Ly Erg

Small undead, neutral evil

Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d6 + 24)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)	16 (+3)

Skills Insight +4, Intimidation +6, Investigation +5, Perception +6, Stealth +7
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6, Cha +6
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Common
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Illusory Appearance. The ly erg covers itself and anything it is wearing or carrying with a magical illusion that makes it look like a soldier of its general size and humanoid shape. The effect ends if the ly erg takes a bonus action to end it or if it dies. The changes wrought by this effect fail to hold up to physical inspection. Otherwise, a creature must take an action to visually inspect the illusion and succeed on a DC 16 Intelligence (Investigation) check to discern that the ly erg is disguised.
• Keen Sight. The ly erg has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
• Magic Resistance. The ly erg has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Undead Nature. A ly erg doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The ly erg attacks twice with its Bloody Touch.
• Bloody Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) necrotic damage. The ly erg regains hit points equal to the amount of necrotic damage dealt. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be cursed. The curse lasts until the conclusion of the 14 days or it is dispelled with a greater restoration spell, a remove curse spell, or similar magic. For the next 13 days, the target has disadvantage on death saving throws. In the final 24-hours, the host starts to feel unwell, its speed is halved, and it has disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. At the end of the 14 days, the target dies.
• Doomed Greeting (1/Day). The ly erg raises its hand in greeting to a creature it can see within 30 feet. If the creature can see the ly erg, it must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or become overcome with despair manifesting as unshakable dread. Until the despair ends, the creature has disadvantage on all saving throws and gains the following flaw: “I’m convinced that I’m going to die.” The creature can attempt to end its despair each time it finishes a long rest, doing so with a successful DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. A calm emotions spell also ends the despair, as does any spell or other magical effect that removes a curse.

ABOUT

A ly erg takes on the appearance of a small soldier, with its most distinguishing feature being its red right hand, stained with the blood of its victims.

Ly erg (lee-REJ) is a relatively rare creature, and sightings of it are few. It is said to be born from the souls of dead soldiers, explaining its overwhelming desire to be a warrior.

The ly erg roams around bodies of water, and while out walking, it may stop near water to challenge passersby to fight by raising its red hand. Engaging in combat with the ly erg, whether voluntarily or in response to its challenge, proves fatal for the adversary. According to legend, anyone who fights the ly erg will die within a fortnight, regardless of the battle’s outcome.

Boastful individuals who underestimate the ly erg’s power and challenge it often meet their untimely fate. Similarly, when the ly erg raises its red hand to a person, it is considered a portent of death for that unfortunate soul.