Cornu

Large fiend (salaxite), neutral evil

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 90 (12d10 + 24)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)

Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Infernal
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Keen Sight. The cornu has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
• Magic Resistance. The cornu has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Standing Leap. The cornu’s long jump is up to 30 feet and its high jump is up to 20 feet, with or without a running start.
• Torment of the Pit. Up to four cornu can torment one incapacitated creature, filling its mind with disturbing sounds and dreadful imagery. This torment has no effect on a creature that is immune to the frightened condition. If the creature is susceptible and remains incapacitated for 1 hour, the creature must make a Wisdom saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. The save DC is 10 + the number of cornu participating in the torment, considering only those that remain within sight of the victim for the entire hour and aren’t incapacitated during it. The process can be repeated. A humanoid that drops to 0 hit points as a result of this damage instantly transforms into a manes at full health and under the GM’s control. Only a wish spell or divine intervention can restore a transformed creature to its former state.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The cornu makes three attacks: one with its Beak and two with its Pinning Talons.
• Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
• Pinning Talon. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it is pinned beneath the talon and restrained. The cornu has two talons, each of which can restrain one target. If a creature is restrained by one of the talons, the cornu can’t attack with it. Any creature restrained by a talon can free itself at the start of its turn with a successful DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Sorrowful Cry. The cornu targets unleashes a mournful cry. One creature within 60 feet of the cornu that can hear the cry and is missing any hit points must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated. 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 cornu’s Shared Sorrow for the next 24 hours.

ABOUT

The cornu is a large avian creature with a heron-like appearance. Its plumage is pitch-black, and its beak and talons are sharp and menacing. Despite its lack of flight, the cornu is capable of leaping great distances using its powerful legs.

The cornu is a monstrous, flightless black bird that was once a demonic entity transformed by a saint into its current form. It inhabits island caverns, where it utters eerie cries that foreshadow the deaths of pilgrims. The bird’s presence is associated with malevolent spirits and dark rituals.

The cornu’s terrifying cries and ominous presence are believed to herald the deaths of pilgrims who visit the area around its loch. It is said to be a symbol of dark forces and malevolent spirits, and its sightings are considered to be an omen of impending doom.

Encountering a cornu can be a harrowing experience. The creature’s Frightful Presence ability and its menacing attacks make it a formidable opponent.

Cornu are found on Salax, the Second Circle of Infernus, where their eerie cries echo throughout the Domohaidou.