Musk Deer

Tiny beast, unaligned

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 17 (5d4 + 5)
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
4 (–3)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	2 (–4)	14 (+2)	7 (–2)

Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

ACTIONS

• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Musk (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The musk deer emits a pungent musk around itself for 1 minute. While the musk is active, a creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the deer must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. For 1 hour after a creature fails this saving throw, other creatures have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) and Wisdom (Survival) checks to find or track the creature, unless the creature spends at least 10 minutes washing off the musk.
• Sprinter. The musk deer takes the Dash action.

ABOUT

This miniature deer has no antlers but sports a prominent pair of long canine teeth. Its matted red-brown fur is mottled with white spots, and a heady odor surrounds it as it speeds away.

Musk deer have their origins in cold northern climes, but their small size, and the ease with which they are tamed, makes them popular in warmer climates as well. Musk deer are skittish in the wild, but they can be wooed with patience and a steady supply of snacks. While their sharp canines indicate a carnivorous diet, they are mostly herbivorous, eating insects only when vegetation is scarce. Their impressive teeth are used primarily for defense.

Hardy Travelers. Woodfolk, wanderers, and spellcasters all appreciate the company of a musk deer. If they are fed and groomed, musk deer are agreeable travel companions, though their odor can be a bother for travelers if the deer is startled. A musk deer can serve a spellcaster via the find familiar spell.