Plane of Water

Aboleth

Morrus — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 15:35:02 +0000

Aboleth Morrus Mon, 11/22/2021 - 15:35

Description

Aboleths are hyper-intelligent amphibians that lurk in underwater caves and strange ruined cities, guarding ancient secrets and sending forth charmed thralls to advance their intricate schemes.

Ancient Empires. Aboleths claim they once ruled barren land and slimy sea alike before the coming of the gods. They commanded legions of fish folk in underwater cities of black stone columns, twisted towers, and floating portals glowing with unearthly light. The ruins of these sunless cities still beckon and annihilate unwise explorers.

Memory Eaters. Aboleths remember their former days of dominion perfectly. Each aboleth gains the memory of any creature it eats, and aboleths consume their elders as well as other prey. Every aboleth is a repository of ancient knowledge, which it will share for a price. If a supplicant asks a sea witch for a service or secret that she can’t provide, she will turn to an aboleth for help.

Well-Laid Plans. Aboleths plot to overthrow the gods, sink continents, and bring about an endless watery empire. To that end, they scheme endlessly to enthrall mighty mortals, acquire artifacts, gain the keys to the krakens’ freedom, and sow dissent and distrust among the gods and their servants.

Every setback can be turned to advantage in time, and aboleths—with their generation-spanning memories—have eons at their disposal. Nevertheless, aboleths always seek to avenge a wrong. Even a slain aboleth can be a dangerous foe; the aboleth that consumes it will inherit its resentments.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 17 (natural armor)

HP 171 (18d10 + 72; bloodied 85)

Speed 10 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +4; Maneuver DC 17

Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +8, Int +9, Wis +9

Skills Deception +8, History +9, Stealth +5

Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages Deep Speech, telepathy 120 ft.

Amphibious. The aboleth can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting. The aboleth’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:

3/day each: (range 120 ft.), , (range 1 mile)

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). When the aboleth fails a , it can choose to succeed instead. When it does so, one of its eyes flashes with green light and then turns dull black. Once all 3 of its eyes are black, it is blind beyond the range of its blindsight until it finishes a long rest.

ACTIONS

Multiattack. The aboleth attacks three times with its tentacle.

Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (4d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The aboleth can choose instead to deal 0 damage. If the target is a creature, it makes a DC 16 Constitution . On a failure, it contracts a disease called the Sea Change. On a success, it is immune to this disease for 24 hours. While affected by this disease, the target has disadvantage on Wisdom saving throws. After 1 hour, the target grows gills, it can breathe water, its skin becomes slimy, and it begins to suffocate if it goes 12 hours without being immersed in water for at least 1 hour. This disease can be removed with a disease-removing spell cast with at least a 4th-level spell slot, and it ends 24 hours after the aboleth dies.

Slimy Cloud (1/Day, While Bloodied). While underwater, the aboleth exudes a cloud of inky slime in a 30-foot-radius sphere. Each non-aboleth creature in the area when the cloud appears makes a DC 16 Constitution . On a failure, it takes 44 (8d10) poison damage and is for 1 minute. The slime extends around corners, and the area is for 1 minute or until a strong current dissipates the cloud.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS

The aboleth can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. It regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Move. The aboleth moves up to its swim speed without provoking .

Telepathic Summon. One creature within 90 feet makes a DC 16 Wisdom . On a failure, it must use its reaction, if available, to move up to its speed toward the aboleth by the most direct route that avoids hazards, not avoiding opportunity attacks. This is a magical charm effect.

Baleful Charm (Costs 2 Actions). The aboleth targets one creature within 60 feet that has contracted Sea Change. The target makes a DC 16 Wisdom . On a failure, it is magically by the aboleth until the aboleth dies. The target can repeat this saving throw every 24 hours and when it takes damage from the aboleth or the aboleth’s allies. While charmed in this way, the target can communicate telepathically with the aboleth over any distance and it follows the aboleth’s orders.

Soul Drain (Costs 2 Actions). One creature charmed by the aboleth takes 22 (4d10) psychic damage, and the aboleth regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.

Encounters

Aboleths dwell among the ruins of forgotten cities in underground lakes or at the bottom of the sea.

CR 11–16 ; and 1 or 2 ; and 1 or 2 ; and or (see harpy).

Treasure 170 pp, 600 ep, platinum statuette of a three-eyed piscine humanoid (900 gp), gold crown for a Large creature (750 gp), 2 that also allow water-breathing creatures to breathe air,

CR 17–22 and 1d4 + 1 ; and 1 or 2

Treasure 6,000 gp, 30 scattered pearls (100 gp each), 2 , ,

CR 23–30 and 1d4 + 5 ; and 3 ; and 1d4

Treasure 500 bars of gold stamped with the name of a legendary empire (50 gp each), life-sized silver statue of a sea elf (7,500 gp), ,

Signs

1 A projected image of the nearby aboleth; it promises you information or treasure in exchange for your promise to perform a task on the surface world or to kill a rival monster

2 An that tries to lead you towards or away from the aboleth’s lair

3 A telepathic vision of you swimming into a nearby underwater cave and finding treasure

4 Wet footprints lead to a dying humanoid, diseased by an aboleth tentacle; it’s gasping out its last, unable to breathe air.

Behavior

1 Tries to , then communicates with you telepathically and offers you a trade: information about something you desire in exchange for a future service

2 Uses to create an illusion of something you desire.

3 Tries to and then ambush intruders; during the battle, it drops hints about useful information it possesses, which it will provide if you surrender

4 Its evil plans are too far advanced to risk any trouble; it tries to escape if interfered with

5 Meeting with one of its , a well-known human or merfolk noble; they will kill you to preserve their secret

6 In its lair, monologuing about how it is one of the last of a species beyond age, knows secrets beyond mortal ken, has been banished by treacherous gods, etc.; its monologue lasts until killed

Combat

The aboleth strikes as many enemies as possible with its tentacles in order to infect them with the Sea Change, and then uses Baleful Charm on the biggest threats. When hurt, it uses Slimy Cloud and escapes through a hidden exit. Its thralls sacrifice themselves to cover its retreat.

Legends and Lore

With an Arcana or History check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Aboleths are underwater monsters. They are said to have dealings with and .

DC 15 Aboleths are ancient aberrations that turn victims into charmed servants.

DC 20 Aboleths maintain a network of spies working behind the scenes in settled lands.

Ancient Aboleth

Morrus — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:38:30 +0000

Ancient Aboleth Morrus Thu, 12/02/2021 - 08:38

Description

The eldest aboleths are immense creatures that haunt underwater cities. Their memories extend back to ages when oceans covered the world.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 17 (natural armor)

HP 342 (36d10 + 144; 171)

Speed 10 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +4; Maneuver DC 17

Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +8, Int +9, Wis +9

Skills Deception +8, History +9, Stealth +5

Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages Deep Speech, telepathy 120 ft.

Amphibious. The aboleth can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting. The aboleth’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:

3/day each: (range 120 ft.), (range 1 mile),

ACTIONS

Multiattack. The aboleth attacks three times with its tentacle.

Tentacle. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (4d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The aboleth can choose instead to deal 0 damage. If the target is a creature, it makes a DC 16 Constitution . On a failure, it contracts a disease called the Sea Change. On a success, it is immune to this disease for 24 hours. While affected by this disease, the target has on Wisdom saving throws. After 1 hour, the target grows gills, it can breathe water, its skin becomes slimy, and it begins to if it goes 12 hours without being immersed in water for at least 1 hour. This disease can be removed with a disease-removing spell cast with at least a 4th-level spell slot, and it ends 24 hours after the aboleth dies.

LEGENDARY ACTIONS

Move. The aboleth moves up to its swim speed without provoking .

Soul Drain (Costs 2 Actions). One creature by the aboleth takes 22 (4d10) psychic damage, and the aboleth regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.

Elite Recovery (While Bloodied). The aboleth ends one negative effect currently affecting it. It can use this action as long as it has at least 1 hit point, even while or .

Look Upon My Works (While Bloodied, 1/Day). Each creature within 90 feet makes a DC 16 Wisdom . On a failure, the creature sees a fragmentary vision of the aboleth’s memories, taking 33 (6d10) psychic damage. After taking the damage, the creature forgets the vision, but it may learn one piece of lore.

Lunging Attack (While Bloodied). The aboleth moves up to its swim speed without provoking and makes a tentacle attack.

Encounters

Aboleths dwell among the ruins of forgotten cities in underground lakes or at the bottom of the sea.

CR 11–16 ; and 1 or 2 ; and 1 or 2 ; and or (see ).

Treasure 170 pp, 600 ep, platinum statuette of a three-eyed piscine humanoid (900 gp), gold crown for a Large creature (750 gp), 2 that also allow water-breathing creatures to breathe air,

CR 17–22 and 1d4 + 1 ; and 1 or 2

Treasure 6,000 gp, 30 scattered pearls (100 gp each), 2 , ,

CR 23–30 and 1d4 + 5 ; and 3 ; ancient aboleth and 1d4

Treasure 500 bars of gold stamped with the name of a legendary empire (50 gp each), life-sized silver statue of a sea elf (7,500 gp), ,

Signs

1 A projected image of the nearby ; it promises you information or treasure in exchange for your promise to perform a task on the surface world or to kill a rival monster

2 An that tries to lead you towards or away from the aboleth’s lair

3 A telepathic vision of you swimming into a nearby underwater cave and finding treasure

4 Wet footprints lead to a dying humanoid, diseased by an aboleth tentacle; it’s gasping out its last, unable to breathe air

Behavior

1 Tries to , then communicates with you telepathically and offers you a trade: information about something you desire in exchange for a future service

2 Uses to draw travelers in with illusory visions of something they desire

3 Tries to and then ambush intruders; during the battle, it drops hints about useful information it possesses, which it will provide if you surrender

4 Its evil plans are too far advanced to risk any trouble; it tries to escape if interfered with

5 Meeting with one of its , a well-known human or merfolk noble; they will kill you to preserve their secret

6 In its lair, monologuing about how it is one of the last of a species beyond age, knows secrets beyond mortal ken, has been banished by treacherous gods, etc.; its monologue lasts until killed

Combat

Legends and Lore

With an Arcana or History check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Aboleths are underwater monsters. They are said to have dealings with and .

DC 15 Aboleths are ancient aberrations that turn victims into charmed servants.

DC 20 Aboleths maintain a network of spies working behind the scenes in settled lands.

Bay Witch

tyleroi — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:53:41 +0000

Bay Witch tyleroi Tue, 02/21/2023 - 14:53

Description

Sometimes a sea hag develops the ability to see the future, visions dancing around every individual they meet. As this power grows, the overwhelmed hag tends to become more and more solitary, even to the point of abandoning its coven. Ultimately this effect clouds the hag’s sight, leaving it blind to all but the visions.

When receiving visitors, a bay witch will agree to foresee their future for a price. These visions often seem innocuous, but will have some terrible meaning that will only become apparent.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 14 (natural armor)

HP 52 (7d8 + 21; bloodied 26)

Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 13

Saving Throws Con +5, Wis +3

Skills Arcana +3, Deception +5, Insight +3

Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages Aquan, Common, Giant

Amphibious. The hag can breathe air and water.

Curse. A creature that makes a bargain with the hag is magically for 30 days. While it is cursed, the target automatically fails saving throws against the hag’s and spells, and the hag can cast centered on the creature.

Expanded Spellcasting. The bay witch can cast at will.

Innate Spellcasting. The hag’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: ,

1/day: , ,

ACTIONS

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.

BONUS ACTIONS

Terrifying Visions. The witch sends waves of visions, filling its enemies minds with images of their own death. This ability operates identically to Horrific Transformation except that creatures failing the save gain an on their next Wisdom or Dexterity , guided by the premonitions of the future.

Reactions

Foretelling (Recharge 5-6). When a bay witch is attacked or forced to make a saving throw it can draw on its kaleidoscope of visions to foresee the outcome. The bay witch gains on its next and its AC increases by 3 until the start of its next turn.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Fey are creatures that are native to Fairyland, also called the Dreaming. These creatures live in a verdant realm of heightened natural beauty and combine grace and danger. Sprites and pixies are fey.

Source

Gate Pass Gazette

Monster Type Link

Fey

Boggard

Morrus — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:38:42 +0000

Boggard Morrus Tue, 11/23/2021 - 16:38

Description

With their gangly limbs and haughty manners, boggards might seem comical, but an encounter with these frog-headed humanoids is no laughing matter. Though peaceful boggards exist, most lord over any creature they consider weaker than themselves. Adventurers who fail to pay a boggard ruler proper respect—usually in the form of a hefty tribute—might find themselves taken prisoner or fed to the giant frogs that boggards raise as watchdogs and mounts.

Grandiose Schemes. Their megalomania leaves many boggards susceptible to delusions of grandeur. They plot intricate campaigns of conquest against their neighbors, in the hopes of expanding into a mighty boggard empire. These schemes usually collapse when infighting breaks out among the would-be conquerors, but not before the boggards’ raids have left trade routes disrupted and otherwise idyllic settlements burned to the ground.

Croaking Fiends. Scholars have long noted the similarities between boggards and the frog-headed demons known as . Some have even suggested that hezrous created boggards to spread havoc and chaos in the mortal world. What is known for certain is that some boggards pay reverence to hezrous, as evidenced by the crude stone idols found rising from the muck in the depths of boggard territory.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 12

HP 13 (3d8; bloodied 6)

Speed 20 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 12

Skills Stealth +4 (+1d4), Survival +2

Senses passive Perception 10

Languages Boggard

Amphibious. The boggard can breathe air and water.

Speak with Frogs and Toads. The boggard can communicate with frogs and toads.

ACTIONS

Vaulting Leap. The boggard jumps up to its Speed horizontally and half its Speed vertically without provoking . If it’s within 5 feet of a creature at the end of this movement, it may make a melee spear attack against that creature with .

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Encounters

Boggards congregate in damp environments such as swamps and rainforests.

CR 0–2 1d4 ; 2 with 2 ; riding

Treasure 650 sp

CR 3–4 1d4 + 4 ; 2 riding

Treasure 300 gp, 800 sp, 3 stone frog statuettes (25 gp each), 2

CR 5–10 with 1d10 + 4

Treasure 600 gp, 12 gold and silver rings strung on a rope necklace (25 gp each),

CR 11–16 with and 1d6 + 6 ; with 1d8 + 4 riding

Treasure 2,000 gp, 8 pieces of amber (100 gp each), dented gold crown (750 gp), silver scepter (250 gp), 2 ,

Signs

1 Clouds of swarming flies

2 A chorus of croaking that penetrates even plugged ears; non-frog and non-boggard creatures that take a long rest in the area must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or gain no benefit from the rest

3 Webbed footprints in the muck; some of the tracks were made by giant frogs, but other creatures walked upright

4 A menhir carved with images of frog-headed demons

Behavior

1 Scouting for an upcoming raid

2 Returning to their camp with a recently captured prisoner

3 Preparing a sacrifice to their fiendish patron

4 Transporting an offering of stolen goods to the boggardemperor

5 Two groups of boggards engaged in a border dispute

6 A peaceful tribe seeking new territory after a drought devastated their homeland

Combat

The boggard uses Vaulting Leap to move around whenever it’s not sneaking, essentially doubling its movement speed. When attacking, it uses Vaulting Leap to close with its enemies and deliver a powerful spear attack. While next to a foe, it uses its more accurate bite attack. Once a group of boggards have been reduced to half their number, they retreat, trusting in their stealth to escape.

Boggard Names

Brekka, Glipglop, Guworka, Kerro, Koratar, Kawak, Mukmuk, Rhoka, Verrok

Legends and Lore

With a History or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Boggards are arrogant humanoids constantly seeking to expand their territory. Like the frogs they resemble, boggards can jump incredible distances.

DC 15 Bribes or flattery can sometimes appease a boggard leader.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Humanoids include a number of different intelligent, language-using bipeds of Small or Medium size. Humans and elves are humanoids, and so are orcs and goblins. Humanoids may employ magic but are not fundamentally magical—a characteristic that distinguishes them from bipedal, language-using fey, fiends, and other monsters. Humanoids have no inherent alignment, meaning that no humanoid ancestry is naturally good or evil, lawful or chaotic.

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Humanoid

Boggard Bravo

Morrus — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:56:29 +0000

Boggard Bravo Morrus Thu, 12/02/2021 - 08:56

Description

The strongest and most daring boggards rise to become heroes among their people.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 12

HP 27 (6d8; bloodied 13)

Speed 20 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 12

Skills Stealth +4 (+1d4), Survival +2

Senses passive Perception 10

Languages Boggard

Amphibious. The boggard can breathe air and water.

Speak with Frogs and Toads. The boggard can communicate with frogs and toads.

ACTIONS

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage.

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

BONUS ACTIONS

Tongue. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 15 ft., one creature. Hit: The target must make a DC 11 Strength . On a failure, the boggard pulls the target up to 10 feet, or knocks the target , or forces the target to drop one item it is holding (boggard’s choice).

Encounters

Boggards congregate in damp environments such as swamps and rainforests.

CR 0–2 1d4 ; 2 with 2 ; riding

Treasure 650 sp

CR 3–4 1d4 + 4 ; 2 riding

Treasure 300 gp, 800 sp, 3 stone frog statuettes (25 gp each), 2

CR 5–10 with 1d10 + 4

Treasure 600 gp, 12 gold and silver rings strung on a rope necklace (25 gp each),

CR 11–16 with and 1d6 + 6 ; with 1d8 + 4 riding

Treasure 2,000 gp, 8 pieces of amber (100 gp each), dented gold crown (750 gp), silver scepter (250 gp), 2 ,

Signs

1 Clouds of swarming flies

3 Webbed footprints in the muck; some of the tracks were made by giant frogs, but other creatures walked upright

4 A menhir carved with images of frog-headed demons

Behavior

1 Scouting for an upcoming raid

2 Returning to their camp with a recently captured prisoner

3 Preparing a sacrifice to their fiendish patron

4 Transporting an offering of stolen goods to the boggardemperor

5 Two groups of boggards engaged in a border dispute

6 A peaceful tribe seeking new territory after a drought devastated their homeland

Combat

Boggard Names

Brekka, Glipglop, Guworka, Kerro, Koratar, Kawak, Mukmuk, Rhoka, Verrok

Legends and Lore

With a History or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Boggards are arrogant humanoids constantly seeking to expand their territory. Like the frogs they resemble, boggards can jump incredible distances.

DC 15 Bribes or flattery can sometimes appease a boggard leader.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Humanoid

Boggard Sovereign

Morrus — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:41:10 +0000

Boggard Sovereign Morrus Tue, 11/23/2021 - 16:41

Description

Blessed by a mysterious frog-like entity, a boggard sovereign swells to enormous size and gains magical powers it uses to protect and direct its tribe. Boggard sovereigns demand tribute from travelers and nearby peoples.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 13 (natural armor)

HP 67 (9d10 + 18; bloodied 33)

Speed 20 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 13

Skills Stealth +3 (+1d4), Perception +3, Intimidation +3

Senses passive Perception 13

Languages Boggard, Common

Amphibious. The boggard can breathe air and water.

Speak with Frogs and Toads. The boggard can communicate with frogs and toads.

ACTIONS

Parting Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. On a hit, the boggard may jump up to its Speed horizontally and half its Speed vertically without provoking opportunity attacks.

Incite Frenzy (1/Day). Each boggard and frog with a Bite attack within 60 feet may use its reaction to make a Bite attack.

Earthshaking Croak (1/Day). Each non-frog and non-boggard creature within 30 feet makes a DC 12 Constitution , taking 14 (4d6) thunder damage and falling on a failure, or taking half damage on a success.

Summon Frog Guardians (1/Day). The boggard magically summons two Medium frog guardians, which wriggle from the ground in an empty space within 30 feet. They follow the boggard’s orders and disappear after 1 minute. They have the statistics of boggards except they have Intelligence 2, have no spear attack, and can make a bite attack as part of their Vaulting Leap.

Encounters

Boggards congregate in damp environments such as swamps and rainforests.

CR 0–2 1d4 ; 2 with 2 ; riding

Treasure 650 sp

CR 3–4 1d4 + 4 ; 2 riding

Treasure 300 gp, 800 sp, 3 stone frog statuettes (25 gp each), 2

CR 5–10 with 1d10 + 4

Treasure 600 gp, 12 gold and silver rings strung on a rope necklace (25 gp each),

CR 11–16 with and 1d6 + 6 ; with 1d8 + 4 riding

Treasure 2,000 gp, 8 pieces of amber (100 gp each), dented gold crown (750 gp), silver scepter (250 gp), 2 ,

Signs

1 Clouds of swarming flies

3 Webbed footprints in the muck; some of the tracks were made by giant frogs, but other creatures walked upright

4 A menhir carved with images of frog-headed demons

Behavior

1 Scouting for an upcoming raid

2 Returning to their camp with a recently captured prisoner

3 Preparing a sacrifice to their fiendish patron

4 Transporting an offering of stolen goods to the boggardemperor

5 Two groups of boggards engaged in a border dispute

6 A peaceful tribe seeking new territory after a drought devastated their homeland

Combat

The boggard sovereign prefers to stay out of melee range, often leaping onto high and hard-to-reach places. It uses Earthshaking Croak, Incite Frenzy, and Summon Frog Guardians from a distance. If forced into melee, it attacks with its parting bite. If this attack hits, it hops away.

Boggard Names

Brekka, Glipglop, Guworka, Kerro, Koratar, Kawak, Mukmuk, Rhoka, Verrok

Legends and Lore

With a History or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Boggards are arrogant humanoids constantly seeking to expand their territory. Like the frogs they resemble, boggards can jump incredible distances.

DC 15 Bribes or flattery can sometimes appease a boggard leader.

DC 20 Some boggards worship demons or other supernatural entities. These mysterious patrons grant their servants the ability to summon frog-like guardians.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Humanoid

Chuul

Morrus — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:32:19 +0000

Chuul Morrus Tue, 11/23/2021 - 19:32

Description

Though they bear many of the physical characteristics of crustaceans, chuuls are not natural creatures. Eons ago, the aboleth created chuuls to serve as custodians for their humanoid thralls. With the decline of the aboleth empire, most chuuls now exist in solitude, patiently awaiting the return of their aquatic masters.

Deep Conditioning. Chuuls are intelligent enough to understand language—or, as is more often the case, the telepathic dictates of their aboleth overlords. Few chuuls, however, exhibit any sort of free will. A chuul without its master will follow the last orders it received, mindlessly patrolling a certain area or attacking any humanoid it encounters. Chuuls reproduce by laying eggs, but they do not age, meaning the oldest chuuls have spent countless centuries carrying out the mandates of long-departed masters.

Warped by Magic. Chuuls can sense magic and often hoard magic items they find on the bodies of their victims. Some even decorate their exoskeletons with these enchanted treasures, drawing on their power in a rudimentary way. Still others are warped by the proximity of magic, growing to incredible size or twisted into aberrations so horrific that normal chuuls look ordinary by comparison.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 16 (natural armor)

HP 93 (11d10 + 33; bloodied 46)

Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +3; Maneuver DC 15

Damage Immunities poison

Condition Immunities frightened, poisoned

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages understands Deep Speech but can’t speak

Amphibious. The chuul can breathe air and water.

Detect Magic. The chuul senses a magical aura around any visible creature or object within 120 feet that bears magic.

ACTIONS

Multiattack. If the chuul is a creature, it uses its tentacle on that creature. It then makes two pincer attacks.

Pincer. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Large or smaller target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it is (escape DC 15). When carrying a grappled creature, the chuul can move at full speed. A pincer that is being used to grapple a creature can be used only to attack that creature.

Tentacle. A creature makes a DC 14 Constitution . On a failure, it is for 1 minute. The creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the paralysis on a success.

Encounters

Chuuls stalk underwater caverns or keep watch over sunken ruins.

CR 5–10 1 or 2 ;

Treasure 3 spheres enchanted with different colors of (25 gp each), of and inscribed on bronze tablets,

CR 11–16 3 ; with 1d4 aboleth thralls (see )

Treasure magic chess board that plays black at novice skill level (25 gp), ,

Signs

1 An armor-clad skeleton, its breastplate crushed by some incredible force

2 A brief distortion in the weave of magic that spellcasters in the area automatically detect

3 A shipwreck, its hull torn open like paper

4 A clutch of slimy, yellow-green egg sacs

Behavior

1 Lured by the presence of magic, now waiting to ambush the party

2 Guarding the gates of an abandoned underwater city

3 Admiring the magic ring it wears on its tentacle

4 Leading a group of shackled humanoid captives

5 Locked in mortal combat with a giant shark

6 Oblivious to its surroundings as it receives a psychic message from its master

Combat

The chuul seeks out magical treasure. It uses its Detect Magic ability to choose the target with the most visible magic items. The chuul tries to grapple that creature and then paralyze it on the next turn. Once the chuul has at least one creature seized, it retreats, trying to carry its victim to its master.

Legends and Lore

With an Arcana or History check, characters can learn the following:

DC 15 Aboleths created chuuls as servants. Chuuls are more intelligent than they appear and can detect magic but have no desires of their own.

DC 20 A chuul’s tentacles drip a powerful paralytic toxin.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Aberration

Coralfish

Morrus — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 09:09:20 +0000

Coralfish Morrus Thu, 12/02/2021 - 09:09

Description

The ornery and brightly-colored coralfish lives in coral reefs. It bites any creature that approaches it. Its statistics are identical to the cockatrice except its only movement mode is a swim speed of 40, it can only breathe underwater, and its petrification effect turns creatures into brightly-colored coral statues for 24 hours.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 12

HP 27 (6d6 + 6; bloodied 13)

Speed 20 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 12

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages —

Aquatic. The coralfish can only breathe underwater.

ACTIONS

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage, and the target makes a DC 11 Constitution against being . On a failure, the target is as it begins to turn to a brightly colored statue. A spell ends this effect. If still restrained, the creature must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified for 24 hours.

REACTIONS

Frenzy (1/Day). When attacked by a creature it can see within 20 feet, the coralfish moves up to half its Speed and makes a bite attack against that creature.

Encounters

Coralfish nest in the coral reefs.

CR 0–2 1 or 2 ; hidden among schools of other fish

Treasure 3 coralfish eggs (25 gp each)

Signs

1–2 Realistic coral statue of a merfolk, human, or octopus

3 Schools of fish swimming away from the coral reef

4 A floating bag that drifts along in the current, with a piece of coral stuck to it

Behavior

1–2 Flies into a frenzy and attacks intruders

3 Hunting other fish; attacks if disturbed

4 Resting inside a cave or a twist of coral

5 Trying to eat a small fish

6 Swimming around a growth of coral that looks suspiciously like a person

Combat

When angered, the coralfish swims straight at the nearest enemy and attacks. It attacks whoever damaged it most recently. It fights to the death.

Legends and Lore

With an Arcana or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Coralfish are strange ocean dwelling fish that can turn enemies to coral.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Monstrosities are magical beings usually native to the Material Plane. Some monstrosities combine the features of beasts and humanoids, like centaurs . Others have bizarre or unnatural appearances, like many-tentacled ropers . Monstrosities could only arise in a world suffused with magic.

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Monstrosity

Coven Sea Hag

Morrus — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:23:54 +0000

Coven Sea Hag Morrus Wed, 12/15/2021 - 21:23

Description

A sea hag in a coven gains extra hardiness and abilities. The Coven Sea Hag variant can also be used to represent a sea hag that is not in a coven but which is unusually powerful.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 14 (natural armor)

HP 75 (10d8 + 30; bloodied 37)

Speed 30 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +2; Maneuver DC 13

Saving Throws Con +5, Wis +3

Skills Arcana +3, Deception +5, Insight +3

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11

Languages Aquan, Common, Giant

Amphibious. The hag can breathe air and water.

Curse. A creature that makes a bargain with the hag is magically for 30 days. While it is cursed, the target automatically fails against the hag’s and spells, and the hag can cast centered on the creature.

Innate Spellcasting. The hag’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

At will: ,

1/day: , ,

ACTIONS

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Death Glare (Gaze). One creature within 30 feet makes a DC 11 Wisdom . On a failed saving throw, the creature drops to 0 hit points. On a success, the creature takes 7 (2d6) psychic damage.

Multiattack. The hag attacks twice with its claws.

Lightning Blast (Recharge 5-6). An 80-foot-long, 5-foot-wide lightning bolt springs from the hag’s extended claw. Each creature in the area makes a DC 13 Dexterity , taking 21 (6d6) lightning damage on a failed save or half damage on a success.

BONUS ACTIONS

Horrific Transformation. The hag briefly takes on a terrifying form or reveals its true form. Each creature within 30 feet that can see the hag makes a DC 11 Wisdom . A creature under the hag’s curse automatically fails this saving throw. On a failure, the creature is until the end of its next turn. If a creature’s saving throw is successful, it is immune to the hag’s Horrific Transformation for 24 hours.

Encounters

Many hags live in the dangerous wilds near settled lands, preying on those who venture too far from home. prefer forests and swamps, while live underwater and dwell in mountains or tundra. can be found anywhere, from populous cities to the depths of Hell.

CR 0–2

Treasure 60 gp, 3 hard candies (each acts as )

CR 3–4 with (see cockatrice), , , or ; ; with , , , , or ;

Treasure gold and mother-of-pearl monocle (250 gp), talking iron cauldron (its advice grants advantage when cooking or crafting potions), 3

CR 5–10 with , , , , or ; with , , , , or ; ; with , , , , or ; ; ;

Treasure pearl earrings (250 gp), 13 signet rings from different noble families (50 gp each), set of 16 tiny (casting on one returns it to its true form, a , , , , or ), , 2 in heart-shaped bottles

CR 11–16 with , , , , or 2 ; with , , , or ; 3 ; 3 ; , , and

Treasure 1,500 gp, fiendish gold idol (750 gp), expert miniature portrait of a young woman (250 gp), living yarn ball (acts as ), ,

CR 17–22 with 5 (see centaur), , , (see scarecrow), or ; 3

Treasure 20 rare books (250 gp each), gold bird cage (2,500 gp) containing 3 cockatoos ( humans; can speak and ask for help), 6 , of and , winged cloak (acts as combined and but requires only 1 attunement slot)

CR 23–30 3

Treasure diamond ring (7,500 gp), diamond necklace (7,500 gp), diamond earrings (7,500 gp), 3 , , , frozen wishing well (if the water is thawed, it acts as a )

Signs

Wilderness Signs

1 A beautiful cozy cottage

2 A tumbledown shack on stilts

3 Frogs, ravens, and rodents seem to be watching you

4 A house made of something strange, like bones or swords

Settlement Signs

1 People worried that their businesses are under a curse

2 Paranoid people who live in fear of something they won’t name

3 A black cat seeming to lead you somewhere

4 Certain people insist you visit a specific potion seller

Underground Signs

1 The whistle of a teakettle

2 The smell of boiling soup

3 Cackling or chanting

4 Cozy furniture

Behavior

1 Baking gingerbread men. The gingerbread men are alive and have the statistics of skeletons

2 Churning butter in a talking churn

3 Crooning and fondling some ordinary trinket, such as a spoon

4 Looking for help against a stronger monster

5 Eating sweets from a squirming bag

6 Greets you as royalty and promises the crown you deserve if you follow its advice

7 Jarring preserves: brains, black pudding, hope, and so on

8 Making a pot of tea

9 Sharpening its teeth on a millstone

10 Speaking to its mirror

11 Sweeping with a

12 With a human child (kidnapped? a young hag? the spitting image of a prince or princess?)

Combat

The hag uses Horrific Transformation to frighten as many creatures as possible and then uses Death Glare on one of them. If no creatures are or if it is bloodied, the hag flees, using its swim speed if possible. It attacks with its claws only if cornered.

Names

Auntie Dear, Baba Chickenbone, Cousin Appleworm, Grandfather Widdershins, Grandmother Blackteeth, Granny Cradlecap, Mother Foxglove, Nana Longfinger

Legends and Lore

With an Arcana or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Despite their resemblance to humanoids, hags are fey creatures that can adopt a variety of forms, both male and female.

DC 15 Different types of hags exist, including green hags, sea hags, night hags, and winter hags. To increase their magical abilities, some hags gather together in covens.

DC 20 A hag may gain power over a victim by making a bargain with them, or by tricking them into various obligations or transgressions.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Fey

Dragon Turtle

Morrus — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:23:16 +0000

Dragon Turtle Morrus Thu, 12/02/2021 - 10:23

Description

Sometimes mistaken for islands or icebergs from a distance, dragon turtles are formidable ocean creatures that embody draconic dignity and patience. They despise lawless and unmannerly conduct, and quickly expel the rude and surly from their domains. Their extremely long lives make them experts on a range of topics, and they love discussing astronomy, geography, philosophy, and politics.

Storm Sages. Dragon turtles spend most of their lives within a day’s swim of their underwater lair, although occasionally one will bask atop the waves long enough to be charted as a small island. Even on the surface, they rarely receive unwelcome visitors, as ships often face strong winds and choppy seas when approaching a dragon turtle..

Explorers who win their way to a dragon turtle are fiercely interrogated. A dragon turtle passes judgment quickly and can become either a staunch ally or an implacable enemy. Occasionally, a dragon turtle takes such a liking to travelers that it invites them to rest atop its shell as guests or students. A dragon turtle reacts violently if its guests are harmed or threatened.

Eager Invitations. A nation that forms an alliance with a dragon turtle can reap centuries of security and prosperous weather. Some coastal rulers court dragon turtles with flattery, festivals, and rich tribute, while others bind them to service using sinister rituals. Botched attempts to compel a dragon turtle result in murderous rampages and devastating storms. A far safer way to earn a dragon turtle’s good will is through humble character, good deeds, and lavish gifts.

Strength

Dexterity

Constitution

Intelligence

Wisdom

Charisma

AC 21 (natural armor)

HP 264 (16d20 + 96; bloodied 132)

Speed 20 ft., swim 40 ft.

Proficiency +6; Maneuver DC 21

Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +12, Int +8, Wis +9

Skills History +8, Insight +9, Nature +8

Damage Resistances cold, fire

Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages Aquan, Common, Draconic

Amphibious. The dragon turtle can breathe air and water.

Innate Spellcasting. The dragon turtle’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:

3/day each: , ,

ACTIONS

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 52 (7d12 + 7) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it is (escape DC 21). Until this grapple ends, the dragon turtle can’t bite a different creature, and it has on bite attacks against the grappled creature.

Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 46 (6d12 + 7) bludgeoning damage. This attack deals double damage against objects, vehicles, and constructs.

Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 46 (6d12 + 7) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it makes a DC 21 Strength . On a failure, it is pushed 15 feet away from the dragon turtle and knocked .

Steam Breath (Recharge 5–6). The dragon turtle exhales steam in a 90-foot cone. Each creature in the area makes a DC 20 Constitution , taking 52 (15d6) fire damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one.

Lightning Storm (1/Day). Hundreds of arcs of lightning crackle from the dragon turtle. Each creature within 90 feet makes a DC 17 Dexterity , taking 35 (10d6) lightning damage on a failure or half damage on a success.

BONUS ACTIONS

Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) slashing damage.

REACTIONS

Retract. When the dragon turtle takes 50 damage or more from a single attack or spell, it retracts its head and limbs into its shell. It immediately regains 20 hit points. While retracted, it is ; its Speed is 0; it can’t take reactions; it has on ; attacks against it have ; and it has resistance to all damage. The dragon turtle stays retracted until the beginning of its next turn.

Tail. When the dragon turtle is hit by an opportunity attack, it makes a tail attack.

Encounters

Dragon turtles lair in the ocean depths.

CR 17–22

Treasure 500 pp, 2,000 gp, 5,000 sp, jade-inlaid ship’s wheel (750 gp), silver disc inscribed with map of the world (750 gp), , 2 , fashioned from conch shell

CR 23–30

Treasure 1,500 pp, 5,000 gp, 10,000 sp, 15 pieces of jewelry (750 gp each), 90 pearls (100 gp each), of inscribed on a turtle shell, ,

Signs

1 A sudden change in weather: calm to stormy or vice versa

2 A lookout spots a previously uncharted island

3 Flocks of birds circling overhead

4 The wreckage of a merchant vessel floating atop the waves

Behavior

1 With a storm in its wake, on its way to attack a foe

2 Sleepily sunning itself, resembling a small island

3 Surrounded by storms; wishes to be left alone

4 Curious and hungry for gossip and conversation

5 Expects tribute from passing ships

6 Suspicious of travelers; uses to determine their motives

Combat

The dragon turtle uses its ram attack against ships. When fighting creatures, it uses Steam Breath if available and its bite otherwise. It generally uses its tail only as a reaction, unless it wants to push a melee combatant before retreating. It uses Lightning Storm when it can’t otherwise reach its enemies. It attacks with its claws every turn. Dragon turtles flee into deep water when ; if pursued, they turn around once their Steam Breath recharges and fight to the death.

Legends and Lore

With a History or Nature check, characters can learn the following:

DC 10 Dragons turtles are enormous, intelligent turtles that can live for centuries.

DC 15 Much like dragons, dragon turtles are capricious creatures. Mortals who disrespect them do so at their peril.

DC 20 Dragon turtles use magic to control the weather and can call lightning down on those who anger them. Once it has retracted into its shell, a dragon turtle is nearly impossible to kill.

Terrain

Monster Type Description

Dragons include red and gold dragons, which are huge reptilian fire-breathers that number among the world’s most dangerous monsters. This type includes white dragons , which breathe killing frost, as well as smaller reptilian creatures related to true dragons, such as pseudodragons .

Source

Monstrous Menagerie

Monster Type Link

Dragon