Wallmaster (Criminal's hand)
Medium Swarm of Medium aberrations, Unaligned
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
Speed 30 ft., Climb 30 ft., Fly 20 ft.
STR
16 (+3)
DEX
14 (+2)
CON
14 (+2)
INT
2 (-4)
WIS
10 (+0)
CHA
5 (-3)
Saving Throws DEX +4
Skills Athletics +7, Perception +2, Stealth +6
Condition Immunities Blinded, Unconscious
Senses Blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), Passive Perception 12
Languages --
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2
Traits

Spider Climb. The Wallmaster can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

False Appearance. While the Wallmaster remains motionless and is indistinguishable from an ordinary section of the wall or ceiling.

Disappear. The Wallmaster retreats into the wall or ceiling, becoming indistinguishable from its surroundings. It can reappear at the start of its next turn. If the Wallmaster has a creature grappled and retreats into the wall or ceiling, the grappled creature is teleported to the entrance or opening of the Wallmaster's lair.

Unusual Nature. The Wallmaster doesn't require air, food, drink, or sleep.

Actions

Multiattack. The Wallmaster makes two grasp attacks.

Grasp. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Grab and Go. If the Wallmaster hits a Medium or smaller creature with its Grasp attack, the target is grappled (escape DC 17). On the Wallmaster's next turn, if it has the target grappled, it can teleport the creature to a location of its choice within 60 feet, placing the creature in an unoccupied space. If the target is not placed on the ground, it takes 3 (1d6) bludgeoning fall damage for every 10ft.

Reactions

Reform. If reduced to 0 hit points, the Wallmaster retreats into the wall or ceiling, reappearing at full hit points after 1d4 rounds. If reduced to 0 hit points in an area with no walls or ceiling the Wallmaster instead is slain. 

Description

Description: A grotesque, disembodied hand hangs ominously from the ceiling or lies hidden within the walls. This eerie creature, known as the Wallmaster, is an unsettling aberration that haunts the dark corners of dungeons and forgotten ruins. Its pallid and sinewy form gives it an otherworldly appearance. A creation born from the severed hands of criminals. These enlarged, animated appendages form a nightmarish swarm or are found alone. Stitched together by dark magic, the hand writhe with malevolent energy as they guard coveted locations and precious items.

 Abilities: The Wallmaster possesses an uncanny ability to move with near-silent stealth, blending seamlessly into the shadows. Its unsettling, flesh-like composition allows it to reach out with ghostly fingers to snatch unsuspecting adventurers.

 Behavior: Known for its stealthy and sudden attacks, the Wallmaster strikes fear into the hearts of those who venture into its territory. Emerging from ceilings or walls, it seizes its prey with an otherworldly grip before retreating into the shadows.

 Vanishing Act: The Wallmaster excels at disappearing into the surroundings, becoming virtually indistinguishable from ordinary sections of the wall or ceiling. Its ability to vanish and reappear allows it to ambush adventurers with disconcerting ease.

 Terror from Above: As adventurers explore dungeons or navigate through tight passages, the Wallmaster lies in wait, ready to strike from above. Its elongated fingers and ghostly presence make it a terror to encounter in confined spaces.

 Dungeon Lurker: These creatures are, often in pairs of left and right hands, encountered in dungeons, sewers, and caverns, where they silently prowl the darkness in search of prey. Their presence turns the act of exploration into a nerve-wracking experience, as adventurers must always be wary of the lurking Wallmaster.

 For Dungeon Masters: Incorporate the Wallmaster to introduce an element of horror and surprise into your campaign. Their stealth and ability to vanish can create tense and atmospheric moments, particularly in confined spaces. Utilize them strategically to keep players on edge during exploration segments of your adventures.

Lair and Lair Actions

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20, the Wallmaster takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; the Wallmaster can't use the same effect two rounds in a row:

  1. Ceiling Grasp: The Wallmaster's lair reshapes itself, causing spectral hands to emerge from the ceiling. These hands attempt to grapple any creatures within 30 feet of the Wallmaster. Affected creatures must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be restrained until the start of their next turn.

  2. Shadow Step: The Wallmaster melds into the shadows, reappearing at any point within its lair. This allows it to reposition strategically and catch adventurers off guard.

  3. False Illusion: The Wallmaster projects illusory duplicates of itself across its lair. All creatures within 60 feet must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, they are unable to discern the real Wallmaster from the illusions until the end of their next turn.

Regional Effects

The region containing a legendary Wallmaster's lair is perpetually cloaked in an unsettling gloom, and one or more of the following effects manifest:

  1. Whispers in the Walls: Faint whispers emanate from the walls and ceilings, causing unease in any who venture near. Creatures within 120 feet of the lair have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to detect other creatures.

  2. Mystical Shadows: Shadows within the lair seem to move independently, creating an eerie atmosphere. Creatures hostile to the Wallmaster have disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws within 60 feet of the lair.

  3. Temporal Distortion: Time within the lair appears distorted, causing occasional echoes of the past or glimpses of potential futures. Any divination spells cast within 1 mile of the lair have a 25% chance of providing a cryptic or misleading answer.

 

Previous Versions

Name Date Modified Views Adds Version Actions
Wallmaster (Criminal's hand)
2/15/2024 10:13:43 PM
15
2
--
Coming Soon

Habitat: ForestUnderdarkUrban

MadD3manEDGE

Comments

Posts Quoted:
Reply
Clear All Quotes