Magic Resistance. The animate image has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
On Your Skin. Any attack that targets and hits the animate image inflicts full damage to the surface or creature that the image is covering, even if the image takes no damage.
Two Dimensional. The animate image cannot stand on its own, but it can cover any surface without being harmed. Whenever it is touching a creature or object that moves, the image goes with it. The image can slide through cracks as thin as paper without suffering ill effect. If the image is located on an object held in midair that isn’t touching anything else, as though by levitation, it is trapped and cannot move. The animate image does not occupy a space.
Papercut. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target. Hit: 5 slashing damage. If the animate image can’t see its master, it can’t use this attack.
Inscribe. The image burns a copy of itself onto the surface it is covering, dealing 1 acid damage.
Description
The animate image is a small, two-dimensional work of sentient art that shifts and changes to suit its environment. They’re created as servants and spies by warlocks of the Gray Portrait, and by other skillful artisans and craftsmen who spill blood in the name of their art. These images are mischievous and cruel, delighting in taunting former friends into harming one another and making rude gestures to amuse and insult. Most are humanoid, but some are of fantastical animals, imaginary beasts, and even landscapes or scenery. They can change their appearance quite dramatically as suits their mood, and tend to try to occupy picture frames or the exteriors of statues whenever possible.
The creation of an animate image is an unusual one, directly related to the art of shadow puppetry. While images can be of any color or form, they are simple when first created. The artist must stand before a burning brazier and establish an eldritch connection with the flame, calling upon it to cast light more fervently. Once done, they will place their hands on the far side of the fire, casting a shadow on the wall or ground. While chanting the eerie words and phrases required by this mystical rite, they will use their hands to make a shadow puppet. The chanting corresponds with a story fitting for the personality of the animate image that they desire to summon.
A story of loss and betrayal will call forth an image that takes the shapes of monsters and assassins, while a pleasant story with happy ending will create one that is more mischievous than hateful. Over the course of the ritual, the shadow puppet will solidify, no longer moving with the hands of the artist. At the culmination of the event, the warlock will cut a fingertip and place a single drop of blood on the shadow, infusing it with life, soul, and obedience to its creator
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