Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta

Large undead, chaotic evil

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d10 + 20)
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	6 (-2)	10 (+0)	6 (-2)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +5
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Languages understands Common but can’t speak
Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

SPECIAL TRAITS

• Aversion of Fire. If the yr hwch ddu gwta takes fire damage, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of its next turn.
• Keen Smell. The yr hwch ddu gwta has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
• Life Sense. The yr hwch ddu gwta can sense the location of any creature within 60 feet of it, unless that creature’s type is construct or undead.
• Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the yr hwch ddu gwta can take the Hide action as a bonus action.
• Soul-Eating Aura. Any living creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the yr hwch ddu gwta must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or have its hit point maximum reduced by 10 (3d6) for 24 hours. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. A creature that successfully saves against this effect is immune to the yr hwch ddu gwta’s aura for the next 24 hours. A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a zombie under the yr hwch ddu gwta’s control, unless the humanoid is restored to life or its body is destroyed. The yr hwch ddu gwta can have no more than twelve zombies under its control at one time.
• Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the yr hwch ddu gwta to 0 hit points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the yr hwch ddu gwta drops to 1 hit point instead.
• Undead Nature. The yr hwch ddu gwta doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.

ACTIONS

• Multiattack. The yr hwch ddu gwta makes two attacks: one with its Bite and one with its Hooves.
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 9 (2d8) necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the yr hwch ddu gwta regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
• Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

BONUS ACTIONS

• Ethereal Jaunt. As a bonus action, the yr hwch ddu gwta can magically shift from the Material Plane to the Ethereal Plane, or vice versa.

ABOUT

Yr hwch ddu gwta appears as a fearsome creature resembling a large black sow. Its eyes burn with an unholy fire, and its aura instills dread in those who encounter it.

Yr hwch ddu gwta (YER-hook-DEE-goo-TAH) is a malevolent spirit that appears as a large black sow without a tail. Sometimes it is accompanied by a headless woman, heightening the eerie and chilling presence it exudes. This undead creature is associated with the first night of winter, known as “Calan Gaeaf.”

The soul-eater roams during the night of Calan Gaeaf, seeking to prey upon those who linger outside after the traditional bonfires have burned out. Its Soul-Eating Aura allows it to drain the life force of those who come too close, reducing their hit point maximum and sustaining itself. It is said that yr hwch ddu gwta’s hunger for souls is insatiable, and its mere presence can send shivers down the spines of those who know its legend.