The problem with the NPC writeups in the 2024 monster manual is that the monsters there lack any species-specific flavor, but they've already used up their power budget, so you can't really add a species without CR effects. Therefore, I went and created some templates that have a bit of room to grow, as well as slightly modified species templates (a number of species have features that aren't particularly combat relevant, or just don't scale well to this level of critter).
Gear One Melee Weapon, three Thrown Weapons, Hide Armor
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages --
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Traits
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Dragonborn: breath weapon is 1d6 damage in a 10' cone or 15' line, and has only one use.
Elf or Gnome: gain Distracting Cantrip (below)
Goliath (Fire, Frost, Storm): Replace Giant Ancestry with +1 damage on attacks.
Goliath (Cloud, Hill, Stone): Giant ancestry has only 1 use.
Halfling or Human: add Lucky (one use) in place of Luck, Resourceful, and Versatile.
Orc: do not add Relentless Endurance.
Tiefling: Note that spell attack modifier is +2.
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, as part of the action it may take the help action to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Actions
Greatclub, Quarterstaff, or Spear (two-handed). Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Handaxe, Javelin, or Spear.Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft or 30/90 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Gear One Melee Weapon, Shortbow, 20 Arrows, Leather Armor
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages --
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Traits
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Dragonborn: breath weapon is 1d6 damage in a 10' cone or 15' line, and has only one use.
Elf or Gnome: gain Distracting Cantrip (below)
Goliath (Fire, Frost, Storm): Replace Giant Ancestry with +1 damage on attacks.
Goliath (Cloud, Hill, Stone): Giant ancestry has only 1 use.
Halfling or Human: add Lucky (one use) in place of Luck, Resourceful, and Versatile.
Orc: do not add Relentless Endurance.
Tiefling: Note that spell attack modifier is +2.
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, it take the [actions]help[/actions] to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Actions
Scimitar or Shortsword. Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Shortbow.Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 60/180 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) Piercing damage.
Gear One Melee Weapon, three Thrown Weapons, Hide Armor
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages --
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Traits
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Dragonborn: breath weapon is 1d6 damage in a 10' cone or 15' line, and has only one use.
Elf or Gnome: gain Distracting Cantrip (below)
Goliath (Fire, Frost, Storm): Replace Giant Ancestry with +1 damage on attacks.
Goliath (Cloud, Hill, Stone): Giant ancestry has only 1 use.
Halfling or Human: add Lucky (one use) in place of Luck, Resourceful, and Versatile.
Orc: do not add Relentless Endurance.
Tiefling: Note that spell attack modifier is +2.
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, it take the [actions]help[/actions] to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Actions
Handaxe, Javelin, Mace, Quarterstaff, or Spear. Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Handaxe, Javelin, or Spear.Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft or 30/90 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
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The problem with the NPC writeups in the 2024 monster manual is that the monsters there lack any species-specific flavor, but they've already used up their power budget, so you can't really add a species without CR effects. Therefore, I went and created some templates that have a bit of room to grow, as well as slightly modified species templates (a number of species have features that aren't particularly combat relevant, or just don't scale well to this level of critter).
Melee Mook
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, as part of the action it may take the help action to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Greatclub, Quarterstaff, or Spear (two-handed). Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Handaxe, Javelin, or Spear. Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft or 30/90 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Ranged Mook
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, it take the [actions]help[/actions] to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Scimitar or Shortsword. Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 60/180 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) Piercing damage.
Shield Mook
Species. This creature has a species. Except as noted, this works identically to a level 2 PC in the PHB. Exceptions are as follows
Distracting Cantrip. If the creature casts dancing lights, druidcraft, minor illusion, or prestidigitation, it take the [actions]help[/actions] to Assist an Attack Roll against a creature adjacent to the effect created, and may do so again as a bonus action on the same turn.
Handaxe, Javelin, Mace, Quarterstaff, or Spear. Melee Attack Roll: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.
Handaxe, Javelin, or Spear. Ranged Attack Roll: +3 to hit, range 20/60 ft or 30/90 ft. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) weapon-appropriate damage.