Camazotz

Large aberration, chaotic evil

Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 262 (25d10 +125)
Speed 20 ft., fly 80 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	23 (+6)	21 (+5)	10 (+0)	14 (+2)	21 (+5)

Skills Perception +5, Stealth +10
Senses blindsight 60 ft., darkvision 60 ft.; passive Perception 15
Languages Undercommon
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Aspect of Death. A creature that is within 20 feet of a camazotz when it is reduced to 0 hit points is considered to have failed its first death saving throw.
• Tread Flyer. If a camazotz has surprise when it makes its first attack, all surprised creatures within 30 feet of it must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened of it, and be unable to use Recovery Dice, for 1 minute. A frightened creature can make a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns to overcome the effect.
• Echolocation. The camazotz can’t use its blindsight while deafened.
• Flyby. The camazotz doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it flies out of an enemies reach.
• Keen Hearing. The camazotz has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing.
• Magic Weapons. The camazotz’s weapon attacks are magical.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The camazotz makes three attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws. It can replace one of these with its ultrasonic shriek.
• Draining Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) piercing damage plus 17 (5d6) necrotic damage. A creature that takes necrotic damage from the camazotz must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw or lose one Recovery Die, which the camazotz can use its bonus action to immediately recover 10 (1d10 + 5) hit points.
• Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) slashing damage.
• Ultrasonic Shriek (Recharge 5-6). The camazotz emits a high-pitched scream in a 60-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 19 Constitution saving throw. on a failed save, a creature takes 49 (14d6) thunder damage and is deafened and stunned for 1 minute. on a successful save, a creature takes half that damage and is deafened and poisoned for 1 minute. A creature can make a new saving throw at the end of each of its turns, overcoming the stunned or poisoned conditions on a success.

ABOUT

Fearful peasants tell their children that when they hear great wings flapping quietly in the dark, it is the great bat, the camazotz. These terrifying creatures are native to the rainforests and lower mountainous regions in equatorial lands. The camazotz resembles a gigantic black bat with expansive membranous wings and an elongated head dominated by its oversized jaw. The creature has two sets of arm-like limbs, with one set extending from its upper torso and the other from its lower torso. These appendages end in humanoid-like hands bearing curved claws.

Camazotz live in small groups occupying caves or clusters of trees. Despite their monstrous appearance, camazotz possess above-average intelligence and cunning, which makes them dangerous predators.

Those dwelling near a camazotz lair often refer to these creatures as death bats or the winged death. Many believe the camazotz are either messengers or avatars of the god of death. To many, the sight of one camazotz represents an omen of impending death, while a sighting of multiple camazotz promises an oncoming disaster with many deaths.

Camazotzes are rarely seen, emerging from their remote lairs only a few times each year in search of unwary prey. A camazotz doesn’t require food or drink, subsisting on other beings’ fearful feelings and the metaphysical energy manifested in the death of a mortal. The death of a victim in the throes of terror sustains these mortal fiends.

The first camazotz was created by the god of death to lead the souls of the dead to the underworld. The experiment failed when the camazotz refused to turn the gathered souls over, instead hoarding them for itself. As the creature’s collection of stolen souls grew, it split into two identical creatures. The second camazotz immediately departed for its own territory, not wanting to vie with its progenitor for sustenance. Since their origin, each camazotz periodically multiplies in this fashion, and the newly spawned creature finds its own hunting grounds.

Some cultures view the local camazotz as a god, and they leave sacrifices for it, hoping it will leave them be in exchange. Depending on the society, a sacrifice might be a maiden, a young warrior, or a wizened elder. A few settlements have made deals with a camazotz to bring it their condemned criminals and other unwanted miscreants as tribute. Camazotzes, being creatures of avarice, rarely turn down such offers though they prefer to find their own victims.

TACTICS

Initial Round-The camazotz prefers to strike from above, shrouded in darkness approaching from unexpected angles. Its great sentience allows the camazotz to identify spellcasters and then concentrate on eliminating them.

Defensive Round-If intruders prove too dangerous for a camazotz, it takes to the air to identify the most vulnerable creatures for it to attack. The camazotz prefers using its Vampiric Shroud attack against solitary creatures or individuals separated from their allies.

Victorious Round-Once the camazotz no longer feels threatened by enemies, it makes certain to check each fallen body for any remaining fluids to drain.

d6	Camazotz Treasures
1	An elven scout with a family heirloom longbow and 5 +1 arrows.
2	Dwarven trapsmith carrying a rusty bear trap and a light crossbow with 20 bolts
3	Human merchant carrying a pouch with 152 sp and 37 gp, as well as a letter of credit for 250 gp
4	A dragonborn sorcerer equipped with a wand of enemy detection.
5	An orc shaman wearing a necklace of teeth and still gripping a dagger of venom.
6	Gnome adventurer carrying a pouch with 13 pieces of jade, each worth 20 gp, and a special set of thieves tools.