Bugul Noz

Medium fey, neutral good

Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

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

Skills Deception +3, Insight +5, Intimidation +3, Perception +5, Stealth +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Sylvan
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 3 (700 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Amphibious. The bugul noz can breathe air and water.
• Fey Ancestry. The bugul noz has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to sleep.
• Horrific Appearance. Any humanoid that starts its turn within 30 feet of the bugul noz and can see the bugul noz’s true form must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if the bugul noz is within line of sight, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the bugul noz’s Horrific Appearance for the next 24 hours. Unless the target is surprised or the revelation of the bugul noz’s true form is sudden, the target can avert its eyes and avoid making the initial saving throw. Until the start of its next turn, a creature that averts its eyes has disadvantage on attack rolls against the bugul noz.
• Innate Spellcasting. The bugul noz’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13). The bugul noz can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: druidcraft, thaumaturgy
  • 3/day each: calm emotions, sleep
• Keen Senses. The bugul noz has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
• Magic Resistance. The bugul noz has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Susceptible to Holy Symbols. While the bugul noz is wearing or touching a holy symbol, it automatically fails saving throws against effects that turn Fey.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The bugul noz attacks with its Claws or Fiery Eyes twice.
• Fiery Eyes. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (3d6) fire damage.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. If the target is Medium or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC 13) and pulled 5 feet toward the bugul noz. Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained, the bugul noz tries to drown it, and the bugul noz can’t constrict another target.
• Death Gaze. When a creature that can see the bugul noz’s eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of the bugul noz, the bugul noz can force it to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw if the bugul noz isn’t incapacitated and can see the creature. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is reduced to 0 hit points unless it is immune to the frightened condition. Otherwise, a creature takes 16 (3d10) psychic damage on a failed save. Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it has disadvantage on attack rolls against the bugul noz until the start of its next turn. If the creature looks at the bugul noz in the meantime, that creature must immediately make the saving throw. Benevolent Warning (Recharge 5-6). The bugul noz emits a mournful cry that echoes through the surrounding area. Each creature within 60 feet of the bugul noz that can hear the cry must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened. The creature remains frightened while it can see the bugul noz or is within 60 feet of it. While frightened, the creature must use its movement to move to the nearest safe spot from which it can t see the bugul noz. If the creature moves more than 60 feet from the bugul noz and can t see it, the creature is no longer frightened, but the creature becomes frightened again if it regains sight of the bugul noz or moves within 60 feet of it. The charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the bugul noz’s Benevolent Warning for the next 24 hours.

ABOUT

The bugul noz, also known as the Night Shepherd, is an enigmatic fey creature found in the deep woodlands. While often described as ugly, it possesses a kind and gentle nature. Its appearance is so unnerving that even woodland animals avoid it, and it often cries out to warn nearby creatures of its approach to avoid frightening them.

Despite its unsettling visage, the bugul noz (BEW-gol-NAHZ) is not malicious. In fact, it is considered a benevolent guardian of the night, guiding those who hear its cries to seek safety indoors after dark. It is said to use its frightening appearance to persuade humans and animals to retreat to shelter, protecting them from the potential dangers of the night.

The bugul noz is often associated with twilight, appearing as the sun sets and darkness falls. Its mournful cries are believed to carry a message of caution, reminding those who hear them to avoid lingering outside where danger might lurk. Some stories even suggest that those who encounter the bugul noz may receive a sense of calm and protection from its presence.

Although the bugul noz is kind-hearted, it remains isolated due to its hideous appearance. Its solitude is a result of the fear and aversion it evokes in those who catch sight of it. The creature’s true intentions are often misunderstood, and its role as a protector of the night is overlooked in favor of its terrifying appearance.

In folklore, the bugul noz serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and shelter after dark. Its eerie cries and unsettling presence carry a powerful message, urging all who hear it to heed its warning and seek refuge from the mysteries and dangers of the night.