Pooka

Large fey (mount, shapechanger), chaotic neutral

Armor Class 14
Hit Points 60 (8d10 + 16)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	18 (+4)	15 (+2)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)

Skills Animal Handling +4, Deception +5, Nature +3, Perception +4, Performance +5, Stealth +6
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Sylvan
Proficiency Bonus +2
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Fey Ancestry. The pooka has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to sleep.
• Innate Spellcasting. The pooka’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13). The pooka can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
  • At will: minor illusion, prestidigitation
  • 1/day each: charm person, disguise self
• Keen Hearing and Sight. The pooka has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.
• Magic Resistance. The pooka has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
• Saddle. The pooka can wear a saddle on its back. One Medium or two Small creatures can sit on the saddle without squeezing. To make a melee attack against a target within 5 feet of the kelpie, they must use spears or weapons with reach. If the pooka dies, creatures hanging fall straight down, taking falling damage, and land in unoccupied spaces within 5 feet of the pooka’s position on the ground.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The pooka makes two attacks: one with its bite and one with its hooves.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
• Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
• Wild Ride. The pooka chooses a Humanoid it can see within 5 feet of it. The chosen creature must succeed on a DC 13 Charisma saving throw or be magically compelled to mount the pooka. Once mounted, the creature must hold on tightly as the pooka dashes through the surroundings, twisting and turning in unpredictable ways. The ride lasts for 1 minute or until the creature make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw to dismount, landing prone in a space next to the pooka. While riding the pooka, the creature is considered grappled by the pooka. The pooka can use its movement to carry the rider up to its speed, and it can make a bite attack against the rider at the end of each of its turns during the ride.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Change Shape. The pooka magically polymorphs into a humanoid or beast that has a challenge rating equal to or less than its own, or back into its true form. It reverts to its true form if it dies. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying is absorbed or borne by the new form (the pooka’s choice). In a new form, the pooka retains its game statistics and ability to speak, but its AC, movement modes, Strength, Dexterity, and other actions are replaced by those of the new form, and it gains any statistics and capabilities (except class features, legendary actions, and lair actions) that the new form has but that it lacks. If the new form has a bite attack, the pooka can use its bite in that form.
• Trampling Charge. If the pooka moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a hooves attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the pooka can make another attack with its hooves against it as a bonus action.

REACTIONS

• Ethereal Escape (Recharge 5-6). As a reaction when the pooka takes damage, it turns ethereal and moves up to 30 feet without provoking opportunity attacks. While ethereal, the pooka can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It remains ethereal until the start of its next turn.

ABOUT

Pookas can take on a variety of forms, but their true form is a sleek black horse with glowing golden eyes. Their appearance can be deceiving, as they may choose forms that are more appealing or intriguing to humans in order to lure them into their tricks.

Pookas are mischievous fey creatures known for their shape-shifting abilities and playful nature. They inhabit temperate regions, choosing to live near human settlements where they can indulge in their love for trickery. Pookas are skilled at taking on different forms, ranging from animals to humanoid figures, to better interact with and confuse those they encounter.

Pookas are most commonly found in rural areas with a mixture of woods and open fields. They are known to reside near crossroads, paths, and roadsides, where they can interact with travelers and farmers.

Pookas are not aggressive hunters but instead thrive on playing tricks and pranks on humans. They are known to take the shape of various animals to steal food, make strange noises, or lead travelers astray. While their actions can be disruptive, pookas rarely cause harm and often consider their mischief harmless fun.

While their actions might occasionally frustrate or annoy humans, pookas do not have malicious intentions and are not inherently evil. They are known to be capricious beings, following their own whims and desires without adhering to strict moral codes.

Some stories suggest that pookas might occasionally offer advice, appearing as helpful figures in times of need. Those who treat pookas with respect and a sense of humor may find themselves in the creature’s favor, receiving guidance or protection when needed.