Horror Beast

Large monstrosity (titanspawn), chaotic evil

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 20 (+5) 25 (+7) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)

Armor Class 15
Hit Points 150 (12d10 + 84)
Speed 40 ft.
Saving Throws Dexterity +10, Constitution +12, Wisdom +7
Skills Athletics + 10, Intimidation +5, Perception +7, Stealth +10
Damage Immunities special, see below
Damage Resistances special, see below
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)

Special Traits

  • Aura of Terror. The horror beast uses its bonus action to cause all creatures that it can see and can see it to take 1d4 psychic damage. The horror beast regains hit points equal to the damage dealt.
  • Quick Reflexes. When the horror beast uses its reaction, roll 1d6. On a 4, 5 or 6 it recovers its reaction and can use it again.

Actions

  • Multiattack. The horror beast makes two claw attacks and a bite attack.
  • Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d12 +5) slashing damage.
  • Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 5) piercing damage.
  • Horrific Wail (Recharge 6). As an action, a horror beast lets out an ear-shattering wail that causes each creature of its choice within 60 feet of it to make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure the creature becomes paralyzed and prone. On a success the creature becomes frightened of the horror beast. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of its turn to remove the current effect.

Reactions

  • Combat Adaptability. When hit, the horror beast increases its armor class by 1. The horror beast cannot increase its armor class above 20 using this reaction.
  • Mage’s Bane. When hit by a magical attack the horror beast can become immune to that attack’s damage type. The horror beast must take a short or long rest before using this reaction again.
  • Warrior’s Bane. When hit by a weapon attack the horror beast can become resistant to that attack’s damage type. The horror beast must take a short or long rest before using this reaction again.

Tactics

Horror beasts stalk their chosen prey, preferring to attack from ambush and use their Horrific Wail as an opening tactic. They then do not hesitate to close in and attack anyone they can reach, relying on their Quick Reflexes and Aura of Terror to protect them. Once they select a target, they usually remain with that target until it goes down, unless there’s a strong need to attack something else.

Description

Brought forth from the deepest nightmares of humanoids and monsters alike, these beasts are shaped like huge, black-furred hunting cats but their bodies are twisted, as if something from a tale of horror. Their mere presence is enough to send the weak-hearted into a panic of terror.

New to Civilized Lands. Horror beasts did not stalk Ghelspad and other areas of civilization until recent days. But it also seems certain that they were made by the titans for the Divine War. So did the beasts simply lurk at the edge of the lands, not attacking for some unknown reason? Or were they a last moment effort, forgotten in some titan’s vault that has only recently escaped? Or is it possible that some trapped titan retains some power and has brought something new to the Scarred Lands? In any case, tales of the horror beast are beginning to spread.

Section 15: Copyright Notice

Creature Collection 5e Copyright 2020 Onyx Path Publishing, Inc.