Priest (Variant). Some balzaks are priests of the Old Ones and their Strength score should be replaced by their Charisma score and viceversa. These balzaks have the following spellcasting trait-
Spellcasting. The balzak (Priest) is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). The acolyte has following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Eldritch blast, Thaumaturgy.
1st level (3 slots): Bane, Inflict wounds, Sanctuary.
Multiattack. The balzak makes two weapon attacks. Balzaks usually use basic weapons made of wood, stone and bone but they can pick and learn really fast how to use the weapons taken from their victims.
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Dart (Usually carry 1d6+1 darts). Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 25/50 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
Priest (Variant). Balzaks that are priests cant make multiple attacks
Description
It is an usual mistake for those who encounter a balzak for the first time that they are just primitive apes. In reality they are one of the most ancient races of the world, born eons ago before mankind discovered fire, the balzaks had a great civilization that rivaled other precursors like the Saurians. In fact most of the pyramids that one could see in Maztica are inspired in their old and hidden cities. In ancient times they were in permanent contact with humans and other mortals that would offer sacrifices for their favour. However, the cult and direct relation with the aberrations of the far realm ended with an open conflict with different kingdoms and creatures.
After the first rage of dragons their empire was destroyed and now only the remmants and ruins of their hidden cities remain in the world. These apes still mantain relations and even raid the human kingdoms of Matzica to perform their sacrifices to their eldritch deities.
Behaviour. There are many reasons to why the balzaks are a threat to adventurers and commoners that scout the jungles of Matzica. But the most common one is that they can be encountered during a raid to find slaves and offerings for their dark masters. They usually go in small groups of five or six with a priest as a leader, in fact is pretty rare to encounter a lone balzak.
In combat they are vicious and brutal, warriors can jump from tree to tree and bash the skull of a warrior in mere seconds while a priest would use his powers to curse the whole party.
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