbordoni516 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @Jyygylag And then they just break all those rules they made back in the day on each new setting book they release. Eberron orcs, goblins, elves and halflings are nothing like the ones described in the monster manual, player's handbook and etc, and Ravnica doesn't even have planes of existence. Goes to show how lore is just lore, not game mechanics. You can change the lore and still play D&D today, back in 3.5 it was a little harder to do so.

    • @sadwingsraging3044
      @sadwingsraging3044 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Nope.

  • @OrangeyChocolate
    @OrangeyChocolate 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Imagine the lair of a necromancer or a lich that uses will-o'-wisps for lighting. You confront the lich in his throne room, and suddenly the glowing torchlights on the overhanging chandelier zip down and start electrocuting you.

  • @jesterssketchbook
    @jesterssketchbook 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    12:00 That blueberry is evil!
    Listen to the music!

  • @cyntogia
    @cyntogia 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I think there is a great way to use all three versions.
    The undead ones come from the shadowfell.
    The biofungi comes from Aber.
    The Boggart come from the Feywild.

    • @probablynotasith5355
      @probablynotasith5355 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm running CoS and did actually use something similar to this; great minds think alike.

  • @maximus9430
    @maximus9430 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I really love your videos! Thank you! Since BG3´s in early access soon, it would be cool to see a "what you dont know about Goblins", it looks they are plentyfull in the game. Also an underdark vid would be sweet too!

  • @DragonGunzDorian
    @DragonGunzDorian 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another video from mrrhexx always makes my day better, thanks for the effort you put into these.
    Also want to request videos about gem dragons for some day in the future.

  • @shellknight1323
    @shellknight1323 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Little gnome girl: Oouu Pretty~
    Wisp: *"I Will Feast on Your Soul!"*

  • @erinthekeeperofthelight7713
    @erinthekeeperofthelight7713 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I knew the Will O Wisps from Brave, you’re video is interesting and inspiring to watch it’s just getting me into the Halloween spirit! 😅😂

  • @michaelmcgee5478
    @michaelmcgee5478 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like chaotic neutral wisps that are a bit mischievous but potentially helpful

  • @ericgonzalez934
    @ericgonzalez934 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks dude you have helped me learn and improve my games

  • @theejackalope
    @theejackalope 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Okay got it
    "when in doubt missile out" aka "How I play D&D anyway"

  • @kredl756
    @kredl756 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Well if you live in a steppe or plane of grass, any flat plane don't follow the light either you would usually end up in a graveyard or a corpse. Lots of off road drivers end up mad from it. My grandfather was a driver and told me about it. He personally knew few guys who went insane because they woke up in a graveyard. You see if you drive at night then you got lost and if you see a light you would be happy for people only to find yourself in among the dead.
    Why? Because of natural phosphorus from bones glow when it is exposed to the elements. Hence graveyards.

  • @DracosDiabolis
    @DracosDiabolis 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    So.... the natural will o' wisp is a spore??
    Oh man. Druid Circle of Spores anyone??

  • @FreelancerND
    @FreelancerND 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks mate! For the upcoming Baldur's Gate III I rewatched your vids on Illithids, you know, to rekindle the fiery hatred I have for them since BG II =)

  • @nathanhays1866
    @nathanhays1866 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Might have these try and finish off my next wounded party when they camp. Had no idea they were so cool.

    • @Not_Ciel
      @Not_Ciel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      They wake up in the middle of the long rest and see what they think are lanterns of enemies coming towards them. Little do they know that there are no humanoids approaching them at all...

    • @bcfb21
      @bcfb21 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Why try to kill your party?

  • @carltonwadleyj
    @carltonwadleyj 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Your content is loved , please continue 🙏🏾💯

  • @christianworen6219
    @christianworen6219 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    All of your videos are more than awesome inspiration for us DM's!

  • @billberndtson
    @billberndtson 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm always happy when I see Critter art in these videos :)

  • @chrislowell8416
    @chrislowell8416 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another great video Rhexx thanks for putting in all the effort.

  • @AceTaxiaGaming
    @AceTaxiaGaming 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Always excited when I see a new video!

  • @zachariaravenheart
    @zachariaravenheart 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Imagine a party saving a Bogarde wisp, then it helps guide the group later in the campaign. That would be cool

  • @Daile0303
    @Daile0303 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Whil-o-wisp: *cast the shield spell
    Whil-o-wisp: WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW?

  • @sadwingsraging3044
    @sadwingsraging3044 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I remember a way to get rid of the Wisp but you need a laughing Klingon to help.

  • @samsmith3878
    @samsmith3878 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This video was great! I've been planning a boss for a campain whose whole thing is The concept of nothing made manifest, so these would be some good minor minions.

  • @moonringXD
    @moonringXD 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video!

  • @dandelroke9c
    @dandelroke9c 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is so detailed! Advanced Biology and chemistry for a single monster

  • @jacobweatherford4696
    @jacobweatherford4696 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fey willowisps sound alot like A.I it also reminds me of this campaign I played in where we had ran into a undead wisp that was following us for some reason we ended up finding out it was feeding off the depression of one of the characters in our party and telepathically whispering things into their head to make them feel worse.

  • @robson2172
    @robson2172 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video as always, have you thought about doing a video on the medusa, sharn and phaerimm?

  • @doublejubble6436
    @doublejubble6436 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's always a good day when MrRhexx uploads.

  • @Davwyn
    @Davwyn 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Lantern Archon would be very interesting to hear about in contrast to Will-O-Wisps

  • @Castheknotted
    @Castheknotted 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This and all your videos are so helpful. Thank you so much!

  • @henriklyckholm245
    @henriklyckholm245 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for changing the lore of dnd into magic stories.

  • @MattPilkiePilkiewicz
    @MattPilkiePilkiewicz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loving these videos! Are you planning on doing one on the Remorhaz?

  • @BarryMueller-j7v
    @BarryMueller-j7v หลายเดือนก่อน

    19:22 Critical Role Campaign 2 Wildemount Art, I literally watched those episodes and came here right after to learn about wisps, the Might Nein found a factory of sorts that was producing the undead varieties

  • @Not_Ciel
    @Not_Ciel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I really like the older editions of this monster. I’m already thinking of how I can fit it into a campaign 🧐

  • @nolanmartin3573
    @nolanmartin3573 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I look forward to your videos every week

  • @jordanflutes
    @jordanflutes 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Willowisp gang rivalry sounds incredibly enjoyable and unique. Sharks vs Jets but with boop lights.

  • @nu1x
    @nu1x 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's good that I watched this video before playing Ori and the Blind Forest (a strange context to put that game into for sure).

  • @thatguy7243
    @thatguy7243 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I want to see a what they don't tell you about the negative planes

  • @flareinc7413
    @flareinc7413 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent stuff once again. :)

  • @thepokesage167
    @thepokesage167 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Once the quarantine ends I'll be DMing a one shot (5e) for my friends, and the boss is going to be a banshee who's the manager and main attraction of an undead night club accompanied by 2 will-o-wisps initially disguised as her stage spot lights!

    • @jesse3391
      @jesse3391 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Cool, does she have a mindflayer as manager

    • @thepokesage167
      @thepokesage167 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jesse3391 This is going to be a level 5 one shot and two of the players are going to be new to D&D, so a mindflayer might be a bit much.

    • @jesse3391
      @jesse3391 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thepokesage167 ah haha nevermind then

    • @yanderenejoyer
      @yanderenejoyer 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thepokesage167 If they have a paladin that banshee is going down turn one.

    • @thepokesage167
      @thepokesage167 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@yanderenejoyer I plan on having the party be about 60 ft away from the banshee at the start of combat, that way even if the Banshee moves last it should at least get one turn before it gets into any possible melee combat. In which, I plan on having it use it's "horrifying visage" ability first chance it gets to hopefully buy it a bit more time.

  • @navarog152
    @navarog152 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A Yu-Gi-Oh Card in a D&D video? Finally my two hobbys meet.

    • @draxthemsklonst
      @draxthemsklonst 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's been a MtG card since 1993.

    • @navarog152
      @navarog152 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@draxthemsklonst Would have been suprised if it was any other way. MtG is a great Game, it paved the way for the entire industry.

  • @ajaxthepibble5453
    @ajaxthepibble5453 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love watching these videos.

  • @aoiyuureisuru7656
    @aoiyuureisuru7656 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved this episode!

  • @spencercox7931
    @spencercox7931 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "Just cast Magic Missile. It's never failed anyone before."
    True enough.

  • @devonthurgood9381
    @devonthurgood9381 4 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Kind of feels like the writers couldn't decide which backstory to give the Will-o'-the-wisps. If the 5e Statblock is supposed to be the undead Will-o'-the-wisp, why did they still give it the lightning attack?

    • @jonathanwells223
      @jonathanwells223 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Because the only job the writers for 5e have is to dumb down 3.5 for the normies, they only had to simplify the game for people who have never even heard of d&d or watch critical roll and think that’s d&d.

    • @maxxor-overworldhero6730
      @maxxor-overworldhero6730 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jonathanwells223 I honestly have no interest in Critical Role, and very clearly I can see that - while enjoyable for a lot of people - it's quite frankly causing a lot of damage.

    • @HawkUnleashed
      @HawkUnleashed 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@maxxor-overworldhero6730 You can play older additions still.... no one is forcing you play 5e... and the stats and rules arnt set in stone. D&D is such a big game for creativity and coolness but people get so salty

    • @maxxor-overworldhero6730
      @maxxor-overworldhero6730 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@HawkUnleashed A lot of the salt is because of WOTC not only dumbing down everything, as has been said, but because in trying to appeal to everyone, it's severely affecting the lote and such. Especially in regards to decisions made under the pretense of IRL politics, with has been increasing in frequency.

    • @eddy3017
      @eddy3017 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jonathanwells223 every time I see someone refer to people as "normies" I immediately think of the emo kids in South Park calling people conformists.

  • @GallowglassAxe
    @GallowglassAxe 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good this video proves I'm not crazy. So in one of my campaigns I was playing a ranger who specialized in hunting undead. We were travelling through a swamp in order to find a hag. We were being tempted by some Will O' Wisps. Out of Character I thought they were Fey and not undead so I never made any special rolls to see what they were. This ended my character to getting zap to near death in order to save the cleric. At least now I know.

  • @MormonDude
    @MormonDude 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Am I the only one who likes the idea of nice will-o’-wisps?

  • @homiestudios8173
    @homiestudios8173 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent!

  • @markismiller6484
    @markismiller6484 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I feel like you've done will o wisp and owlbears before or am I crazy hey I'm happy either way.

  • @KAPPACHIO
    @KAPPACHIO 4 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    I used will o' wisps to kill the whole party

    • @KitKatWiffleBallBat
      @KitKatWiffleBallBat 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Doing The Gods work, I see.

    • @jamescollette1296
      @jamescollette1296 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      They make great familiars, too.

    • @6xXx_Jack_xXx9
      @6xXx_Jack_xXx9 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@jamescollette1296 for evil players and npcs.

    • @Lianthrelle
      @Lianthrelle 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I almost did that on accident, their CR is *way* off

    • @yappingdog2759
      @yappingdog2759 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Lianthrelle it's all in how you use it. A single kobold can cause a lot of panic in the right situation. And don't get me started on player fools mobs. My players still have PTSD form there first mimic encounter. :)

  • @axiomostanes
    @axiomostanes 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I might write up a homebrew spell that works specifically on creatures reliant on magic to exist/survive, for use against things like wisps and elementals. Might also function as a greater dispel magic.

  • @automatiiik
    @automatiiik 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rhexx: Time to talk about how monsters have sex!!!
    Me, the bard: *YES.*

  • @Real_Iron_Smith
    @Real_Iron_Smith 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I did not expect them to be this complex!

  • @nlira6713
    @nlira6713 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    when you mentioned the part that they hang around graveyards so they can feed off the anguish and mourning, my brain just went: hah, vegan will o' wisps

  • @moonringXD
    @moonringXD 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You should do Ixitxachitl sometime!

  • @TacDyne
    @TacDyne 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "Don't follow the light! It'll lead you to your doom!"
    Oh, you mean because it is swamp gas it is near... a swamp? And that I could get stuck? Yeah, old hat, friend. Old hat. :D
    A lot of people believe wisps are also ball lightning, but ball lightning exhibits erratic and seemingly intelligent behavior. Wisps just kinda float and glow.
    My favorite tale of ball lightning is where a grandmother was in an upstairs room, knitting while seated in a rocking chair. Along came ball lightning. It rolled up to her house, burned a hole right through the old style metal screen door, rolled up the stairs, circled the rocking chair, then rolled back down the stairs leaving a path scorched into the wood flooring.

  • @AdamAtYourService
    @AdamAtYourService 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I would love to see a video about Yuan-Ti and goblinoids (especially Hobgoblins). They're my favorite

  • @corystearman5364
    @corystearman5364 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I’d like to know what they don’t tell us about troglodytes!! I feel like their far more complexed then the monster manual tells us!! Awesome video none the less. Love your work!!