Darkenbeast
Medium Monstrosity, Neutral EvilFlying, Mutated Minion of Wickedness
Habitat Grassland, Hill, Urban — Treasure None
Darkenbeasts are ferocious, bestial hunters created from ordinary animals by sinister spellcasters. Regardless of darkenbeasts' original forms, the magic used to create them twists them into fanged horrors with leathery wings. Most darkenbeasts have luminous bones that glow through their skin; they resemble eerie flying skeletons as they soar through the night sky. A darkenbeast is loyal to its creators, who can extract the magic used to transform it in a dramatic display that's fatal to the darkenbeast.
Darkenbeasts might have vestigial characteristics of the animals they were before transformation. Roll on or choose a result from the Darkenbeast Origin table as inspiration for these cosmetic features.
Darkenbeast Origin
| 1d6 | The Darkenbeast Was Once A... |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cobra, so it has a flared neck and scaly skin. |
| 2 | Fox, giving it reddish fur and vulpine features. |
| 3 | Panther, so it has sharp claws and a high-pitched scream. |
| 4 | Rabbit, giving it long ears and a skittish demeanor. |
| 5 | Turtle, giving it a blunt snout and shell-like carapace. |
| 6 | Wolf, so it emits eerie howls. |
AC 15
Initiative +4 (14)
HP 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 20 ft., Fly 40 ft.
STR
17 (+3)
Save +3
DEX
14 (+2)
Save +2
CON
16 (+3)
Save +3
INT
5 (-3)
Save -3
WIS
10 (+0)
Save +0
CHA
13 (+1)
Save +1
Saving Throws Strength +5
Skills Perception +2, Stealth +4
Immunities Frightened
Senses Passive Perception 12
Languages None
CR 4
Traits
Spell Imprint. As part of the darkenbeast's creation, its creator can cast one spell of level 5 or lower with a casting time of an action. The spell has no effect but is stored within the darkenbeast. While within 30 feet of the darkenbeast, the darkenbeast's creator can cast the stored spell, requiring no spell components and using the caster's spellcasting ability. When the spell is cast this way, its effects originate from the darkenbeast (as if the darkenbeast were the spellcaster), and immediately after the spell is cast, the darkenbeast dies in a flash of purple flame.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the darkenbeast has Disadvantage on ability checks and attack rolls.
Actions
Multiattack. The darkenbeast makes three Rend attacks.
Rend. Melee Attack Roll: +5, reach 5 ft. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) Slashing damage.
Bonus Actions
Shadow Stalker. While in Dim Light or Darkness, the darkenbeast takes the Disengage or Hide action.