Emperor Stag

Large fey, lawful neutral

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
21 (+5)	18 (+4)	23 (+6)	17 (+3)	20 (+5)	16 (+3)

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 126 (11d10 + 66)
Speed 60 ft.
Skills Athletics +9, Insight +9, Perception +9, Survival +9
Senses darkvision 120 ft., blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages can speak with any beast of its domain, and understands but is unable to speak elven and human languages
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Special Traits

• Blur of Speed. Opportunity attacks against the stag or its rider are made with disadvantage.
• Run Like the Wind. At night the stag can quickly cover great distances. To a rider, or to any observer passed along the way, the stag seems to be galloping merely as fast as a swift horse, but magic allows it to cover a hundred leagues per hour.
• Trampling Charge. While the emperor stag moves in a straight line, after moving at least 20 feet it can then move through spaces occupied by Medium or smaller creatures. Each creature in its path may use its reaction to attempt a DC 20 Strength (Athletics) test; if successful the stag’s movement is stopped. If the stag is not stopped, the creature must succeed at a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone and take 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage.

Actions

• Multiattack. The emperor stag makes two hoof attacks and one antler attack.
• Antler Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
• Hoof. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

• Antler Parry. When attacked by a melee weapon attack, as a reaction the stag adds 4 to its AC against that attack, potentially causing it to miss.

Tactics

The stag fights boldly but with patience and intelligence. It will use its trampling charge in multiple passes against groups when appropriate, but against a powerful single foe it will first use its charge to knock its target prone, then attack with antlers and hooves. If clearly outmatched, the stag might gather a pack of forest animals, or even a stand of willow tree warriors, to assist it.

Description

The majestic emperor stag has large, intelligent eyes and a rich pelt that glows in the twilight beneath the ancient trees. Its antlers spread the like the branches of venerable oak, and gleam like polished iron.

Envoy of the Earth Goddess. This spirit rules over the deep forests and maintains the Laws of the Wood, criss-crossing its domain with the speed of the wind to serve her will. The stag is able to speak the languages of all the animals that live in the forest, many of whom act as his eyes and ears, passing word back to him of what occurs in his realm. The emperor stag watches travelers and repays their deeds in kind: acts of mercy are rewarded, and acts of violence are paid in full.

Reluctant Steed. Legend has it that a hero who catches an emperor stag unaware, leaps onto its back, and whispers a destination will be taken there in the span of a single night, no matter how great the distance. Whether this deed is truly so simple is questionable, and in any event the servant of the goddess is a begrudging mount at best: it may dutifully carry the hero as directed, but will make no promises about the safety of the journey.