Leshy in Dungeons & Dragons 2024 (D&D)

Homebrew — Original adaptation of the Leshy from Slavic folklore.

Traits

Domain. The Leshy never willingly leaves its forest domain. It can prevent creatures within the domain from finding a reliable route out, potentially trapping them for days.

Hidden. While within its domain, the Leshy can only be tracked through magic or by succeeding on a DC 30 Wisdom (Survival) check. Finding clues about creatures encountered, tracks or other markings may lower this DC by 1 for each clue, to a minimum DC of 25.

Illusionist. The Leshy may create illusions within its domain. A creature must succeed on a DC 25 Wisdom saving throw to see through these illusions. Since most creatures never manage to see through its illusions, the Leshy, for fun, may imbue various plants with Truesight, giving a chance to brave adventurers willing to poison themselves.  

Jailer. The Leshy masks the boundaries of its domain, making it nearly impossible to find the exit. To find the exit, a creature would have to succeed on a DC 30 Wisdom (Survival) check. The Leshy may test intruders’ resilience and offer bargains to those desperate enough.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the Leshy fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Regeneration. The Leshy may regain 25% of its maximum HP per hour while within its domain.

Shapeshifter. The Leshy may change its appearance at will, changing its STR and DEX, with no change to its skills or initiative:

-          Old man: Medium size, using the ability scores above

-          A towering giant made of vines and branches: Gargantuan size; STR Score/Mod/Save: 28/+8/+8; DEX Score/Mod/Save: 8/-1/-1

-          A pack of small woodland sprites made of twigs: Small size; STR Score/Mod/Save: 8/-1/-1; DEX Score/Mod/Save: 22/+6/+6

Actions

Multiattack. The Leshy avoids direct combat. If forced to fight, it makes two Staff attacks in its Medium form, one Bash attack in its Gargantuan form, or one Impale attack with each sprite when split into six Small woodland sprites.

Impale. Melee Attack Roll: +10, reach 5 ft. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) Piercing damage.

Staff. Melee Attack Roll: +8, reach 5 ft. Hit: 18 (4d6 + 4) Bludgeoning damage.

Bash. Melee Attack Roll: +12, reach 20 ft. Hit: 39 (9d6 + 8) Bludgeoning damage. If the target is Large or smaller, it takes an extra 21 ( 6d6 ) bludgeoning damage and has the Prone condition.

Bonus Actions

Adapt. The Leshy can change its shape. The Leshy has only one shared hit point pool, regardless of whether it appears as one entity or six smaller sprites. Each sprite affected by an area effect takes damage separately, reducing the Leshy's shared HP pool.

Reactions

Vanish (3/Day). When the Leshy is targeted by an attack or an effect that would harm it, it can use its Reaction to disappear into the surrounding forest, provided it is within its domain. The triggering attack or effect misses or has no effect against the Leshy. The Leshy then reappears in an unoccupied space within its domain and becomes Hidden.

*Initiative of +7 is an average of all its shapes rounded up plus proficiency. If outside of its domain, the Leshy’s initiative becomes +2 (12).