Shapechanger. The Zmei can use its action to polymorph into a snakelike creature, or back into its human form. Its statistics are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It doesn’t change form if it dies.
Petrifying Gaze (Abomination Form Only). If a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of the Zmei and the two of them can see each other, the Zmei can force the creature to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw if the Zmei isn't incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic.
A creature that isn't surprised can avert its eyes to avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does so, it can't see the basilisk until the start of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again.
If it looks at the Zmei in the meantime, it must immediately make the save. If the Zmei sees its reflection within 30 feet of it in bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and targets itself with its gaze.
Magic Resistance. The Zmei has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Innate Spellcasting (Abomination Form Only). The Zmeis innate spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +5 to attack roll). The Zmei can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: animal friendship (snakes only)
Cantrip: eldritch blast (range 300 ft., +3 bonus to each damage roll),
2 spell slots: vampiric touch if brings a target to zero health points, the target turns to stone.
Multiattack. The Zmei makes two actions: attack with its mouth, with its scimitar, and/or cast spells. Or one attempt at petrifying gaze.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage plus 3 (1d4) poison damage.
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
Opportunity attack: scimitar
Description
WEAKNESS: CHARMED
Loophole in showing it a mirror to turn itself to stone.
The Zmei is a Yuan-Ti Abomination. Typically a king, sometimes though of as a god in the town or city they are in. Their tomb is filled with snakes which are all afraid of Zmei as they see her as a massive version of themselves. She is not afraid to sacrifice her own to heal herself.
In its Abomination form, Zmei looks like a very large brown snake with red belly, having four arms. Each arm is meant for a different thing.
Lair and Lair Actions
Snakes, lots of snakes. Some hang like stone vines Hmong other stone statues. Religious ceremonies held there and hold lots of gold and blood sacrifices.
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