Animated objects can be used to introduce an element of surprise while still providing a challenge for your characters. Whether it be a suit of armor, sword, broom, or rug. All of these objects can surprise your adventurers and then provide an unexpected challenge.

I have also up-powered some animated objects to make them a bigger challenge for more advanced characters – or add multiple animated objects at once! Don’t be shy to customize animated objects to make them more powerful and add unique features and powers.

Some settings do lend themselves better to these types of objects. Settings like a mysterious castle or a haunted house are perhaps ideal settings. I’m currently running Curse of Strahd again and they are the perfect foil as the party explores spooky settings.

As a Dungeon Master, the possibilities are unlimited as really any inanimate objects can be animated and attack! The element of surprise provides an additional aspect that they are sure to remember.

For an additional challenge, I have had an animated objects break into smaller animated objects for a second or third round of combat. For example, a large rug can break apart into smaller pieces of rugs than can try to overwhelm a single party member.

Or an animated suit of armour could break into a top and bottom suit of animated armour to endlessly punch and kick your adventurers.

The only limit is your imagination!