Udug

Large fiend (demon), lawful evil or chaotic evil

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 160 (13d12 + 76)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
20 (+5)	15 (+2)	21 (+5)	19 (+4)	17 (+3)	16 (+3)

Saving Throws Str +9, Con +9, Wis +7, Cha +7
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 13
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Light Eater A 10 foot by 10 foot veil of shadow fills the space occupied by the Udug at all times, functioning as the Darkness spell. While in direct sunlight or a magical light source the Udug is empowered as it absorbs and consumes the light’s energy, doubling its movement speed and granting it an extra action and bonus action. After three consecutive rounds of light exposure the Udug becomes sated, ending the effects of Light Eater and becoming stunned for one round. Continued light exposure now halves the Udug’s movement speed and it cannot consume light again until after a short rest.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The Udug makes four claw attacks.
• Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage and the target must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 27 (5d10) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
• Shadow Stalker As an action the Udug can meld with a shadow within 5 feet, becoming intangible as it enters the Ethereal Plane. The Udug conforms to the shape of the shadow it inhabits, and the shadow becomes noticeably darker (detected with a DC 17 Perception check). The Udug remains aware of its surroundings on the Material Plane and can emerge from the shadow as a reaction. If the shadow is attached to a creature, the Udug may emerge in an adjacent space to the creature and make one attack. If a source of light would cause the melded shadow to disappear, the Udug is forcefully returned to the Material Plane, becoming stunned for one round. Once the Udug has returned to the Material Plane it cannot meld with another shadow until after a long rest.

ABOUT

Powerful demons of shadow, the hulking Udug absorb all light they touch, leaving an empty darkness in their wake. Few have seen their true forms, though they are exceedingly tall and their vicious claws drip with venom. Dwelling primarily in the underworld, the Udug relish any opportunity to feed on the light of the surface, though they can only absorb so much before becoming lethargic and retreating to the cold darkness of their home.

Despite their appearance, most Udug aren’t naturally aggressive, and will respond favorably to those that do not attack or flee at the sight of them. Deviants do exist among them, however; most notably the Udug Hul. These shadow predators are thankfully rare, but exceedingly dangerous. Capable of melding with the shadow of an unsuspecting victim, the Udug Hul can stalk prospective prey for hours before striking at the perfect moment and disappearing into the underworld.