The Book of Hordes

Preface Using This Book

The Book of Hordes is a monster and military supplement The mechanics and monsters presented in this book are
created to streamline large-scale battles. meant for use by DMs who wish to introduce larger-scale,
The contents of this compendium are intended to be grand battles, without the hassle of tracking a score of hit
balanced for play in a regular Dungeons and Dragons Fifth points and turns. Running monsters as hordes allows for
Edition group. faster, more simple turns, without the micro-managing
required for fighting a large group of individual monsters.
Art Credits This simplifies the combat two-fold. First, DMs have less
things to track, and can focus their attention on the
Fallen City: Jaromir Hrivnac ...................................................Front storytelling and world-building.
Duel: QuintusCassius .......................................................................3 Second, the players no longer have to micro-manage enemy
After Shock Wind Event: Eedenartwork ....................................5 targeting, and are presented with a dynamic and interesting
The Angry Mob: Odinoir .................................................................6 foe, all while not being entirely overwhelmed through sheer
Human Zombie Horde: texahol ....................................................7 numbers in action economy.
Army of the Dead: T-RexJones ...................................................... 8
Rise of The Horde Sarnuk: Stanton Feng .................................9 Commanders
Hobgoblin, 4e Monster Manual: Steve Prescott ................... 10 The "Commanders" section of this book presents mechanics
Yeenoghu's Hordes: Chris Campbell (Skeeziks) .....................11 that can be attached to regular monsters that do not fit into
Army: WhoAmI01 ...........................................................................12 hordes, but that the DM still wishes to influence the horde in
Wolves & Trees: Donovan Valdes ...............................................13 some way. These mechanics are simple and generally
The Great Banner: Timothée MATHON ..................................14 universal, and can be made to function with a variety of
Very Fluffy: Dominik Mayer .........................................................15 different monsters. Each horde in the "Hordes" section also
suggests a few creatures that typically serve as commanders
Table of Contents for such hordes.
Commanders .............................................................................3 A variety of methods to depose a commander are also listed,
to provide DMs with inspiration and guidelines if the players
Hordes ........................................................................................... 4 decide they would rather not face a horde head-on.
Optional Rules ....................................................................................5
Mobs .....................................................................................................6 Hordes
The Undead ........................................................................................ 7 The "Hordes" section presents the rules for turning a group of
Orcs ...................................................................................................... 9 monsters into a single horde, and provides nine example
Hobgoblin ..........................................................................................10 hordes. These examples are ready for use in combat, but also
Gnolls .................................................................................................11 are presented as guides to help DMs create their own unique
Armies ............................................................................................... 12 hordes, using other creatures.
Beasts ................................................................................................ 13  
Options for Players .......................................................14
Magic Items ......................................................................................14
Training Hordes ...............................................................................16 Other Formats
This book can be found in Imgur and PDF format.
Discussion and feedback about the book can be
found on Reddit.
The contents of this book can also be integrated
with various systems, as detailed below.
CritterDB
These monster statistics were made in CritterDB.
This bestiary can be copied and adjusted to create
custom hordes.

Avrae Integration
For players and DMs who play D&D over Discord,
the monster statistics in this book can be loaded
into the Avrae bot by following the commands in
the CritterDB link. The magic items in this pack can
be accessed in Avrae by subscribing to this pack.

ON THE COVER
A king approaches the walls of a sacked city.
 
First Release: 25 March, 2019
Updated: 15 January, 2020
Commanders
In combat, hordes are often accompanied by powerful
individuals which serve to direct and empower the horde by
serving as a commmander. These creatures should roll
initiative as individuals.
Commander Eligibility
The role of a commander is typically assigned to a creature
that bears similarities to the horde it commands, but
exemplifies itself in some factor. This factor can vary
depending on the horde being commanded; some creatures
will band together under the strongest champion, while others
will follow the wisest tactician. Generally, combat prowess
and charisma are used to determine the eligibility of a
commander.
Examples of such creatures include the orc war chief,
hobgoblin captain, hobgoblin warlord, and knight, among
many others. These creatures typically possess the
Leadership action, or otherwise have some method of
inspiring or rallying a horde.
Commander Features
While a commander is within 60 feet of a horde it commands,
the commander can take 1 legendary action, choosing from
the options below, at the end of another creature's turn. The
commander regains the spent legendary action at the start of
its turn.
Attack. The commander and the horde both make one
weapon attack.
Charge. The commander and the horde both move up to
their speed.
Rally. The horde gains temporary hit points equal to the
commander's CR plus the commander's Charisma
modifier (minimum of one).
Optional Rule: Coup D'état
In order to remain in command, a commander must
maintain its authority over the horde. Conversely, a
commander that loses the trust or respect of the
horde will find its control slipping away. When
confronting a horde and commander, there are
many methods to bring about a commander's fall
from grace.
Arcane Intervention. Some commanders maintain
control over a horde through arcane means, either
with powerful enchantments or through conjured
servants. An arcane commander's grasp can be
shaken by use of magic-removal spells, or by
inflicting an even more powerful enchantment upon
the horde. Alternatively, an enchantment could be
placed on the commander, thereby using the
commander's influence to exert control the horde
indirectly.
Bribery. A commander who controls a horde
through coin can just as easily be outbid. A
sufficient show of money or promise of wealth can
sway a horde's allegiance.
Character Assassination. For a commander that
derives its authority through charisma, smears and
denigration of the commander's character can be
used to weaken its authority over a horde. Attempts
to slander the commander's name will naturally not
go unchallenged, and may result in a contested skill
check involving a Charisma skill between the
commander and slanderer. Depending on the
horde's initial opinion of the commander, this
check may be made at advantage on the
commander's part, at disadvantage on the
slanderer's part, or with both.
Single Combat. For a commander that derives its
authority through combat prowess, a challenge of
single combat may be sufficient to shake a horde's
respect for its commander. In order to supplant a
commander and take control of the horde, the
commander must be bested in single combat.
Certain hordes may specify certain sets of rules to
be upheld, and may take deep offense to any
violation of these rules.
BOOK OF HORDES
3

Hordes
Often, combat involving a large number of combatants can
become messy, time consuming, and difficult to run and track.
The rules for hordes established here serve to mitigate these
issues, by grouping similar creatures into a single unit,
allowing the DM to track fewer turns and pools of hit points.
When an encounter would otherwise involve a large
number of similar or identical creatures, a single horde can be
used to replace them.
Horde Eligibility
The system for hordes requires certain conditions for the
creatures that compose a horde in order to function optimally.
The conditions for these creatures are presented in
alphabetical order.
Homogeneity
The hordes presented here are meant to represent groups of
identical creatures, working as a collective. As such, making a
single horde represent a varied group of creatures can lead to
complications. This is to maintain the mechanical simplicity
of the horde, and to keep it simple for DMs to use.
With careful consideration, this rule can be lifted, so long as
the mechanical simplicity of the horde is maintained.
Mindset
Not all creatures lend themselves well to working in groups.
While a horde of berserkers may be able to rampage happily
together, a group of spies would likely not function as well
working as a horde as they would working as individuals.
Thus, hordes should consist of creatures that benefit from
working as a unit, and that have the capacity to do so.
Size
The hordes presented here are meant to represent a large
number creatures working as a collective.
A horde of Small or Medium creatures is sized as
Gargantuan, taking up a 20 foot by 20 foot area on a map.
This size accommodates up to 16 Medium creatures, without
overlap. Thus, hordes of Small or Medium creatures should
represent no more than 16 individual creatures.
Creatures that are Large or larger are difficult to fit into
hordes, and should be treated as individual combatants.
Groups of Tiny creatures should be treated as swarms, not
hordes. Examples of such swarms include swarm of rats,
swarm of quippers, and swarm of insects, among others.
Spellcasting
Creatures with the ability to cast spells, either innately or
through levels in a spellcasting class, should be treated as
individual combatants. This is to maintain the limitations of
spell slots, as spells can be extremely powerful tools that alter
the face of the battlefield.
With careful consideration, this rule can be lifted, so long as
the spells and spell slots available to a horde of spellcasters
are carefully selected.
BOOK OF HORDES
4
Horde Features
A horde of creatures retains most of the abilities of its
individual creatures, and gains the following abilities:
Hit Points. The horde's hit points should be roughly equal
to 12 × the hit points of an individual monster.
Ability Score Increase. The horde's Strength score
increases by 6.
Challenge Rating. The horde's challenge rating is
determined by its damage output and hit points. Reference the
Dungeon Master's Guide (p. 273) for more information on
calculating a monster's challenge rating.
Conditional Immunities. The horde gains immunity to the
following conditions: charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed,
poisoned, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned.
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space and
vice versa, and the horde can move through any opening large
enough for an individual creature within the horde.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect that
would alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Multiattack. The horde makes four attacks, or two attacks
if the horde has half its hit points or fewer. If the individual
creatures in a horde originally had the Multiattack action, the
horde does not gain the individual's Multiattack action.
Optional Features
Some hordes can get the following features as well.
Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of a
creature that is no more than one size larger than an
individual member of the horde, it must succeed on a
Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. The DC of this
saving throw is equal to 8 + the horde's proficiency bonus +
the horde's Strength modifier. For example, a horde of
Medium orcs can trample a Large dire wolf.
Area of Effect Attack. Each creature of the horde's choice
within the horde's space, or within a 10-foot radius sphere
centered on a point within a ranged weapon's range, must
make a Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature
takes damage equal to 8 times an individual creature's
weapon dice, or 4 times an individual creature's weapon dice
if the horde has half its hit points or fewer. On a successful
save, it takes half as much damage. The DC of this saving
throw is equal to 8 + the horde's weapon attack bonus.
Adapting Special Abilities
Certain abilities that an individual monster might possess are
troublesome to integrate into a horde if run as is. Below are
examples of some individual abilities, adapted to suit a horde.
Pack Tactics. The horde has advantage on attack rolls
against creatures in its space.
Undead Fortitude. The horde has resistance to all damage
that is not radiant or from a critical hit.
Turn Resistance. If a horde is composed of undead
creatures, it gains this ability. The horde has advantage on
saving throws against any effect that turns undead.
Additionally, the horde can be affected by the Destroy Undead
feature regardless of CR limits, but has advantage on the
saving throw against it and is not destroyed on a failed save.
Instead, it takes radiant damage equal to 5 × the cleric's level
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a success.
Optional Rules
This section details some optional rules that DMs can use
with hordes. They cover a variety of situations, from
interactions with effects that can affect many creatures to
individual creatures that survive the destruction of a horde.
Area of Effects and Many Targets
Although hordes are immune to many conditions as a group,
an effect that is capable of targeting the horde's entire space
or of targeting a large number of creatures can suspend this.
If the effect targets a large number of creatures (10 creatures
or more), the horde is required to be the only target of such an
effect. The horde loses its immunity against that specific
effect, but makes any saving throws related to it at advantage.
Additionally, if the area of an effect that deals damage
covers all of a horde's space, the horde has vulnerability to the
effect's damage.
Examples of spells that would interact with this rule include
fireball, fear, mass suggestion, weird, and mass polymorph,
among others.
Powerful Commanders
If a powerful creature is placed as the commander of multiple
hordes, the DM can choose to grant it additional legendary
actions, as part of its Commander Features. The commander
gains one legendary action for each horde under its command,
up to a maximum of three legendary actions.
This rule should generally be used for powerful creatures
serving as commanders, with challenge rating of 5 or higher.
Horde as a Creature Generator
Occasionally, a horde will find it economical to send out an
individual creature for a certain task, such as scouting or
diplomacy. At the start of the horde's turn, it can separate out
one individual creature. The horde loses hit points equal to
that creature's hit points.
The creature acts on the horde's initiative.
Grappling a Horde
If a creature attempts to grapple a horde, the DM can allow
the horde to contest the check instead of using its conditional
immunity. On a failed check, the horde loses hit points equal
to the hit points of an individual member, and an individual
creature is created. The creature acts on the horde's initiative,
and is grappled.
Survivors
When a horde is reduced to 0 hit points by an effect that
targets a large area, the DM can have it make a Constitution
saving throw to determine any survivors. The DC is equal to 5
+ the damage taken. On a successful save, the DM can then
add 1d4 individual creatures from the horde, acting on the
horde's initiative.
This rule should not be used if the horde is reduced to 0 hit
points by an attack.
BOOK OF HORDES
5
 Mobs Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
When times get rough and tempers flare, the general citizenry opening large enough for a Medium commoner.
may pick up their torches and pitchforks and set out on a good Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect
ol' riot. They are typically lead by a charlatan or folk hero. that would alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
Mob in combat.
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids, Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of
chaotic neutral a Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the
creature to make a DC 13 Strength saving throw. On a
failed save, the creature is knocked prone.
Armor Class 10
Hit Points 52 (5d20 + 0) Torches. The mob sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius
Speed 30 ft. and dim light for an additional 20 feet.
Actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Multiattack. The horde makes four attacks, or two
16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) attacks if the horde has half its hit points or fewer.
Pitchfork. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10 Torch. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Languages Common target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) fire damage.
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft.,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

BOOK OF HORDES
6
The Undead Though usually not seen as a huge threat as individuals, a
horde of undead can very quickly wreak havoc on settlements
Undead hordes are usually commanded by powerful undead, and unfortified towns, and are capable of extreme
such as wights, or by the necromancer that created them. coordination under the lead of a commander.

Horde of Zombies
Gargantuan horde of medium undead, neutral evil
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
Armor Class 8 in combat.
Hit Points 270 (20d20 + 60)
Speed 20 ft. Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of
a Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the
creature to make a DC 14 Strength saving throw. On a
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA failed save, the creature is knocked prone.

18 (+4) 6 (–2) 16 (+3) 3 (–4) 6 (–2) 5 (–3) Turn Resistance. The horde has advantage on saving
throws against any effect that turns undead.
Additionally, the horde can be affected by the Destroy
Saving Throws Wis +2 Undead feature regardless of CR limits, but has
Damage Immunities poison advantage on the saving throw against it and is not
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, destroyed on a failed save. Instead, it takes radiant
paralyzed, poisoned, petrified, prone, restrained, damage equal to 5 × the cleric's level on a failed save,
stunned or half as much damage on a success.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8
Languages Understands all languages it spoke in life but Undead Fortitude. The horde has resistance to all
can't speak damage that is not radiant or from a critical hit.
Challenge 10 (5900 XP)
Actions
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space Multiattack. The horde makes four slam attacks, or two
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any slam attacks if the horde has half its hit points or fewer.
opening large enough for a Medium zombie.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
that would alter its form. target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

BOOK OF HORDES
7
 Horde of Skeletons
Gargantuan horde of medium undead, lawful evil

Armor Class 13 (armor scraps)

Hit Points 175 (14d20 + 28)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

16 (+3) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 6 (–2) 8 (–1) 5 (–3)

Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning

Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, poisoned, petrified, prone, restrained,
stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages Understands all languages it spoke in life but
can't speak
Challenge 5 (1800 XP)

Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space

and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium skeleton.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect
that would alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Turn Resistance. The horde has advantage on saving
throws against any effect that turns undead.
Additionally, the horde can be affected by the Destroy
Undead feature regardless of CR limits, but has
advantage on the saving throw against it and is not
destroyed on a failed save. Instead, it takes radiant
damage equal to 5 × the cleric's level on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a success.
Actions
Multiattack. The horde makes four attacks, or two
attacks if the horde has half its hit points or fewer.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing
damage.
Volley. The horde launches a volley of arrows at a point
within 120 feet of it. Each creature of the horde's
choice in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that
point must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. On a
failed save, a creature takes 28 (8d6) piercing damage,
or 14 (4d6) piercing damage if the horde has half its hit
points or fewer. On a successful save, it takes half as
much damage.

BOOK OF HORDES
8
 Horde of Orcs Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids, chaotic evil
Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of
Armor Class 13 (hide armor) a Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the
Hit Points 189 (14d20 + 42) creature to make a DC 17 Strength saving throw. On a
Speed 30 ft. failed save, the creature is knocked prone.
Actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Multiattack. The horde makes four greataxe attacks, or
22 (+6) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 7 (–2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) two greataxe attacks if the horde has half its hit points
or fewer.
Skills Intimidation +3 Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, one target. Hit: 12 (1d12 + 6) slashing damage.
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Bloodbath. Each creature of the horde's choice in the
Languages Common, Orc horde's space must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving
Challenge 7 (2900 XP) throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 52 (8d12)
slashing damage, or 26 (4d12) slashing damage if the
horde has half its hit points or fewer. On a successful
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the horde can move up save, it takes half as much damage.
to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
Volley. The horde launches a volley of javelins at a point
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space within 60 feet of it. Each creature of the horde's choice
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must
opening large enough for a Medium orc. Additionally, make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save,
the horde is immune to any spell or effect that would a creature takes 28 (8d6) piercing damage, or 14 (4d6)
alter its form. piercing damage if the horde has half its hit points or
fewer. On a successful save, it takes half as much
damage.

Orcs
Brutal and efficient, orcs often band
together under the command of an orc war chief or other orcs
of religious importance, such as a Blade of Ilneval or Eye of
Gruumsh. They work as a unit to raid and plunder.

BOOK OF HORDES
9
 Hobgoblin
The armies of a hobgoblin warlord can be divided into squads
to facilitate chain of command. Squads are typically lead by a
hobgoblin captain, with the hobgoblin warlord often
commanding multiple squads at once.
Squad of Hobgoblins
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids, lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield)
Hit Points 149 (13d20 + 15)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 9 (–1)
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 8 (3900 XP)
Martial Advantage. A melee weapon deals one extra die
of its damage when the horde attacks with it (included
in the attack).
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium hobgoblin.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell
or effect that would alter its form.
BOOK OF HORDES
10
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of
a Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the
creature to make a DC 15 Strength saving throw. On a
failed save, the creature is knocked prone.
Actions
Multiattack. The horde makes four spear attacks, or two
spear attacks if the horde has half its hit points or
fewer.
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Coordinated Offensive. Each creature of the horde's
choice in the horde's space must make a DC 15
Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature
takes 56 (16d6) piercing damage, or 28 (8d6) piercing
damage if the horde has half its hit points or fewer. On
a successful save, it takes half as much damage.
Volley. The horde launches a volley of arrows at a point
within 150 feet of it. Each creature of the horde's
choice in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that
point must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. On a
failed save, a creature takes 36 (8d8) piercing damage,
or 18 (4d8) piercing damage if the horde has half its hit
points or fewer. On a successful save, it takes
half as much damage.
Gnolls
Bloodthirsty marauders, gnolls form packs in times of war or
hunger, scouring the land for prey. These packs are often lead
by gnoll pack lords, and are sometimes accompanied by the
dreaded fangs of Yeenoghu.
Pack of Gnolls
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids, chaotic evil
Armor Class 15 (hide armor, shield)
Hit Points 262 (25d20 + 0)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 6 (–2) 10 (+0) 7 (–2)
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Gnoll
Challenge 8 (3900 XP)
Rampage. When the horde reduces a creature to 0 hit
points with a melee attack on its turn, the horde can
take a bonus action to move up to half its speed and
use its Frenzy.
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium gnoll. Additionally,
the horde is immune to any spell or effect that would
alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of
a Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the
creature to make a DC 16 Strength saving throw. On a
failed save, the creature is knocked prone.
Actions
Multiattack. The horde makes four spear attacks, or two
spear attacks if the horde has half its hit points or
fewer.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach
5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5)
piercing damage.
Frenzy. Each creature of the horde's choice in the
horde's space must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving
throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 28 (8d6)
piercing damage, or 14 (4d6) piercing damage if the
horde has half its hit points or fewer. On a successful
save, it takes half as much damage.
Volley. The horde launches a volley of spears at a point
within 60 feet of it. Each creature of the horde's choice
in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that point must
make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save,
a creature takes 28 (8d6) piercing damage, or 14 (4d6)
piercing damage if the horde has half its hit points or
fewer. On a successful save, it takes half as much
damage.
BOOK OF HORDES
11
 Armies
Some nations keep a standing army, while others scrounge
together soldiers in times of war.
Squad of Infantrymen
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids,
any alignment
Armor Class 16 (chain shirt, shield)
Hit Points 138 (12d20 + 12)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
Skills Athletics +7
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Any one language (usually common)
Challenge 5 (1800 XP)
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium infantryman.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect
that would alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Actions
Multiattack. The horde makes four pike attacks, or two
pike attacks if the horde has half its hit points or fewer.
Pike. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) piercing damage.
Pike Wall. Each creature of the horde's choice within 10
feet of the horde must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving
throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 44 (8d10)
piercing damage, or 22 (4d10) piercing damage if the
horde has half its hit points or fewer. On a successful
save, it takes half as much damage.
BOOK OF HORDES
12
Squad of Bowmen
Gargantuan horde of medium humanoids,
any alignment
Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 115 (10d20 + 10)
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 11 (+0)
Skills Perception +3
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Any one language (usually common)
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space
and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium infantryman.
Additionally, the horde is immune to any spell or effect
that would alter its form.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
in combat.
Actions
Multiattack. The horde makes four longbow attacks, or
two longbow attacks if the horde has half its hit points
or fewer.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing
damage.
Volley. The horde launches a volley of arrows at a point
within 150 feet of it. Each creature of the horde's
choice in a 10-foot-radius sphere centered on that
point must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw. On a
failed save, a creature takes 36 (8d8) piercing damage,
or 18 (4d8) piercing damage if the horde has half its hit
points or fewer. On a successful save, it takes half as
much damage.
Beasts Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
Social creatures, wolves rarely ever hunt alone. When Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
calamity strikes, wolves will band together and fight as a pack. paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
These packs are often lead by dire wolves. Senses passive Perception 13
Sometimes, a druid or wild warrior can strike a deal with a Languages —
wolf pack, and lead it instead. Challenge 5 (1800 XP)

Horde. The horde can occupy another creature's space

Pack of Wolves and vice versa, and the horde can move through any
opening large enough for a Medium wolf. Additionally,
Gargantuan horde of medium beasts, unaligned
the horde is immune to any spell or effect that would
alter its form.
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 138 (12d20 + 12) Pack Tactics. The horde has advantage on attack rolls
Speed 40 ft. against creatures in its space.
Reactive. The horde can take one reaction on every turn
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA in combat.

18 (+4) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 3 (–4) 12 (+1) 6 (–2) Actions

Multiattack. The horde makes four bite attacks, or two
bite attacks if the horde has half its hit points or fewer.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (2d4 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is
a creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving
throw or be knocked prone.

BOOK OF HORDES
13

Options for
Players
Sometimes, situations may arise where player characters may
be charged with taking command of a horde. This section
presents magic items designed for use for commanders, as
well as rules for training a horde.
Magic Items
These items are presented in alphabetical order.
War Banner
Wondrous item, rare
A banner is a flag or piece of cloth that bears a symbol or logo,
used for rallying soldiers and coordinating military
maneuvers. It can be attached to or removed from a glaive,
halberd, pike, quarterstaff, or spear as an action.
A banner is an object with AC 15 and 20 hit points. If it is
reduced to 0 hit points, it is destroyed.
The following banners have additional properties.
Commander's Banner. While you are holding the banner,
you gain the following benefits when you use your Legendary
Action to command a horde:
When you command a horde to attack, it deals 1d8
additional damage with its weapon attack.
When you command a horde to move, roll a d8. The horde
gains a bonus to its Armor Class equal to the result until it
stops moving.
When you rally a horde, the number of temporary hit
points it gains increase by 1d8.
BOOK OF HORDES
14
   Conquerer's Banner. As a bonus action while you are
holding the banner, you can exude the might of a conquerer in
those around you. Until the start of your next turn, each
creature of your choice within 30 feet of you deals additional
damage equal to your Charisma modifier when it hits with a
weapon attack, and each hostile creatures within the area has
disadvantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Demonic Banner (requires attunement by a creature of
evil alignment). As a bonus action while you are holding the
banner, you can grant the boon of a demon lord upon each
creature of your choice within 30 feet of you, which lasts until
the start of your next turn. See the Demonic Boon table for
the variants of this banner, and the effects of the boons.
Demonic Boons
Demon Lord Boon
Two Minds of Madness. A creature under the
effect of this boon has advantage on all
Demogorgon
Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving
throws.
Liar's Eye. A creature under the effect of this
boon has advantage on Wisdom (Insight or
Perception) checks. As a bonus action, it
Fraz-Urb'luu
automatically detects the location of all
illusions and hidden creatures within 15
feet of it.
Joy from Pain. Whenever a creature under
the effect of this boon suffers a critical hit,
Graz'zt
it can make one melee weapon attack as a
reaction.
Liquid Movement. As an action, a creature
under the effect of this boon can move up
to 20 feet through spaces no more than an
inch in diameter. It must end this
Juiblex
movement in a space that can
accommodate its full size. Otherwise, it
takes 5 force damage and returns to the
space where it began this movement.
Undying Soul. If a creature under the effect
of this boon is reduced to 0 hit points, it
immediately makes a DC 10 Constitution
Orcus saving throw. If it succeeds, it is instead
reduced to 1 hit point. Once it has done so,
it can't use this ability again until it finishes
a short or long rest.
Rampage. When a creature under the effect
of this boon reduces a creature to 0 hit
Yeennoghu points with a melee attack on its turn, it can
take a bonus action to move up to half its
speed and make one melee attack.
Spore Kissed. A creature under the effect of
this boon is immune to poison, as well as
Zuggtmoy
to the charmed and frightened conditions.
In addition, if it is reduced to 0 hit points,
each creature within 10 feet of it takes 1d6
poison damage.
    Gruumsh's Banner (requires attunement by a half-orc or
orc). As a bonus action while you are holding the banner, you
can call allies to surge forward. Each creature of your choice
within 30 feet of you can use its reaction to move up to its
speed toward a hostile creature that you can see, and deals
1d8 additional damage when it hits with a weapon attack until
the start of your next turn.
Rallying Banner. As a bonus action while you are holding
the banner, you can call for your allies to rally around you.
Each creature of your choice within 30 feet of you can
immediately use its reaction to move up to half of its speed
toward you without provoking opportunity attacks.
Righteous Banner (requires attunement by a cleric or
paladin). As a bonus action while you are holding the banner,
you can instill weakness in unholy creatures around you. Until
the start of your next turn, each fiend or undead creature
within 30 feet of you has disadvantage on ability checks and
saving throws.
Spellguard Banner (requires attunement by a bard,
sorcerer, warlock, or wizard). As a bonus action while you
are holding the banner, you can create a magical barrier
which repels arcane energy. Until the start of your next turn,
each creature of your choice within 30 feet of you has
advantage on saving throws against spells or other magical
effects, and has resistance to damage from spells.
Stalwart Banner. As a bonus action while you are holding
the banner, you can inspire resolution in those around you.
Each creature of your choice within 30 feet of you gains
temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier and has
advantage on saving throws against being charmed or
frightened made before the start of your next turn.
Storm King's Banner. When a creature within 30 feet of you
takes lightning damage, the electricity is instead directed
toward this magical banner. The creature takes no damage,
and the banner instead takes the lightning damage. As a
bonus action while you are holding the banner, you can plant
the banner in the ground. While the banner is planted in dirt
or earth, it is immune to lightning damage. You can remove
the banner from the ground as a bonus action on your
subsequent turns.
Warding Banner. As a bonus action while you are holding
the banner, you can rally your allies to defend. Until the start
of your next turn, each creature of your choice within 30 feet
of you gains half cover against effects that originate from
beyond 30 feet of you.
Weathering Banner. While you are holding the banner,
creatures of your choice within 30 feet from you do not suffer
the effects of extreme weather, and ignore nonmagical difficult
terrain.
White Flag. An almost universally recognized sign of
peace, creatures that walk under this pure white banner are
granted protection from harm. As a bonus action while you
are holding the banner, you can grant protection to each
creature within 30 feet of you. Each creature comes under the
effect of the sanctuary spell (save DC 15), which lasts until the
banner is lowered (the spell can end early as normal). If a
creature ends the spell on itself by making an attack, casting a
spell that affects an enemy, or dealing damage to another
creature, the spell ends for each affected creature, and can't
be used again until the next dawn.
BOOK OF HORDES
15
 Training Hordes
When a player character is tasked with commanding a horde,
he or she can utilize downtime in order to train the horde,
strengthening it, fitting it with gear, or otherwise teaching it
new abilities.
Resources. Following the examples in Xanathar's Guide to
Everything, training a horde typically takes at least ten
workweeks, but this time is reduced by a number of
workweeks equal to the commander's Intelligence modifier
(an Intelligence penalty doesn't increase the time needed).
Training requires providing the horde salary every workweek,
with a suggested cost of 250 gp per workweek. Once this
training is complete, the horde gains one of the options
detailed in the Training Options section.
Complications. Complications that arise while training
may relate to the horde's morale or capability. Every ten
workweeks spent in training brings a 10 percent chance of a
complication, examples of which are on the Horde Training
Complications table.
Horde Training Complications
d6 Complication
1
The horde grows mutinous and seeks out a new
commander.
1d6 members of the horde have had enough, and
defect from the horde. The horde's hit points are
2
reduced by a number equal to the sum of the
individual creatures' hit point maximums, and the
horde's can't regain these lost hit points until
replacement members are found.
Disease, low morale, or a similar setback besets the
3
horde, setting training back 1d6 weeks.
The horde's equipment is damaged or the horde
4 causes damage to public structures, costing 10d10
gp in order to be repaired.
An intense divide forms between members of the
5 horde, leaving the horde unwilling to train until the
conflict is resolved.
A member of the horde is a spy, sent to learn the
6
horde's plans and weaknesses.
Training Options
These training options are presented in alphabetical order.
Ability Score Training
One of the horde's ability scores increases by 1. Update the
horde's statistics to reflect the change in ability score.
Hold the Line
The horde gains the following ability:
Hold the Line. When a creature enters the horde's space,
the horde can use its reaction to take an opportunity attack
against the creature. Additionally, the horde's space is
considered difficult terrain for creatures of the horde's choice.
BOOK OF HORDES
14
Intimidate
The horde gains the following action:
Intimidate. As an action while the horde's commander is
within 30 feet of it, the horde can let loose a battle cry,
instilling fear in those around it. Each creature of the horde's
choice within 60 feet of the horde that can hear it must
succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of
the horde for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself
on a success. If a creature's saving throw is successful or the
effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the horde's
Intimidate for the next 24 hours.
The DC for this saving throw is equal to 8 + the horde's
proficiency bonus + the commander's Charisma modifier.
Overwatch
The horde gains the following ability:
Overwatch. When the horde uses its Multiattack action, it
can forgo one attack in order to make a Wisdom (Perception)
check. Additionally, if the horde spots a creature that emerges
from hiding before the start of its next turn, it can use a
reaction to make a single weapon attack against the creature.
Restrain
The horde gains the following ability:
Restrain. When the horde grapples a Large or smaller
creature, the creature is restrained until the grapple ends.
Shelter
The horde gains the following ability:
Shelter. When the horde takes the Dodge action, creatures
in the horde's space gains half cover against effects that
originate outside the horde's space.
Stampede
If the horde does not already have the Stampede ability, it
gains it, which reads:
Stampede. When the horde moves through the space of a
Large or smaller creature, the horde can force the creature to
make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is
knocked prone.
The DC for this saving throw is equal to 8 + the horde's
proficiency bonus + the horde's Strength modifier.
Skill Training
The horde gains proficiency with a skill of the commander's
choice. The commander must be proficient with the skill in
order to complete this training. Update the horde's statistics to
reflect the new proficiency.
Tend the Wounded
The horde gains the following ability:
Tend the Wounded. When the horde uses its Multiattack
action, it can forgo one attack in order to attempt to stabilize a
creature within its space. The horde can use this ability to
tend to one of its own.
Weapon Training
The horde gains proficiency with a weapon of your choice.
The commander must be proficient with the chosen weapon,
and each individual member of the horde must be equipped
with the weapon in order to complete this training. Update the
horde's statistics to reflect the new weapon.