Baoban Sith

Medium undead (shapechanger), neutral evil

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)

Skills Deception +7, Perception +4, Persuasion +7, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances necrotic, bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

  • Aversion of Iron. If the baoban sith takes damage from a weapon made of cold iron or is within 5 feet of a creature holding more than one pound of cold iron, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of its next turn.
  • Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the baoban sith has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
  • Undead Nature. The baoban sith doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

ACTIONS

  • Multiattack. The baoban sith makes two Claw attacks.
  • Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
  • Charming Dance. The baoban sith dances before one humanoid it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the baoban sith, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be magically charmed. The charmed target regards the baoban sith as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected. Although the target isn’t under the baoban sith’s control, it takes the baoban sith’s requests or actions in the most favorable way it can and is predisposed to view the baoban sith’s actions in a positive light.
  • Draining Touch. The baoban sith touches a creature charmed by it or a willing creature. The target must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking 30 (5d10 +4) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken, and the baoban sith regains hit points equal to that amount. This reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.

BONUS ACTIONS

  • Change Shape. If the baoban sith isn’t in sunlight, it can polymorph into a Tiny raven or back into its true form. While in raven form, the baoban sith can’t speak, its walking speed is 5 feet, and it has a flying speed of 30 feet. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are unchanged. Anything it is wearing transforms with it, but nothing it is carrying does. It reverts to its true form if it dies.

ABOUT

This mesmerizing figure is dressed in ethereal green garments. Standing tall and graceful, it possesses a captivating beauty that draws the attention of those who behold it. Its pale, almost porcelain-like skin contrasts with its red hair that cascades down its back in long, flowing tresses. Its eyes, gleaming with an entrancing glow.

Baoban siths (bavan-SHEE) are primarily found in highlands and other remote mountainous areas. They prefer to dwell in the wild and rugged hillsides, seldom venturing into human settlements. These elusive creatures are known to inhabit secluded locations such as dense forests, mist-covered moors, and hidden caves. They are most active during the night, when they emerge from their hiding places to hunt and ensnare their victims.

Baoban siths are undead creatures, tied to their insatiable hunger for blood. They sustain themselves solely on the life force of humans, absorbing it directly through their claws. While they do not possess the ability to drain life energy or transform others into undead, they possess a unique method of feeding. By absorbing the blood essence of their victims, they weaken and eventually kill them, rendering them incapable of being revived through conventional means.

Baoban Siths employ their enchanting allure to lure unsuspecting victims into their clutches. They often target travelers and shepherds who venture into their territory. When encountering potential prey, the baoban sith initiates a dance, captivating its victims and drawing them into a trance-like state. As the dance ensues, the baoban sith absorbs the blood of its victims directly through their skin, draining their life essence.

The baoban sith’s ability to charm its targets grants it a level of control over their actions, manipulating them into willingly participating in the deadly dance. This enables the baoban sith to feed on the victim’s blood while they remain unaware of the impending danger. The victims are left drained, lifeless, and beyond the reach of resurrection magic, except for the most powerful spells like a wish.

Due to their preference for remote locations and their aversion to iron and sunlight, baoban siths tend to avoid direct confrontations and instead rely on their mesmerizing charm and stealth to secure their prey. They are known to be cunning and patient hunters, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike when their victims are most vulnerable.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

5E RPG: Celtic Bestiary. Copyright 2023, Mal and Tal Enterprises, LLC; Author Michael Tresca.

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