Incorporeal Movement. The waylay can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside of a creature, or inside of a small or larger object.
Ghostly Greed. The waylay knows the location of any valuable items within 10 feet of it that are not hidden by magic. If the waylay is within 10 feet of an item worth more than 100 gp the waylay is overcome with greed and gains disadvantage on all saving throws. Once the waylay is in contact with an item worth more than 100 gp, either by holding the item or possessing it, the waylay instead gains advantage on all saving throws.
Shade Shot. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30/90 ft., 1 target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 1) necrotic damage.
Pilfer (Recharge 6). The waylay possesses one item of tiny size within 5 feet of it. If the item targeted is being worn or carried by a creature, then that creature must succeed on a DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or have the item possessed by the waylay. If the waylay is hidden, the creature has disadvantage on this saving throw. An item possessed by the waylay turns intangible and floats into the waylay’s space. While possessing an item in this way, the waylay can still be targeted by attacks, spells, and other effects, and it still has access to Shade Shot. While possessing a weapon, the waylay can use its action to make a single weapon attack with the possessed weapon. The waylay is considered proficient with this weapon and uses its Charisma modifier for the attack and damage rolls. If the waylay possesses a magic item, it instantly attunes to the item and gains access to any features granted by it, provided that the waylay meets the item’s usage requirements. The possession lasts until the waylay drops to 0 hit points, the waylay attempts to possess another item, the waylay ends the possession as a bonus action, or the waylay is incapacitated or turned. When the possession ends, the possessed item turns tangible and falls to the ground directly beneath the waylay.
Description
A waylay is the spectral remnant of a humanoid that died in pursuit of ill-gotten wealth. Most waylays form from the disgruntled spirits of bandits and highwaymen that perish on the roadside, but some these spirits also arise from those who led lives so devoted to greed that their spirit remains simply to amass more wealth. These specters arise with an undying desire to collect all valuables they encounter, adding them to an endless cache that they store within their grave. These undead appear as smoke-infused shades, their figure holding the vague appearance of bandits, thieves, and robbers.
Undying Avarice. All waylays desire to steal valuables, but sometimes waylays can differ in what they consider valuable. Many seek currencies made of precious metals or gemstones, but others may prefer to steal rare collectables, priceless pieces of art, aesthetic tchotchkes, or even living beings. Especially ancient waylays have been known to grow an obsession for collecting a specific kind of item or treasure, amassing massive stockpiles of these items over the centuries.
Treasure Haunts. Because of their innate desire for treasure, waylays often make their haunts places of great wealth: dwarven mines, guild treasuries, and dragon hoards. A waylay can end up coveting an item so greatly that their spirit will become suffused with it, haunting the object until it is buried alongside their mortal remains.
Venal Minions. Known at times to be placed into the service of powerful wizards and fiends, waylays will readily serve such masters in exchange for valuables. The primary allegiance of a waylay, however, is not to these masters, but instead to the riches they grant them. Thrifty adventurers can buy the loyalty of a waylay by offering them greater valuables than are offered by these masters. Such loyalty is often fickle, leading to bidding wars over the specter’s allegiance, even in the midst of combat.
Undead Nature. The waylay doesn’t require air, food, drink, or sleep.
Comments