Afanc

Huge monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 142 (15d12 + 45)
Speed 30 ft., swim 50 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
21 (+5)	16 (+3)	17 (+3)	2 (-4)	12 (+1)	7 (-2)

Skills Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages –
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Limited Amphibiousness. The afanc can breathe air and water, but it needs to be submerged at least once every 4 hours to avoid suffocating.
• Shape Water. The afanc can cast control water at will, requiring no components. Its spellcasting ability for it is Charisma. This use of the spell has a range of 30 feet and can affect a cube of water no larger than 30 feet on a side.
• Tail Spine Regrowth. The afanc has twenty-four tail spikes. Used spikes regrow when the afanc finishes a long rest.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The afanc makes two attacks: one with its Bite and one with its Tail or three with its Tail Spikes.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 16). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, and the afanc can’t bite another target.
• Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target not grappled by the afanc. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
• Tail Spine. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 100/200 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Aquatic Invisibility. If immersed in water, the afanc can make itself invisible as a bonus action. It remains invisible until it leaves the water, ends the invisibility as a bonus action, or dies.

ABOUT

This monstrous water-dwelling beast resembles a hairy crocodile with a beaver’s tail.

The afanc (ah-VANK) is most commonly found in lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. It prefers secluded and remote areas, often residing in deep, murky waters hidden from human settlements. Afancs have been known to dwell in caves beneath the water’s surface, making them difficult to confront.

The afanc relies on stealth to hunt its prey. It uses its ability to blend into the water and its keen sense of smell to silently stalk potential victims. When an opportunity presents itself, the afanc strikes with lightning speed, employing its powerful jaws to deliver a crushing bite. If the target tries to escape, the afanc will lash out with its tail or claws, attempting to immobilize or wound the prey.

The afanc’s presence can disrupt the local ecosystem, causing distress to wildlife and impacting the balance of the waterways it inhabits. It is considered a dangerous creature, and tales of its destructive nature have been passed down through generations in folklore.