Cath Palug

Large monstrosity, chaotic evil

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 95 (10d10 + 40)
Speed 40 ft., climb 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)	5 (-3)	14 (+2)	8 (-1)

Skills Acrobatics +5, Athletics +6, Perception +4, Stealth +5, Survival +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages –
Proficiency Bonus +2
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Hearing and Smell. The cath palug has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
• Standing Leap. The cath palug’s long jump is up to 40 feet and its high jump is up to 20 feet, with or without a running start.

ACTIONS

• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
• Frightful Presence. Each creature of the cath palug’s choice that is within 30 feet of it and aware of it must succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A 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 cath palug’s Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Pounce. If the cath palug moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the cath palug can make one bite attack against it as a bonus action.

ABOUT

The cath palug is a monstrous cat-like creature with sleek, dark fur, sharp fangs, and claws. It stands about six feet tall at the shoulder and possesses a muscular and agile build. Its eyes radiate an intense, piercing light.

The cath palug (cath-PAH-leeg) is known to prowl dense forests, shadowy marshlands, and rocky coastal areas. It is often found near water sources such as lakes and the sea.

The cath palug is believed to have been born from a pig. Its feral nature and predatory instincts drive it to hunt and stalk its prey with deadly precision. The cath palug is a symbol of terror, known for its ability to strike fear into the hearts of those who encounter it.

The cath palug is a relentless hunter, utilizing its keen senses, stealth, and lightning-fast speed to ambush its prey. It excels at stalking and pouncing on its victims, overwhelming them with powerful claw and bite attacks. The cath palug’s Pounce ability allows it to knock down opponents, gaining an advantage in combat. Once its prey is prone, the cath palug lunges forward, tearing into flesh with its sharp teeth and claws.

The cath palug’s presence alone is often enough to induce fear in its enemies, causing them to hesitate and falter in their actions. It uses this psychological advantage to overpower its opponents and secure its kill.